drewbhoy

From the hut circles at Abhainn A’ Garbh-achaidh follow the road as it heads north, then south east passing the the working croft of Ardmenish. Keep going until the road heads south west, then leave the road and head straight for the only high ground – the Ardmenish Fort.

It is a well defended site with the remains, some still built, of four walls. To the north of this is the entrance, a relatively easy climb.

This was the second time we’d seen the fort, earlier that day an open rib boat slowed so I could take a couple pictures of the fort, after that it was up to Corryvreckan, eagles of various type, whirlpools and standing wave.

The track from Knockrome to Ardmenish has been improved and I’m glad to say that it looks like The Light Houses, home to the light house keepers, are being restored as well.

Great site, more info on the Canmore link.

Visited 27/07/2021.

After getting permission to park at Burnside, Knockrome we followed the track as it headed North with great views of the Lowlandman’s Bay to east. This is a very open stretch of track until the small wood at the crossing of the Abhainn A’ Garbh-achaidh Burn. A short distance north beyond the burn stands a small clump of trees to the east of the track, the hut circles are conveniently pointed out, one beneath the trees and one found by tripping over a stone.

Luckily one of the huts has trees outlining it’s shape, stones remain in place and it has walls up to 2m wide. The other hut is slightly to the south east and also has several stones in place as I discovered with Jura’s now infamous high ferns covering the site.

Nice site, much easier in winter.

Visited 27/07/2021.

The A846 isn’t the only road on Islay, there are roads to Keils, Inverlussa, Knockrome and Lealt (the walk to Corryvreckan). It does, however, have only one A road, the A846.

The dun at Doir A’Chorain, just the east of Gate House (north on the road) and south of Lagg can be reached by parking near the passing place, there is plenty of room.

A short walk south reaches the site which is 14m long by 9m wide. It is surrounded by walls some of which still remain in a built condition, at their widest they reach 2m. However an annexe, 18m long and 11m wide also surrounded in walls contains the main front door in the north east with perhaps another smaller entrance on the south side of the dun.

An interesting place and a place that you can easily be spied on. Deer, at least 50 or 60 of them watched nervously from Cnoc A Doire Dharaich to the east, their antlers dark on the hilltop.

Visited 26/07/2021.

The standing stone at Ardlussa like many standing stones appears to indicate a natural harbour and is situated on the north side of Ardlussa Bay, a short distance east from the road.

It stands at about 1 meter high and has no markings. The only thing to disturb its peace was myself and a few cows.

Nice site.

Visited 26/07/2021.

This must have been a huge cairn at some point, it still is despite being much reduced in size. However it is difficult to photograph thanks to trees growing on it and the very high ferns, seemingly commonplace this year on Jura.

Take the Keils minor road from Craighouse heading west following it as it heads north, at the next sharp corner stop. From here head east down the hill which leads straight to an entrance to a field. Look up the small hill, the cairn is amongst the trees.

After jumping the fence be careful as you’ll land in the beginnings of the stonework. Kerbs can be seen on the north and south after a good tramping down of vegetation.

Apparently the cairn was used as a type of kirk or meeting place during 1847.

Could be a very good site if the vegetation went away.

Visited 26/07/2021.

Parking is available to the south of Craighouse at the crossroads with the main road and two tracks. To the west leads the stone row at Carragh A’ Ghlinne, to the east is Crackaig Farm.

Head east along this track, for about 200 metres, then look for a gap in the dry stane dyke to head south west. The dun is on the north side of the hill so head for low point between the two high points of the hill, then head north. Dry conditions made the climb fairly easy.

Remnants of defences can be seen on the south and north west as large well placed stones, some of these stones being 3m in length. The stone on its edge marks the forts front door to the south. A much reduced rampart surrounds the interior which is approximately 15m by 10m. Steep slopes on three sides complete the defences.

Superb all round views, north to the Bay Of Small Islands and on a good day Ireland to the south.

Visited 26/07/2021.