The best walks and hikes around Loch an Sgoltaire

Yes, many of the trails in the area are loops. For a shorter, easier circuit, consider the War Memorial – Colonsay Hotel loop from Scalasaig. This walk is under 5 km and offers a good introduction to the island's interior.

The terrain around Loch an Sgoltaire is quite varied. You can expect to encounter rough moorland, which can be boggy in places, especially after rain. Many routes also include clifftop paths and ascents to low, rolling hills. Good navigational skills and sturdy, waterproof footwear are recommended.

While many trails involve rough moorland, there are options suitable for families. Shorter, easier walks on less challenging terrain are available. The area around Kiloran Bay, with its expansive sandy beach, is particularly good for a family outing combined with a shorter walk.

Dogs are generally welcome on the trails, but it's essential to be mindful of the local environment. Colonsay is a crofting island, so you will likely encounter livestock. Keep your dog under close control, especially near sheep and cattle. Also, be aware of ground-nesting birds during the breeding season (spring and early summer).

Most hikes start from or near Scalasaig, the main village where the ferry arrives. Parking is available in the village. For trails starting further afield, like near Kiloran Bay, there are small informal parking areas. The island is small, and many trailheads can also be reached by bicycle.

The area is rich in history. On the walk from Kiloran Bay, you can explore Dùn Uragaig, a clifftop fort offering impressive views. Loch an Sgoltaire itself contains an island with a 17th-century fortification that was later adapted into a Victorian summerhouse. The Oronsay Priory, accessible at low tide, is another significant historical site.

The Isle of Colonsay is a fantastic place for wildlife watching. The cliffs host large colonies of seabirds, including guillemots and razorbills. The island is also one of the few places in the UK to see the red-billed chough. On the moors, you might see wild goats, and the surrounding waters are home to seals and occasionally dolphins.

Yes, for a change from the open moorland and coastal paths, you can explore the area around Colonsay House. The Kiloran Bay – Colonsay House Outer Gardens loop from Scalasaig takes you near these woodlands, which are known for a remarkable collection of rhododendrons and other unusual trees and shrubs.

The trails are very highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the stunning coastal scenery, the sense of solitude, and the mix of rugged moorland and beautiful sandy beaches like Kiloran Bay.

There is a range of difficulties. You'll find several easy walks under 5 km, but the majority of trails are rated as moderate, involving some elevation gain and rougher terrain. There are also more challenging options for experienced hikers, such as the long-distance Oronsay Nature Reserve loop from the Isle of Colonsay.

Absolutely. For one of the best views on the island, you can hike to the summit of Carnan Eoin, Colonsay's highest point. From there, you get spectacular panoramic views and can spot a unique whale sculpture on the land below. The clifftop fort of Dùn Uragaig also provides dramatic coastal vistas.