Bridgend Woods and the Islay Woollen Mill
Argyll and Bute
Bridgend Woods were planted in the early nineteenth century as parkland for Islay House, at the head of Loch Indaal in the middle of the island, and they are now a mix of native and exotic trees including redwood, elm, sycamore and beech. Dogs can go off lead through the woods, though a lead is needed crossing the A846. This 6.6km circuit starts from the car park by the lane to Islay House Square, where there are shops, galleries and the Islay Brewery. It follows a track beside the River Sorn, crosses the river on a wooden bridge and heads through dense woodland to the Islay Woollen Mill. Founded in 1883 and reopened in 1981, it is the island's only mill and still weaves tweed on Victorian looms. The return uses a short stretch of minor road with open countryside views, then a narrow path through the Claggan Strip, a band of woodland that can be very wet. There is only 23 metres of climbing, on good waymarked tracks and paths.
This dog friendly walk is a sheltered change from Islay's exposed beaches and moors. The woodland tracks give high off-lead potential for a dog with good recall, and the River Sorn and side burns provide water all the way round. Keep your dog on a lead on the minor road section and when crossing the main road at the start and finish. The Claggan Strip is boggy with the odd fallen tree to step over, and can be skipped by returning the way you came.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 6.6 km (4.1 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 2 hr
- Walk Type
- Woodland, River, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Shops, galleries and the Islay Brewery at Islay House Square beside the start; Islay Woollen Mill on route; Bridgend village nearby.
- Parking
- Car park for the woodland walks at the start of the lane to Islay House Square, just north of Bridgend on the Port Askaig road.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Bridgend Woods and the Islay Woollen Mill, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in Argyll and ButeFrequently Asked Questions
Is Bridgend Woods and the Islay Woollen Mill dog friendly?
Yes, this is a great choice for a dog walk, earning a solid 8/10 on our dog-friendly rating. The 6.6km woodland circuit offers plenty of natural interest for dogs, with the River Sorn and several side burns providing water throughout the route. The sheltered woodland tracks make it a welcome alternative to Islay's more exposed beaches and moorland, whatever the weather.
Can dogs be off lead at Bridgend Woods and the Islay Woollen Mill?
Dogs can enjoy good off-lead freedom through the woods, making it a brilliant route for dogs with reliable recall. The main exception is when crossing the A846 at the start and finish, and along the minor road section on the return, where leads are required. The woodland tracks give high off-lead potential overall, so a well-recalled dog will have a wonderful time here.
What should I know before visiting Bridgend Woods and the Islay Woollen Mill with my dog?
The route is largely level with only 23 metres of climbing, and the tracks are well waymarked, making it manageable for most dogs and owners. The Claggan Strip section of woodland can be very wet and boggy with the occasional fallen tree to navigate — if conditions are bad, you can simply retrace your steps from the Islay Woollen Mill instead. It's also worth noting that the start point near Islay House Square has shops, galleries and the Islay Brewery, so there's plenty for humans to enjoy before or after the walk.
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Woodland walks car park, Islay House Square lane, Bridgend, Isle of Islay PA44 7PB
55.7837, -6.2466
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