Iona Abbey, Dun I and the north end

Explore the north end of Iona, passing the Abbey, with an optional detour to the top of Dun I which has amazing views, and reaching the white sandy beaches before returning by the same route.

Terrain

Minor road, beach, optional steep climb to Dun I is grade 2 and muddy. Croftland used for grazing, dogs must be kept under tight control and walkers should stay on the path to head directly to the beach.

Public Transport

Bus to Fionnphort, ferry to Iona.

Start

Iona, ferry jetty. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 7.5km / 4.75 miles
Time: 2 hours
Ascent: 110m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NM286239

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Walk Description

Stage 1

From the ferry head straight up the street, passing the shop on the left and following the signs for the Abbey. On the right are the ruins of Iona Nunnery. This was built by Reginald MacDonald, one of the sons of the great Gaelic leader Somerled, who also built a Dominican monastery on the site of the original Columban monastery. The Nunnery is one of the best preserved in Britain; Reginald made his sister Bethoc the first prioress. Turn right just beyond the Nunnery, passing in front of the primary school and follow the road as it dog-legs right.

Stage 2

Next it passes Maclean's Cross, a tall and elegant fifteenth century carved Celtic Cross - there are two further celebrated Celtic crosses in the grounds of the Abbey. The road dog-legs back left and climbs slightly, passing the vegetable gardens for the hotel. Continue along the road and the abbey is reached on the right.

Stage 3

The graveyard on the right contains an ancient chapel and near the far wall is the grave of John Smith, former leader of the UK Labour Party. Iona is a place of pilgrimage as the place where St Columba established his mission from Ireland in 563. He and his followers are credited with bringing Christianity to the Picts who inhabited Scotland at the time. The abbey has been restored and is well worth a visit (admission charge). To continue on the walk carry on along the road passing the Iona Community shop and then a few spread out houses with fields in between.

Stage 4

The prominent low hill of Dun I can be seen on the left. To make the detour to the top continue on the road until just past a row of white cottages on the left. Look out for a signed stile and climb it and follow low wooden marker posts which head directly across the field to the start of the hill. The ascent is steep but straightforward and leads to a superb viewpoint marked with a cairn and also a trig point.

Stage 5

Return to the road by the same route and turn left to continue to the north end. The next section crosses croftland used for grazing and there have been problems caused by walkers here so please stick to the path to head directly to the beach and keep any dogs under very tight control. Straight ahead is a pedestrian gate leading to a short section of path between fences. After this follow the faint vehicle tracks straight ahead and once past a knoll on the left bear left to reach a bench and a farm gate leading to the shore. Go through the gate and down onto the shore. From here walk to the left to head west over three beaches of fine white sand interspersed with attractive granite rocks.

Stage 6

The return route is via the same outward route, with a good view of the abbey in this direction. Once almost back in the village, look out for a memorial stone on the left hand side, opposite the Heritage Centre. Turn left here to follow a narrow path down to the main street where you turn right for a slightly different return to the ferry jetty.

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