Peachy skies above, clear azure waters below, and fertile flourishing farmland in between, it’s clear why the Vikings named the Isle of Gigha ‘Gudey’- the Good Isle or God’s Isle. As I strolled through the main village, Ardminish, I was taken by not only the spectacular scenery, but also how time seems to ebb and flow here. This is the reason I keep coming back to Scotland’s bonnie isles- time slows, my senses heighten, and I find myself going with the flow of the tide.
My first trip to the Isle of Gigha was to trace the footsteps of my ancestors who lived on the island until the nineteenth century. This was such a special trip for me, as we spent four incredible days exploring the island with my son, Alex, who was 18 months old at the time.
Gigha is easy to reach- it’s just a 20-minute ferry ride from Tayinloan on the west coast of the Kintyre peninsula. Once on the island, you’re met with crystal waters lapping white sandy beaches, an abundance of historic monuments (many dating back to prehistoric times), and awe-inspiring views of neighbouring islands, Islay and Jura.
What makes Gigha even more special is that it’s owned by its residents; in 2002, the islanders were successful in their bid to purchase the island. We were there for the annual Gigha Day on March 15- a day that celebrates the buyout of the island. We attended a ceilidh at the village hall, and had a great night dancing away to The Jacobites!
It’s my hope that you will make your own special trip to Gigha.
This is my definitive guide to planning a trip to the Isle of Gigha, with over 14 things to do. This guide also includes tips for planning your trip, where to stay, how to get around the island, and where to eat.
While you could visit the island in just a day, my advice is to stay longer. There is just too much to see and experience for a short trip; Gigha may be wee, but it has thousands of years of history dotted throughout the island that is well worth exploring. It’s a crime to rush!
Quick facts about Gigha
Population: 165
Size: 7 miles long, half a mile wide
Distance from Glasgow: 3 hours by car, followed by a 20-minute ferry
Planning a trip to the Isle of Gigha
A quick history
Evidence of humans living on Gigha dates back to the Mesolithic era – 6000 to 11,800 years ago!
Almost 2,000 years ago, Irish settlers arrived on Gigha, bringing with them their vibrant culture and rich language, and founding Scotland’s very first Gaelic-speaking kingdom. Gaelic remained the heart language of Gigha well into the 20th century.
In the 9th century, the Norse swept in, ruling Gigha and many of the Hebridean islands for nearly four centuries. Their story here came to a dramatic close in 1263, when King Haakon IV’s mighty fleet gathered off Gigha before meeting defeat at the famous Battle of Largs.
There are three common surnames tied to Gigha’s history: MacNeill, Galbraith, and MacDonald.
The Galbraith clan arrived in Gigha following their exile from the Lennox region (an area including Loch Lomond) in 1425 after a failed rebellion. You will see many Galbraith headstones in Kilchattan Chapel.
Gigha came into the possession of the MacNeills of Taynish after the fall of the Lord of the Isles at the end of the 15th century. They fought with the Macdonalds over the island until they finally sold it to another branch of the family: the MacNeills of Colonsay.
Since then, the island has exchanged owners many times, and it was finally bought by the community in 2002.
Where is the Isle of Gigha?
Gigha is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides and is located less than 4 miles off the west coast of the Mull of Kintyre. The island is easily visible from the mainland, and the ferry journey takes just 20 minutes.
The islands of Islay and Jura are located to the west and north of Gigha.
Where is the best view on the island?
With the neighbouring isles of Islay and Jura unfolding from the northwest, the best vantage point is from the north, looking westward to the mighty Paps of Jura.
When is the best time to visit the Isle of Gigha?
I recommend visiting in spring or summer so you can see the lovely Achamore Gardens in bloom. Gigha doesn’t experience a massive throng of tourists that other Scottish islands do, so you can visit in the summer and enjoy many parts of the island to yourself.
How to get to the Isle of Gigha
The Isle of Gigha is one of the easiest islands to reach in Scotland. The ferry to Gigha departs from Tayinloan and is operated by CalMac. CalMac run a ‘Turn Up and Go’ service, meaning that you just show up, board the ferry, and purchase your tickets onboard.
You can also purchase your ferry tickets in advance via the CalMac website (which is what we did). Ferries run regularly during the summer between the hours of 9 am and 7 pm Monday-Saturday and 10 am – 5 pm on Sundays.
Check-in for the ferry closes 10 minutes prior to departure for vehicles and foot passengers. I suggest turning up 30 minutes before the ferry is about to depart to give yourself plenty of time. There is a cafe at the ferry terminal called Big Jessie’s Tearoom that is open from Wednesday to Sunday.
>> Click here for the timetable
Getting around the island
Being a small island, Gigha is very accessible on foot or by bike. You can cycle the length of the island in just one hour!
The main road stretches from the northern tip of the island to Leim in the south. It’s around 12 miles (19 kilometres) long. The road is mostly flat, making it suitable for cyclists of all levels. Gigha also has an extensive network of walking and cycling routes. Check them out here.
You can hire bikes from the Gigha Boats and Activity Centre near the ferry terminal. They have regular bikes as well as e-bikes (for those of us that hate an incline 🙋♀️). Bikes can be fitted with child seats, tagalongs and a canopy buggy for young children and toddlers.
You can take cars across on the ferry to the island. We took our vehicle across, but only because we were travelling with our toddler and our dog and had a lot of luggage!
I encourage you to explore the island on foot or by bike- and this is what we will be doing next time! You can leave your vehicle at the Tayinloan ferry terminal while you explore Gigha.
Accommodation in Gigha
Caol Mara
Caol Mara is a beautiful, recently renovated house with sea views that is located in the centre of the main village, Ardminish. This is where we stayed on Gigha; it has three bedrooms and sleeps six, so it’s perfect for families or a group of friends travelling. It’s also dog-friendly!
Travelling with wee ones? The property is not toddler or baby-proof and contains stairs. We spent most of our time in the dining room and conservatory, which both have doors, so we could keep Alex away from the stairs. You will also need to bring your own travel cot.
The Yurt
One of the quirkiest (and fun) accommodations on Gigha is the Mongolian Yurt. It sleeps up to four, and is located behind the Ardminish Stores in the village centre, a short walk from the ferry terminal.
Gigha Camp and Motorhome
The Isle of Gigha Camp and Motorhome Site is located near the ferry terminal and has all the facilities you need to camp comfortably, such as showers, toilets, hairdryers, a washing-up area, and a seating area to socialise.
There is also an electric vehicle charging point onsite, and waste disposal if you’re travelling in a motorhome.
Where to eat and drink
Gigha has some wonderful places to eat and drink on the island- and if you spend at least a couple of days here, you’ll get to experience them all.
- Wee Isle Cafe – This cafe is run by Wee Isle Dairy, who produce ice-cream and glass-bottled milk made on the island. Stop by for breakfast or lunch, where they serve hot rolls, sandwiches, soup, baked potatoes, burgers, drinks, cakes and more.
- Ardminish Stores – Run by Joe and Hannah, this is the main grocery shop on the island. I purchased a bottle of Isle of Gigha Coastal Gin from here – it’s a lovely London dry gin, so pick up a bottle if you can.
- Gigha Hotel Bar – Pop along to the newly refurbished bar for a drink and get to know some of the locals. There’s also a patio with a beer garden for when the sun is shining. Open on weekends.
- The Boathouse – Serving local, freshly caught seafood, The Boathouse has gained recognition from the Michelin Guide for five years running. Relax with a glass of wine and enjoy the view of the Kintyre Sound while dining on some of the finest seafood in Scotland.
- The Nook – A seafood takeaway in front of Ardminish Stores. Specialising in Gigha crab rolls, langoustines, smoked halibut bagels, fish and chips, as well as more adventurous dishes including skate wing and scallop dishes.
- Sunshine Bread – We picked up some of this delicious home-baked bread during our stay. Order online every Tuesday for pickup on Saturday between 10 am-12 pm.
A tip for eating on Gigha
Be sure to check the opening hours for each of my recommendations, as these can vary day-to-day. Most businesses on Gigha update their opening hours on Facebook or Instagram. I have included a link to the official websites where you can find the opening dates and times above.
Things to do on the Isle of Gigha
Gigha is a fantastic island for nature and history lovers. There is a lot to see and do on this wee island, and if you look at an OS map, you’ll see just how many historic sites are sprinkled across the island.
Here are my top things to do on the Isle of Gigha.
1. Explore the wonderful new walking and cycle paths
To make the island accessible for walkers and cyclists, a series of paths has been created throughout the island to make exploring easy!
The best way to explore Gigha is by hiring a bike from the Gigha Boats and Activity Centre and cycling around the island. The main road on the island runs north to south, is mostly flat, and has very little traffic- making it a fantastic cycling path! It takes around 45 minutes to one hour to cycle from one end to the other.
We enjoyed walking several of the paths around the island to discover ancient tombs, standing stones, and cists. The Gateway to Gigha Path Network is a great resource showing all the walking and cycling paths around the island.
This interactive map also shows walking and cycling paths around the island, along with the main attractions listed.
2. The Twin Beaches (An Dòirlinn)
The most popular attraction on Gigha is the Twin Beaches, a tombolo that stretches from the mainland to the small island Eilean Garbh (the Rough Isle).
There is a well-maintained path leading from the road to the beaches- just be wary of free-roaming cattle (and cow poo!). The northern beach is the nicer of the two with pristine white sand and beautiful views out to the sea.
On the southern beach, look out for tiny Arctic cowrie shells that wash up on the shore. A fun activity for kids!
If you’d like to climb up to Eilean Garbh to snap the iconic photo of the two beaches, there is a helpful (albeit wobbly) ladder that has been placed on the rockface. Be super careful navigating this!
Read more: 10 things to do on the Isle of Coll
3. Fisherman’s Cave
The Fishermen’s Cave is a narrow cave marked with carvings from fishermen who would use the cave for shelter and storing their fishing gear. The carvings date as far back as 1735!
The cave is located in the north-west, accessed via a rocky, waymarked path. There are beautiful views across to Islay and Jura, as well as a small white sandy beach to explore.
The path passes through grazing livestock- keep away from the animals and keep your dog on a leash.
4. Dark Skies Theatre
Did you know that one of the best places to see the Milky Way is on the Isle of Gigha?
Located in the north of the island, the Dark Skies Theatre offers the opportunity to view the Milky Way clearly on a dark, cloudless night. Wrap up warm with a thermal flask filled with tea, some binoculars (10 x 50 magnification is best) and enjoy the show the universe puts on for you. You can check the weather in advance on the Met Office website.
Dark Skies Gigha is a non-profit community group based on the island that offers educational experiences and events from time to time. They have a Facebook group you can join if you’re interested in learning more!
Please note there aren’t any facilities here- just some benches and an informational plaque marking the spot of the theatre.
Did you know that Gigha’s Dark Skies Theatre has been awarded the highest designation for viewing the Milky Way? It is one of 20 remote locations in Scotland to receive this award!
5. Càrn Ban Prehistoric Cists
Càrn Ban (The White Cairn) is a prehistoric chambered cairn, and is around 4000 years old. At least eight people were buried here during this time, including a woman who was buried with quartz rocks and pottery urns.
The cists were discovered in 1792 when islands began using the stone to build dykes (fences). The smell was so intolerable that it gave them violent headaches!
The cairn measures 15 metres in diameter.
6. The Giant’s Tooth standing stone (Carragh an Tairbeirt)
The most famous monument on Gigha is the Giant’s Tooth (Carragh an Tairbeirt). Standing at high metres high, the standing stone is hard to miss as you travel north on the main road.
It’s possible the Giant’s Tooth dates from the Bronze Age. While no one really knows what standing stones were used for, they may have been erected for religious or ritualistic practices.
Scottish engineer Alexander Thom believed it was erected so it aligned with the Paps of Jura to mark the setting sun of the midsummer solstice!
Did You Know
The standing stone is also called ‘The Druid’s Stone’ and ‘The Hanging Stone’. The latter was coined from a tradition where convicted criminals were left to hang to their deaths from the cleft of the stone.
7. Dine at The Boathouse
The Boathouse is an award-winning seafood restaurant that serves up some seriously delicious scran. The building is a quirky, refurbished 300-year-old boathouse with indoor and outdoor seating. Check out the ‘Fresh in’ specials board for the catch of the day.
The Boathouse has gained recognition from the Michelin Guide for five years running- and proves popular with day trippers who will catch the ferry for an afternoon on the island, followed by dinner with views of Ardminish Bay. It’s open seasonally- check their website for their opening dates.
8. Wee Isle Cafe
Firstly, let me start by saying that the Wee Isle Cafe serves up one of THE best breakfast fry-ups I’ve ever had.
The Wee Isle Cafe is a small family-run business that sells artisan ice cream and fresh milk sourced from their dairy farm on the island.
You can also purchase their delicious ice cream toppings to take home with you. I love their Sticky Toffee sauce.
A visit here to taste the island’s local produce is a must! Check their opening hours on their Facebook page.
9. Visit Gigha Natural Skincare
Gigha Natural Skincase is owned by Morven, who makes ethically and sustainably sourced skincare products. She also sells a variety of crystals and gifts.
Morven also runs yoga retreats- the dates can be found on her Instagram page.
Gigha Natural Skincare is located next to the Wee Isle Cafe at the Crafts Units in the centre of Ardminish.
10. Kilchattan Chapel
Kilchattan Church dates from the 13th century and is dedicated to St Cathan, an Irish missionary who travelled throughout the Hebrides in the 6th century.
It’s an atmospheric ruin, surrounded by filled with richly adorned gravestones. This gravesite is unusual in that family gravestones tend to be grouped together in the older areas of the church. Some gravestones have been worn away completely.
Look out for the carved grave slab of Malcolm MacNeill, chieftain of the island in the 15th century. The stone, bearing a kilted warrior, is located in a small enclosure southeast of the church. The MacNeills were one of the main clans on Gigha.
11. Ogham Stone
Discover Gigha’s very own Ogham stone– a stone inscribed with the Early Medieval alphabet that originated in Ireland.
The Ogham stone stands on Cnoc A’Charraidh (Hill of the Pillar), just behind Kilchattan Chapel. A Professor who analysed the stone’s inscription has translated the reading as ‘Vicula Maq Comgini’ (Fiacal Son Of Coemgen) and holds the opinion that it is a Scottish inscription cut under Pictish influence.
It most likely refers to the gravesite of the deceased and probably dates from the earliest settlements of the Scots in Dalriada.
12. Get out in the water
Spend a day or an afternoon exploring Gigha’s crystal clear waters. You can hire kayaks, paddleboards, wetsuits and snorkels from the Gigha Boats and Activity Centre.
13. Achamore Gardens
Gigha’s warm microclimate makes it the perfect location to grow a variety of trees and plants from all over the world. With 54 acres of gardens, Horlick rhododendrons, azaleas, hydrangeas, and camellias are just some of the flowers you’ll spot. New Zealand tree ferns even grow here!
There’s even a bamboo maze for the kids.
Achamore Garden is open all year round.
14. Bodach and Cailleach standing stones
Gaelic for the old man and old woman, the Bodach and Cailleach are said to roam the windswept heaths of Gigha at noon and midnight. Their story may reach back over 1,500 years to pre-Christian Ireland, when Irish sailors are thought to have left offerings here. This practice continued into the 19th century.
Stones shaped like bodachs are also found in Perthshire, and other bodachs and cailleachs are stitched into Highland and Hebridean legend. Tradition insists that Bodach must always face Ireland, and that misfortune follows if he falls- so don’t lean on him whatever you do!
More things to do on Gigha
- Join a guided walk with Gigha’s resident ranger, CJ! Walks take place during spring and summer. More information can be found here.
- Look for Honesty Boxes selling crafts and baked goods around the island
- Find the Ardminish Bronze Age cist
- Find the Well of the Winds (Tobar A’ Bheathaig)
- Visit the Spouting Cave (Sloc an Leim)
- Visit the Holy Stone and The Field of the Chapel (Ridh A’ Chaibeal)
Isle of Gigha Map
This map contains the suggested driving route from Edinburgh, along with all the attractions on Gigha that I’ve mentioned in this guide. Recommended food stops along the way are the farm shop at Luss, Inveraray, and Tarbert. The best place to buy groceries to take to the island is the Co-Op at Inveraray.
Travel tips for visiting Gigha
- Gigha very much runs on the concept of ‘island time’- meaning that sometimes things won’t be open when they say they will! Being flexible is key- and always have extra snacks on hand!
- Check the Gigha Noticeboard Facebook group for local information. If facilities on the island are closing unexpectedly or changing their opening times, the information will usually be posted here.
- Tracing your ancestry on Gigha? The Ancestors and Descendants Facebook group is a good source of information.
- Scotland’s People is another fantastic resource for ancestry research.
- Bring your boots! If you’re planning on exploring the many cists, caves and cairns often located within boggy terrain, adequate footwear is a necessity. Pack waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support, and bring a towel to wipe off any mud and sand.
- The Visit Gigha website is a fantastic resource to help you plan your trip to Gigha.
Watch the reels of my Gigha trip
I created two reels about our trip to Gigha if you’d like to watch our Gigha adventure live in action:
- Watch Part I – The journey from Edinburgh to Gigha
- Watch Part II – Things to do on the Isle of Gigha
Books about the Isle of Gigha
The Way It Was: A History of Gigha by Catherine Czerkawska – This is a comprehensive book about the history of Gigha. It contains information about the many cists and forts throughout the island, the clans and families that have lived there over the centuries, and the folklore of the island. It was written around the time of the community buyout.
The Gigha Guidebook by Keith T. Wilson – This is a fantastic resource when planning a trip to Gigha. Written by a retired teacher living on Gigha, it contains over 40 things to see and do and short, succinct history about the island.
Gigha, the Free State: Memories of childhood on a Hebridean Island by Moreen MacDonald – An interesting wee book that contains some first-hand accounts of growing up on Gigha. This book can be purchased from Ardminish Stores on the island.
Are you planning to visit the Isle of Gigha? Leave me a comment below 💜
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