Walk Islay 2010 Programme

It is that time of year again, and Walkislay starts on Saturday 10th April. Our first walk this year leaves from The Gaelic College on Saturday at 10am sharp. DJ’s walk is titled, “Hitting the beach- prepare to paddle”, but although we aim to go from our starting point across the sands towards Bridgend, DJ has checked the tides and all should be okay! From Bridgend, we head inland, taking in the monument to Iain Og Ile, Ballitarsin old chapel, Mulindry and Tallant before returning to Bowmore by the link road.

On Sunday, there is a choice of two walks- Paul Graham and Paul Capper will be starting from Claddich, Portnahaven at 10.30am Their walk will take in the wave generating station before heading out to take in some of the coastline and then up to the top of Ben Cladville. From there we drop back down to the coast and to Lossit Bay before returning to our starting point. The other walk will be led by Iain MacPherson, and starts from the gate at Killinallan out to Killinallan Point and along Traigh Baile Aonghais to Gortantoid. From there we will return along the farm track to our starting point. Meet with Iain for a 10 am start. In the evening, starting at 9pm in Port Charlotte Hotel, there will be some light music provided for your entertainment. Continue reading...

On Monday there is a choice again of two walks. Jack Adamson will lead his walk from the old Kilchoman Church starting at 10.30 prompt. Jack will take us out past where one of the Sanctuary crosses once stood, over to the ruin of the Swordmaker’s House, and then up to the trig point on Turnaichaidh. From there we will head along to the top of Glen Osamail and then return past Rockside to our starting point. The other walk leaves at 11am sharp, and is led by Florrie MacAllister and Maggie Pollard. They will start off from just past Red Lodge on the High road and follow the Burma Road down to Corrary. From here they continue to follow the River Laggan down to the suspension bridge, and they will then walk down along the shore of Laggan Bay to Kintra. Transport will be laid on for you to return to your vehicle at the starting point. In the evening there will be a Visitors’ Welcome Evening at the Gaelic College starting at 8 pm.

Tuesday again has a choice of two walks. Scott Brown and Alan MacDonald will lead the walk from Gortantoid up past Bolsa to Rhuvaal and back down to Bunnahabhain. This is the only walk that you have to book for. There are still a few spaces left, so please contact Ian Brooke on 850 382 if you wish to go. We meet up at the Market at Bridgend at 9.00am for shared transport out to Gortantoid. Transport will be provided from Bunnahabhain back to your staring point at the Market. The other walk is a 10am start from the car park at the RSPB Oa reserve and will be led by one of the staff from RSPB. This will be a short circular walk taking in the American Monument.

On Wednesday, we sail to Colonsay. For once, the tides are right and we shall be heading to The Strand and then walking to Oronsay and to the Chapel. We will be taking some vehicles over to Colonsay to allow us to get you down to the starting point a bit quicker! Please meet up at Port Askaig at 9.35am sharp, obviously we will not return until the evening ferry from Colonsay.

Thursday, again a choice of two walks, at 10am there will be the usual RSPB walk from the visitor centre at Gruinart. The other option is to meet up with Tom Dunne and Neil Park. Their walk will be challenging in some parts! This will take in Bheinn Bhreac and look at Islay from a different view point! Meet with Tom & Neil at 10.15am. One of us will be at the road end just North of Islay Timber on the High road to direct you to the start point. On Thursday evening, Malcolm Ogilvie will give an illustrated talk on Islay wildlife at the Islay Natural History Trust in Port Charlotte at 8pm.

On Friday, we head over to Jura to meet up with Gordon and Louise Muir, for a circular walk starting from Gatehouse, North of Craighouse. This walk should afford great views over to Gigha, mainland Argyll and beyond to Arran. Please meet up at Port Askaig at 9.10am for shared transport. Our last walk will start from Ballygrant Hall at 6.00pm. and will be led by Paul Graham and Paul Capper. Their walk is the same one that we did back in 2006, heading out past the old mines and past Ballygrant Loch before heading over the moorland to Auchnaclach and return along the pathway to Ballygrant Hall. On our return there will be a soup and sandwiches provided to refresh you all.

We would remind you all to wear suitable clothing and footwear and to remember to bring your food with you as appropriate. The programme is also available as PDF download