Colonsay is a remote island in Scotland's Inner Hebrides, characterized by its diverse and rugged natural environment. The island features a varied coastline with sandy beaches like Kiloran Bay and dramatic cliffs, alongside inland terrain comprising rocky hills, wild moorland, and woodlands. A unique tidal causeway, The Strand, connects Colonsay to Oronsay at low tide, expanding the accessible landscape for outdoor pursuits. This varied geography makes Colonsay suitable for several sports like hiking and jogging.
12
Routes
5
(11)
Average rating
95
People visited

5.0
(3)
11
hikers
11.4km
03:05
170m
170m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

5.0
(1)
3
hikers
19.5km
05:08
180m
180m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

5.0
(3)
26
hikers
7.30km
01:52
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(3)
14
hikers
13.8km
03:42
170m
170m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
17
runners
12.6km
01:20
120m
130m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
runners
13.8km
01:31
110m
110m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
runners
4.05km
00:26
30m
30m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
runners
7.95km
00:54
140m
140m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Colonsay offers diverse outdoor activities, including hiking, jogging, race biking, and touring biking. The island features 16 routes with an average rating of 5.0 stars from komoot users. Its varied terrain includes sandy beaches, rocky hills, and woodlands.
Colonsay features various hiking trails, from coastal walks to hill ascents. Popular options include loops around Kiloran Bay, the walk to Oronsay Priory across The Strand, and routes to Carnan Eoin. More details can be found in the Hiking around Colonsay guide.
Yes, Colonsay offers family-friendly hiking options suitable for various ages. These routes often include walks along sandy beaches and through woodlands. The Family-friendly hikes around Colonsay guide provides specific recommendations.
Jogging routes in Colonsay utilize relatively traffic-free roads and trails across the island's varied landscape. The island's compact size allows for exploration of diverse terrain. Specific routes are detailed in the Running Trails around Colonsay guide.
Colonsay is known for Kiloran Bay, a large sandy beach, and The Strand, a tidal causeway connecting to Oronsay. Other features include dramatic cliffs, wild moorland, and Carnan Eoin, the island's highest point at 469 feet (143 meters). Ancient sites and woodland gardens also exist.
Hiking trails in Colonsay range from easy walks along beaches and through woodlands to more challenging routes. Ascents to the island's summits, such as Carnan Eoin, offer more strenuous options. The island's varied terrain caters to different fitness levels.
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code generally permits responsible access with dogs. Dogs should be kept under control, especially near livestock or wildlife. Specific trail restrictions may apply in certain areas, so checking local signage is advisable.
Colonsay's routes are highly regarded on komoot, with 157 visitors having explored them. The 16 available routes have received an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars from 23 ratings, indicating a positive user experience.
The Strand is a mile-long (1.6 km) tidal causeway that connects Colonsay to the neighboring island of Oronsay. It is accessible for walking only at low tide. This allows visitors to reach Oronsay Priory and explore Oronsay's nature reserve.
Yes, komoot offers several guides for Colonsay to help plan outdoor adventures. These include Hiking around Colonsay, Family-friendly hikes around Colonsay, and Running Trails around Colonsay.
The official website for Colonsay tourism information is colonsay.org.uk. This resource provides comprehensive details for visitors planning a trip to the island.
The highest point on Colonsay is Carnan Eoin, which stands at 469 feet (143 meters) above sea level. Reaching this summit offers panoramic views of the island and surrounding areas.

