Hawk's Nib

The southern end of the West Island Way is by the bus turning-circle beyond Kilchattan Bay (GR NS 108545); its first section, along the raised beach, was the subject of Walk 5.  The present walk covers the next section, from the cave at Creag a’ Mhara to Glencallum Bay.  Although well marked, this stretch is rather precipitous in parts and requires greater agility than any of  the walks so far described in this series.

There's a very uneven, rocky section immediately after passing through the gate by the cave, but soon the ‘Hawk’s Nib’ will come into view, a large sandstone overhang named after its supposed resemblance to a hawk’s neb (beak). 

Below the rock and for a short distance afterwards, the path is once again back on the raised beach.  Note how the vegetation changes according to the ground conditions;  on the wetter parts, you can find a good display of Ragged-robin and Yellow Flag Iris, as well as patches of Marsh Marigold and the occasional Northern Marsh Orchid.

Ragged-robin, Marsh-marigold and Common Cottongrass

Northern Marsh-orchid

Drier areas, on the other hand, afford a habitat for a different range of plants, such as Wild Thyme, English Stonecrop and Common Bird’s-foot Trefoil (‘bacon and eggs’).  Heath Bedstraw (white) is here in abundance; soon also will be the wonderfully fragrant, yellow flowers of its close relative, Lady’s Bedstraw.

Heath Bedstraw and Common Bird's-foot Trefoil

Cat's-ear, Thrift and English Stonecrop

Now the path climbs over a short rocky stretch before descending to level ground again. Here is the Rubh’ an Eun lighthouse.  The path then turns back inland towards the shingle beach of beautiful Glencallum Bay.

Looking back to the Hawk's Nib

Glencallum Bay

Usually on these walks I try to concentrate on the more common species, but Glencallum beach has a rarity that merits a mention.  Despite its exposure to the winter storms, a small colony of Hound’s-tongue has been established here for many years.  Although the species is by no means uncommon in the UK as a whole, its rarity lies in the fact that not merely is this its only site on Bute, it is its only known site within a radius of more than 50 miles!

Houndstongue

Also on the shingle you can find Sea Campion, Stork’s-bill and Skullcap.

Sea Campion

Stork's-bill

Skullcap

If you wish, you can make a circular walk by continuing on the West Island Way so as to return to Kilchattan Bay via St Blane’s Church (see the WIW website for a detailed itinerary).  Alternatively retrace your steps and look for the flowers you didn’t see on the outward journey (I invariably find at least a few and wonder how I could possibly have missed them!).

Species in flower include: