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The view across the Sound of Kerrera to Oban and the mainland.
Argyll and Bute

Kerrera Southern Loop

The favourite walk on Kerrera: round the Horseshoe bays to the tea garden and Gylen Castle, and back over the hill to the ferry.

Welcome

The southern loop is the favourite walk on Kerrera, the green island across the Sound from Oban, and it fills a day away from the mainland.

The track runs along the shore past the wide Big Horseshoe bay and the Little Horseshoe, a perfectly shaped bay backed by a row of cottages, with views back across the water to the mainland hills.

Small teapots and cups on the fence posts mark the way to the Kerrera Tea Garden, about three and a half kilometres from the ferry, and a few minutes beyond it stand the ruins of Gylen Castle on their headland, with views out over Scarba, Luing, Seil, Jura and Islay. The full circuit is about seven miles, three and a half to four hours, on tracks and grassy paths, returning over the high ground to the ferry. The island is quiet, with sheep and the sea for company.

A short drive awayKerrera FerryThe little turn-up-and-go passenger ferry from Gallanach, south of Oban, across the Sound of Kerrera.1 min by roadSee itThe ferry's ramp and the island across the sound.
Before you go

Take the passenger ferry from Gallanach, two miles south of Oban.

The loop is about 7 miles, 3.5 to 4 hours; the tea garden is about 3.5 km from the ferry.

Distance
About 7 miles, 3.5 to 4 hours.
Start
The Kerrera ferry slip.
Where it is

Kerrera, across the Sound from Oban.

Close byOn Kerrera.
  1. Pulpit HillPulpit HillThe hill above the south side of Oban Bay, with a 1930 indicator naming the islands in the view.1 mile3 min by road
  2. Alba the Artshop, ObanAlba the Artshop, Oban1 mile3 min by road
  3. George Street Fish Restaurant & Chip Shop, Argyll and ButeGeorge Street Fish, Oban1 mile3 min by road
  4. Blue wooden hut with bunting, flower baskets and open door, hills behindBalliemore Farm Shop, Kerrera1 mile1 min by road
  5. An old wooden boat wreck on the Kerrera shore.Dail RighThe King's Field on Kerrera, where Alexander II is said to have died in 1249.2 miles2 min by road
Directions
The ferry's ramp and the island across the sound.AttractionsKerrera Ferry1.0 miles
The CalMac terminal on Oban's waterfront.AttractionsOban to Lismore Ferry1.2 miles
Whole lobsters on ice beside a chalkboard sign reading "lobsterRestaurantsOban Seafood Hut1.2 miles
Mussels and prawn cocktail with white wine on a restaurant tableRestaurantsThe Waterfront Fishouse, Oban1.2 miles
Harbourfront buildings and a red-roofed pavilion along the bay.AttractionsOban Harbour1.2 miles
The Rockfield Centre's café, red chairs at wooden tables under tall school windows.AttractionsThe Rockfield Centre1.2 miles
Piazza, Argyll and ButeRestaurantsPiazza, Oban1.3 miles
The Modern Croft, ObanShoppingThe Modern Croft, Oban1.3 miles
The Oban Inn, Argyll and ButeRestaurantsThe Oban Inn1.3 miles
Stay nearby

Places to stay near the walk, and when each is next free.

The Drury from the lawn below: a grey granite Victorian villa with sandstone bay windows, dormers in the slate roof and tall chimneys.The Drury
  • Sleeps 22
  • In Oban
  • A mile from the loop
Free 18–20 OctGlencruitten House, Argyll and ButeGlencruitten House
  • To stay
  • In Argyll and Bute
  • 3 miles from the loop
Check datesTimber cabin with copper roof beside a loch, shaded by oak treesUisge Bothy
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Oban
  • 5 miles from the loop
Check datesBlack timber-clad cabin with corrugated roof and stove flue, set among trees and long grassBeatha
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Oban
  • 5 miles from the loop
Check datesPlaces to stayEvery stay in Argyll and ButeAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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