Walks
Skipness itself is a great location just for a walk with two forestry walks immediately available and a couple of other walks you may like to do if you are there for the afternoon.
Bluebell Wood
If you drive through Skipness itself and over the small bridge carry on and turn left into the small car park opposite Skipness Castle ground gates there is a small walk at the far left of the car park that takes you into the woods.
Named 'Bluebell Wood' as in summer most of the floor of the wood is covered with blubells, there is also a huge amount of 'wild garlic' flower throughout the wood which gives off a very strong cent.
If you take this walk you will walk by a small burn on your left hand side and continuing you will hear running water which can be loud after heavy rainfull.
The walk itself up to the bridge in the photo below is only around 400 to 500 yards however you can continue to walk further up but the bridge and water are the highlight of this walk. I would recommend after this point returning back to the car park and then perhaps visiting the 13th Century Castle.
You should wear appropriate shoes or boots as this are can become a little soft and sludgy underfoot after heavy rainfall and some of the wood does not get alot of sunlight so retains dampness.
Also please be aware not to let small children run ahead as there are some slippy rocks and a some steep falls of between 1 and 2 metres along the burn embankment.
Kintyre Way (Skipness To Tarbert)
The Kintyre Way is actually around 92 miles long in total however you can do sections of this as individual walks.
A popular walk is actually Tarbert to Skipness which is part of the Tarbert to Claonaig section of walk. It is approximately 10 miles from Tarbert to Skipness on this walk and it is possible to;
- Bus from Tarbert
You can travel by bus from Tarbert to Skipness and then walk through the forestry and over the hills back to Tarbert to your accommodation or where your car is parked.
- Bus from Skipness
Alternatively you can walk from Tarbert to Skipness and then get the bus from Skipness back to Tarbert, whichever you prefer.
The buses are run by West Coast Motors and in 2007 there are three bus runs per day from Monday to Saturday;
- Departs - Tarbert Tourist Information Centre
- Arrives - Kennecraig Ferry Terminal (For Islay Ferry)
- Arrives - Claonaig Ferry Terminal (For Arran Ferry)
- Arrives - Skipness (last destination.
The three departure and arrival times to Skipness are as follows;
Depart: 07.41 hrs - Arrives: 08.21 hrs
Depart: 11.57 hrs - Arrives: 12.30 hrs
Depart: 15.46 hrs - Arrives: 16.08 hrs
For the most up to date times access the West Coast Motors Tarbert to Skipness timetable here or alternatively click here to visit the West Coast Motors website.
The Kintyre Way walk section is a little steep at Tarbert and has some great walking terrain around forestry roads and firm land. The walk will take most of the afternoon so slow walkers should give themselves a good 6 hours. There are some great viewpoints along this walk so picking a good clear bright day will enhance the pleasure.
Ferry Terminal to Skipness Village
On a good summers day you may wish to park your car in the ferry terminal car park or along the front and walk along the twisting road for 2 miles to Skipness Castle through Skipness village and through Skipness Estates.
You will be walking along the coastal single track road with great visibility although there is one cattle grid along this road to be aware of. It is not uncommon to see wildlife such as rabbits in the early evening and also oystercatcher birds.
There are numerous benches along the coast for you to sit and enjoy the view. Many visitors park their car in an appropriate spot and have a picnic perhaps relaxing in deckchairs.
Skipness Village
Alternative to the longer 2 mile walk you could just drive into Skipness and park somewhere convenient such as opposite Skipness Village Stores, buy refreshments or an ice lolly on a hot day and then walk along the Skipness road for approximately 1 mile along to the Castle.
Explore the castle, its grounds, stop at the Seafood Cabin for a bite of fresh lunch and then perhaps walk along through the field along the track down to the sandy beach.
