The beauty of the size of this Scottish Island is that you can easily explore in every direction on foot. In fact, Iona walks will transport you to beautiful white sandy beaches, stunning views and local hidden gems.
Getting around Iona on foot is the best way to uncover the magnificence of this island. There are a variety of walks to experience the sublime vistas, clear waters and expansive white sands. So whether you want to watch crashing waves, swim and picnic, or discover the teeming wildlife, there’s a walk for you.
Here are the best two walks to uncover Iona’s spell, whatever the season or weather.
TWO SUPERB IONA WALKS : NORTH & SOUTH END OF THE ISLAND
1. DUN I AND THE WELL OF ETERNAL YOUTH LOOP
The Gaelic name Dun I (which is pronounced Dun Ee), means hill of Iona, and at a mere 333ft above sea level, is Iona’s highest point.
START: Pier Jetty | TIME: Allow 90 minutes / up to 2 hours if going to the North End Beaches | DISTANCE: Approx. 4.75 miles/7.5km
Beginning at the pier jetty, the walk ascends Iona hill, before continuing to white sand beaches of the north end. The Gaelic name Dun I (which is pronounced Dun Ee), means hill of Iona, and at a mere 333ft above sea level, is Iona’s highest point.
STAGE 1 :
From the jetty, walk straight ahead up the road, passing Iona Craft Shop on your left, which has beautiful crafted knitwear. Passing the ruins of an Augustinian convent on the right hand side which you can explore on your return, turn right along the minor road as it bends sharply. Continue past Iona Heritage Centre which is a great spot to learn about island and community life.
STAGE 2 :
Stop briefly at the finely carved stone MacLean’s Cross which dates back to the 15th-century. Arriving pilgrims would have stopped here on their journey to Iona Abbey to say prayers. Free-standing and 3m tall, it stands stoically against the harsh elements.
The road turns sharply left climbing slightly and passes St Columba’s Hotel and its organic vegetable garden. St Columba’s Larder on your left, is a great place to pick up picnic items and takeaway drinks.
STAGE 3 :
You will now see the famous Abbey over on the right, founded by Irish monk St Columba, who is responsible for bringing Christianity to Scotland on his arrival from Ireland in 563AD. Be sure to book a tour around the restored Abbey to discover it’s full history.
You will pass St Oran’s Chapel, separate from the Abbey and St Oran’s Graveyard. Continue north along the road passing Iona Pods and a row of white cottages on the left.
STAGE 4 :
Dun I is visible on the left. To start your ascent, climb a signed stile and make your way across a grassy field to the lower flanks. The way isn’t clearly marked but straight forward to the top, if not a little steep. The grass can be springy and boggy underfoot.
At the peak is a cairn and trip point, and wondrous 360 degree views. On a clear day you can see the Isles of Mull, Skye, Coll and Tiree. Look down across the north end white sandy beaches, which make great picnic spots.
As you look north from the cairn, a small slope leads to a cleft in the rocks and the Well of Eternal Youth. Splash your face in the waters of this natural pool and it is said that you will be given guidance and direction in your life!
STAGE 5 :
Retrace your steps from the peak back down to the road. Here, you have the option to turn left and continue to the beaches on the north of the island.
After about 10 minutes you will reach the road end and two gates. Pass through onto grassland, keeping any dogs on a lead. Stick to the path which leads directly to the beach and a wonderful stretch of white sand, known as White Strand of The Monks.
This is just one of many stunning Iona Beaches, accessible on foot.
STAGE 6 :
Return the same way, passing Iona Abbey on your left. Keep left and pass though the grounds of Iona Nunnery, built by Reginald MacDonald, who was a son of Gaelic leader Somerled.
While most visitors flock to the Abbey, the ruins are a peaceful spot to sit and reflect. Continue down the road to the jetty and your starting point.
2. IONA SOUTH END AND WEST COAST
The south of Iona, isolated and unspoiled, is just as worthy of exploration as the north end of the island. Found at the most southern bay is St Columba’s Bay, famed as the landing site of St Columba. Plus, you will probably have the stretches of beaches all to yourself, as other visitors head straight to Iona Abbey.
START: Pier Jetty | TIME: Allow 2.5-3 hours return | DISTANCE: Approx. 5.3 miles/8.5km
Beginning at the pier jetty, this walk heads south where you will cross a golf course and wild flower machair before continuing to a fine named beach and St Columba’s landing point.
STAGE 1 :
From the jetty, turn left along the tarmacked shore road heading south, past Martyrs Bay. Stop to look at the stunning views over the Sound of Iona to the Isle of Mull. Continue past a war memorial and converted church before following the road as it bends sharply to the right.
STAGE 2 :
The road heads inland towards the west coast of the island. At the road end is a metal gate, through which you access the West Machair. You will see cows and sheep grazing on the short springy grass. Be mindful of any golfers as you cross, as this also serves as an informal golf course.
STAGE 3 :
Continue to the end of the winding path and explore the backdrop, namely Bay at the Back of the Ocean. This wide arc of sand facing west, is the last place before arriving on dry land in Canada! On a sunny day, this is one of the finest of Iona Beaches.
On the far left of the bay in the distant cliffs is Spouting Cave. If there are high winds and a big sea swell, you can witness the water spouting out of a fissure in the rock at heights of up to 30 feet.
STAGE 4 :
From the beach, return to the end of the path and turn right onto a fainter grassy track, which leads to the south end of the informal golf course. Continue along a line of small slabs. The path follows the fence line on your left, rising clearly uphill.
The terrain is often boggy but the views back across the machair and beaches is worthy of a stop. Passing Loch Staoineig on your right, continue south on the track, crossing boggy moorland before the hill descends steeply to the southern shores of Iona.
STAGE 5 :
You have arrived at St Columba’s Bay, the landing point of St Columba on his journey from Ireland in 563AD. A huge rocky outcrop divides the stunning pebble beach into two, the left-hand one being called Port a Churaich.
Mounds of piled round pebbles on the right hand section are fringed by wild flowering machair. Be sure to look for white and green Iona marble and the prized “St Columba’s Tears”, rare green serpentine pebbles. This has to be one of the most stunning Iona beaches and a perfect spot to watch for wildlife.
STAGE 6 :
You may find it hard to leave this wonderful beach, but when you are ready, retrace your steps to the shore road. Stop and watch the ferry coming over from Mull as you walk past the sandy beach of Martyrs Bay.
IONA WALKS WRAP UP
We hope that you found this Iona Walks guide helpful. There are many other interesting things to do on Iona, and the tiny island is a great place to unwind and slow down. If you have any questions about Iona or have your own travel tips to share, please leave these in the comments below.
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