The Gigha Path Network has recently been established to guide and encourage the idle stroll or seasoned walker. The paths will take you up to the north of the island where you can explore the fisherman’s caves, down to the edge of the sea to frolic with the seals, alongside the remnants of the Old Mill, and up to the highest point on Gigha called ‘Creag Bhan’. Surrounded by Islay and Jura on to the West and the top of the Isle of Arran on the East, who would ever want to leave such a heavenly place.
Bring your golf clubs to experience Gigha’s nine hole golf course. It isn’t as easy as one might think on this well maintained island course! The sea views can be very distracting.
Visit Smashing Glass, a gallery of hand-made jewellery using beach glass and other gems; knitwear, pottery, soap, candles and other local artwork. Smashing Glass also runs weekend craft workshops and music sessions. www.smashingglass.com is where you will find these treasures and more.
Want to try your arms at kayaking or explore the sea bed in a wet suit and snorkel? Gigha Boats is located right next to the Gigha ferry slip and provides the tools for these excursions for one hour or an all day hire from 9-6pm. www.gigha.net/gighaboats
Every second weekend in September is the Gigha Music Festival. Enjoy the weekend full of live music from the well known, to up and coming singers and bands. What better way to relax and dance the hours away than on a Hebridean island surrounded by excellent people and music!
If you are around in June or July, you can also take part, or witness, the annual Gigha Raft Race. All rafts are hand made, using materials that will hopefully float. Watching the efforts of the happy futile paddling their way out of sinking will provide you with laughter for years to come.
What type of accommodation is available?
Accommodation can be found in a variety of places. The area around the Boathouse Café is designated for camping, but please check in with the hotel first. The Boathouse provides showers and laundry services for the wayward camper, not to mention the chance to wake up to the sound of the sea lapping at the shore and the hungry search of gulls overhead.
The Gigha Hotel itself offers Bed and Breakfast, a good night’s sleep, and a healthy pint in the pub. A plate full of Gigha Cheese and a thick slab of Gigha bread can be made even more enjoyable by sitting in the garden next to the hotel and watching the sailboats glide past. Please check out the www.gigha.org.uk website for updated news and events. Ferry schedules can be found www.calmac.co.uk/gigha