Please check route status' below, and be sure to follow waymarkers and signage for guidance. A trail map can be downloaded from here or found at the Visitor Hut as you arrive on Gigha.
For visitor or access questions/concerns please contact the Countryside Ranger: ranger@gigha.org.uk / 07596855398
To help us visit Scotland and Gigha's outdoors in the best and safest way for ourselves, our environment and others, the Scottish Outdoor Access Code has been put in place to help us do just this. The Code provides guidance on how to access the outdoors responsibly, for walking, cycling, and camping, among many other activities and situations, as well as providing information on access restrictions such as crop fields, gardens, farm yards and, residential and commerical areas. Please follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code whilst visiting Gigha. An easy guide to the Code can be found here: Scottish Outdoor Access Code- Easy Guide to the Outdoors 2022
ROUTE 1 - Eilean Garbh
This easy access route leads to the popular white sandy beaches, on a once tombolo linking to Eilean Garbh. The beaches are a great space for a paddle or to see a variety of seabirds. Please be aware that the north of the island is home to free roaming cattle. Take care when walking the route and stay as far away from farm animals as possible.
There are no facilities at the north of the island, please always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, and take any rubbish home with you.
ROUTE 2 - Fisherman's Cave
A cavity in the western cliffs of Gigha filled with carvings made through the ages, Fisherman’s Cave can be accessed via a waymarked trod path. The route also passes hidden sandy bays and great views out to the western isles.
Please be aware this route borders a working farm. Take care around fields occupied with livestock, keep dogs on a short lead and stay as far away from farm animals as possible.
There are no facilities at the north of the island, please always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, and take any rubbish home with you.
ROUTE 3 - Càrn na Faire
This waymarked trod path leads to the island’s north watch point that was once used as a burial site and vantage point. Via a short ascent, the climb is awarded with fantastic views of Jura, the mainland and Eilean Garbh to the south.
Please be aware that the north of the island is home to free roaming cattle. Take care when walking the route and stay as far away from farm animals as possible.
There are no facilities at the north of the island, please always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, and take any rubbish home with you.
ROUTE 4 - Northern Loop
Arguably the route with the most interesting habitats, this waymarked trod path leads through areas of wet heath, sphagnum bog and some of the most pristine beaches on the island. One of Gigha’s oldest historical monuments Càrn Bàn, a 4,000 year old burial ground can also be found, with views out to the north and the mainland.
Please be aware that the north of the island is home to free roaming cattle. Take care when walking the route and stay as far away from farm animals as possible.
There are no facilities at the north of the island, please always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, and take any rubbish home with you.
ROUTE 5 - Druimyeon Bay Link
Head northbound on the eastern side of the island straight off the ferry. This shared access path leads to beautiful bays filled with bird and sea life, and offers connections to routes in the north of the island, on to Dùn Chibhich, or back to Ardminish Village via the main road.
Please be aware this route borders working farms. Take care around fields occupied with livestock, keep dogs on a short lead and stay as far away from farm animals as possible.
The nearest facilities are at the ferry slip. Please always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, and take any rubbish home with you.
ROUTE 6 - Dun Chibhich
This waymarked trod path heads westward to the island’s most impressive Dun or fort drenched in legend, crossing incredible moorland and fantastic views of Gigha’s various lochans and the Western Isles. The route can be accessed from the Druimyon Bay Link, or from the main road heading northwards from Ardminish Village.
Please be aware that this path crosses working farms. Take care when entering fields or moorland areas occupied with livestock, keep dogs on a short lead and stay as far away from farm animals as possible.
The nearest facilities are at the ferry slip. Please always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, and take any rubbish home with you.
ROUTE 7 - Ardminish Village Loop
A fantastic route through the hub of the island, with big views. The route can be accessed at either end of Ardminish village: just north of the Isle of Gigha Trust Office and Gigha Hotel, or west of the Village Hall at the top of Keill track. The path leads you through Ardminish Village, before meeting a trod path that meanders through carpets of gorse, wildflowers, and amazing, worthwhile 360 degree views around the island, to the neighbouring westerly isles, Kintyre and Northern Ireland. The path also encompasses some of the island’s historical heritage, including the Ogham Stone, a standing stone holding ancient ogham script, written more than 1,400 years ago, and a 13th Century Chapel, Kilchattan, the resting place of Colonel James Horlick and 15th Century chieftains.
Please be aware this route enters a working farm. Take care in fields occupied with livestock, keep dogs on a short lead and stay as far away from farm animals as possible.
The nearest facilities are within Achamore Gardens or Ardminish Village, please always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, and take any rubbish home with you.
ROUTE 8 - Fire Station to Village Hall
This route is a great starting point to head into Achamore Gardens or start a journey further out west. The broadleaved woodland houses a carpet of bluebells in the springtime, wildflowers and great autumn colour. The end of the path offers a choice to enter Achamore Gardens, or turn right leading up the track to the Springbank route, Cuddyport beach or western link route. Heading up the track, a 13th century chapel and burial ground where previous lairds lie, as well as the Ogham Stone, a standing stone holding ancient ogham script, written more than 1,400 years ago.
The nearest facilities are within Achamore Gardens or Ardminish Village. Please always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, and take any rubbish home with you.
ROUTE 9 - Achamore Gardens
Enter a space of woodland tranquillity from the Fire Station to Village Hall easy access path, or from the main road. Achamore Gardens offers an easy access route showcasing a collection of unique rhododendron species cultivated by Colonel James Horlick, a peaceful pond area, and ornamental walled gardens.
Please be aware that entry is by donation only, bicycles should be left at the entrance to Achamore Gardens, and dogs should remain on a lead.
ROUTE 10 - Boathouse to Hotel via Rubha a’ Chinn Mhòir
Starting from either the Boathouse restaurant or just south of Gigha Hotel, the easy access path leads through the island’s community nature reserve, an area of wet meadow, orchids and a variety of birdlife. The path includes the popular beach, Rubha a’ Chinn Mhòir, with white sands and views out to the mainland. The path can offer further exploration into Ardminish Village and south of the island, or Minister’s Beach and Activity Centre near to the ferry slip.
ROUTE 11 - Southern Loop
This route can be picked up at the end of the Springbank to Windfarm Woodland path or from the south pier. The walk is a waymarked trod path that takes in amazing views to the south and Northern Ireland. The route passes two bays, Port na Carraigh and Gròb Bàgh, both filled with a plethora of wading and seabird species, and occasionally a seal or two can be spotted bobbing in the shallows.
Please be aware this route borders a working farm. Take care around fields occupied with livestock, keep dogs on a short lead and stay as far away from farm animals as possible.
ROUTE 12- Springbank to Windfarm Woodland
This 1km, shared access route heads through farmland and ends in a winding woodland with fantastic views out to Islay and Jura, as well as meeting the Bodach and Cailleach standing stones and dancing ladies. The end of the path offers a choice: right to the beach, Gròb Bàgh and onto the southern loop route, or left, using the track to meet the main road back into Ardminish Village.
Please be aware that this path crosses a working farm. Take care when entering fields occupied with livestock, keep dogs on a short lead and stay as far away from farm animals as possible.
There are no facilities on this side of the island, please always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, and take any rubbish home with you.
ROUTE 13 - Western Link
This route is a waymarked trod path that can be picked up on the track heading west from the Village Hall or at the road near Tarbert Farm. Follow the route into the wild west of Gigha through heathland, passing lochans and the highest point on the island, Creag Bhàn. The route encompasses ruins of townships from ages gone by, fabulous views to neighbouring western islands and will provide the sense of being off-grid.
Please be aware that this path crosses working farms. Take care when entering fields occupied with livestock, keep dogs on a short lead and stay as far away from farm animals as possible.
There are no facilities on this side of the island, please always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, and take any rubbish home with you.
ROUTE 14 - Gallochoille
From the main road, opposite Achamore Gardens, follow the waymarked route east down the track to Gallochoille. This short linear walk to the eastern shoreline arrives at the once harbour of Gigha. Gallochoille provided a refuge for passengers in an upturned boat that was used as a shelter, complete with seating and chimney, but all that remains now are metal rings that once supported the ferry signal pole. The route provides fantastic views across the Sound of Gigha and over to Kintyre and is home to an abundance of seabirds.
Please be aware this route borders a working farm. Take care around fields occupied with livestock, keep dogs on a short lead and stay as far away from farm animals as possible.
The nearest facilities are within Achamore Gardens, please always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, and take any rubbish home with you.
Fancing extending your walking venture? Be sure to check out The Kintyre Way, which is a 100-mile scenic walking route around mainland Kintyre.
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