The Isle of Ghia

GHIA

I have eulogised in previous blogs about the Hebridean Islands off the west coast of Scotland.  Today I include a gallery of photographs which I took, some years ago now, on the southernmost Inner Hebridean island of GHIA.  Ghia has one of the warmest climates in Scotland and is a beautiful destination, with sandy beaches, the renowned Achamore Gardens, good food, history and wildlife, a golf course, quiet roads and friendly people.

One of the main attractions of this small island is the ease with which one can reach it from the mainland.  It lies just four miles from the Kintyre peninsular and the ferry, from Tayinloan, will take just 20 minutes to reach the small landing at Ardminish.  The island’s one hotel is close by and I had a delightful few days based there whilst I explored the island.

The population of Ghia is approximately 160.  The island is just over 6 miles long.  Its single-track main road runs from north to south covering almost the whole length of the island which is nowhere more than two miles across from east to west.  The highest mountain on the island is Creag Bhan in the northern part of the island which is exactly 100 metres in height.

Isle of GHIA – marked with the red pointer

Find out more about the island at:  GHIA’s website

PHOTO GALLERY . . .

20 minute ferry ride from the mainland of Kintyre

Ardminish Bay and the island’s one hotel

Bikes for hire will take you the length of the island’s one north-to-south road

Scene at the island’s south Pier

Many birds on the island’s foreshore

The island’s Manor House and magnificent gardens

Roadside flora

More roadside hydrangeas

Sheep roaming the foreshore

Shade under the palm tree

Ancient Runes

… and ancient tombs

View of the Paps of Jura looking west from Ghia