St. Columba's Bay
St. Columba's Bay
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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5.0
85 reviews
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69
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14
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KarenJ
Mill Valley, CA64 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
We took the hike to St Columba’s Bay as part of the full day Iona Pilgrimage hike.
This fantastic walk will take you not only to the labyrinth and holy pebbles of St Columba’s Beach but then back across the grassy Machair up to highest points in the island. We visited the Hermit’s Cell (hard to find without a local guide) and the Sacred Pool of Youth where a drink from the fresh spring is said to reverse aging. The vistas are magnificent.
We did this hike with David of Iona Trails. An 8th generation islander, he has a deep love of the land. He also has extensive knowledge about the geology, history, plant life and local lore of Iona. I cannot recommend this trip more highly. You can reach David at Ionatrails.com.
This fantastic walk will take you not only to the labyrinth and holy pebbles of St Columba’s Beach but then back across the grassy Machair up to highest points in the island. We visited the Hermit’s Cell (hard to find without a local guide) and the Sacred Pool of Youth where a drink from the fresh spring is said to reverse aging. The vistas are magnificent.
We did this hike with David of Iona Trails. An 8th generation islander, he has a deep love of the land. He also has extensive knowledge about the geology, history, plant life and local lore of Iona. I cannot recommend this trip more highly. You can reach David at Ionatrails.com.
Written 23 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
carele
Edinburgh34 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
This was our third visit to St Columba's Bay and again it was well worth the walk. Lovely sunny day with slight breeze made for an enjoyable day. The views on the way are magnificent. Have also walked this way in pouring rain but once you reach the bay it's all worthwhile. Colourful pebbles, especially when wet, the lapping ocean, tranquillity, beauty - very refreshing.
Written 30 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dorothy T
Edinburgh, UK19 contributions
Jul 2018 • Friends
The walk from Martyrs Bay to the machair very easy as much of this part is on the road. From there the going gets rougher and is relatively rocky in places but the view at the end is well worth the trip. The colours in the rocks and stones here is unbelievable
Written 7 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Polar B
London, UK43 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
Iona is a spiritual place and this is where you can enjoy the nature to yourself and meditate. (Not that I do meditation, I went there on a hiking trip)
Seat on the beach, watching the seaweed go up and down in the distance, I highly suspect there're sea otters among those seaweed. Shame I don't have binoculars with me.
It's a small beach, we had to pass some huge cows to get to the beach. Good place for stone pilling. We saw some balanced stone on the beach. (so now you know, it's pebble, not sand) Bring sth to sit on, otherwise can be painful to sit on little pebbles.
Seat on the beach, watching the seaweed go up and down in the distance, I highly suspect there're sea otters among those seaweed. Shame I don't have binoculars with me.
It's a small beach, we had to pass some huge cows to get to the beach. Good place for stone pilling. We saw some balanced stone on the beach. (so now you know, it's pebble, not sand) Bring sth to sit on, otherwise can be painful to sit on little pebbles.
Written 18 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SageTraveler
San Diego722 contributions
Sept 2016 • Friends
Visitors to Iona walk here for their pilgrimage, led by a friendly & knowledgeable Visitor Center coordinator.
Regardless of the weather, you should wear waterproof shoes. And bring rain pants, just in case.
You head south through the little village, and go past homes, entering a dirt path. You'll meet a friendly cat or dog that needs petting. There's a free campground that a farmer will let you pitch a tent.
Columba's Bay is best approached by walking across the fairway. Yes, there's really a golf course here. Free, too. When you leave the golf course, a winding path leads to the beach. Good footwear is important, as you'll clamber on slippery stones, and a steep ascent.
But it's worth the effort. Columba's Bay may not be for everyone -- depends what you're looking for.
Regardless of the weather, you should wear waterproof shoes. And bring rain pants, just in case.
You head south through the little village, and go past homes, entering a dirt path. You'll meet a friendly cat or dog that needs petting. There's a free campground that a farmer will let you pitch a tent.
Columba's Bay is best approached by walking across the fairway. Yes, there's really a golf course here. Free, too. When you leave the golf course, a winding path leads to the beach. Good footwear is important, as you'll clamber on slippery stones, and a steep ascent.
But it's worth the effort. Columba's Bay may not be for everyone -- depends what you're looking for.
Written 30 September 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Flockula Carrot
Perth120 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
If you walk without stopping it will take about an hour to walk to Columba's Bay from the Village. However, I suggest you plan it as a whole day's activity and take your time to enjoy the air, the views, the flora, lichen, history and to do some Iona stone hunting.
When you reach the Bay of the Coracle (its other name) - you'll find it's a double bay, deep in pebbles - reflecting the extraordinary geological make up of the island - with quartz, granite, flint, mica, marble and more. The treasure hunt is to find a pure 'Iona Stone' which I think is the translucent green serpentine part, found in the white marble on Iona. You can spend many hours raking through the pebbles to find this treasure, especially at the water's edge.
Make sure to take water & snacks with you as it's a very long way to a shop or drinking water, despite passing the small reservoir on the way!
When you reach the Bay of the Coracle (its other name) - you'll find it's a double bay, deep in pebbles - reflecting the extraordinary geological make up of the island - with quartz, granite, flint, mica, marble and more. The treasure hunt is to find a pure 'Iona Stone' which I think is the translucent green serpentine part, found in the white marble on Iona. You can spend many hours raking through the pebbles to find this treasure, especially at the water's edge.
Make sure to take water & snacks with you as it's a very long way to a shop or drinking water, despite passing the small reservoir on the way!
Written 24 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gerry G
113 contributions
Apr 2019
Like the rest of Iona, a visit to St. Columba's bay is a trip back into the initial steps and journey of St. Columba and christianity and modern day Scotland as we know it.
Written 19 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GeorgeCasley
London, UK29 contributions
Sept 2014 • Family
A marvelous place - well worth the walk. If you cant make the journey go to the North Shore or Bay at the Back of the Ocean.
Written 26 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FulwoodPR2
Preston, UK90 contributions
Mar 2015 • Friends
Easy to follow the path to Columba's Bay and the Labyrinth. Peaceful walk though the path is rough in places, where it passes the white sands the views are stunning. Columba's Bay is stony but so peaceful and spiritual, allow yourself time there! Walking time about 1.5 to 2hrs one way.
Written 29 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JRSharp
Texas105 contributions
Aug 2014 • Solo
Imagine a moss-backed cobble stone path damp with small trenches and soggy bottoms. Feel the misty breeze laced with scents of sea salt and ocean foam. Gaze into the cloud strewn heavens with glimpses of gulls, curlew, sandpiper, lark, and oyster catchers. You are beginning to capture the allure of this magical sojourn. Along the way the hike transcends into a welcomed pilgrimage wrought with deep emotion, mystery, and wonder. Prepare in advance for pop-up showers and water-laced pathways. Give yourself or group ample time for side trips and sea coast exploration along the way. A half-day is recommended and a full day would not be disappointing. The panoramic vistas are rewarding as the trail ebbs and flows in elevation all along the way. Wear comfortable hiking (water resistant) shoes and consider including a walking staff. Map your trip beforehand and prepare to navigate various landscapes if you intend to explore (you will want to explore) off of the beaten path. The water is cold and very refreshing. Note: There are no public facilities along the way. Bring water, snacks, and something to take pics. Also, mind the sheep.
Written 16 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, how long will the round trip walk here take from the ferry port and is it safe for dogs? We are only visiting for the day and want to do the abbey and nunnery too.
Thanks.
Written 9 September 2019
When are guided tours conducted on the island and what is the cost?
How long is the guided tour?
David.
Written 18 May 2015
I believe there are guided tours conducted on Iona but have not been unable to find details regarding the times and frequency of these tours.
Can someone provide updated information regarding the tours?
Many thanks
David
Written 18 May 2015
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