Islay Jura Colonsay

3 2 1 Set out in the Atlantic around 12km north 7 Scalasaig of Islay and a similar distance west of Jura, 8 Colonsay is usually reached via a lengthy Oronsay ferry journey, frequently disrupted by rough seas in winter. This gives it a remote 9 feel, a real world apart. Its population has grown steadily to around 130 in recent decades as tourism has helped maintain the local economy; several local businesses have been established, including a brewery, a bookshop, publishers and a café. The island packs a huge variety of natural attractions into a small space, from the justly famed beach at Kiloran to the rugged moors of the interior, from the Jura rocky summit of Carnan Eoin to the perfect Port sands of Traigh Ban and the rhododendron Askaig gardens of Colonsay House. Off the Craighouse southern coast is Oronsay, site of an ancient priory. Linked to Colonsay by a vast tidal strand, reaching it is Sound Bridgend of Islay a real adventure requiring advance planning with the tide times.

Bowmore Port Charlotte Islay

A846

Portnahaven

Port Ellen

76 By Traigh Ban Colonsay

1 Scalasaig circular 78 5 Kiloran Bay and Carnan Eoin 86 Sample the delights of Colonsay A short but steep climb is rewarded on this easy hike around the island’s by fabulous beach views – just watch main settlement out for the whale!

2 A ramble to Colonsay House 80 6 Traigh Ban from Kiloran Bay 88 Take the peaceful old high road from Pack swimming togs and a picnic to Scalasaig to discover the gardens at linger at this paradise beach Colonsay House 7 Ardskenish and Dun Ghallain 90 3 Binnein Riabhach 82 Take flight from Colonsay’s A spectacular show of seabirds and cliff tiny airstrip to enjoy the varied views at this ancient coastal fortress coast beyond

4 Dun Uragaig and Loch an Sgoltaire 84 8 Cable Bay 92 Strike out into Colonsay’s hidden Are you ready to take on the challenge hinterland to discover a moorland loch of this tougher coastal hike to some stunning remote beaches?

9 Oronsay and the Strand 94 Brave the barefoot low tide paddle across the Strand to explore Oronsay’s ancient priory

77 X1 COLONSAY

Scalasaig circular Distance 8km Time 4 hours island’s café, the Pantry. In front of the Terrain minor road, tracks and paths, building turn right to go through a metal pathless ground, boggy in places; can be gate and take a grassy track until you come overgrown with bracken in high summer to a telegraph pole with wires going four Map OS Explorer 354 Access ferry to ways. Aim left here to climb the steep Colonsay docks at the start ground towards the high monument on the hilltop ahead. The rough, pathless This varied walk offers a tantalising slice ground can be boggy in places and the of the countryside and coastal scenery final push is easier if you bear right before that Colonsay has to offer. It starts from doubling back to reach your objective. This the ferry pier in Scalasaig, which has a impressive obelisk of red Mull granite was hotel, café, bookstore, brewery and shop; erected in 1879 to commemorate Duncan the route makes an ideal exploration for a McNeill, 6th Lord Colonsay. daytrip to the island. Retrace your steps down to the telegraph From the ferry pier walk inland and take pole and aim northwest towards the the first left to pass the Old Waiting Room church – easy enough in spring but Gallery, following the track up to the impeded by bracken in the summer.