Let’s go to the Isle of Gigha
This post was written following paid partnerships with Citylink and Wild About Argyll.
I may make a small commission from affiliate links, at no extra cost to you.
The summer downpour danced on the canvas, creating a soothing, cinematic, surround sound experience.
I was cocooned in covers and the lingering warmth of the wood-burning stove; the amber glow of fading flames and hot embers. A familiar scene, and not simply a case of déjà vu.
This wasn’t my first time here and it was all exactly as it had been before, weather inclusive.
ISLE OF GIGHA: A QUICK INTRO
- Gigha is the most southerly of the Inner Hebrides and one of Scotland’s lesser-known islands.
- Gigha is a community-owned island which has been managed by the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust since 2002.
- Located just off the Kintyre Coast, Islay and Jura are visible in the distance.
- The CalMac ferry from Tayinloan to Gigha takes just 20 minutes.
- The current population on Gigha is around 170 people.
- The island measures at just 7 miles long, and 1.5 miles at the widest point.
- Gigha was the setting for the fictional island of Hirsa the Channel 4 series, Murder Island
MY TOP REASONS TO VISIT GIGHA
1) You don’t need a car to visit
Gigha’s small size and ease of access by bus and ferry make it the perfect island for a car-free adventure. Even if you’re on a road-trip, I highly recommend taking a break from driving and leaving your car at Tayinloan on the mainland. It’s possible to visit Gigha as a day trip, but I would recommend staying for at least one night to experience what it has to offer.
Explore on foot or by bike; slow down and breathe in the fresh island air.
Getting to Gigha by on public transport
- From Glasgow Buchanan Street Bus Station, take the Citylink service 926 towards Campbeltown and get off at Tayinloan (3.5 hours). The bus stop is opposite the local shop, Tayinloan Stores, which is a 10-minute walk from the ferry port. Catch the ferry from Tayinloan to Gigha (20-minutes).
- From Oban Station Square, take the West Coast Motors service 423 to Ardrishaig, then hop on the Citylink service 926, as above.
Always pre-book your Citylink bus tickets in advance to guarantee a seat. For West Coast Motors, download the app. to purchase mobile tickets or do a contactless payment on-board, on the day.
2) To explore the new cycle paths
Take advantage of the new network cycle paths all over the island, complete with signage posts and information boards. Part of a wider project to improve the visitor experience and ease of exploring, there’s now a Visitor Information Hut to greet you to the island and a wooden boardwalk along the coast to form the Northern Loop trail.
I cycled the Southern Loop, stopping at hidden beaches, cycling through pretty countryside and fragrant woodland; passing wind turbines, the Bodach and Cailleach standing stones and the beautiful 13th century Kilchattan Chapel.
- Hire a bike from Gigha Boats & Activity Centre, a short walk from the ferry port.
- Use this interactive map to view the cycle paths, walking routes and points of interest.
3) To experience a night in The Yurt
The novelty of sleeping in a Mongolian Yurt on a Scottish Island will never wear off. Tucked away in the pretty garden of Ardminish Stores, close to the resident chickens, this cosy, quirky accommodation is the perfect island getaway.
The yurt sleeps up to 4 people, and comes equipped with all glamping essentials: a wood-burning stove and kettle, cutlery, plates and utensils, charging points for devices. There’s a separate toilet and shower, and access to your very own fridge in the nearby shed. To top it off, Joe and Hannah are the loveliest hosts and they have a friendly ginger cat called Tiger.
- Check availability and book the yurt here.
- Bedding and towels are not provided, you must bring your own.
More accommodation on Gigha
- Check out the new Gigha Camp and Motorhome site with toilets, showers, picnic tables, and access to a fridge freezer, microwave, kettle, toaster.
- There is a 1 bedroom cottage and 2 bedroom cottage at Achamore; both are dog friendly.
- Beach View Cottage is right in the village and sleeps up to 7 guests.
4) To feast on delicious seafood
Gigha’s dining options may be limited, but the standard is very high; quality over quantity is the vibe here. First there’s The Boathouse Restaurant, a highly acclaimed, Michelin recommended eatery, on the shores of Ardminish Bay. Expect casual, fine-dining with tables inside the historic boathouse, on the heated decking area, or right outside by the beach. Advanced booking is essential.
Next up is a new venture from Joe of Ardminish Stores and The Yurt; an absolute gem of a seafood takeaway called The Nook. As the name suggests, cooked-to-order, street-food style dishes are served from a wee hatch adjacent to the shop. Everything was delicious!
5) To discover quiet beaches
Gigha’s coastline is fringed with sandy beaches, made all the more accessible with the new cycling/walking paths. The most famous of them all are the Twin Beaches in the north; a duo of back-to-back beaches, with classic Hebridean aesthetics. Bagh Rubha Ruaidh is south facing, and Bagh na Doirlinne looks north – top marks if you can pronounce them!
I stumbled upon a beautiful, sheltered white sand beach at Gallochoille when I took a wrong turn on my cycle and I wandered along the windswept, seaweed strewn beach at Leim on my cycle in the south.
Go and find your own wee island paradise; you’ll probably have it all to yourself.
Gigha Boats & Activity Centre have kayaks and paddle boards for hire; perfect for a calm day at Ardminish Bay.
6) To sample Wee Isle Dairy delights
Wee Isle Dairy is a family-run farm which produces the island’s much-loved, award-winning, glass-bottled whole milk and artisan ice-cream. As of summer 2023, there is now a Wee Isle Cafe in the village, at the Craft Workshops next to Gigha’s Natural Skincare.
The cafe serves breakfast (the only place on the island!), lunches, hot drinks, ice-cream, milkshakes and cakes. Check their social media for opening days/hours.
7) To wander through Achamore Gardens
Gigha was once owned by the Scarlett family, and it was Captain William Scarlet who built Achamore House in 1884 and planted much of the woodland. The gardens didn’t truly flourish however, until after green-fingered Sir John Horlick bought the island in 1944.
The Gulf Stream’s influence on Gigha provided optimum conditions for Horlick’s rhododendrons and other sub-tropical plants, and soon the 50 acres of garden were bursting with colour, and attracting visitors from far and wide.
Achamore Gardens is now being restored and maintained by a permanent team of staff, funded by the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust. Explore the lush woodland, vibrant walled garden and bamboo maze; climb up to the viewpoint to see the gardens from above; Islay and Jura can be seen when the weather is cooperating.
Entry to the gardens is a donation of £7.
8) For souvenirs from the honesty boxes
One of the things I love most about the islands and rural locations in Scotland are the road-side honesty boxes; not only for the local crafts and treats inside, but for the system of trust.
For sweet treats such as tablet, tray bakes, shortbread, and iced loaves, look out for Heather Gorman’s honesty box on the road heading south from the village. For souvenirs of the knitted variety, the aptly named Wee Knits can be found on the hill between the village shop and The Boathouse.
Be sure to carry cash specifically for this purpose.
More reasons to visit Gigha
- On a clear, dark night, Gigha’s lack of light pollution offers amazing sky-gazing opportunities. Check out Gigha’s Dark Sky Theatre at the north of the island.
- To join in the summer fun at the Sound of Gigha Music Festival; expect a weekend of traditional tunes, crafts, dancing and shenanigans.
- To buy gorgeous, handmade natural products from Morven at Gigha’s Natural Skincare
My trips to Gigha have been sponsored by Citylink and Wild About Argyll.
As always, all content, opinions & chaotic behaviour are my own.
Happy travels!
Kay 💙