Things to do on Islay Scotland - Finding the Universe Its a little tricky to get to if youve booked accommodation in the Port Ellen area as its located all the way up at the northern tip of the island, but its an absolutely beautiful place. The distance between Glasgow and Islay is approximately 140 miles, which means that the drive will take around 3-4 hours depending on traffic and weather conditions. Before we proceed, lets address the all-important issue of pronunciation. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There are two islands on the loch where you can see ruins from those days though most of your time will be spent on the largest island Eilean na Comhairle which features several ruined buildings and medieval gravestones. Both ferries leave from Kennacraig on the mainland. Isle of Islay - Holidays, Things To Do & Travel | VisitScotland There is an infrequent ferry service from Oban to Port Askaig if you are travelling to/from this direction or if you plan to extend your adventure and do more island hopping from Oban. My main bit of advice would be to stay with local hosts if you can so that you can experience the wonderful island hospitality and local recommendations. The main routes are the A846 from Port Ellen to Port Askaig passing Bowmore and Bridgend on the way and the A847 from Bridgend to Port Charlotte passing through Bruichladdich. You must not light open fires on Islay where there is dry peat due to the fire risk. I'm excited to share it with you. We are now submitting your order to TheWhiskyExchange.com. While youre walking along the clifftops keep your eyes open for otters which can often be seen hunting for food along the tide line, and you might also see seals, although their favourite spots on Islay are Loch Gruinart and the harbour at Portnahaven. While this may seem like a long time, there are a few things you can do to make the journey more enjoyable. A bus stop directly outside the terminal building follows the A846 and the A847 from Portnahaven to Ardbeg so youll be able to stop at most of the distillery villages, but I found the buses to be quite infrequent so if you mistime your flight you might find yourself waiting up to 2 hours for the next bus. Having been to Mull, I found Islay to be less dramatic in topography - flatter and easier to get around. Stop at the village of Inveraray on the banks of Loch Fyne. Inner Hebrides, Scotland | Island-Hopping Travel Guide There are a limited number of taxis however, so I would always book your journey in advance. You cannot drive around the perimeter of Islay as there is no ring road, but it is possible to drive to most parts on the mainly single-track roads. Take the A82 from Glasgow towards Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Ro-Ro & Drive Through Ferries. They're just friendly, as most people on Islay. They both stick to the main roads on the island. http://www.armin-grewe.com/islay/islay-faq.htm#withoutcar, http://www.isle-of-islay.net/islay_transport.html. Getting to Kennacraig from Glasgow on public transport: Kennacraig is on the Scottish Citylink service 926from Glasgow Buchanan Street to Campbeltown. Islay is also very popular among birdwatchers, in particular for the Barnacle Geese. All other brands and names are property of their respective owners. all winter) as flights get frequently cancelled without much notice. The A846 also continues from Port Ellen to the distilleries at Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. Distillery visiting is our primary goal, including Jura. The distilleries, which are open year-round, each have their own unique stories, tours and traditions. Due to its reputation as Scotlands whisky island, Im often asked if Islay is suitable for families with children. If you add viewing wildlife a week seems ideal. Visit Ardnahoe distillery for a tour and lunch. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a wee commission on qualifying purchases. There are currently eight working whisky distilleries on Islay, with a ninth one expected to open soon. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. We plan to be in Islay for three days in the first week of April. We will ferry over with our (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? While you could travel via Gourock and the Cowal Peninsula (the most direct route) you will have to take two ferry crossings. Whenever you pass a local on the road, you will be treated to a friendly wave, which you obviously have to reciprocate. Well if you are into that sort of thing. You are not allowed to wild camp in big groups. There are only 200 inhabitants living across the island's 142 square miles which makes Jura one of the least inhabited places in Scotland. Fill up before taking the ferry over though. While the weather as a whole is quite mild (for Scotland) those winds are another matter altogether and they can make or break your holiday on the island. But with a week, you can pick a day when the weather is decent.. You really get the feeling you are away from the world. Transport to Islay By Car From Glasgow, head north on the A82 for 40 miles until you reach Tarbet (where the A82 becomes the A83). The campsite is quite basic and you dont get many facilities other than water stands and a toilet block which also has showers, but then youre allowed to pitch your tent anywhere you like and the views are stunning. By Bus To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Total travel time is 2.5 to 4 hours, distance by car approx. Disclosure: Out About Scotland is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Get answers to your questions about Islay, Getting around Islay / best places to stay. It's stunning. The drive takes 2.5hrs; there is also a Citylink bus service that runs three times a day between Glasgow and Kennacraig; the journey takes 3-3.5hrs. You can probably see most of the island in 3 days, however a day on nearby Jura is worthwhile. There are two bus routes on Islay, both of which using the main roads on the island. The Machrie, near Islay Airport, is Islays luxury resort-style hotel, complete with a golf course, spa, bar and restaurant. Its just stunning. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Drive the winding road to Ardnave and walk across the dunes to see what I mean. There are a number of important historic sites included several Celtic crosses and Finlaggan, home to the Lords of the Isles. Its not as big as Skye, doesnt have mountainous peaks like Mull or as many beaches as Tiree, but its certainly majestic in every other aspect and its a destination every visitor to Scotland needs to experience at least once in their lives. This is a long and straight road, also referred to as the "Low Road". Some will just lift a finger, others the whole hand. Also if you are planning on renting accommodation many have weekly lets. We started this journey from nearby. Transportation options between Port Ellen and Burichladdich? Of course, many people visit Islay for the whisky distilleries there are 9 of them but the island is also a nature-lovers dream destination and photographers will have a memorable time at places like Loch Gruinart (home to over 20,000 geese) and Loch Indaal (home of rare birds like corncrake and chough). A 4-Day Islay Whisky Tour with Rabbie's Tours [Review 2019] As Islay is mostly quite flat (apart from the very steep hill at Port Askaig) cycling is a good option (unless the wind stops you in your tracks). The roads are often winding and single-track, so care should be taken at all times, and Passing Places are there for a reason: to allow overtaking and two-way traffic on single track roads. Thanks all for your input - much appreciated!! Many of the distilleries stop doing tours by 4 pm. There is a reliable bus service, but buses are not all that frequent, and you would struggle to get round many distilleries in your short visit. The Big Island makes up for more than half of the entire size of the state of Hawaii at just over 4,000 square milesabout half the size of New Jersey. The Series IIA on Islay is a 2.25-litre petrol, however. If you talk to the taxi companies they might be able to put something together as well. Is there an Islay guide I can print off and take with me? There are also car-hire companies on Islay, too, with pick-up locations from the airport and ferry terminals. Admittedly thats an hour longer than driving your own car, but it does at least mean you can have a few drinks on the way and you wont have to worry about drink-driving after visiting Islays distilleries (dont forget we have a near-zero drink-drive policy in Scotland). This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Visit Kilchoman distillery for a tour and a whisky tasting. I'll show you how to explore Scotland on public transport and how to hop around the Scottish Islands like a pro. They also offer distillery tours, usually 2-3 times a day. The trip over is very short maybe 10 minutes shore to shore and costs less than 10 for a car and driver so theres no reason not to make the journey. Islay FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions About the Isle of Islay Hostels Hostelling Scotland run the family-friend Port Charlotte Youth Hostel. It is recommended to book for a tour to avoid disappointment, your best option is to contact/call the distilleries (details are usually available on their websites). All those activities, I'm getting hungry: Where can I eat on Islay? Getting around Islay on public transport. The two main services are the 450 and the 451 which will take you between Portnahaven, Bowmore, Ardbeg, Bridgend and Port Askaig although as I mentioned in the flight section, there can be an hour or more between them. Yes, there are a number of banks on Islay, some also providing a cash machine: If I haven't answered your questions here feel free to, I'd love to hear from you with any suggestions and ideas for improvements to these FAQ (or the pages in general), so please feel free to. There are 9 distilleries on Islay and most have tours and visitor centres. Is a car necessary? - Islay Forum - Tripadvisor Hi! A week would be ideal. From Glasgow, head north on the A82 for 40 miles until you reach Tarbet (where the A82 becomes the A83). The journey time to the airport can be as little as 15 minutes and you can buy tickets in advance online or on the bus on the day which currently costs 14 for an open return. If the weather is the most important aspect of your holiday then obviously summer (June, July, August) is the time to go but be aware youll be sharing the island with the highest number of tourists and the hotel prices will increase substantially compared to spring. Not exactly what I was looking for on an island getaway. Check out my other blog on the top things to do on Islay. This is an island that offers visitors a wonderful experience whether its wildlife watching, relaxing on a beach, hiking through picturesque countryside or boat tours around the coastline. Bus 500 from Glasgow airport to Glasgow central: 9 - one way (14.80 discounted return); Cycling round the island to see Islays nature and wildlife up close is ideal, not least due to the largely flat terrain and the low level of traffic on the island. This campsite has facilities for tents and camper vans and unlike Kintra Farm there are electrical hook-up points. I make a wee commission if you book through these links, which will go towards the cost of running this website, and creating valuable content to help you plan your Scottish adventures. Upon clicking the "Checkout" button you will be transferred to their website for the final checkout. Ballivicar Farm, just outside Port Ellen, has 3 self-catering apartments with one or two bedrooms. I need accommodation on Islay, where can I stay when visiting Islay? There arent any massive hills to tackle on the bike, but the island isnt completely flat either, so the extra push from the eBike is much appreciated. The roads are narrow and single track and the landscape is mostly rough grassland, but its an interesting day trip, especially if you pull your walking boots on and go for a hike around the Paps of Jura which are three mountains on the west of the island that rise to 2,575 feet. Would a week be too long or is there plenty to see? The three southern distilleries can be reached by public transport fairly easily, similar Bowmore and Bruichladdich. The ports are easy to reach by car; Oban is around a two and a half hour drive from Glasgow, and there are also train and bus services. When planning my adventures, I usually start my search on Booking.com or Airbnb to see whats available for my chosen dates. The journey time from Kennacraig to Port Askaig is around 2 hours and from Kennacraig to Port Ellen 2 hours and 20 minutes. Well, they were when I visited anyway. The bus service runs between 7am and 6pm Monday to Saturday, but not on Sunday. For a map and to look around try. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-103124700', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car, so happy to drive about etc. Alternatively, you can take a vehicle from Isle of Islay to Fort William via Port Askaig, Ferry Terminal, Port Askaig Islay Ferry Terminal, Oban Ferry Terminal, Oban, and Crianlarich in around 10h 13m. I admit it was a bit of a culture shock at first, but I found myself missing those friendly people on my return to Edinburgh. From there, you can catch a ferry to Port Askaig on Islays east coast. For ideas on how to spend your time on the island, check out my other post on the best things to do on Islay. It is, however, a bit of a trek to get to Kennacraig so Ill give you an overview of the route from Glasgow. Kintra Farm, near the beautiful Kintra Beach, has 4 self-catering properties on site. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. For a leisurely trip a week would be great. By Ferry Lagavulin Distillery, Islay. You could also choose an accommodation which offers food and drink or book a local taxi. Bowmore is considered the capital of the island and the towns central location is a great jumping off point for those driving around. That said, there is so much more to Islays charm than its golden drams: the landscape, the light, the coast, the cuisine, and the locals. Definitely a week,a full day on Jura is a must , providing the weather is sunny as like Islay you only see it at its best when it's sunny On Islay there are. Islay nature and wildlife. When you drive around on Islay you'll notice that quite a few people will give you a short wave when you're passing. Explore Kildaton church and Dunyvaig castle. Excellent lunches can be enjoyed in the Old Kiln Cafe at, There are a number of options where to stay on Islay, from the luxurious to the budget option. The Isle of Islay is located in Argyll just southwest of Jura, and only 25 miles north off the Irish Coast. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. You can probably see most of the island in 3 days, however a day on nearby Jura is worthwhile. The Best Things to Do on Islay: Distilleries, Food & Outdoor Activities, Have a day at the beach at The Singing Sands or Machir Bay, Burn off some energy at the childrens play park at the, Explore the ruins and history of the Lords of the Isles at, Go seal spotting in the picturesque village of Portnahaven, Discover Carraig Fhada Lighthouse and the stunning Singing Sands. Islay is absolutely doable on public transport for visitors who, like me, dont drive or for those who just dont want to: drinking whisky and driving is not a good mix. Need some help to plan your holiday on Islay? If wild camping is your preferred option you wont have any problems on Islay but there are a few considerations to bear in mind. Arrival at Arran The ferry from the mainland arrives at Brodick, Arran's capital and main settlement. The rest of the roads are very narrow and only suitable for slow-moving traffic so I wouldnt recommend you drive to Islay in a big 44 or anything sporty with a firm suspension, and I have to say on my last two visits I was glad I hired small cars (Vauxhall Corsa and Ford Fiesta which were perfect for the job). Unless you can catch the morning ferries, you are arriving in Islay sometime in the afternoon at the earliest. Their business speciality is small-group tours for no more than 16 people at a time, travelling in comfortable minibuses where passengers will meet new people and never feel lost in a sea of strangers. Some taxi drivers also offer full and half day tours of the island. Take the Slow Road: Scotland - a driving tour of Arran 1. Islay is a reasonably sized island (for the Scottish west coast) but you might find it difficult to source a place to stay if youre heading there in summer. For a leisurely trip a week would be great. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Visit the Ardbeg distillery for a tour and lunch. Transportation options between Port Ellen and Burichladdich? I'm off to book a stay. The bus stops near the ferry ports in Port Ellen and Port Askaig, and directly outside Islay Airport. My fondness for Islay grows with every visit, and while I experience new things each time, I always leave pining for more. From Waikiki, Honolulu to the North Shore and back, is a full day but not overwhelming, give yourself 8 hours. You can view the timetable and book your journey on the Scottish Citylink website. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Home Regions of Scotland The Hebrides Inner Hebrides Isle of Islay. Subtract this from 8 hours to get 8 - 1:30 = 6 hr 30 min. Plan Your Ultimate Oahu Road Trip - Discount Hawaii Car Rental FAQ: What To Do In Islay Scotland? - Scotland Blog Edinburgh (2-3 days, flights in. See website for route schedules. COPYRIGHT ELEMENTS OF ISLAY 2023. I can, of course, use your kind donation tobuy a hot drink on my travels,or I can put it towards the cost of running my business/website, and bringing my new ideas to life. We are now submitting your order to TheWhiskyExchange.com. Islay is famous for a number of things: Mainly probably for its excellent Islay Single Malt Whiskies from the eight working distilleries. I first visited Islay in 2015 and Ive been a big fan ever since. I was there for a week once. All 18,000 of them! The Kennacraig ferry departs three times daily on a sailing that takes around 2 1/4 hours and its the most frequently used route for visitors coming from the south of Scotland. Thanks so much! The driver guides have an in-depth understanding of Scotland, the places they take you to are incredible, and the prices are reasonable. Only for Kilchoman would a taxi be needed. Don't expect the roads to be as wide . Join him as he shares personal experiences and tips & advice about touring Scotland. The bay features a famously large beach known as The Big Strand which is an astonishing 7 miles long, and luckily enough for campers, Kintra Farm has the best access point. I don't like whisky. I'd most certainly say the long drive up Jura is well worth it. Islay will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, and not just by drinking drams! If your primary goal is to visit distilleries you might want to consider some of the tour guides, for example http://www.ladyoftheisles.co.uk/ They will take you to the distilleries, in particular the ones impossible or tricky to reach by public transport (Kilchoman, Bunnahabhain, Jura, to a lesser extent Caol Ila). Or visit the, There's a quite a variety of places where you can get something to eat: All the hotels offer food, most people I know say the food at the Port Charlotte Hotel is the best on Islay. They will process and deliver your order. Automobile Association Developments Ltd. 2018 . For hotels, take a look at this selection which varies in price and location but has good reviews: Ill keep this introduction short and say the best time of the year to visit Islay is from April to August, but if youd like a wee bit more information keep reading.
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