Rhuvaal Lighthouse, Bunnahabhain

Summary

An out-and-back coastal hike to reach the lighthouse at Rubh'a'Mhail (or Rhuvaal), the most northerly point on Islay. There are good views to Jura and chance to spot otters and seals at the jetty.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Grassy track, indistinct and very boggy in places

Getting there

Start

Bunnahabhain.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start Grid Ref

NR418733

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 13.3km / 8.25 miles
Time: 4 - 5 hours
Ascent: 250m (Profile)

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Explorer 353 - Islay North

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Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

As you approach Bunnahabhain, go past some of the houses and just before a bend as the road descends to the distillery, there is a triangle of grass on the left, often with some parked cars, and a track leading away to the left. Park here and, unless detouring down the road to visit the distillery, take the track inland. Immediately after a house turn right to head down a grassy track to a gate. Go through this and the track descends into a wooded dell. Soon fork left onto a path to cross a footbridge (needs repair take care) over the Abhainn Araig.

Stage 2

Climb the track on the far side and fork right at the top. How clear the track is depends a bit on how recently it has been driven on, how wet the ground is and the season. In places it subdivides but it roughly follows the line of the telegraph poles at first. The track is very boggy in places but can usually be made out. There are good views across the Sound of Islay to the Paps of Jura, as well as back to Bunnahabhain Distillery.

Stage 3

The track fords a small burn and stays close to the telegraph poles before heading uphill to continue a bit further inland. Deer can often be spotted on this section - deer stalking is popular on Islay although it is Jura which is best known for large numbers of deer - the number of deer there greatly outnumber the small human population of around 200. You may also see wild goats who sometimes go right down to the coast to feed on seaweed.

Stage 4

The top of Rhuvaal Lighthouse is occasionally in sight although it is still a fair walk to reach it. On the final section the track dips steeply to cross another burn before climbing out. It then curves left round the head of a boggy depression before aiming more directly for the lighthouse, the track peters out for a section here but there are faint paths to follow through the tussocky grass.

Stage 5

The lighthouse was designed by David and Thomas Stevenson and built out of brick between 1857 and 1859, it is 36 metres high. The lighthouse is now fully automated but originally the lighthouse keepers would have lived in the cottages at the base - described by one critical commentator when they were built as, 'more like dog kennels than anything else'. Beyond it the islands in view are Colonsay and, in the distance, Mull. The cottage and garden area around the lighthouse are private and there is no access so when you reach the small track leading between the jetty and the lighthouse turn right towards the jetty.

Stage 6

Descend down the track passing a stone built store to reach the jetty. This is a good spot to watch for passing seals or otters as well as seabirds.

Stage 7

A faint path continues to the left as you face the jetty to reach a tiny cove with sand at low tide. You can also visit the trig point on the high ground behind the store building.

Stage 8

When you have enjoyed this spot the return route is by retracing the outward route back to Bunnahabhain. An alternative for very strong walkers out for a long day, who have also arranged transport from the far end, is to continue round the pathless headland beyond the lighthouse, crossing the wonderful Bagh an Da Dhoruis beach and continuing along the rough, intricate coastline with caves and arches to eventually reach the track near Killinallan Point.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Islay, Jura & Colonsay Hotels

Islay, Jura & Colonsay B&B

Islay, Jura & Colonsay cottages

Islay, Jura & Colonsay hostels

Glamping and Camping

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