Carnan
Eoin
Colonsay’s
highest point at 143m is reached from Kiloran Bay on a 2.5-mile walk.
A trig point is located near to the summit and the views are
spectacular. Look down, too, at the whale sculpture created on land
below. See details
of the walk.
Ardskenish
and Dun Ghallain
This is a
walk of around six miles to the west of Colonsay and just north of
the aerodrome. Park at the Golf Course and follow the track that winds
towards the southwest, leading to the remote and peaceful Ardskenish
peninsula, where you may spot seals and other wildlife. On the return
walk take a detour to the site of an Iron Age fort, Dun Ghallain, by
walking across a small beach.
See walk
details.
Balnahard
and Traigh Ban
Another
beautiful Colonsay beach, Balnahard, is discovered in the north-east
of the island. Park at An Crosan (a little bridge on your right 250m
short of Kiloran Bay car park) and simply follow the track
northwards. This leads to Tràigh Bàn (white strand) at Balnahard.
You will probably see and hear chough on the way and possibly spot a
golden eagle. The total distance is about seven miles.
See walk
details.
A Figure
of Eight
A lovely walk
of around five miles starts at Colonsay Hotel and heads northwards up
the rough track that passes to the left of the hotel. Ascend it to
the right. At the crest of the hill you can detour to the viewpoint
at Beinn nan Guidearean, then continue along this, the “Old Road”,
passing Turraman Loch and then along 150m of tarmac surface before
joining the original track once more.
The route
enters the grounds of Colonsay House. Stick to the track and you will
eventually rejoin the B8087 at Kiloran. Turn left and stick to the
tarmac for two miles, passing beautiful Loch Fada on your right, to
return to the starting-point.
Balerominmore
and Cable Bay
Walk a
section of Colonsay's south-eastern coastline, where you’ll
discover several pretty sandy bays. The route is around five miles
and starts by parking a car at The Strand at the southern end of the
B8085.
Retrace your
route on foot for 350m and turn right on the track to Balerominmore.
When the track levels off, after another 350m, you can detour some
50m to your right to visit the Iron Age fort at Dún Cholla. The
views here are superb.
Continue
along the track to see the medieval chapel site and standing stone
where Malcolm MacPhie was executed in 1623. Walk on, passing the
farmhouse of Balerominmore to reach the sea at Tràigh an Eacail,
also known as Cable Bay, where you turn right. The path skirts the
shoreline. The views take in the eastern shore of Oronsay, the
western side of Jura and the entrance to the Sound of Islay.
You should
easily locate the path that skirts the shoreline, initially about 20
metres above sea level. It sometimes drops down so that you walk
along the sands.
After about
half a mile, the shoreline heads right (west) at the mouth of The
Strand and you will probably choose to leave the very end of
Rubha Bàgh nan Capull on your left, cutting the corner and heading
for the low, rocky headland of Rubha Dubh.
From this
point you will be able to see your start point once again and,
depending upon the state of the tide, you may follow the coastline or
take a direct route across the sand.
Over the
Strand to Oronsay
It’s vital
that you check the tidal timetables before setting out on this walk.
The General Store and The Colonsay have a copy of the timetable. You
should walk this route, which crosses the tidal causeway to Oronsay,
when the tide will be out for the longest period. Start as the tide
is receding for maximum time. Note: You will need at least three to
four hours, depending on how fast you walk.
Oronsay is
managed by the RSPB and you must keep your dog on a lead at all
times. During the nesting season, you may be asked to avoid certain
areas, but public access to the priory ruins is always available
along the track.
The walk
starts at the end of the B8085 and extends to the priory. It is
around five miles in total (return). Walk in waterproof boots, or
Wellingtons, or even bare feet.
You can
usually see tyre marks from the post van and many people follow
these, although it is fairly easy to see your destination across the
causeway. At the shore of Oronsay you regain the track and simply follow
this to reach Oronsay Priory, which is next to Oronsay House and the
farm where a few island residents live. Return the same way.
