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 A846 also continues from Port Ellen to the distilleries at Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. I would welcome suggestions about which area to stay in and how to get around. Also, there are generally fewer tourists milling about so you can breeze through the distillery tours without having to wait for available space. 105 miles. 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. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Kintra Farm, near the beautiful Kintra Beach, has 4 self-catering properties on site. Getting to Kennacraig from Glasgow on public transport: Kennacraig is on the Scottish Citylink service 926from Glasgow Buchanan Street to Campbeltown. All other brands and names are property of their respective owners. If you find my blogs informative and inspiring, you can support what I do and say thanks by gifting me a virtual coffee. They all offer a great experience, so you really cant go wrong. I need souvenirs, what should I take back home from Islay? The Kintyre peninsula is a few miles to the east, Northern Ireland is approx 20 miles to the south across the Irish Sea. There are two bus routes on Islay running between 7am and 6pm Monday to Saturday, but not on Sunday. 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. Both journeys take around 3 hours 10 minutes and offer stunning scenery. Then this page is hopefully right for you. Staying near Bridgend will put you near the center of the island and make the distilleries easy to get to. The road then follows the path of Loch Fyne, Scotland's large sea loch, taking in some spectacular scenery along the way, including Inveraray Castle. Book your seats in advance for the best fares and sign up to the Loganair newsletter to find out about any sales/discounts. Islay is pronounced EYE-LA and no one says it better than a local with their lovely, lilting accent. 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. There are a number of B&Bs and guesthouses as well as a large variety of self-catering accommodation. Islay is accessible by flight or ferry, and it is possible to reach the island entirely on public transport. What is there to do on Islay, which activities can I enjoy during a visit to Islay? The Isle of Islay is one of the best places in Scotland to experience everything that makes the country such a magical destination for tourists. You are not allowed to wild camp in big groups. We are now submitting your order to TheWhiskyExchange.com. Bear in mind these services are busy in the summer months so you will need to book well in advance. Firstly, it is a minimum 5-hr plus journey from Glasgow (3 hrs by (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Transportation options between Port Ellen and Burichladdich? Im Craig Neil, I'm from Edinburgh, and I've spent over 20 years exploring Scotland. Only for Kilchoman would a taxi be needed. Can I get a beer instead? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); If you're looking for Scottish travel inspiration, you're in the right place. A small delicatessen shop can be found at Kilchoman Distillery. Driving Tour Distance (miles/km) Time; Circular Tour from Bridgend via Loch Gorm and Loch Gruinart: 19-35 Miles, 31-56Km: 2 - 5 Hours: Circular Tour Rhinns of Islay : 20 Miles, 32Km: You can only wild camp at the same location for a maximum of 3 nights. Don't expect the roads to be as wide, well maintained and fast as on the mainland and calculate your travelling time accordingly. 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. 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. Its just stunning. Islay nature and wildlife. Wow, this forum is awesome! The island is also famous for its wildlife (particularly its birdlife) and its landscapes. If youre visiting Islay from overseas or you dont have a car I suggest checking the Travel Supermarket website to find the best car hire deals as a hire car will open up the entire island to you. Also if you are planning on renting accommodation many have weekly lets. Flying is the most expensive way to travel, with flights ranging from 54.99 to over 100 each way, but it is ideal if you are only taking a short break or you dont fancy the added journey to the ferry port. There are some indoor options too, which are handy for rainy days. How long does it take to drive around Islay? 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. Islay Bus Islay Coaches runs a number of routes between the main villages, Mondays to Saturdays. Getting around Islay on public transport. Day 3: Vatersay and exploring Barra. Both ferries leave from Kennacraig on the mainland. For a leisurely trip a week would be great. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. I hope that my writing will entertain & inspire you, and that my photos will make you want to be there - or make you hungry! 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. 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. There are a few campsites on the island but the two main ones are Kintra Farm and Port Mor. As far as driving is concerned the roads are quite good, mostly single track but in great condition. Whisky is, of course, Islays ultimate claim to fame; it is a way of life on this windswept isle. Islay distillery tours. If youre planning on visiting Islay, here is everything you need to know about this incredible island. Port Mor campsite is located on the Port Mor community centre on the northern side of Loch Indaall, south of Port Charlotte. They're just friendly, as most people on Islay. Hi! Explore Kildaton church and Dunyvaig castle. As in most places in Scotland the weather can change very quickly, so be prepared when going for a walk. Theres no other word for it. Why do people wave at me when I'm driving on Islay? Take the A82 from Glasgow towards Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Ive created a complete Guide to Avoiding Midges in Scotland that will give you lots of helpful advice for avoiding these wee beasties, as well as a guide to the best midge repellents and the best tents for summer camping in Scotland. Driving on Islay. COPYRIGHT ELEMENTS OF ISLAY 2023. 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. all winter) as flights get frequently cancelled without much notice. Stop at the village of Inveraray on the banks of Loch Fyne. 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. 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). I do it the opposite way to you Mary Beth when we are in Spain. 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. 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. Take the ferry back to the mainland and drive south through the Highlands. 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. Islay actually isnt as bad as the mainland for midges which I think might be down to the Atlantic winds keeping them at bay, but when the winds drop they can be a real pain. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a wee commission on qualifying purchases. However, buses do not run to the remotest parts of the island and taxis are expensive, so taking your own car is preferable. Also if you are planning on renting accommodation many have weekly lets. Lots of intersting geology as well, There is never enough time to do everything so I keep going back. The Islay & Whisky Coast tour with Rabbie's lasts four days and departs from Edinburgh two to three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday). This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Upon clicking the "Checkout" button you will be transferred to their website for the final checkout. There are further shops in Port Ellen, Bridgend, Port Askaig, Bruichladdich and Port Charlotte. 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. The local bus service connects all of the main towns and most of the distilleries. 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. I need accommodation on Islay, where can I stay when visiting Islay? 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 ? There is a wide variety of accommodation on Islay, from hostels and glamping pods to homely B&Bs and high-end guesthouses and hotels. Continue to Loch Lomond and stop for photos. The service links Portnahaven, Port Charlotte, Bridgend, Port Askaig, Bowmore and Port Ellen. Manage Settings Would a week be too long or is there plenty to see? Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. We saw seals laying on the rocks near a cove past the Ardbeg distillery as we were driving to the Kidalton Cross. Islay receives its fair share of rain (hey, the distilleries need a lot of water), but also a lot of brilliant sunshine. Driving on the left is not hard to get used to. This is the most obvious route and a very lovely drive through Argyll's beautiful countryside. You could also choose an accommodation which offers food and drink or book a local taxi. There are two bus routes on Islay, both of which using the main roads on the island. You must not light open fires on Islay where there is dry peat due to the fire risk. 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. 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. We are now submitting your order to TheWhiskyExchange.com. Youll find bed-and-breakfasts dotted all over the island but as I havent stayed in them I cant offer any preferred suggestions, but if you search through them on Booking.com youll find reviews from previous guests. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. 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. How can I get around on Islay without a car? Glasgow to Islay by Car via Loch Lomond - Inveraray - Kennacraig. The Chaotic Scot is packed with personality, travel tips, and destination inspiration - as well as the odd misadventure! The Isle of Islay is located in Argyll just southwest of Jura, and only 25 miles north off the Irish Coast. The Scottish islands are my favourite place in the world, and I've visited 62 so far. The first is Bowmore Taxi Service which runs an excellent whisky and sightseeing tour and the second is Islay Taxis which pick up from the airport as well as offer tours around the island. Probably best to stay centrally in either Bowmore or Bridgend to reduce travel times. If you don't like whisky may be take a few bottles from. That means its almost always damp and boggy underfoot so no matter the time of year you risk going ankle-deep in bog water in many parts of the island. The only island that is connected to the Scottish mainland by a bridge is the . And doing the Jura distillery by bus would be distinctly challenging! Drive the winding road to Ardnave and walk across the dunes to see what I mean. There are also self-catering lodges which allow guests the best of both worlds. This is my favourite nature reserve on Islay and its a place that I highly recommend you visit. Can I visit the distilleries? Couldn't get to Jura due to wind/seas. While you could travel via Gourock and the Cowal Peninsula (the most direct route) you will have to take two ferry crossings. The flocks are so vast the fields surrounding the loch turn black and white as the geese get their strength back after their long flight, and its an amazing experience to sit in the bird hides and watch the wildlife spectacle unfold in front of you. If you are on a budget you might want to consider the youth hostel. 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. 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. I really wouldn't worry about hiring a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Carol's Cabs - tel: +44 (0) 1496 302 155 / Mobile: +44 (0) 777 5782155. Islay is a superb place for camping whether its in a tent or camper van and there are several designated camping areas where you can pitch for as long as you like. Be sure to visit Islay Ale brewery. 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. Theres a visitor centre in the car park which depicts the story of the Lords of the Isles and well as explaining the significance of this part of the island. . We will (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? http://www.armin-grewe.com/islay/islay-faq.htm#withoutcar, http://www.isle-of-islay.net/islay_transport.html. And once you've mastered Islay you can try some of the many place names on Islay with Gaelic origins like Kilchoman (hint: the c is silent, i.e Kilhoman), Bunnahabhain or Beinn Bheigeir. I still have questions, where can I get answers? Arrival at Arran The ferry from the mainland arrives at Brodick, Arran's capital and main settlement. 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. There are five petrol stations (or gas stations for Americans) on Islay I can think of: Port Ellen (on Charlotte Street next to the White Hart Hotel), Bowmore (Jamieson Street, off Main Street), Bridgend (right at the square), Port Charlotte (next to the Spar shop/ post office on Main Street) and Port Askaig (next to the waiting area for the Kennacraig ferry). It may look small, but it will take you several days to see every nook and cranny by road. 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. 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. And driving yourself after sampling whisky, even on Islay, is really not advisable. The island is also very accommodating when it comes to wild camping but there are a few restrictions which Ill cover later. Below I've listed a number of frequently asked questions about the Isle of Islay. Visitors can explore the open landscape by taking a ferry from Port Askaig and cycling or driving around the A846 which offers . 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. Prices are reasonable (around 60 for a single ticket) and flight times are short with a non-stop service that takes just 45 minutes. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. These are the ways you can explore Islay without a car. How long does it take to drive around Islay? more. Not exactly what I was looking for on an island getaway. 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. COPYRIGHT ELEMENTS OF ISLAY 2023. I have to mention I found the locals to be incredibly courteous and theyre very tolerant of slow tourists driving on unfamiliar roads, and theyll almost always wave to you as you drive past them. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Lagavulin - Founded in 1816, one of the three distilleries near Port Ellen. 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 has seven hotels, my personal favourite being the Port Charlotte Hotel. 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. As nice as Islay is for walking you might like to hop on the ferry to the neighbouring Isle of Jura which can be reached from the terminal at Port Askaig. Oahu Circle Drive One of the best drives in Oahu is the circle tour, where you drive around the island. Ballivicar Farm, just outside Port Ellen, has 3 self-catering apartments with one or two bedrooms. You will also have to deal with the enemy of all Scottish wild campers the infamous midge. {{checkoutCalculateItemTotalPrice(product)}}. Your time visiting Islay can be as relaxing or energetic as you want it to be. I'm off to book a stay. Thank you all for the advice and driving encouragement. There are two ways to reach Islay via plane: a 45-minute flight from Glasgow, run by Flybe twice daily, and a 40/55-minute flight from Oban (the latter via Colonsay), run by Hebridean Air Services twice a week. The most central place to stay is in Bowmore, but anywhere would do as distances aren't that great. Well if you are into that sort of thing. There are 9 distilleries on Islay and most have tours and visitor centres. See website for route schedules. Cars must be booked onto the ferry in advance and check-in is 30 minutes prior to departure. {{checkoutCalculateItemTotalPrice(product)}}. It is important to educate yourself on the driving etiquette when youre exploring rural areas and islands in Scotland. Visit in October and youll see the spectacle of barnacle and white-fronted geese fly in from Greenland to spend the winter on Islay. 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! Inside, you can grab a tasty burger at the Gate 1 cafe! Good quality accommodation doesnt come cheap on Islay, however there are some budget-friendly self-catering options available. Visit Kilmartin Glen to see the ancient standing stones. This post was written as part of a paid campaign with Explore Islay & Jura and the information is based on my various visits to the island. Due to social distancing measures and managing capacity, foot passengers should also pre-book their journey and arrive no later than 10 minutes before departure. travelling around the island - do i need a car. Oh, and a good 2000 miles to the west you'll end up in Newfoundland and Labrador on the other side of the Atlantic. There are a number of important historic sites included several Celtic crosses and Finlaggan, home to the Lords of the Isles. I can personally recommend Jims Islay Taxi for both taxis and tours. I'll also highlight where to find quirky accommodation and amazing local eateries along the way! Thanks so much! Lower Killeyan, Islay. From Edinburgh head to the Highlands and stop at the Trossachs National Park for food. How long is the ferry to Islay? 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). They both stick to the main roads on the island. If wild camping is your preferred option you wont have any problems on Islay but there are a few considerations to bear in mind. 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. 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). 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. all winter) as flights get frequently cancelled without much notice. Islay is pronounced eye-la. We usually go to Mull which we absolutely love (the variety of scenery and wildlife etc) so were wondering if Islay can compare? Many of the distilleries stop doing tours by 4 pm. If you want to get to the more inaccessible parts of Islay the northeast and the southeast youll have no option but to get as close as you can either on public transport or by driving and then walking to your desired destination. uk breakdown; european breakdown; motorbike breakdown; report a breakdown; insurance; car insurance; home insurance . If you are planning a trip to Islay, or are simply looking to get inspired, this post brings together all the essential practical information that you need to get started, from how to plan your journey and get around the island, to choosing accommodation and which distilleries to visit. 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. In particular if you are staying in self-catering accommodation you might need to know where you can get your (grocery) shopping done. 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). Lagavulin Distillery, Islay. Rabbies Islay & The Whisky Coast 4-day Tour. Unless you can catch the morning ferries, you are arriving in Islay sometime in the afternoon at the earliest. Some accommodation providers on Islay are not listed on booking engines or Airbnb so it is also worth just going a Google search on the type of accommodation youre after and contacting hosts directly. We plan to be in Islay for three days in the first week of April. Islay is famous for a number of things: Mainly probably for its excellent Islay Single Malt Whiskies from the eight working distilleries. It is, however, a bit of a trek to get to Kennacraig so Ill give you an overview of the route from Glasgow. 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 abundance of peat in the rugged landscape makes Islay the perfect whisky island, and it is this natural fossil fuel which gives Islay single malt its classic, smoky flavour. These are serviced by smaller passenger ferries, such as the Isle of Kerrera or the Small Isles, Rum, Muck and Eigg. Youll find a very nice beach on the Port Ellen side at Kilnaughton and another called the Singing Sands just behind the Carraig Fhada lighthouse. One last thing if you take an electric bike to Islay youll have the best of all worlds. The island can be visited by air and by sea, but you might be best off catching the ferry when the weather picks up (i.e. Another option for getting around Islay is the bus service which is respectable for an island service but obviously not up to the efficient standards of Glasgow or Edinburgh. Four visits worth of adventures and experiences, with another planned for this September, has afforded me the opportunity to immerse myself in all the things that make this island so special. 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. Republishing any content, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. 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. Multiply this time with 60 mph average speed to get the distance traveled: 60 6.5 = 390 miles. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Report inappropriate content. I've had a few one week visits to Islay in the last four or five years, and I've never yet found the time to visit Jura, so a week is definitely not too long. 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. 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. Even if youre not (yet) a lover of single malt, I would say that at least one distillery tour is a must when visiting Islay. 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. The crossing is just over two hours long and onboard there are many places to eat and drink. The Machrie, near Islay Airport, is Islays luxury resort-style hotel, complete with a golf course, spa, bar and restaurant. 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). Whenever you pass a local on the road, you will be treated to a friendly wave, which you obviously have to reciprocate. There are a few taxi operators on the island that can be pre-booked but there are two that I used that I will happily recommend. While flying is faster, the crossing on the ferry is so nice it has become something of a tourist attraction in its own right. This journey should take about two and a half to three hours, depending on the amount of stops, and is a very scenic drive.
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