I'll show you how to explore Scotland on public transport and how to hop around the Scottish Islands like a pro. The A846 also continues from Port Ellen to the distilleries at Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. 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. A return trip from Oban to Craignure, on Mull, for a car and two people (driver and . Visitors can explore the open landscape by taking a ferry from Port Askaig and cycling or driving around the A846 which offers . 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. Not exactly what I was looking for on an island getaway. 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 ? 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. 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. And driving yourself after sampling whisky, even on Islay, is really not advisable. You could also choose an accommodation which offers food and drink or book a local taxi. 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. Be sure to visit Islay Ale brewery. And doing the Jura distillery by bus would be distinctly challenging! Visit Ardnahoe distillery for a tour and lunch. A return ticket on the ferry currently costs 71.10 per car plus 14.20 per adult. Prices are reasonable (around 60 for a single ticket) and flight times are short with a non-stop service that takes just 45 minutes. Can you hire a car on Islay? Islay receives its fair share of rain (hey, the distilleries need a lot of water), but also a lot of brilliant sunshine. Islay is also very popular among birdwatchers, in particular for the Barnacle Geese. For a leisurely trip a week would be great. Be aware that bad weather can delay crossings, sometimes for consecutive days; advance booking is strongly recommended, too. 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. I mentioned this peninsula earlier but Ill repeat myself here as it really is a stunning place. Report inappropriate content. Oahu Circle Drive One of the best drives in Oahu is the circle tour, where you drive around the island. I need accommodation on Islay, where can I stay when visiting Islay? On the other hand youll experience the least amount of annual rainfall and the daylight hours will be long. Verify this result with our drive time calculator. 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. They both stick to the main roads on the island. 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. Islay nature and wildlife. This is the ancient power base of the Lords of the Isles, the Nordic-born kings who ruled over Scotlands western islands for hundreds of years and who almost conquered mainland Scotland during the time they were in power. http://www.armin-grewe.com/islay/islay-faq.htm#withoutcar, http://www.isle-of-islay.net/islay_transport.html. Try not to pronounce it Izley or anything similar, unless you immediately want to out yourself as a clueless tourist. Don't expect the roads to be as wide, well maintained and fast as on the mainland and calculate your travelling time accordingly. I've got a suggestion to improve these FAQ, where can I send it? Can I get a beer instead? Planning a week-long trip in September to Scotland, in and out of Edinburgh (Tues - Tues). My top suggestions for family-friendly activities on Islay are: If you like to bring your beloved pet on adventures, Islay is the perfect host with plenty beaches for energetic walks, a range of dog friendly accommodation and a number of eateries which welcome dogs in the outside eating areas (some inside too) including Port Charlotte Hotel, Bridgend Hotel and Ardbeg Distillery. We started this journey from nearby. 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. The eight existing ones are (in alphabetical order): In addition to the distilleries on Islay there is also the. all winter) as flights get frequently cancelled without much notice. Explore Kildaton church and Dunyvaig castle. Firstly, it is a minimum 5-hr plus journey from Glasgow (3 hrs by (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Lots of intersting geology as well, There is never enough time to do everything so I keep going back. Fiona's Taxis - tel: +44 (0) 1496 302622 / Mobile: +44 (0) 780 8303200, Lamont Campbell - tel: +44 (0) 1496 810398 / Mobile: +44 (0) 7899 756159, Jim Davis - tel: +44 (0) 1496 810398 / Mobile +44 (0) 7762 590055, Rhinns Taxi - tel: +44 (0) 1496 850170 / Mobile +44 (0) 7771 921157, in addition to a bus service: http://www.islayinfo.com/downloads/islaybustimetable.pdf. 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. 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 a few campsites on the island but the two main ones are Kintra Farm and Port Mor. It makes for a lovely slow drive to explore the island and see the amazing Outer Hebrides beaches surrounding. Theres no other word for it. All those activities, I'm getting hungry: Where can I eat on 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. Summary. I love the experience of flying on Loganairs wee tartan-tailed planes, and seeing the islands from the sky. How long does it take to drive around Islay? By Ferry 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. If you allow for one day trip to Jura and another to Colonsay, that only leaves around four days for Islay itself, so its not too long. Like most of the islands on Scotlands west coast, Islay experiences strong winds brought in from the Atlantic Ocean throughout the year. For ideas on how to spend your time on the island, check out my other post on the best things to do on Islay. ENJOY RESPONSIBLY. Thanks so much! I try to dedicate a day to spend on Jura at least. How long does it take to drive around Islay? I can personally recommend Jims Islay Taxi for both taxis and tours. Islay distillery tours. 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. Explore Islay by boat. 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. Autumn meanwhile is often cloudy, dull and grey so Id personally avoid that time of year unless youre travelling in September which frequently sees the remains of summer weather with around 12 hours of daylight and temperatures hovering in the 15/16 C region. Where can I access the internet on Islay? Continue to Loch Lomond and stop for photos. All of the distilleries have a visitor centre in some form, some with a shop and restaurant, some just a small reception. 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. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. While you could travel via Gourock and the Cowal Peninsula (the most direct route) you will have to take two ferry crossings. Scotland is the love of my life, and I've devoted my career to promoting it full-time. All 18,000 of them! When planning my adventures, I usually start my search on Booking.com or Airbnb to see whats available for my chosen dates. 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. Visit Lagavulin distillery for a tour and a tasting. The distilleries, which are open year-round, each have their own unique stories, tours and traditions. Kintra Farm, near the beautiful Kintra Beach, has 4 self-catering properties on site. You do not need a car on Islay as there is public transport with buses and taxi services. The quickest way to get to Islay is on the Loganair flight from Glasgow. Just a suggestion. A small delicatessen shop can be found at Kilchoman Distillery. Why do people wave at me when I'm driving on Islay? 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. Take a look at their accommodation page for an updated list of self-catering homes. more. This is such a pleasant wee exchange and one of the things I love about Islay. I'd most certainly say the long drive up Jura is well worth it. Sure, you can even get beer brewed on Islay: There's a lot you can do on Islay, too much to list here. Transportation options between Port Ellen and Burichladdich? There are two bus routes on Islay running between 7am and 6pm Monday to Saturday, but not on Sunday. You can view the bus timetable here. Well if you are into that sort of thing. Its just stunning. Then this page is hopefully right for you. If youre thinking of touring the Isle of Islay and would like to know more about Rabbies I highly recommend taking a look at their website which shows all the tours they run in Scotland as well as the rest of Britain. The journey time from Kennacraig to Port Askaig is around 2 hours and from Kennacraig to Port Ellen 2 hours and 20 minutes. 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. Its all quite interesting and it certainly makes a nice change of pace from Islays whisky distillery tours. The crossing is just over two hours long and onboard there are many places to eat and drink. Islay by taxi is a good idea if you are planning to visit several distilleries and enjoy a few drams while youre there. Glenegedale House (my favourite place to stay on Islay) is a 5*, multi-award winning guesthouse which serves sharing boards on whisky barrel tops and Laphroaig with your breakfast porridge. 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. 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. This is a site thats famed more for its history than its scenery but its a great place to visit nonetheless. I would welcome suggestions about which area to stay in and how to get around. Where can I fill up my car? While this may seem like a long time, there are a few things you can do to make the journey more enjoyable. Some "ferries" are actually just boats that fit around 10 people - for example, the Ulva Ferry from Mull to Ulva or the Handa Ferry on the NC500. 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. 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. Please check the individual websites for opening times, tours and updates on the situation. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. How you choose to travel to Islay will depend on how much time you have, your budget, and where youre coming from. Next take the A83 near Tarbet passing Rest and be Thankful towards the lovely town of Inveraray. Having been to Mull, I found Islay to be less dramatic in topography - flatter and easier to get around. Need some help to plan your holiday on Islay? drinkaware.co.uk. You must not disturb any animals or damage any plants. Select your Islay Tour from the map above or via the links below . There are a number of important historic sites included several Celtic crosses and Finlaggan, home to the Lords of the Isles. I'll also highlight where to find quirky accommodation and amazing local eateries along the way! 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). Is there anything to do on a rainy day on Islay? It is . 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. 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. The only island that is connected to the Scottish mainland by a bridge is the . Only for Kilchoman would a taxi be needed. The Isle of Islay is located in Argyll just southwest of Jura, and only 25 miles north off the Irish Coast. drinkaware.co.uk, The Post Office, Main Street, Bowmore ++44 (0)1496 810366. Glasgow to Islay by Car via Loch Lomond - Inveraray - Kennacraig. Are there banks or cash machines (ATMs) on Islay? From Glasgow, head north on the A82 for 40 miles until you reach Tarbet (where the A82 becomes the A83). 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). 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. 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 have a wee hunch that I will be a lifetime regular on this island. 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. Distillery visiting is our primary goal, including Jura. . 29.1K subscribers Day Trip to Islay: Taking the car onto the Islay Ferry from Kennacraig to Port Ellen on Islay with CalMac Ferries (Caledonian MacBrayne). 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. Ro-Ro & Drive Through Ferries. Driving on the left is not hard to get used to. 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. If you fancy a coffee or snack you can stop at the airport. Unfortunately theres no ring road around Islay so you wont be able to explore the entire coastline by car, but the A846 does at least enable you to drive from Lagavulin in the south to Port Askaig on the northeast corner, while the A847 will take you over to the western-most point at Portnahaven. 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. We plan to be in Islay for three days in the first week of April. 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 450 runs from Bowmore in the centre of the island to Portnahaven in the south west, while the 451 runs between Port Askaig in the north-east down to Port Ellen and Ardbeg in the south. The Machrie, near Islay Airport, is Islays luxury resort-style hotel, complete with a golf course, spa, bar and restaurant. With no synchromesh on lower gears, it . The Singing Sands gets its name from the tiny silica grains on the beach that sing when the wind blows through the minuscule tunnels the silica creates, similar to how a glass bottle whistles when you blow across the top. Where do I find petrol stations on Islay? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-45677876', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');fly from Glasgow. Many of the distilleries stop doing tours by 4 pm. There is so much more to come. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Home Regions of Scotland The Hebrides Inner Hebrides Isle of Islay. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-45678062', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car. 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. Arguably the most scenic area of the Oa is the RSPB nature reserve near the American Monument on the southwest tip of the peninsula. It is a beautiful route of countryside and coastline, and you can plan distillery visits along the way, followed by a street-food style lunch at the new Ardstream Trailer in the courtyard at Ardbeg: a perfect way to spend the day on Islay! See website for route schedules. 105 miles. Hi! The driver guides have an in-depth understanding of Scotland, the places they take you to are incredible, and the prices are reasonable. Bowmore is considered the capital of the island and the towns central location is a great jumping off point for those driving around. Islay hotels range from luxury resorts on scenic golf courses to historic boutique hotels and affordable . Your time visiting Islay can be as relaxing or energetic as you want it to be. This is a long and straight road, also referred to as the "Low Road". 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. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The famous Scottish whisky island is just 25 miles long and 15 miles wide, easily explored in 2-3 days. Opening hours vary, so best check before going. I only include links to tours, accommodation and activities which I recommend and personally love. The two 94.8m long vessels will replace the 36 . They also offer distillery tours, usually 2-3 times a day. 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. How many distilleries are there on Islay? Once on Islay head to Bowmore for overnight accommodation. Also, there are generally fewer tourists milling about so you can breeze through the distillery tours without having to wait for available space. 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. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Managed a day trip to Colonsay. 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. Islay has a number of beautiful beaches as well as some impressive cliffs. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. We are now submitting your order to TheWhiskyExchange.com. If youre wondering what is the best way to travel around Islay Ive got an easy answer for you car, with a sat nav. Both journeys take around 3 hours 10 minutes and offer stunning scenery. Then there's the Croft Kitchen in Port Charlotte or the Cottage Restaurant in Bowmore. Islay has seven hotels, my personal favourite being the Port Charlotte Hotel. We will (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. 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.. 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. Report inappropriate content. The single/return price for a foot passenger is approximately 6.50/13; cars have an additional charge of 32.50/65. Manage Settings 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. 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. Craig Neil is a travel writer from Edinburgh with a passion for visiting Scotland's tourist attractions from the rugged Highlands to the bustling cities. Don't expect the roads to be as wide . 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. 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. Fill up before taking the ferry over though. Having said that, there is taxi service on the island, and there is excellent bus service.
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