An afternoon at Kilchiaran Bay, Islay

	Unfortunately the beautiful sun from the morning in Port Charlotte was shortlived, by the afternoon it had clouded over. Nevertheless I decided to drive out to Kilchiaran to take a look around the old chapel, Kilchiaran Bay and the disused slate quarry. First I had another quick look at the old chapel. There isn't too much to see in the ruins, mainly a few graveslabs and the old baptismal font. As it was summer, it was a little bit overgrown, but not too bad. Next I made my way down to Kilchiaran Bay. I wasn't the only one, there were people on the beach, others were having a picnic on the rocks going out to Rubha Liath. But my plan was to continue west, for better views over the bay as well as a look north along the coast.

From near Rubha Gàidhealach I had an excellent view over Kilchiaran Bay. I could see all the way from the beach at the end over Rubha Liath to the steep shoreline continuing south. The view would have been even better on a sunny day, but I still think the Quicktime VR panorama of the view over Kilchiaran Bay, Islay, is quite nice:
	Past the disused quarry (My plan was to return there on my way back to Kilchiaran Bay) I walked out to the shore, climbing over low cliffs until I reached Rubha na h-Airde Móire. From here I had a quite nice view north along the shoreline towards Machir Bay. The clouds were still hanging fairly low above me, but in a way this added to the atmosphere of the place. The dark rocks and cliffs, the waves coming in again and again, a ship passing on the horizon. I spent some time here, just watching, thinking and relaxing. Looking at the waves relentlessly pounding the cliffs and rocks has something I found quite relaxing. It also is a demonstration of the amazing force of nature. This was a fairly calm day, I think it would be impossible to go here during a violent winter storm.


	On my way back to Kilchiaran Bay I stopped at what remains of the long disused slate quarry. Some of it is now overgrown, other parts have been exposed through erosion and look like they were part of the quarry when in reality they weren't. I also found it quite difficult to take pictures of the place, I hope the ones you can see here give you at least an idea of it. There were a few interesting and funny finds: Someone had written his name with pieces of slate, even when part of it was slightly overgrown I could make out that Matt had been here. There were piles of slate, looking almost like a fireplace that would never burn.

	When I returned to my car I found I still had some time left, so I continued along the road to Portnahaven. I had a look around and enjoyed a pint of Islay Ale at the ‘an tigh seinnse’ pub. Then I walked towards Port Wemyss for a nice view over to the lighthouse on Orsay before returning to my car for the drive back to Port Charlotte. I took the same way back from Portnahaven to Port Charlotte, stopping near Lossit with the idea of walking down to Lossit Bay. But I then changed my mind and drove back to Port Charlotte without visiting the beach. This turned out to be a very good decision as the next day was going to be much better...
If you are interested in more information about Islay, Colonsay and Jura you might also be interested in my Isle of Islay, a visit to the beautiful island off the west coast of Scotland pages. There you will find many more pictures and further information about Islay, Jura and Colonsay.

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