Scalasaig Explorer

Summary

This enjoyable circuit explores the surroundings of Scalasaig. The route climbs up to the Lord Colonsay monument before following the 'old road' up to a fine viewpoint. The return takes in the abandoned fishing village of Riasg Buidhe before a pathless final section along the coastline. The walk can be shortened by omitting the monument and Riasg Buidhe sections.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Partly on tracks, also with pathless, rough and boggy sections.

Public Transport

Ferry to Scalasaig from Oban, Kennacraig or Port Askaig on Islay.

Start

Scalasaig pier. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 8km / 5 miles
Time: 3 - 4 hours
Ascent: 224m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NR389946

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

Facing onto the island from the ferry pier in Scalasaig, turn left past the Old Waiting Room Gallery and follow the track up to the island's cafe, the Pantry. From the front of the pantry building bear right through a metal gate and pass to the left of the new housing (badly needed by the local community and built in 2023) under the hill. Bear right along the grassy track through the bracken, continuing in the same direction until a telegraph pole carrying wires in four directions.

Stage 2

Bear left here, climbing towards the monument high on the hilltop. The ground is pathless with some rough or boggy sections; the final steep climb is best tackled by heading round to the right before doubling back to the top. The impressive monument commemorates a laird who reportedly did not clear his tenants during the Highland Clearances; it offers fine views over Scalasaig. A short stroll to the south reveals views down to a sandy bay (you could extend the walk by heading down to this).

Stage 3

Return to the telegraph pole with the four-way wires, then make for the church to the northwest. Easy enough in spring, this involves ploughing through bracken in late summer. Emerge on the track beside the far end of the church and follow it down to the road, then turn left past the hotel. At the hotel, turn right as though heading for the bar entrance but then fork left on a track (telephone box on left) to pass the Island Lodges and follow the rough track up past a few houses to the left.

Stage 4

Here another track is reached opposite a barn, turn right onto it and head uphill away from the houses. This is one of the island's original tracks although the newer road now means this is a peaceful retreat for walkers and a few intrepid mountain bikers. Look out for a standing stone just off to the right.

Stage 5

The track climbs steeply and goes through a gate. Almost at the crest of the hill lookout for a grassy path heading off to the left (west), take this to climb up to the transmitter mast. From here the path continues a short distance summit of Beinn nan Gudairean which is a fantastic viewpoint. Return to the track by the same path and continue north on the old track, now heading downhill.

Stage 6

The track becomes very boggy in places and it is often necessary to detour to avoid the deepest sections, especially alongside Turraman Loch. When the track reaches the road turn right to head very gently uphill to the hair-pin bend. Follow this around to the right and continue along it until a track heads off to the left, soon leading to the island's recycling centre.

Stage 7

At the fence around the tip turn left to follow a rough path that runs around the left side of the fence. Aim to reach a ruined house at Bonaveh, then head up onto the bank before continuing east to another ruin. This area is rough and boggy, but there is a reasonable path running along the line of an old wall. Soon it leads to the long line of old ruined cottages at Riasg Buidhe. This is the remains of an old fishing village, abandoned after the First World War when the inhabitants relocated to the newer houses at Glassard.

Stage 8

From the old village continue down to the coastline - the going is by now pathless. Turn right along the rough coast - the haunt of wild goats. There is some grassy going by the shore at first, but the rocks soon make it necessary to instead head through the heather a short distance higher up.

Stage 9

Pass through the line of a broken down old fence, and eventually aim left of the first houses at Glassard. Keep below the gardens (avoiding the stile which leads into a private garden), instead eventually passing through a gate in front of a small stone store. This leads back to the road; follow this to the left to head back to the pier in Scalasaig.

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