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

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

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

Getting there

Start

Saligo.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start Grid Ref

NR211663

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 5.2km / 3.25 miles
Time: 2 - 2.5 hours
Ascent: 30m (Profile)

Mapping and GPS

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Explorer 353 - Islay North

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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 and just before the second world war building turn off left to head through the dunes.

Stage 2

After passing some more concrete remains bear right to reach a way down through the dunes to the sand (currents make swimming dangerous). 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 (these tracks often change depending on farming activity basically follow as near to the coast as possible) and follow this to the left to reach a second beach, Tràigh Fleisgein Bheag.

Stage 3

After exploring the beach return to the spot where you got down to the beach and either follow the outward route or take the grassy track heading slightly inland for an alternative view. You can either head inland until another meeting another track at a T-junction and turning right, or loop back to the coast for a while before taking another loop back inland. Either way return to the gate at the road at 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. Head through a gateway in the stone wall (very boggy) to continue along the rough coast beyond.

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. The route is eventually forced inland slightly to head round the back of a rounded inlet.

Stage 5

Beyond this the route climbs onto a grassy headland. After crossing this a fence is reached before a much narrower inlet. Go inland around it (either inside the fence or more safely outside) to see 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 the faint line of a rough 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

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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