Iona: the abbey and the north end
From the ferry past the abbey where Christianity came to Scotland, to the white beaches at the north of the island.
- Distance
- 6.5 km
- Ascent
- 40 m
- Time
- 1.5–2 h
- Grade
- Easy
- Route
- Out and back
- High point
- 27 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
Iona: the abbey and the north end is an easy 6.5 km out-and-back walk with 40 m of ascent, taking 1.5 to 2 hours. It starts at Iona ferry pier (grid reference NM 287 240). The start can be reached by public transport.
Iona is a mile wide and three long, with no cars for visitors and the abbey St Columba founded in 563 a short walk from the ferry. The walk goes through the village to the abbey and St Oran's chapel, where the early kings of Scotland are buried, and on up the island's spine to the white shell beaches at the north end, looking across to Mull and Staffa.
Route
-
1
The abbey
Walk through the village to the abbey.
-
2
The north end
Continue to the beaches at the north of the island and return.
Summit
On the way
-
Iona AbbeyAbbey · on the route
-
Iona NunneryAbbey · on the route
Questions about this walk
- How long does Iona: the abbey and the north end take?
- Most walkers take 1.5–2 hours for the 6.5 km route, which has 40 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Iona ferry pier (grid reference NM 287 240). Leave the car at Fionnphort on Mull; no visitor cars on Iona.
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Ferry from Fionnphort, reached by bus from Craignure. Check times on Traveline Scotland.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded easy. A quiet road and grassy machair paths.
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Keep them on a lead near livestock.
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