Kerrera Circular Walk

7 miles (11.2 km)

This circular trek around the southern end of Kerrera offers a rugged and rewarding exploration of an island often called the "green jewel" of the Inner Hebrides. Beginning at the ferry jetty after a short crossing from Gallanach, the route leads you inland past the small settlement of Balliemore.... As you trek toward Barnabuck, the landscape opens up into wild moorland and grazing pastures shared by the island’s famous feral goats and Highland cattle. The path continues beneath the imposing heights of Torbhain Mor, the island's highest point, which provides a dramatic backdrop before you reach the coastal outpost of Ardmore.
From Ardmore, the trail hugs the coastline, offering sweeping views across the Firth of Lorn toward the peaks of Mull and the Slate Islands. The undisputed highlight of this stretch is the dramatic silhouette of Gylen Castle, a 16th-century tower house perched precariously on a rocky promontory. After exploring the ruins and the nearby vaulted cellars, the path winds through Lower Gylen and passes the popular tea garden, which serves as a welcome resting spot for hikers. The final leg of the journey follows the shoreline back to the jetty, completing a loop that feels remarkably remote despite being only minutes away from the bustling town of Oban.