If you’re a regular follower you’ll know that we love to travel around our beautiful country of Scotland just as much as we enjoy exploring abroad. Not many people, even those from Scotland, actually know of the existence of the Isle of Gigha or where it is! However it’s such a lovely little island, with a fantastic community and such pretty landscapes it’s definitely worth a visit.
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Where Is Gigha?
The Isle of Gigha is located on the West Coast of Scotland, just a 20 minute ferry ride from the Argyll peninsula. The ferry port is at Tayinloan, halfway between Tarbert and Campbeltown.
From Gigha you can see the Hebridean islands of Islay and Jura, only a few miles away. Gigha is incredibly close to these two popular larger islands, but there is no ferry between them.
Why Is Isle of Gigha Special?
The community-owned Isle of Gigha is special because it owned by the people who live there. There was a community buyout of the island in 2002, when the island was handed over to the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust. The trust is made up of island people, voted for by the islanders. They help run the various assets that bring in money to the island, whilst using this money to fund projects such as the Gigha ranger service, new path networks and local activities for islanders.
You can check out the Gigha community website for information on what is happening locally.
How To Get To The Isle of Gigha
Gigha is located just off the Kintyre peninsula, just a 20 minute ferry ride from Tayinloan on the mainland. Most people take the ferry across, you don’t need to book, but if there’s not enough room you will have to wait an hour for the next ferry. Ferries leave Tayinloan on the hour, except for 1pm when it stops for an hour lunch break. Cars can be left on the mainland and you can pay for a return as foot passengers or take the car with you if you’re staying a while. However, you probably won’t use the car much on Gigha, it’s only 7 miles long and everything is within walking or cycling distance.
You can of course sail to the island on your own boat, there are plenty of moorings available during the summer season when the pontoons are out.
If you have a bit more money then flying is also an option. You will need a private helicopter or microlight to land on the island as there are no commercial flights available.
As the Isle of Gigha is so close it’s also possible to day trip to the island. It’s a good isle to spend the day playing on the beach and enjoying the views, before heading home again.
Where To Eat
For such a small island there really is plenty of places for everyone to eat. Near the ferry is The Boathouse, a great little restaurant with freshly cooked meals and delicious desserts. They specialise in fresh, locally caught seafood, which is right up my street. Just note that restaurant is seasonal, from spring to autumn.
The Nook is open in the late afternoon and evenings on selected days throughout the year (longer opening hours in summer). It’s located beside the village shop and post office, serving delicious locally caught and freshly cooked seafood. It’s a takeaway service from the hatch, but it’s definitely delicious and worth stopping in for.
Just a 5 minute walk up the road in Ardminish village is the Gigha Hotel, which is currently closed due to a search for new tenants. However, next to the hotel is the Wee Isle Dairy cafe, open for lunches throughout the year (times vary). you can buy hot and cold food and snacks, plus their delicious ice cream of course.
You can also buy supplies for making your own meals at the village shop and post office in Ardminish.
Accommodation
They’re are a variety of different options of accommodation for different budgets.
Behind the shop is the beautiful Gigha yurt, where you can spend a few nights glamping on Gigha. If you check out the Airbnb reviews you’ll see just how wonderful previous guests have found it. It has a double and 2 single beds, plus a cot if required and is heated with a wood burning stove, which will be lovely and cosy in the cooler months.
Next along the road in Ardminish is the Gigha Hotel, which boasts several double and twin rooms, plus the Ardminish suite with 2 separate rooms. Unfortunately the hotel is currently closed as ownership has been given back to the islands Trust until new tenants are found to run the hotel. I’ll update here once I hear about it’s re-opening.
Self Catering and B&B’s
There are 6 other self catering cottages available on the island, 5 are managed by Gigha Holiday Lets, each with it’s own unique beautiful decorated look and with gorgeous views of the island. The 6th self catering cottage is 9 Ardminish which has 2 double bedrooms and a one room with bunk bed, although extra single beds can be added at request.
Finally there are the island B&B’s, 3 are available to choose from. Achamore Lodge with two spacious bedrooms, each with a double bedroom, although a single bed can be set up at request. Springbank B&B has wonderfully accommodating hosts according to their Facebook page.
Campsite
The Gigha campsite opened in 2022 and has grown over the years to be a fantastic resource for visitors to Gigha. Located just beside the ferry pier it’s really easy to arrive and pitch up within moments of leaving the ferry. Do make sure to book a space before arrival, otherwise it may be fully booked!
Enjoy both electric and non-electric pitches, with space for up to 10 motorhome or campervans. Caravans are not allowed on Gigha due to the single track roads.
Facilities include shower and toilet block, dish washing area and clothes washing line. There is also a communal fire pit to the rear of the campsite. Alternatively borrow fire pits to take to the beach from reception.
Shops
There is only one main food shop on the island, Ardminish Stores (who also own the traditional yurt). The store has a large variety of items that will keep you well fed throughout your stay, although you can’t guarantee what items will be available when! The shop is also where you can buy the Wee Island Dairy ice cream and milk in returnable glass bottles, plus fresh eggs from the hens living behind the store. The shop doubles as a post office (just like in Katie Morag!).
The other shops on the island include the delightful Gigha Natural Skincare, which specialises in a skin care range made from plants without any harmful ingredients such as parabens. Holistic appointments can also be made on request. There is no longer a craft shop on Gigha, but crafts can be bought in Ardminish Stores or from one of the several craft honesty cupboards outside islanders homes. Also, don’t miss the cake and tablet honesty cupboard outside Heather Gorman’s on the way to the gardens.
Top Things To Do On Isle of Gigha
1. Hire Bikes or Kayaks
As Gigha is such a small island you don’t really need a car and can easily leave it at the car park at Tayinloan. To get places quicker a bike is useful, particular for children who can cycle further than they can walk. You can hire bikes and e-bikes from Gigha Activity Centre at the ferry terminal if you don’t want to bring your own. If you want to explore the island from the sea then you can also hire kayaks and other boats from Gigha Boats Activity Centre beside the ferry pier.
2. Hike Along The Extensive Path Network
A new path network has been developed across Gigha. You can pick up a leaflet for an overview or buy a book with detailed instructions on all the islands paths, history and wildlife.
Favourite paths around the Island are the Western link path (excellent views across to the isles of Islay and Jura). Northern loop path takes you along past some stunning beaches looking North and then round to ancient cairn burials. Finally the woodland walk at the Southern end of the island is beautiful with some fantastic climbing trees too!
3. Relax on One of The Many Beaches
There are plenty of sandy beaches to explore. The nearest (away from ferry beach and the Boathouse!) is down the path a little way past the Gigha Hotel and perfect for the kids to play or just take in the views and watch the ferry. Further afield are the twin beaches at the North of the island. Leim at the South with a huge chunk of quartz and great rocks for climbing. Plus Cuddyport on the other side of the gardens is great for an explore.
4. Wildlife Watching
Enjoy standing on the beach and look for whales, dolphins or gannets. Try the North of the island for whales and around Ardminish bay for dolphins. There are plenty of seals on the smaller rocky islets too. There are plenty of seabirds to spot all around too. Although if your kids are like mine you might find them swimming in the water, rather than the dolphins!
We’ve also seen White Tailed Sea Eagles, otters and mink (although mink are invasive, they aren’t bothered by humans!). Of course there are the small rockpool and shallow sea creatures too.
5. Visit The Stunning Achamore Gardens
Achamore gardens are beautiful and full of great areas to explore, from wilder ponds and hilly areas, to the more formal old gardens and a path through bamboo to explore! A great place for all the family to enjoy and just a short walk or cycle from the village. Achamore House is private and lived in by islanders. However the gardens are maintained by a team of gardeners and volunteers.
6. Climb to The Top of Creag Bhan
The highest point on Gigha is fairly obvious when you are on the island. As it’s not very high it’s an easy climb up, even for young children. Plus there is the reward of a fantastic view over the sea to Islay and Jura from the top. Although the weather wasn’t that great when we were at the top!
7. Explore Gigha’s Amazing History
There are also numerous standing stones, dun, caves, graveyard and other ancient remnants to explore around the island. To really explore the island of Gigha then buy the Gigha guidebook on Isle of Gigha from either Gigha’s Natural Skincare or Ardminish Stores, there are over 40 different walks and locations to visit. You can good views across to Islay and Jura from the West coast in good weather.
8. Try A Spot of Golf
If you enjoy golf then you can also bring your clubs across and play at the 9-hole golf course. I’m not a golfer myself, so I can’t say what the course is like, but I’m sure it would make for a fun activity!
9. Hunt the Furbochs!
The furbochs are 6 friendly creatures that live on Gigha. They are often hiding around different areas and you will need to find all 5 (and the new baby!). Nearby is always a small hut with lot of fun family friendly activities inside, which can entertain the kids for hours.
They move around the island every so often, but keep an eye out near the hotel or the woods on the way to the gardens. These are the most frequent places to find them!
10. Visit The Dark Sky Site
Gigha has its very own dark sky site! Head to the very North of the island and you will find Gigha’s dark sky theatre. Complete with interpretation board and seating. It’s the perfect place to wait for night fall and admire the stars on a clear night.
You can also download the pamphlet about dark skies Gigha here.
Here Are All My Guides To Visiting The Scottish Islands!
- Shetland Islands – The most Northernly islands in Scotland, but so much to see!
- Orkney Islands – Beautiful islands filled with history and wildlife.
- Isle of Skye – Popular with tourists, great to visit in the quieter shoulder season.
- Isle of Tiree – Popular for Watersports, it has plenty of beaches and hikes.
- Isle of Mull – Rugged island with amazing wildlife, beaches and hikes.
- Isle of Iona – Famous for St Columba, it has fab beaches and hikes.
- Isle of Islay – Often referred to as the whisky island, it also has fab wildlife.
- Isle of Gigha – A small island, but so much to offer, beaches, trails and views.
- Isle of Bute – Great island close to mainland, don’t miss Mount Stuart!
- Isle of Kerrera – A small island with excellent tea room, great for a day trip from Oban.
- Inchcolm Island – Tiny island in the Firth of Forth, great day trip from Edinburgh.
Other Islands To Visit Nearby
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