The B8066 serves the southern corner of Tiree. The route gained its number when classified roads were introduced to the island around 1930.
Junction with the B8067
The B8066 starts at the staggered crossroads on the B8065 at Heylipol, with the B8068 only a short distance away. It's actually a TOTSO junction for the B8065, as the road to Scarinish turns off the main north-south route. The B8066 intially heads south between wide verges and drystone walls with expansive views across Hynish Bay to the left. The verges are laden with flowers in the spring, and the fields stocked with munching cattle! After half a mile or so, a lane leads up to a Post Office on the right, and then a road turns right to Balinoe. Soon after, the large ancient cemetery that has been visible for a while blocks the road ahead and so it has to turn left then right to round it. Opposite is the view back along the broad sweep of white sand leading back to Crossapol. The road then approaches the village of Balemartine, with the B8067 turning off to the right at the entrance to the village. For a while, there are houses on both sides of the road, those on the left accessed by a network of grassy lanes, but soon the road reaches the rocky coast, with just the occasional house on a little headland.
End of the road at Hynish
Beyond Balemartine, the road passes through Mannal, little more than a 'suburb', and then leaves the houses behind as it winds along the coast. There is rarely more than a grassy swathe separating the road from the shore, but twice the road climbs around the back of a rocky outcrop before it reaches the little settlement of Hynish. This was originally the shore station for the even more remote Skerryvore Lighthouse, another 10 miles out to sea. Today there is a little exhibition in one of the old buildings, a heritage trail and stunning views to enjoy! The public road ends at a gate, with a farm track continuing ahead.
