Inner Hebrides Colonsay
1 Start/Finish
Backpacker’s Lodge GR: NR392963
Turn R from the lodge track and
follow track through woods at
rear of Colonsay House. Fork L
after 600m and then take fenced
path by side of tennis court. Turn
L at lane, go round sharp bend and
walk through gateposts on R.
2
Follow stream across
machair to Kiloran Bay and
turn R to walk over sands to Port
Easdail. Explore caves at far end of
bay, cut uphill to cross track and
continue NE to top of Carnan Eoin.
3
Walk N from large summit
cairn for 200m and then
veer E along crest of Beinn Bhreac.
Keep ahead over pathless moor as
the cliffs begin to dip and continue
out to the east coast – where you
may spot an otter. Turn L and pick a
route around the heads of several
gullies. Follow coast to cross fence
to Balnahard Bay (Traigh Ban).
4
Cross fence above N end of
sands and continue N to
descend wide grass gully towards
northern tip of Colonsay. Turn S
by Poll Ban and head SW along
rough coast to Port na Cuilce.
Continue around next headland
to Port an Obain, clamber past
low cliffs and banks of pebbles
and, now over grass, reach rugged
promontory at Meall na Suiridhe.
5
Descend to cross Port
Sgibinis (look for the old
lazy beds – and the sculpted
whale) and head SE to gate at
track. Turn R, with glorious views
over Kiloran Bay; after 1km track
drops steeply to cross gate by
stream. Continue ahead on track
at rear of dunes (or re-cross the
sands) and meet lane after 1km.
Retrace steps back to hostel.