Islay Walkweek Kicks off Today

Islay is bathing in sunshine and the people who join the Islay Walkweek will have a great time. Let's hope the weather will stay this way all week. One of the participants is Armin Grewe and he will try to update his Islay Blog on a regular basis to keep us up to date. Following is an overview of the walks they will make during this week on God's own Isle.

Saturday with Donald James MacPhee.
Loch Ballygrant, Loch Allan and round the Lily Loch up to Leonie’s seat and the Sound of Islay. The turbine waterfall and the beach for lunch. Seals and otters a possibility. Then Baleachdrach and back towards Lossit, going around Lossit Loch and returning to the Kennels. Remember your sandwiches!

Sunday is Bunnahabhain with Lindy MacLellan and Bryony MacFarlane.
Dogs allowed but will have to go on a lead where we may encounter deer. Ballulive track to Staoisha Eararaich. Follow a forest ride and skirt the south end of Loch Giur-Bheinn. Short steep ascent to the summit of Giur-bheinn. Magnificent views all around Islay, the west coast of Jura, and up to Colonsay and beyond. Continue to Margadale and retum along the bike track. The easier option - meet Andy Schofield or Angus Keys at the car park at Upper Killeyan, on the Oa at 10am. The American Monument. Tremendous views over to Ireland and the Mull of Kintyre on a clear day. At 9pm in the Port Charlotte Hotel, there will be some traditional music along with some of the locals, so come along for a pint and enjoy the craic! No stars for this one, sorry! Monday with Iain MacPherson. Meet at the Killinallan gate, out to the Point, round the shore to Traigh Baile Aonghais and then Gortantoid. We return past Killinallan.

Monday afternoon with Florrie MacAllister.
Ramsay Hall, Port Ellen. Brahunisary. Standing stones and local history. Climb Borriachill and return to Port Ellen taking in Steen’s Dam and the old Chapel above Farkin. “Visitors Welcome Evening”, at 8 p.m., at Gaelic College, Bowmore. Local musicians, Rae’s clootie dumpling and a local dram. No charge! Islay hospitality at its best.

Tuesday with Jack Adamson at the Auction Market, Bridgend.
Shared Transport. Gortantoid, Abain Airigh nan Sidhean (eagle rock), Beinn Chalm past Loch Leithen. Loch Drolsay, go down Glen Dholsay, Loch Sibheinn to Knockdon. We return past Eallabus. No shops en route! An alternative, shorter walk, will be led by Walter and Beth Ramsay starting from Scarrabus. Loch Cam returning by Balole. Light snacks advisable.

Wednesday Port Askaig with James How.
Ferry to Jura. Feolin, Inver, Cnocbreac and back along the shore. Return to Islay late afternoon so remember your lunch again. If the weather is kind to us we may extend the walk further depending on how you feel. Please note that this replaces the walk originally planned on Colonsay. Alternatively meet James McAulay at 1.30pm at MacAulay & Torrie’s shop in Port Ellen or at 1.45 p.m., at Kynagarry. Kynagarry, Loch Allallaidh, the rifle range, Allallaidh. A shorter, easier option from the Service Point, Jamieson Street, Bowmore at 1.30pm for “walkaboutabit”.

Thursday Gordon Muir - Corra Bheinn on Jura - fully booked.
Those lucky enough to have a place will follow Evan’s walk around the Bheinn, and return along the track. Alternatively the RSPB Visitor Centre Loch Gruinart on Thursday morning - Catherine Fotheringham. Moorland, Moulin, Gruinart Farm, fields, sea wall and a “corncrake corridor”. The James How alternative - shorter. Hide, woodland trail, plenty of birdwatching, tracks and paths within the reserve. Soup and snacks after the RSPB walks in the visitor centre. Thursday afternoon with Susan McGhie from Football pitch at Port Charlotte. Shared transport up to Loch Gearach. Standing stone, ruined settlement, 3rd century Dun and the “toothing stone”. Tussock hopping and boggy. Wellies or wet feet! Thursday evening 8.00pm illustrated talk “Wild Islay” by Dr Malcolm Ogilvie at the Wildlife Centre, Port Charlotte. Small entrance fee includes refreshments.

Friday - Callum Sharp.
Ramsay Hall, Port Ellen. Sky House, Ardbeg for a plate of soup? Bridgend Woods with Keith Findlay. River Sorn along the tracks and paths towards The Woollen Mill. Circular. A well deserved plate of soup and sandwiches to refresh you when we get back to Bridgend Hotel.

Story published with kind permission from The Ileach