Bridgend Woods

Directions: The area around Bridgend has several different tracks suitable for walking. The main entrance gate to this beautiful woodland, which belonged to Islay House, is found opposite the entrance of Islay House Square. There is a car park next to this entrance on the Port Askaig Road.

Walk: There are various options to discover the area which offers beautiful carpets of snowdrops in January and February and a spectacular number of bluebells in May. One of the longer stretches is the walk to the Woollen Mill, which is 4 miles long and follows the River Sorn. This stretch takes around two to three hours to complete, depending on the time you spend at the Woollen Mill. There is a wee playground with a swing if you take the track to your right heading back to Bridgend. Alternatively, there is another circular route close by which starts opposite Islay Car Hire at the former Islay House Lodge. You pass Islay House and the Square and can head back via the Community Gardens to the car park.