Clachan To Tayinloan - 14km (9 Miles)
Pavement, public highway, unsurfaced path, foreshore
Coastal walking has an attraction all of its own and the constant interaction of the land and sea provides a continual fascination. There is excellent bird life and some fine views out to the islands of the Inner Hebrides.
From Clachan the route follows a pavement south for just over a mile to reach Ronachan House. The route follows old Victorian paths through the grounds of Ronachan House which is a hospital. Please respect the privacy of the residents and pass through quickly and quietly. Beyond Ronachan House there is a small car park with the remains of an iron-age dun between it and the bay. This fort has very thick walls, but its shape is not easy to make out after so many millennia. The car park is also known as Seal Point and these lovely sea creatures are often seen hauled out on the rocks.
The route continues close to the road with the restless sea a few steps to your right. In strong winds it can be an exhilarating experience walking along here. Above the farm of Ballochroy (red pass) is a burial ‘cist’ and a group of standing stones which are believed to have an astronomical function. Shortly after this, the route leaves the road to follow the shore towards Rhunahaorine Point. It is just over 2 miles out to Rhunahaorine Point but the shingle beach can be hard going and progress slow. Best way to tackle this stretch is to take your time and keep an eye out for some of the wonderful wildlife.
Terns sometimes nest at the point and livestock graze in the fields so please keep dogs on leads and follow the waymarked route, especially in the spring.
There was a clan skirmish at the point in the 16th century. Rhunahaorine has the lowest OS triangulation pillar in Scotland, just 2 metres above sea level. On the south side of the Point is a caravan and camping park which has a shop selling refreshments (seasonal). South of here the route closely follows the shoreline to the ferry pier at Tayinloan where there is a teashop which welcomes walkers.
From Tayinloan you can catch the ferry to Gigha (God’s Island) a low lying, fertile place, just 9km long but well worth spending a day on. There is a variety of accommodation including camping and opportunities to hire cycles and canoes-a pleasant change from walking!
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Author: Route Manager Date: 20th May 2010 Version: 1.01
Long & Winding Way Company Ltd - Registered Charity SC037382
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