DAY 4 - OPTION 3
CARSAIG to BUNESSAN - 14 miles (22.5 km) approx 6hrs
From here, if you have the time you can visit the Nuns’ cave (523204) which has remarkable carvings of crosses, etc. Some are believed to date back to the 7th century. In times of persecution the nuns from Iona had to seek refuge in this cave. It is around an 1hr to go from Carsaig Pier the Nun's cave From here pilgrims can continue to Malcom’s Point either by the coast or by the Nun’s Pass (521204).
On leaving the footpath at Carsaig Pier to continue the coastal route it is recommended to walk up the steep single track road leading to Pennyghael as far as the point (532229) where you will find on your left the footpath that leads to the top of the cliffs overlooking Malcolm’s Point and the Carsaig Arches, (497185).
This is easy walking and in good weather you get stunning views from this amazing cliff-top walk looking south to Colonsay and the Paps of Jura. You then continue to the ruins of a settlement, Airidh mhic Cribhain - ‘McNiven’s Sheiling’ (477203) and climb the hill which heads towards the gap in the forest which will take you to the forestry road (462200) that will lead you on to Bunessan. At Loch Assopol, if you have the time you could turn left to visit the medieval Kilvickeon chapel, Scoor and Scoor cave (418 186). The cave immediately below and south of the farm building also has crosses and other carvings dating back to the 7th century.. There are also some beautiful white sandy beaches here.
There is a track next to Scoor farm that leads to the deserted township of Shiaba in which over 300 people once lived including Mary MacDonald, a devout Baptist and poet who composed the beautiful ‘Child in a Manger’ (Leanabh an Aigh) sung to the melody now known as ‘Morning has broken’ which is so popular.
An alternative way of visiting Shiaba is to walk down the forestry road for approximately 1.5 miles (442 206) where you can turn left on to a forestry track that leads you directly down to it.
Carsaig Pier to Nun's cave - approx 1hr
Carsaig Pier to Malcolm point path junction - 1.6 miles (2.6km)
Malcolm's point path junction to Malcolm's point - 4 miles (6.4 km)
Malcolm's point to start of forestry road to Bunessan - 2.4 miles (3.86 km) approx 1hr
Forestry road to Bunessan - 6 miles (9.65 km)
Day 4 - (option 3) Carsaig to Bunessan map- link below
Day 4 - Shiaba option route map