Saligo Bay beach and arches, Rhinns of Islay

Summary

Explore the dunes and perfect sand of Saligo Bay before venturing along the coast to a natural arch and impressive cliff formations.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Dunes, beach and coastal path, care needed near cliffs and arch - farmer advises no dogs during lambing season (Apr - Jun)

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Saligo. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 5.25km / 3.25 miles
Time: 2 - 2.5 hours
Ascent: 22m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NR211663

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

Follow the minor road around Loch Gorm to Saligo where there is parking near the Saligo River and gate leading to the track to the dunes. This is a popular spot so take care not to block entrances or passing spaces. Start the walk by heading through the farm gate with the Welcome to Saligo sign. Follow the track for a very short distance noting the second world war defences and soon branch off left to head to the beach.

Stage 2

A way down through the dunes leads to the sand - head to the right to walk right across the bay (at very high tides you may have to retreat to the dunes). At the far end of the beach head up to the right to reach a grassy track and follow this to the left to reach a second beach, Tràigh Fleisgein Bheag.

Stage 3

From the back of this beach follow a grassy track to the right to return to the gate at the road and the start of the walk. This return to the start is necessary to cross the Saligo River and start the second part of the walk. Turn right along the road until just past the cottage on the right. Go through the gate and head down through the field to go through a gateway in the stone wall ahead and continue along the coast.

Stage 4

The route passes some interesting inlets and twisted rock formations as it follows the coast, crossing boggy ground in places. This is a good area for watching sea birds and the tell tale bright green mounds with white spraint show that otters are also living in this area although they are more likely to be spotted in the water. A number of small headlands and inlets can be explored with care.

Stage 5

Eventually a fence is reached, go inland around it to view the natural arches in the deep inlet below. From here the return route is to retrace your steps back to the gap in the stone wall and then to the gate by the cottage to return to the start. A slightly quicker route can be taken by following a faint track which runs along the bottom of the inland cliffs which mark the start of the raised beach which now forms the coast.

Route Profile

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