I'll show you how to explore Scotland on public transport and how to hop around the Scottish Islands like a pro. Do they offer tours? Driving on the left is not hard to get used to. 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. Getting to Kennacraig from Glasgow on public transport: Kennacraig is on the Scottish Citylink service 926from Glasgow Buchanan Street to Campbeltown. Unless you can catch the morning ferries, you are arriving in Islay sometime in the afternoon at the earliest. Because of its size, navigating around the Big Island can be daunting, and driving around the entire island will take around eight hours. I hope that my writing will entertain & inspire you, and that my photos will make you want to be there - or make you hungry! If you talk to the taxi companies they might be able to put something together as well. Islay has seven hotels, my personal favourite being the Port Charlotte Hotel. Bowmore is considered the capital of the island and the towns central location is a great jumping off point for those driving around. Due to its reputation as Scotlands whisky island, Im often asked if Islay is suitable for families with children. Ive heard from friends that spring (April/May) is a good time to be on Islay as there are frequent sunny days, the temperatures arent too bad and the accommodation prices are lower than the peak summer season. You do not need a car on Islay as there is public transport with buses and taxi services. I try to dedicate a day to spend on Jura at least. Getting to Glasgow Airport by public transport: take the bus to Buchanan Street Station then take the Glasgow Airport Express directly to the airport, or, take the train to Queen Street Station and catch the same bus to the airport from the bus stop at George Square. 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. Whenever you pass a local on the road, you will be treated to a friendly wave, which you obviously have to reciprocate. I love the experience of flying on Loganairs wee tartan-tailed planes, and seeing the islands from the sky. The Islay Info website highlights a selection of self-catering holiday homes across the island, most of which cater to large families, although there are a few smaller properties that would be ideal for travelling couples. When planning my adventures, I usually start my search on Booking.com or Airbnb to see whats available for my chosen dates. CalMac Ferries (0800 066 5000) serves many of the islands in the Inner Hebrides, including Coll, Mull, Islay and others. To put it in perspective, if youve ever been to Mull Id say Islay has better roads, but theyre still not as good as the roads on Skye. The 450 service runs between the administrative capital Bowmore in the centre of Islay and Portnahaven in the south west. It's stunning. 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. And driving yourself after sampling whisky, even on Islay, is really not advisable. 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. Can you hire a car on Islay? Follow me on Pinterest and YouTube. Cheap transport, no problems on narrow roads, and the chance to explore large parts of the island without much effort. all winter) as flights get frequently cancelled without much notice. I don't like whisky. 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 ? Dont be surprised to find yourself sitting outside reading a book at 9 pm. How long does it take to drive around Islay? You can probably see most of the island in 3 days, however a day on nearby Jura is worthwhile. What is there to do on Islay, which activities can I enjoy during a visit to Islay? If you need a car on Islay there is the option of a. Islay is larger than most people think, so driving around can take some time. Upon clicking the "Checkout" button you will be transferred to their website for the final checkout. Inside, you can grab a tasty burger at the Gate 1 cafe! Couldn't get to Jura due to wind/seas. The three southern distilleries can be reached by public transport fairly easily, similar Bowmore and Bruichladdich. The distilleries, which are open year-round, each have their own unique stories, tours and traditions. 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. I have a wee hunch that I will be a lifetime regular on this island. We spent 3 nights on our first visit to Islay this past August, and it was way too short. There is a wide variety of accommodation on Islay, from hostels and glamping pods to homely B&Bs and high-end guesthouses and hotels. 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. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); If you're looking for Scottish travel inspiration, you're in the right place. Take the A83 to Inveraray and then drive south on the A83 along Loch Fyne to Inveraray (a lovely loch-side village stop at Inveraray Castle before continuing). The Whisky Coast. Then there's the Croft Kitchen in Port Charlotte or the Cottage Restaurant in Bowmore. In a few short hours you will drive through all kinds of landscapes, from mountains to empty hinterland via jolly seafronts and high cliff routes. With that in mind I personally wouldnt recommend using buses as your only form of transport on a holiday to Islay but they do at least offer a cheap way of travelling between some of the distilleries. Both ferries leave from Kennacraig on the mainland. You cannot wild camp on private property without obtaining permission first. When I first started driving in Spain I would remember little things like "at home me, the driver, I am positioned in the middle of the road and it is the same here" that helped when turning left especially, to you it would be the opposite ie when you turn right. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'outaboutscotland_com-banner-1','ezslot_2',687,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-outaboutscotland_com-banner-1-0');That coastline, by the way, is absolutely stunning thanks to bays and sea lochs that offer breathtaking views and some of the best wildlife-watching experiences in Scotland. Visit Kilchoman distillery for a tour and a whisky tasting. We plan to be in Islay for three days in the first week of April. Watch this space! I'm excited to share it with you. Caol Ila - founded in 1846, and the largest distillery on the island. Visit Kilmartin Glen to see the ancient standing stones. The Isle of Islay is located in Argyll just southwest of Jura, and only 25 miles north off the Irish Coast. If you fancy a coffee or snack you can stop at the airport. This journey should take about two and a half to three hours, depending on the amount of stops, and is a very scenic drive. 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 monument was built to commemorate the loss of American lives when two troop ships sunk off the coast of Islay during WWI and its worth visiting for no other reason than the walk there is so nice, especially considering theres so much wildlife in the area. {{checkoutCalculateItemTotalPrice(product)}}. 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. Vehicle reservations are recommended. 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. 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. 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). 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. 5 day forecast for Bowmore from BBC Weather, Ionad Chaluim Chille le (Columba Centre), Islay (Pevensey Island Guides) by Norman Newton, Peat Smoke and Spirit: A Portrait of Islay and Its Whiskies by Andrew Jefford, Islay and Jura (Images of Scotland) by George Robertson, Islay: Biography of an Island by Margaret Storrie, Port Charlotte Distillery Warehouse On Islay, Accommodation on Islay section of my Islay links page, IslayBlog.com, a blog about the Isle of Islay, Scotland, Islay is the most southerly of the Hebridean islands off the west coast of Scotland. There are a number of taxi firms on Islay, some of which offer half- or full-day hire as well as whisky tours, too. Use the buses, they are convenient and mean you can drink at distilleries. Probably best to stay centrally in either Bowmore or Bridgend to reduce travel times. You will also have to deal with the enemy of all Scottish wild campers the infamous midge. 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. Next take the A83 near Tarbet passing Rest and be Thankful towards the lovely town of Inveraray. Get answers to your questions about Islay, Getting around Islay / best places to stay. Its easy to just start walking about and see what you find, but a professional tour guide will be able to take you to all the must-see spots as well as the off-the-beaten-path jewels that only the locals know about. If youre driving to GLA expect to take (midday): Edinburgh 1 1/4 hours, Stirling 3/4 hour, Dundee 1 3/4 hours, Ayr 1 hour. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. 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.
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