The MacPhies of Colonsay
| Distance | Approximate Time | Height Gain | OS Map |
| 32 kms | 2 days | 1700 metres | Explorer 354: Colonsay & Oransay |
Description
The isles of Colonsay and Oransay lie off the Argyll coast north of Islay and Jura and around 15 miles south of Mull and combined are approximately 10 miles long by 2 miles wide. Oransay is connected to Colonsay at low tide when it is possible to cross the sandy causeway (known as the Strand) on foot. The islands are largely agricultural in nature and have numerous sandy coves, secluded lochs and cliffs teeming with over 200 species of birdlife and beautiful beaches (Kiloran beach in the north of Colonsay is particularly beautiful and overlooked by the MacPhie, 'A' Bheinn Bheag').
Walking on Colonsay is easy and the landscape is full of variety and provides wide, magnificent vistas of nearby Hebridean islands and the Argyll coastline.
The MacPhies which are defined as 'an eminence in excess of 300ft (91.46 metres) high' are Colonsay's equivalent of the Munros - only much smaller, though no less worthy!
A popular way to walk these interesting hills is by accepting the MacPhie Challenge! This involves a walk of around 20 miles, climbing all 22 peaks (in any order) in one connected route with the journey starting and finishing with any point below the High Water mark. Bear in mind, that to complete the route, one must plan for the high and low tides in order to walk over to and summit Beinn Orasa on Oransay.
Obtaining the Ordnance Survey Explorer map detailed above is strongly recommended for planning a route for this challenge. It is of course possible (and some would argue more rewarding) to walk these hills at a more sedate pace and take a few days to explore their virtues.
The MacPhies of Colonsay are as follows:
1. Beinn Orasa (Oransay) 93m
2. Beinn Eibhne 98m
3. Cnoc an t-Samhlaidh 93m
4. Cnoc a' Raon a'Bhuilg 120m
5. Beinn nan Caorach 126m
6. Carn Mor 134m
7. Binnean Riabhach 117m
8. Cnoc Mull-araich 100m
9. A' Bheinn Bhreach 139m
10. A' Bheinn a Tuath 120m
11. Beinn Uragaig 120m
12. Beinn a' Sgoltaire 125m
13. A' Bheinn Bheag 109m
14. Carn an Eoin 143m
15. A' Bheinn Bhreac 122m
16. A' Mhaol Bhuidhe 100m
17. Cnoc Mor Charraig nan Darach 92m
18. Dun Dubh, a' Phairc Gharbh 104m
19. Beinn nam Fitheach 105m
20. Carn nan Caorach 110m
21. Beinn nan Gudairean 136m
22. Carn na Cainnle 116m
A map of the MacPhies of Colonsay and Oransay can be found here.
Access Info
There is no pre-determined route though the Colonsay website does give lots of information and a suggested route completed by a walker in just under 7 hours. Colonsay (Scalasaig) is served by Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) ferry services from Oban six times a week in summer and three times a week in winter. The journey takes 2¼ hours.
Additional Info
Colonsay is served by a wide range of holiday accommodation including self-catering accomodation, a hotel, bed and breakfast accommodation and a self-catering hostel for backpackers. There is also a well stocked shop and post office, a tearoom, a bookshop and a number of other seasonal enterprises. The island also has numerous natural attractions to explore and the Priory on Oransay dating back to the 14th century is worth a visit.
