Key Facts

• Location: Colonsay, Inner Hebrides
• Size: 4074 hectares
• Terrain: Mix of quiet lanes; beach crossings; tracks
• Access: Ferry from Oban
• Height gain: 638 metres
• Map: OS Explorer 354 Colonsay and Oronsay
• Starting point: Ferry port, Scalasaig

Cycle around Colonsay

Cycling on Colonsay is the best way to explore the island known as the jewel of the Hebrides. This island circular uses the main island lanes and tracks across more rugged ground and sands to access and explore the best beaches and scenery.

Start at Scalasaig, pass the post office and head uphill on the island lane onto the moorland and Glas Aird, at the base of Beinn Gudairean. From the highpoint descend and turn right at the left hairpin bend on to the track that follows the south side of Turraman Loch. Follow the tracks through the woodland, close to Colonsay House and the back packers lodge and return to the B8087 at Kiloran.

Turn right, and continue right (north east) on the B8086. Just after the 90 degree bend (left), turn right onto an unmarked track to Balnahard. First pass Kiloran Bay, pass the whale sculpture, then climb on the rugged track to Balnahard and the beach of Traigh Ban beyond. Return to the B8086 towards Colonsay House, and continue passed it heading south west towards Upper Kilchattan.

On the west coast turn right onto the track, following signs to the Airfield, keeping west to skirt the end of the landing strip. Keep on the track through the rougher ground, then into the dunes and across Traigh nam Barc.

Regain the track, continue to Garvard and join the B8085, near the departure point for the walk to Oronsay. Head north on the B8085, turn right at the junction with the B8086 and return to Scalasaig vis the Colonsay Hotel.

Bike park at Balnahard Beach

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