Isle of Gigha
Contents |
Guide to isle of Gigha
Tarbert | Isle of Gigha | Campbeltown | Sanda Island | Machrihanish and Southend | The East Coast
Introduction
The small island of Gigha (pronounced "Gee-a" with a hard "g") translates from Norse as "God's Island". A grand claim, perhaps, but there's no question that this most accessible of islands is also one of the loveliest. It's only a 20-minute ferry ride away, and only six miles by one mile, so it can be visited easily in a day, which is just about enough time to appreciate why the Vikings loved it so much. Like so many of the Hebridean islands, Gigha has had a long list of owners, including various branches of the MacNeils and, more recently, in 1944, Sir James Horlick, he of bedtime drink fame. Now, though, the islanders are the new proud owners of their own little piece of paradise, thanks to a successful buy-out in 2001.
Population: 120 Phone code: +44 (0)1583
Achamore Gardens
It was Horlick who created the island's single greatest attraction, the wonderful Achamore Gardens, one mile south of the ferry terminal. Thanks to Gigha's mild climate, the 50-acre woodland garden has an amazing variety of tropical plants, including rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias as well as other, more exotic, species. There are two marked walks through the gardens, which start out from the walled garden. The gardens are best seen in early summer, when the rhodies are in full bloom. Managed by the island's Heritage Trust, a three-year, £600,000 garden restoration project is now underway to ensure Gigha's 'jewel' continues to shine for years to come. Daily all year 0900 till dusk. Also rooms to let, Tel.01583-505254, Fax. 505244
Walks
The island's other delights include some good walks, white sandy beaches and fantastic views across to Jura on one side and Kintyre on the other. One of the best walks is to take the path left after the nine-hole golf course, signed Ardaily, past Mill Loch to the Mill on the west shore. The views from here are just magnificent. Another good idea is to walk, or cycle (see below for bike hire) to the peninsula of Eilean Garbh at the north of the island. About half a mile beyond Kinererach Farm a path leads left to the peninsula where two crescent-shaped beaches are separated by a thin spit of land. And if the weather's good enough for a picnic, make sure you try some of the island's famously distinctive cheese.
Sleeping and Eating
The ferry port and only village is Ardminish. Here you'll find the Gigha Hotel, Tel. 505254, Fax. 505244, open Mar-Oct, which offers comfort, great views and good bar food. Another option is the Post Office House Tel. 505251, a short walk from the ferry. The McSporrans also run the post office and general store, provide good home cooking and even rent out bikes.
A good alternative to staying on the island, at the ferry port of Tayinloan, is the Tayinloan Inn, Tel. 441233, a small and cosy 18th-century coaching inn offering the best food south of Tarbert.
Transport
The small CalMac car and passenger ferry leaves from Tayinloan to the ferry pier at Ardminish, daily all year round (hourly 0800-1800 Mon-Sat, 1100-1700 Sun).