DAY 4 - OPTION 2
Lochbuie to Bunessan - 17.8 miles (27.7 km) approx 8 to 9 hrs
Remember to check Carsaig Bay tide times as there is a place on this route which is not passable at high tide.
You now take the 5 mile coastal footpath to Carsaig (538216). About a mile on from Lochbuie and near to the track is St Columba’s well (590244). Further on again there is a rope-assisted step on this section, which is impassable at high tide - this is about halfway to Carsaig. The scenery is stunning and a
geologist’s delight – basalt cliffs, stacks & dykes; and the sea views get even better as you approach Carsaig looking across to Islay and Jura. On the foreshore of Carsaig bay you can visit the site of St Mary’s Chapel and well, and also the burial ground (528216). There are no shops in Carsaig although B&B/self-catering can be obtained.
Lochbuie to Carsaig
NB If accommodaton is not available in Carsaig you could choose to continue walking to Pennyghael, taking the road inland from Carsaig, approx a further 2 hours)
From here, if you have the time you can visit the Nuns’ cave (523204) which has remarkable carvings, believed to date back to the 7th century. In times of persecution the nuns from Iona had to seek refuge in this cave. From here pilgrims can continue to Malcom’s Point either by the coast or by the Nun’s Pass (521204).
To continue the coastal route from Carsaig Pier walk up the steep single track road towards Pennyghael as far as the junction (532229) and turn left on to the track/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 continue to the ruins of a settlement, Airidh mhic Cribhain - ‘McNiven’s Sheiling’ (477203), then climbing the hill and heading towards the gap in the forest which will take you to the forestry road that leads you to Bunessan
Further down this forestry road you will reach Loch Assopol where you will meet the road that goes west to Bunessan. If you have time it is worth turning left to visit the medieval Kilvickeon chapel and graveyard, Scoor farm and Scoor cave (418 186). The cave immediately below and south of the farm buildings also has crosses and other carvings believed to date back to the 7th century. There are some stunning sandy beaches nearby.
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 1.5 miles (442206) and turn left down a forestry road that takes you directly to Shiaba and from there you could do a circuit to take in Scoor, etc.
Bunessan (shops and accommodation) is a lovely little village with superb views down Loch na Lathaich
Lochbuie to Carsaig (5 miles) (approx 2hrs 35 mins)
Carsaig Pier to Nun's cave - approx 1hr (excursion route)
Carsaig Pier to Malcolm point path starting point - 1.6 miles (2.6km)
Malcolm's point path starting point to Malcolm's point - 4 miles (6.4 km)
Malcolm's point to Forestry road to Bunessan - 2.4 miles (3.86 km) approx 1hr
Start of Forestry road to Bunessan - 6 miles (9.65 km)
Day 4 - (option 2) Lochbuie to Bunessan map - link below
Lochbuie to Bunessan route map
Day 4 - Shiaba option route map