Go to the Main Scottish Cave and Mine Database Search Page

Islay (Port Askaig to Bunnahabhainn)

NE Islay, Argyllshire.

A description of the coast and information on cave sites between Port Askaig and Bunnahabhain on the island of Islay of the west coast of Scotland. There is no cave at the coordinates given.

A 10 k radius Google Map search will show this stretch of coastline.

Islay can be reached by ferry from Kennacraig on the Mull of Kintyre which arrives at Port Ellen to the south of the island. The A846 connects Port Ellen to Port Askaig (about 30 km away). The ferry At Port Askaig connects only to Feolin on the island of Jura or the ferry from the island of Jura [getting to Jura without crossing Islay is difficult as there only a passenger ferry from Tayvallich to Craighouse on Jura in the summer months].

- - -

The modern ferry port of Port Askaig (or Portaskaig) is based around the old ferry port and historic Pier at Creag nan Ceann. Although recent (2006-2009) enlargement of the parking and bus terminal area has left the exposed rock faces looking as though the site has been built in a quarry, its shape is actually based on the original natural inlet used for centuries as a gateway to Islay.

From the ferry terminal at Port Askaig to Caol Ila is just under 1 km on foot but over 2 km by road. The A846 leads up in a loop to a sharp bend at Brae Cottage the top of Creag nan Cean, above the lifeboat station, before heading inland, west towards Keills and Ballygrant. The new road follows the same line as the older road to Port Ellen but is much improved and widened (the single track road to Caol Ila branches off about 1km inland, the junction with the 5 km road to Bunnahabhainn is about 0.5 km further west, near Perabus).

On foot, from the bend in the road at Brae Cottage, there is supposedly a path (at least on the OS maps as the entrance to this path is not obvious), which runs along close to the top of the steep slopes before dropping to the shore. Passing Ruadh-phort Beag and Carraig an Iadaich, the path rejoins the road to the distillery at Caol Ila. It may or may not be possible (in good weather and at low tide) to walk along the shore from Port Askaig to Caol Ila.

The GSG are not aware of any caves along this stretch of coast.

There is no obvious path from Caol Ila to Bunnahabhainn so unless you are a serious coastal hiker or fancy a kayak along the coast, it might be easier head back to the A846 and to take the jnland road via Ardnahoe to Bunnahabhainn. This is a 5 km long single track road which goes only to the distilleries at Ardnahoe and Bunnahabhain, where the road ends. It stays mostly within sight of the Sound of Jura but at a considerable distance and the ground between the road and shore is steep, rugged and sometimes covered in impenetrable scrubby woodland.

On foot, following the road back up the hill to the carpark at Caol Ila, it is possible to take another path which leads down to the boulder and shingle shore at Carraig Artair. From Carraig Artair, it may be possible to walk north along the shore to Carraig Dubh and the waterfall at Eas na Carraige Duibhe ('the fall of the black rock', the outfall from Ardnahoe Loch). Again the GSG are nor aware of any caves along this coast.

There is a cottage called Blackrock Cottage at Carraig Dubh but how easy or difficult it is to ascend from here is not known (it may be there is no route except through private property, which should be avoided). There is a track from the cottage up to the road at Ardnahoe Distillery (this might also be private property).

The shore from Ardnahoe northwards does not look promising for caves and steep escarpments rise from the boulder and shingle shore without any obvious access routes. As yet the GSG has no information on how accessible the shore is along the foot of the escarpment. It may not be passible. [Further research is needed. Any information welcomed. The ferry from Kennacraig to Colonsay passes along the Sound of Jura so it might be possible in good weather to make a preliminary assessment from offshore].

- - -

Between Bunnahabhainn and Con Tom ( a small headland about 1km to the south of Bunnahabhainn) is a natural arch. This has been tentatively named the Creag Mhor Natural Arch but if there is a more official name let us know. [The GSG has no information on the ease or difficulty of access to the natural arch so again any information would be welcome.]

A cave was marked on older OS maps (c. 1878) at Bunnahabhain Bay but this does not appear on any map after the distillery was built. It is likely the cave (probably a raised beach sea cave) was destroyed when the access road was constructed.

Alternative Names: None recorded.

Notes: For other parts of Islay see Overview:

Hydrographic Feeds: -

Hydrographic Resurgences: -