Lagavulin - Founded in 1816, one of the three distilleries near Port Ellen. The Kintyre peninsula is a few miles to the east, Northern Ireland is approx 20 miles to the south across the Irish Sea. Just a suggestion. All other roads are single track roads with passing places, including the B8016 (also known as High Road) from Port Ellen to Bowmore, the B8018 from near Bruichladdich to Kilchoman and the stretch of the A847 from Port Charlotte to Portnahaven. Some will just lift a finger, others the whole hand. The road then follows the path of Loch Fyne, Scotlands large sea loch, taking in some spectacular scenery along the way, including Inveraray Castle. more. By Ferry 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. Thanks so much! Which port you arrive into will be determined by the day of the week and the time you choose to travel, or you can base it on which port is closest to where youre staying. There is plenty to see on the journey, and once there you'll be glad you have the car to explore the less accessible places 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. It is also illegal! You could also choose an accommodation which offers food and drink or book a local taxi. I would rather not have to cope with driving on the (to me) "wrong side" of the road. 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. Islay Ferry - The Complete Guide on Ferry Travel to Islay There are a limited number of taxis however, so I would always book your journey in advance. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. You do not need a car on Islay as there is public transport with buses and taxi services. Quite a few old ruins up north past Gruinart. Head to Lower Killeyan and youll discover another nice beach with a large cave thats completely sheltered, or walk towards Loch Indaal to find the 7-mile-long Big Strand. Often asked: What To Do Islay Scotland? - Scotland Blog Amazon Associates Programme: The Chaotic Scotparticipates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Carol's Cabs - tel: +44 (0) 1496 302 155 / Mobile: +44 (0) 777 5782155. How do I drive around on Islay? You can view the timetable and book your journey on the Scottish Citylink website. Its a big airport, so I would give yourself extra time if youve never visited it before, or at least take a look at my Scotlands Airports Guide which will give you further information about it. 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). The Oahu circle drive can take you 4-6 hours, but that depends on which route you take and if you don't stop much. Theres a youth hostel in Port Charlotte if thats your thing, and there are a handful of hotels spread across the towns, but I always prefer to stay in AirBnBs as you get so much more for your money. The Calmac ferry from Kennacraig on Kintyre sails to Port Askaig and Port Ellen on Islay. Youll see lots of different bird species throughout the year from choughs to golden eagles and there are huge flocks of seabirds like fulmars, razorbills and kittiwakes that make their homes in the steep cliffs. The type of map you need depends on what you plan to do on Islay: If you only plan to visit the distilleries and other major tourist attractions, any decent road map or tourist map should be sufficient. 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.. Do they offer tours? There are a ton of sites, standing stones and ruins on both Islay and Jura. 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. Islay is best known for three things whisky, wildlife and the landscape and as much as I would like to include every place to visit in this article it would become far too long, so instead Ill give you a few highlights to include in your Islay itinerary. Some visitors will benefit from simply enjoying the food, drink and slower pace, while others will be excited to try the outdoor and water-based activities. I do it the opposite way to you Mary Beth when we are in Spain. 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. Kintra Farm, near the beautiful Kintra Beach, has 4 self-catering properties on site. There are currently eight working whisky distilleries on Islay, with a ninth one expected to open soon. 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). Islay has seven hotels, my personal favourite being the Port Charlotte Hotel. 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. Upon clicking the "Checkout" button you will be transferred to their website for the final checkout. Get the ferry to Islay from Kennacraig on Kintyre, landing at Port Ellen (2 hours 20 minutes) or Port Askaig (from 1 hour 55 minutes). Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Your email address will not be published. Take a tour around the Oban distillery and have a seafood lunch. There are a number of locals who run taxi services on the island, which I have used in the evenings to take me back to my accommodation. 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). A return trip from Oban to Craignure, on Mull, for a car and two people (driver and . 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. A single trip costs 1.70 for foot passengers, with an additional 9.05 for cars. Islay has fast become the island that I know best. We will (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. If you find my blogs informative and inspiring, you can support what I do and say thanks by gifting me a virtual coffee. 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. Book your seats in advance for the best fares and sign up to the Loganair newsletter to find out about any sales/discounts. Visit in October and youll see the spectacle of barnacle and white-fronted geese fly in from Greenland to spend the winter on Islay. The first day is a wash for practical purposes. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Ferries in Scotland - A Practical Guide for Island Hopping - Watch Me See I'll show you how to explore Scotland on public transport and how to hop around the Scottish Islands like a pro. 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). Both ferries leave from Kennacraig on the mainland. Need some help to plan your holiday on Islay? COPYRIGHT ELEMENTS OF ISLAY 2023. While you could travel via Gourock and the Cowal Peninsula (the most direct route) you will have to take two ferry crossings. Firstly, it is a minimum 5-hr plus journey from Glasgow (3 hrs by (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Islay is absolutely doable on public transport for visitors who, like me, don't drive or for those who just don't want to: drinking whisky and driving is not a good mix. The Isle of Islay is located in Argyll just southwest of Jura, and only 25 miles north off the Irish Coast. Discover tips and advice for visiting the Isle of Islay with this article that explains how to get there, how to travel around the island, the weather, and the best places to visit. We have been visiting Islay each year for the last week of our yearly trips to Scotland for many years, and we do use a hire (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The island is also very accommodating when it comes to wild camping but there are a few restrictions which Ill cover later. A 4-Day Islay Whisky Tour with Rabbie's Tours [Review 2019] 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). Check out my other blog on the top things to do on Islay. more. 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. Port Mor campsite is located on the Port Mor community centre on the northern side of Loch Indaall, south of Port Charlotte. We saw seals laying on the rocks near a cove past the Ardbeg distillery as we were driving to the Kidalton Cross. And dont forget the Islay Wave raising your hand to greet/thank other drivers passing the opposite way everyone on the island does it, and so must you! Nothing to worry about, you're not suddenly famous and there's nothing wrong with your car. You can find links to a number of places in the, First of all hopefully great memories from a wonderful visit. If youre flying to the island and would like to hire a car, Islay Car Hire operate from Islay Airport and are based there in line with the flight times. We are now submitting your order to TheWhiskyExchange.com. 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. It is . It makes for a lovely slow drive to explore the island and see the amazing Outer Hebrides beaches surrounding. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Also, there are generally fewer tourists milling about so you can breeze through the distillery tours without having to wait for available space. Where can I get cash on Islay? The island is also famous for its wildlife (particularly its birdlife) and its landscapes. And driving yourself after sampling whisky, even on Islay, is really not advisable. All 18,000 of them! 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. travelling around the island - do i need a car. As soon as I stepped foot off the ferry I was blown away by how attractive it is with its wide sweeping plains of Machar, gently rolling hills and dramatic coastline. If you talk to the taxi companies they might be able to put something together as well. Can I get a beer instead? Every Sunday at 10am, the Velo Club dArdbeg meet at Bruichladdich Mini-Market (aka Debbies) before setting off on a ride; newcomers are more than welcome to join them. I need accommodation on Islay, where can I stay when visiting Islay? Theres a reason why this island has the nickname Queen of the Hebrides, and its nothing to do with Isle of Islay whisky. Like most of the islands on Scotlands west coast, Islay experiences strong winds brought in from the Atlantic Ocean throughout the year. For a map and to look around try. Its all quite interesting and it certainly makes a nice change of pace from Islays whisky distillery tours. The largest shop on Islay is the Co-Op in Bowmore. 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. The bikes can be picked up in Port Ellen or delivered to your location of choice for 10 (free for 3 bikes or more) and they cost 30 per day. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Bunnahabhain - most remote of the Islay distilleries, established in 1881. FAQ: What To Do In Islay Scotland? - Scotland Blog How many days to visit Islay? - Islay Forum - Tripadvisor I think I can make some decions now. Be aware that bad weather can delay crossings, sometimes for consecutive days; advance booking is strongly recommended, too. As in most places in Scotland the weather can change very quickly, so be prepared when going for a walk. For the latest forecast try the, As Islay is in Scotland which in turn is part of the United Kingdom the official language is English, to a lesser or larger extent with a Scottish accent/dialect. 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. At 25 miles long by 15 miles wide, Islay is the fifth largest island in Scotland, and it's rich, . 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. If you would rather not drive there are Citylink coaches that leave Glasgow four times a day from Buchanan Street bus station which takes around 3 1/4 hours. They will process and deliver your order. Automobile Association Developments Ltd. 2018 . The distinctive yellow and blue Citylink buses will take you from Glasgow Buchanan Street bus station to Kennacraig ferry terminal in 3-3.5 hours, enroute to Campbeltown. 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. Be aware that many of Islays roads are single track with passing places, and allow plenty of time to get to your destination what looks a short journey on a map will usually take much longer. When you drive around on Islay you'll notice that quite a few people will give you a short wave when you're passing. If you don't like whisky may be take a few bottles from. For the latest ferry information contactCaledonian MacBrayne: Getting to Islay by air is very easy thanks to the airline Loganair which operates two flights daily out of Glasgow International airport (GLA). There are two ferry ports on Islay, Port Ellen in the south (journey time 2 hours 20 minutes) and Port Askaig in the north east (journey time 1 hour 55 minutes). Getting Around Islay | islay.com They all offer a great experience, so you really cant go wrong. Islay is pronounced EYE-LA and no one says it better than a local with their lovely, lilting accent. Cost breakdown on getting to Islay from Glasgow, by bus & ferry. Be sure to visit Islay Ale brewery. Vatersay is a little island off Barra, with a population of just 90 people. From Waikiki, Honolulu to the North Shore and back, is a full day but not overwhelming, give yourself 8 hours. Hostels Hostelling Scotland run the family-friend Port Charlotte Youth Hostel. Islay is pronounced eye-la. The distilleries, which are open year-round, each have their own unique stories, tours and traditions. Follow him on Pinterest and YouTube. As far as whisky is concerned Ive created a Complete Guide to Whisky Distilleries on Islay so bookmark it to read at your leisure if youre visiting the island for a dram or two. Another important piece of island etiquette is the famous Islay wave. 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. I need souvenirs, what should I take back home from Islay? However, buses do not run to the remotest parts of the island and taxis are expensive, so taking your own car is preferable. Stop at the village of Inveraray on the banks of Loch Fyne. Distillery visiting is our primary goal, including Jura. Well if you are into that sort of thing. If youre not interested in wildlife youll be pleased to know the islands climate benefits from the warm Gulf Stream that ensures mild temperatures and lots of sunny days from April to August, which makes the golden sand beaches at Laggan Bay and Gruinart extremely inviting. Upon clicking the "Checkout" button you will be transferred to their website for the final checkout. All other brands and names are property of their respective owners. You must not light open fires on Islay where there is dry peat due to the fire risk. Islay Storm Pods in Lagavulin has 5 glamping pods and a holiday cottage (Im staying in one of the pods in September). travelling around the island - do i need a car. We started this journey from nearby. You can probably see most of the island in 3 days, however a day on nearby Jura is worthwhile. These are serviced by smaller passenger ferries, such as the Isle of Kerrera or the Small Isles, Rum, Muck and Eigg. Islay airport (ILY) is very small so dont expect too many facilities when you get there although there is a small shop inside and theres parking for maybe 40 cars. I mentioned this peninsula earlier but Ill repeat myself here as it really is a stunning place. I usually use HomeAway.co.uk as they tend to have nicer homes than AirBnB and their prices are just that wee bit more reasonable, but their selection is also more limited, so theyve both got their pros and cons. See website for route schedules. Here are some suggestions to get you started: Port Mor Campsite in Port Charlotte has pitches for tents and motorhomes, as well as a caf and a playpark. Clicking on a question will take you to the answer for the question, use the back button of your browser to return to the top: So far the questions, here are the answers: There are a number of options to get to Islay: Visiting Islay without a car is possible and there are various ways to get around without a car: Copyright 2007 Armin Grewe - About - FAQ Cheap transport, no problems on narrow roads, and the chance to explore large parts of the island without much effort. I first visited Islay in 2015 and Ive been a big fan ever since. Thanks. There are a number of taxi firms on Islay, some of which offer half- or full-day hire as well as whisky tours, too. There are a number of options to access the internet on Islay: The easiest is probably the. I can personally recommend Jims Islay Taxi for both taxis and tours. If you travel from Glasgow to Islay by Car it will take around three hours to get to Kennacraig. Ive visited Islay in February and August so I know first-hand that the winter months are probably best avoided unless you absolutely have to travel at that time of year, even though there are plenty of distilleries to hide inside. Take the ferry back to the mainland and drive south through the Highlands. Try not to pronounce it Izley or anything similar, unless you immediately want to out yourself as a clueless tourist. The Islay & Whisky Coast tour with Rabbie's lasts four days and departs from Edinburgh two to three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday). If you fancy a coffee or snack you can stop at the airport. I'm Kay, the 'chaotic' lass behind the blog. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. We will ferry over with our (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? With no synchromesh on lower gears, it . . The majority of people travelling to Islay will arrive on one of the Calmac ferries that sail daily from Kennacraig on the Kintyre peninsula. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a wee commission on qualifying purchases. Quite a few people also speak, Yes, there are a number of books about Islay: A good entry level book with quite a few pictures is. Islay receives its fair share of rain (hey, the distilleries need a lot of water), but also a lot of brilliant sunshine. drinkaware.co.uk, The Post Office, Main Street, Bowmore ++44 (0)1496 810366. Bear in mind these services are busy in the summer months so you will need to book well in advance. If you want to go more into depth, get a OS map and start looking at sites and ruins. Are there banks or cash machines (ATMs) on Islay? . Loch Gruinart is a sea loch that extends inland several miles to border the RSPB Loch Gruinart Nature Reserve a 1,600-hectare reserve thats home to some of the largest flocks of birds in Scotland. Things to do on Islay Scotland - Finding the Universe 105 miles. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Below I've listed a number of frequently asked questions about the Isle of Islay. There are a whopping nine whisky distilleries on Islay, with more underway, so youll never find yourself far from one of these iconic white-washed buildings donned with huge lettering. The bus is the cheaper option at 25.30 for an advanced return ticket, while an off-peak return on the train is 40.90; although better priced fares can be picked up 12 weeks in advance (set up a ticket alert on the TheTrainLine to be notified when they go on sale). There are 9 distilleries on Islay and most have tours and visitor centres. I have taken to the air and to the sea, and I loved both experiences. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'outaboutscotland_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_0',852,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-outaboutscotland_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');However, if youre just popping over for a couple of days you can leave your vehicle at the Kennacraig ferry terminal car park. The A846 between Port Ellen and Bowmore (also known as Low Road) looks deceptively straight and fast on a map, but as it floats on the peat it is quite bumpy and you can't drive as fast as you might think. Driving on Islay. The three southern distilleries can be reached by public transport fairly easily, similar Bowmore and Bruichladdich. Getting To, From, and Around Islay and Jura - whiskyadvocate.com The walk to Bunnahabhain is lovely from the main road. Parts of this film were shot on Islay. 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. Islay is accessible by flight or ferry, and it is possible to reach the island entirely on public transport. It's stunning. SCOTTISH TRAVEL BLOG PACKED WITH FUN, FOOD & INSPIRATION. If you do, make sure youre wearing a good pair of waterproof walking boots (Amazon link to mine) even in summer because most of the terrain contains Sphagnum moss which holds water like a sponge. There is no direct connection from Isle of Islay to Island of Skye. [UPDATED 2020] Best Things To Do On Islay | dobbernationLOVES You can view the bus timetable here. Probably best to stay centrally in either Bowmore or Bridgend to reduce travel times. Quick Answer: How To Get From Mainland Scotland To Islay? You can view the timetable and book your tickets on the CalMac website. 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. Kennacraig is 65 miles from Tarbet and is located near the top of the Kintyre peninsula. There are only 200 inhabitants living across the island's 142 square miles which makes Jura one of the least inhabited places in Scotland. Coming from Glasgow you take the M8 and cross the Clyde over the Erskine Bridge. Driving on Hawaii Island: What You Need to Know - TripSavvy number of lovely walks where if your lucky you can see golden eagles sea eagles and other bird of prey.We have been visiting Islay for the last 40 yrs and never tire of this beautiful island and it's superb whisky. This is the most obvious route and a very lovely drive through Argyll's beautiful countryside. To calculate this answer, follow these steps: Calculate total break time: 15 min + 60 min + 15 min = 1 hr 30 min. Required fields are marked *. You can probably see most of the island in 3 days, however a day on nearby Jura is worthwhile. At 25 miles long by 15 miles wide, Islay is the fifth largest island in Scotland, and its rich, fertile land has earned the island its nickname as the Queen of the Hebrides. The 450 service runs between the administrative capital Bowmore in the centre of Islay and Portnahaven in the south west. . The first vehicle we drive after landing on the island, it's a quick lesson in driving older cars. The route via Loch Lomond and Inverary is longer (just over 100 miles from Glasgow) but faster, and you should be able to drive from Glasgow to Kennacraig in around 2 1/2 hours. I'm off to book a stay. Roundabouts are painted with their guidelines forcing you clockwise as they will in the USA and mainland Europe force you anti-clockwise. First time for all of us. Both journeys take around 3 hours 10 minutes and offer stunning scenery. Visitors can explore the open landscape by taking a ferry from Port Askaig and cycling or driving around the A846 which offers . The extra time will allow you to do more hikes especially along the coast and see more wildlife. From Glasgow, head north on the A82 for 40 miles until you reach Tarbet (where the A82 becomes the A83). Ballivicar Farm, just outside Port Ellen, has 3 self-catering apartments with one or two bedrooms. Please check the individual websites for opening times, tours and updates on the situation. The cheapest way to travel to Islay is by ferry from Kennacraig. It is approx 25 miles long north-south and approx 20 miles wide east-west. Thanks all for your input - much appreciated!! At the moment, due to COVID restrictions, the distilleries are open to visitors, but some still arent offering their usual tours or a visit must be booked by appointment. Day 3: Vatersay and exploring Barra. . This is my favourite nature reserve on Islay and its a place that I highly recommend you visit. Islay Ferry from Kennacraig to Port Ellen (Day Trip to Islay) ENJOY RESPONSIBLY. A few options include, You won't get bored on a rainy day either, there's a lot to do on Islay: You could go for a swim at the MacTaggart Leisure Centre in Bowmore. 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. With only three days to spend and 8 distilleries to visit (7 on Islay and 1 on Jura) it's going to be a rushed few days. Islay does not require a say it as you see it approach, so if youve been calling it EYE-LAY, its time to stand corrected and drop the Y. The eight existing ones are (in alphabetical order): In addition to the distilleries on Islay there is also the. Out About Scotland is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Only for Kilchoman would a taxi be needed. For a leisurely trip a week would be great. all winter) as flights get frequently cancelled without much notice. Report inappropriate content. Lots of visitors travel to Islay in their own vehicles on the ferry; do remember to pre-book your car on the ferry if this is the case.
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