Islay Walks: Lily Loch and Beyond

Walks from the Farmhouse

Islay walks, and have you discovered the path leading to Lily Loch? Situated close to Port Askaig, it is within easy walking distance from the accommodation at Persabus.

A hidden treasure on Islay, it is a popular walk and great for children and dogs too.

It is just a short walk from the farmhouse at Persabus. It is definitely one of mine and Tiggy’s (my flat-coated retriever) favourite Islay walks.

Likewise when the Persabus clan were small they loved spending days adventuring along the labyrinth of pathways that unfold. There’s loads of twigs, sticks, and stones for imaginative play, and great places to make dens.

In late June, the Loch is covered in flowering lilies. Honestly it looks like it’s straight out of a Monet painting.

The Track to Lily Loch

Just head down to the main road from Persabus, and cross over, and you will find the stony pathway that will lead you through beautiful woods to Lily Loch and beyond. If it’s a wet day, wellies are recommended as there can be puddles, or flooding over the verges, if there’s been particularly heavy rain. However usually trainers are fine.

The track meanders, running fairly parallel to the main road, then just towards the top of Port Askaig Brae, there’s a gate, go through that, follow the track to the right and the path will lead you on down to Lily Loch. Watch out for Roe deer, in quieter times they can often be seen grazing close by. Halfway down there’s a little wooden gate, do remember to close all gates behind you as you go.

If your dog, like Tiggy, loves swimming, do pick up any loose branches along the track. Tiggy likes to retrieve sticks from the Loch, and often there’s none to be seen at the water’s edge.

Picnics

Ideally situated at the edge of Lily Loch is a picnic bench, so if you’re planning to make a day of it, do pack some sandwiches, or a flask. It’s a beautiful spot to while away the time, so long as the midges aren’t biting.

Beyond Lily Loch

At Lily Loch you have two options. If you follow the path round the edge of Lily Loch, it will lead you on past Loch Aline, Loch Nan Cadhen (both hidden off the main track, just follow the tracks leading on to the Lochs they’re only a short distance from the main path), and on to Ballygrant Loch.

Or follow the track to the right, and take the first track on your right. It will lead you on down to a pebble beach on the Sound of Islay, but that’s for another blog!