Mark Unsworth from Islay Studios joined the "Walk Islay Walkers" yesterday when they visited the Isle of Colonsay for what proved to be a great walk in perfect conditions. Mark: "Around 60 people met at port Askaig for the ferry to Colonsay and the walk to Balnahard. After a slight delay in leaving because the MV Hebridean Isles had to be reverse loaded for the journey to Kennacraig first, we arrived at the port of Scalasaig on Colonsay with it bathed in sunshine.

Kiloran Bay on Colonsay

The walk was to start from Kiloran Bay, arguably one of the five best beaches on the west coast of Scotland. For people that didn't wish to walk to Kiloran then a three vehicle Land Rover shuttle operated between ferry and beach. From there James How and his fellow RSPB staff guided the walk right to the northern tip of the island. A lunch break high above Kiloran Bay gave fantastic views over the bay across the Atlantic Ocean. Continue reading....

Heading north we looked down on a stone pattern in the fields in the shape of a whale (as pic) until we reached the cliffs where there is a golden eagles nest. Minutes after arrival there, the golden eagle decided to perform for the gallery of assembled walkers giving a ten minute display of it's flying abilities.

Stone pattern of a Whale in the field

Reaching the tip of the island beyond Balnahard we stood on the ruins of a chapel whilst taking in the views across to Jura, the Corryvreckan, the island of Scarba, Mull and The Garvellachs. Returning back by the same route the RSPB staff pointed out choughs for the birdwatchers before returning to Kiloran Bay and the vehicle shuttles to Scalasaig and a deserved cuppa in the pantry on the pier.

The walkers

For those who walked "ferry to ferry" the distance covered was around 12 miles and in the best weather conditions that you can find in the Hebrides in April.

Time for a break

Tag: walking walk islay islay walkweek colonsay