Eilean Chaluim Chille, Cromor, South Lochs

Summary

Check the tide timetable before setting off on this otherwise straightforward short walk from Cromor at the furthest edge of remote South Lochs. The walk leads onto a tidal island to visit the ruins of a church founded in the ninth century, once the home of Columban monks.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Tracks, pebbly shore, tidal causeway then grassy track. The island is only accessible for a couple of hours either side of low tide.

Public Transport

Bus to Cromor from Stornoway.

Start

Cromor, South Lochs. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 4km / 2.5 miles
Time: 1 hour
Ascent: 59m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NB399212

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Accommodation

Walk Description

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Stage 1

Parking in Cromor is limited, but there is space for a couple of cars parked carefully on the verge opposite the telephone box. From here begin by walking back along the road to the south, but almost immediately turn right onto a tarred minor road heading uphill to the right (the road has a mirror to aid drivers at the time of writing).

Stage 2

Continue along this road passing several houses until a gate; pass through this and continue on the tarred track beyond, with views of the boats hauled up on the shore to the right - today it is hard to beleive that Cromor was once home to a fleet of 30 boats, but fishing was once the staple industry of South Lochs. The tarmac ends at the next gate, but continue along the excellent track until it reaches a bungalow at Crobeag.

Stage 3

Just before the bungalow, fork right through a gate and head briefly along the pebbly shore to the right to reach the causeway to Eilean Chaluim Chille. This is submerged by the sea except for just under a couple of hours either side of low tide, so it is essential to have checked the tide times before setting out on this walk (or crossing the causeway and becoming stranded!).

Stage 4

Cross the causeway onto the surprisingly green and fertile island, following a grassy track to the left to soon reach what remains of the church and monastery here. The cemetery was still in use until the late nineteenth century, and there are several graves from this period mixed in with the ruins.

Stage 5

A little further along the track are more ruins on the left, together with three enormous boulders balanced on top of each other - a sculpture that must have taken some effort to make! It is possible to explore the island further, though the northern half is much more rugged and you must keep in mind the state of the tides. The return walk is back the same way.

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