Walks around Islay!

On Islay there is an abundance of walks, from beaches, to the woods, hills and hidden gems a variety short and long. A hobby most on Islay have, is walking whether this be for fitness, the social aspect or to adventure around the Island. There are endless options to cater for all, families with small children, to more strenuous, rough country walks. It's the best way to discover Islay and see it's never ending stunning views.

To name a few walks that can be done on Islay; various lighthouses, waterfalls, hills, historic landmarks and beaches to last a lifetime.

There are woods in Port Ellen, Laphroaig and Bridgend that are commonly walked in, the woodland trail in Gruinart too but more woods can be found all throughout the Island.

Carraig Fhada lighthouse near Port Ellen, Loch Indaal lighthouse, both very short but pleasant walks, McArthurs Head lighthouse and Rhuvaal lighthouse being more challenging day trips with beautiful views at the finish line.

Some short walks to smaller waterfalls include, Bachlaig near Bunnahabhain and Doodilmore river/waterfall near Kintra and lower Killeyan – the oa. With a more challenging option of Port an Eas which takes a little longer but lies behind a beautiful beach, away from anyone else.

There are interesting historic landmarks placed all around Islay, to drive to most with short walks to get there – Kildalton cross and Finlaggan which both are mentioned in the first blog post in more detail. The American Monument which was built to commemorate the two troop ships lost in 1918 (The Tuscania and The Otranto) which has both leisurely and energetic options. Dunyvaig castle, Kilchoman church and cemetery and Kilnave cross all which have interesting history to be told with ruins to show for it.

There are two slightly abstract beaches, of stones, one just outside Portnahaven where you can watch the waves and white horses dance in the west coast sea. There is also Claggain Bay, near Ardtalla past Port Ellen with many bays on the way and seals to be seen.

There are sandy beaches in most villages and more impressive ones lie on the outskirts more rurally. In the west end, Claddach “currie sands”, Lossit Bay, Machir Bay, Saligo and Sanaigmore Bay. On the southside, The Big Strand, Kilnaughton, The singing sands with more to be found all over. All of which can be walked to pass the time, get beautiful photos and have memorable family days out.

There are hills in every corner of Islay where you can climb to find trig points or to simply say you’ve done it. Beinn Bheigeir in the highest peak on the Island and goes along with Soldiers rock in being challenging but commonly done walks among islanders.

On Islay there’s never “nothing to do”!

You can read more about all these places on https://www.islayinfo.com/.