Port Ellen to Carraig Fhada Lighthouse
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/ Port Ellen BayPhoto: Catherine Allan, Macs Adventure -
/ Port Ellen war memorialPhoto: Catherine Allan, Macs Adventure
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/ The graveyard en route to Carraig Fhada lighthousePhoto: Catherine Allan, Macs Adventure
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/ The bay near Carraig Fhada lighthousePhoto: Catherine Allan, Macs Adventure
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/ Carraig Fhada lighthouse and passing Calmac ferry to KennacraigPhoto: Catherine Allan, Macs Adventure
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/ Carraig Fhada lighthouse and narrow path out to the lighthouse across the rocksPhoto: Catherine Allan, Macs Adventure
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/ Port Ellen BayPhoto: Catherine Allan, Macs Adventure
A short walk perfect for taking in the best of Port Ellen after arriving; pass by the two beaches of Port Ellen village and the Carraig Fhada lighthouse on a rocky tip at the far end of the bay.
Walk along the edge of Port Ellen’s beaches and it’s war memorial before leaving the village behind to walk through forest on minor roads. Head back down to the shore passed a graveyard with a commonwealth burial site to pass another beautiful white sand beach to reach the end of the track and [if the tide is out] walk along the narrow pathway and bridge to reach Carraig Fhada lighthouse. After spending some time exploring the site return to Port Ellen the way you came.
Conseil(s) de l'auteur
The beach just before the lighthouse is a great place for a picnic – the lighthouse makes for a dramatic backdrop. From here you can also watch the Calmac ferry to Kennacraig passby on it's way into or out of Port Ellen.
Consignes de sécurité
Most of the route is on pavements, tracks or minor roads so please beware of traffic and step aside to let vehicles pass. The final part of the route takes in an optional walk out to the lighthouse – tide permitting – if you decide to walk out to the lighthouse please take care as the walkway and bridge can be very slippery, especially in wet weather.
Informations et liens complémentaires
Points of Interest
Carraig Fhada Lighthouse
The lighthouse was commissioned in 1832 in honour of Lady Ellenor Campbell by Walter Frederick Campbell, and overlooks the Port Ellen's bay. On a clear day you'll get wonderful views back to the mainland. Keep an eye out for otters on the far side of the lighthouse - this is said to be a popular spot for them.
Food & Drink
There is nowhere to eat or drink once you leave Port Ellen, but in the village itself there are a few places to eat and drink e.g. the Islay Hotel, and the Sea Salt Bistro. You can also pick up provisions at the Co-Op and Spar supermarkets.
Départ
Arrivée
Itinéraire
0.00 km – At the far end of Port Ellen harbour in the small car park follow the road into Port Ellen along Frederick Crescent.
0.43 km – At the junction with Frederick Crescent with the Scottish Power building on your left-hand side continue STRAIGHT ON passing the Co-Op supermarket on your right-hand side.
0.66 km – Continue STRAIGHT ON past the community garden on your left to reach the junction ahead then BEAR LEFT in 100 m outside the Islay Hotel to head towards the war memorial.
0.80 km – At the small roundabout with the lamppost in the centre TURN RIGHT onto School Street.
0.93 km – At the end of the street TURN RIGHT to follow the next bay around to the Port Ellen distillery in the distance ahead.
1.00 km – Continue STRAIGHT ON between houses to reach the T-junction with Charlotte Street. In 100 m TURN LEFT at the T-junction onto Charlotte Street.
1.60 km – TURN LEFT off the road going out of Port Ellen to walk between the distillery buildings following the signposts for Mull of Oa.
3.20 km – At the junction after descending through trees TURN LEFT following another Mull of Oa signpost.
3.50 km – Just after passing the graveyard on your left TURN LEFT following the signpost for the lighthouse.
4.00 km – Continue STRAIGHT ON along the road passing a beach on your left-hand side.
4.20 km – As the road becomes a gravel track continue STRAIGHT ON passing houses on your right-hand side towards to the lighthouse.
4.90 km – At the end of the track with houses on the right-hand side and the lighthouse ahead of you can continue STRAIGHT ON to follow a narrow concrete path over the rocks to reach the Carraig Fhada lighthouse (please only use this path if the tide is out and the conditions are safe). To return to Port Ellen just retrace your steps into the town.
If you wish it's possible to extend this route to the Singing Sands just 400 m further on a grassy path. Follow the wooden singing sands signpost to ascend.
9.10 km – The route ends at the war memorial outside the Islay Hotel. Now you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon and perhaps visit one of the big 3 distilleries; Ardbeg, Lagavulin or Laphroaig.
Remarque
S'équiper
This is short walk so a small rucksack with plenty of water, snacks and waterproofs in case of a sudden shower will suffice.
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Commentaires
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