Sitting three miles west of Kintyre, community-owned Gigha is an enchanting small island. It’s the most southerly and one of the most beautiful of the Hebridean Islands, famed for its white sandy bays. Just seven miles long by a mile and a half wide, it’s easily explored by bike, by foot or, from the sea, by kayak. What’s more, it’s perfect for a day trip.
Leave the car behind and discover Gigha’s beautiful beaches, fascinating history and wonderful flora using foot, paddle or pedal power!
Gigha offers fabulous walking. You’ll be treated to stunning views in every direction as you explore the island on foot. Pick up the ‘Walk Gigha’ booklet from Gigha Stores or Gigha Hotel. It describes in detail (with maps) the 12 designated off-road walks. Many of the walks start and end at the centre of the island, not far from where the ferry comes in, so are perfect for foot passengers visiting for a day. The walks vary in length, from half a mile to three miles, and several can be linked to give a whole day's walking.
A must-visit whilst exploring Gigha are the world-famous Achamore Gardens. With around 50 acres of natural woodlands, a large walled garden, pond area and many rare and interesting plants and trees, it’s a great place for a walk. Due to Gigha's unique micro-climate, you can find a lot of unusual, exotic plants and trees in this garden.
Fisherman’s Cave is another short walk from the road that is clearly signposted. To reach the cave you will past a few small bays and interesting areas to reach the cove that is woven into the Gigha landscape. It is said that some fishermen would hang up fish to dry in the cave as well as use it as a place of safe harbour to wait out the bad weather. There are several carvings and initials on the cave walls thought to be by previous fishermen of the waters around Gigha.
Carn na Faire is an important site and is located in the North of the island. It is an ancient burial site and is a peaceful spot to sit and look out as it is a perfect viewpoint. Carn Ban is another burial ground that is thought to be of a similar age. Although there are no significant remains of either, they are quiet spots to stop and devour the scenery and atmosphere.
If you don’t have long to spend on Gigha then cycling is the best way to see the island. The island has a 22km path network which extends past the end of the roads so assisting visitors in reaching more scenic areas of the island, as well as key cultural or natural heritage such as Cairns. The roads are narrow but are reasonably quiet so you can walk/cycle safely along them with caution, but also, they quickly link up with pathways that are off-road and quieter to reach more remote spots and beaches.
You can hire bikes at the Gigha Activity Centre. They can also be fitted with tag-alongs, safety seats and a canopy buggy for toddlers and children. Pack a picnic and you have everything you need for a pedal-powered island adventure!
The main attractions on Gigha – aside from the peace, quiet and wildlife – are the white sandy beaches that dot the coastline. And what better way to discover them than by boat? The Gigha Activity Centre has got all sorts of boats for hire, including single and double 'sit on top' sea kayaks, paddle boards, a rowing boat and a pedalo. You can also hire a range of wetsuits, snorkels, masks and fins. Staff are on hand to demonstrate the equipment and monitor activities from a safety launch. Look out for bottlenose dolphins, otters and seals as you explore the waters around Gigha.
Gigha is just a short ferry journey from Tayinloan on Kintyre. The ferry drops you at the island's only village, Ardminish, where you'll find the post office, shop and other amenities. There are several accommodation options, including the Gigha Hotel and Millstone Cottage, as well as a camping option at Gigha Campsite. The Gigha Hotel and the Boathouse Café Bar are both great places to sample the local seafood.
Kintyre is made for camping and caravanning holidays! You’ll find cracking campsites and caravan parks in idyllic settings right along the coastline.
"God's Island" is situated off the West Coast of Kintyre, 19 miles North of Campbeltown and directly opposite the village of Tayinloan.