Background image - Bodach And Cailleach Gigha

Background image - Gigha Activity Centre

3 min read

Explore Gigha on foot, bike or with paddle power

Scotland's Adventure Coast

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!

Visit Gigha

An island brimming with character

Background image - Heathery Heights, Achamore Walled Gardens, Gigha

Walking Trails on Gigha

Explore on foot

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 they 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.

Achamore Gardens

A must-visit whilst exploring Gigha is 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

Fisherman’s Cave is another short walk from the road, clearly signposted. To reach the cave, you will pass 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 and 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.

Step back into Gigha's Past

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.

Cycling on Gigha

Where two wheels are better than four!

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, assisting visitors in reaching more scenic areas of the island, as well as key cultural or natural heritage sites such as Cairns. The roads are narrow but are reasonably quiet, so you can walk/cycle safely along them with caution, and they also 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!

Water sports on Gigha

Grab a paddle and start exploring!

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.

Getting there

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.