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Walking on Jura, Islay and Colonsay

23 wild walks in the Southern Hebrides

By Peter Edwards

Guidebook to Jura, Scarba, Islay and Colonsay in the Hebrides, describing 22 walks plus a 5-day 89km trek along Jura's remote west coast. The routes range from 6.5 to 25km and cover rough - and often pathless - terrain suitable for fit, competent walkers. Even the coastal walks offer challenges.

Seasons

Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit, though these routes can be walked all year round. Winter can be wet and wild with short days, and in summer midges and bracken can be a real problem.

Centres

JURA - Feolin, Craighouse, Tarbert, Ardlussa, Kinuachdrachd, Glengarrisdale, Ruantallain, Cruib, Glenbatrick Bay ISLAY - Port Askaig, Port Ellen, Port Charlotte, Bowmore, Bridgend, Ballygrant, Bunnahabhain, Ardbeg COLONSAY - Scalasaig, Oronsay, Kilchattan, Kiloran SCARBA - Kilmory Lodge, Gleann a' Mhaoil bothy

Difficulty

The west coast of Jura walk, a round of the Paps or an ascent of Cruach Scarba should only be considered by fit, experienced walkers with strong navigational skills, as there are no waymarks and no footpaths. Walking on Islay and Colonsay is more accessible, but still requires navigational competence. All walkers should be equipped for rough terrain and wet weather.

Must See

The wild and remote west coast of Jura - one of the British Isles' last great wilderness walks, with spectacular geological formations and abundant wildlife; the Paps of Jura - a rough, tough hill-walking classic; dramatic land and seascapes from the Islay and Colonsay coasts; the small-island summit of Cruach Scarba, rising from the sea between the infamous tidal races of Corryvreckan and the Grey Dog
ISBN
9781852849795
Availability
Published
Published
6 Aug 2019
Edition
Third
Pages
240
Size
17.20 x 11.60 x 1.40cm
Weight
270g
Overview
This guidebook presents a selection of 23 walking routes on the wild and beautiful southern islands of Scotland's Inner Hebrides, with nine walks on Jura, one on neighbouring Scarba, seven on Islay and five on Colonsay, plus a spectacular 5-day trek along Jura's dramatic west coast.

In addition to clear route description illustrated with 1:50,000 OS mapping, the guide offers practical advice on the various options for getting to the islands, accommodation and amenities. There are suggestions for linking walks and notes on the islands' bothies and wild-camping recommendations, making it easy to devise longer day walks or multi-day itineraries. Also included are fascinating overviews of the islands' rich history, geology, plants and wildlife. Beautiful colour photography completes the package.

The wildest of the southern Hebrides, the walking on Jura is frequently rugged, with many routes crossing remote and often pathless terrain that calls for fitness, self-reliance and navigational competence. The routes on the other islands are somewhat easier, but should still not be underestimated. The routes showcase the islands' magnificent scenery, which is as diverse as it is beautiful, ranging from wild moorland to flower-strewn machair and small pockets of native woodland.
Table of Contents
Maps
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Peter Edwards Cicerone author EDWARDS

Peter Edwards

Since moving to Scotland from the south of England in 2006, Peter has developed a passion for the Hebrides. He lives at Rhenigidale on the Isle of Harris with his wife, Fiona, and their Labradors, Dougal and Mara.

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