Cars must be booked onto the ferry in advance and check-in is 30 minutes prior to departure. The island sits between the Kintyre Peninsula on the west coast of Scotland and Northern Ireland, which looks surprisingly close on a clear day. One last thing if you take an electric bike to Islay youll have the best of all worlds. all winter) as flights get frequently cancelled without much notice. 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). 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. This is a site thats famed more for its history than its scenery but its a great place to visit nonetheless. You can probably see most of the island in 3 days, however a day on nearby Jura is worthwhile. Roundabouts are painted with their guidelines forcing you clockwise as they will in the USA and mainland Europe force you anti-clockwise. Islay Storm Pods in Lagavulin has 5 glamping pods and a holiday cottage (Im staying in one of the pods in September). The only island that is connected to the Scottish mainland by a bridge is the . 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. Opening hours vary, so best check before going. It may look small, but it will take you several days to see every nook and cranny by road. 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. However, buses do not run to the remotest parts of the island and taxis are expensive, so taking your own car is preferable. travelling around the island - do i need a car. 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. 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. The 450 service runs between the administrative capital Bowmore in the centre of Islay and Portnahaven in the south west. 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. uk breakdown; european breakdown; motorbike breakdown; report a breakdown; insurance; car insurance; home insurance . There are also car-hire companies on Islay, too, with pick-up locations from the airport and ferry terminals. 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. Need some help to plan your holiday on Islay? http://www.islayinfo.com/downloads/islaybustimetable.pdf, Get answers to your questions about Islay, Getting around Islay / best places to stay. 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 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 Machrie, near Islay Airport, is Islays luxury resort-style hotel, complete with a golf course, spa, bar and restaurant. To calculate this answer, follow these steps: Calculate total break time: 15 min + 60 min + 15 min = 1 hr 30 min. The road then follows the path of Loch Fyne, Scotlands large sea loch, taking in some spectacular scenery along the way, including Inveraray Castle. 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. How many distilleries are there on Islay? I'm excited to share it with you. It is, however, a bit of a trek to get to Kennacraig so Ill give you an overview of the route from Glasgow. There are two bus routes on Islay, both of which using the main roads on the island. 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. The Series IIA on Islay is a 2.25-litre petrol, however. 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. After a few miles you reach Islay Airport at Glenegedale and the famous Machrie Golf Course, both on your left. Managed a day trip to Colonsay. There are usually two flights per day (only one on weekends) and the flight time is 45 minutes. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Vatersay is a little island off Barra, with a population of just 90 people. You do not need a car on Islay as there is public transport with buses and taxi services. 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. Another fantastic way to explore Islay is by eBike with Islay E Wheels. 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. As an example, when I visited the American memorial at The Oa (detailed further down the page), the wind was so strong I could barely stand up. Thank you all for the advice and driving encouragement. 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. more. Visitors can explore the open landscape by taking a ferry from Port Askaig and cycling or driving around the A846 which offers . Carol's Cabs - tel: +44 (0) 1496 302 155 / Mobile: +44 (0) 777 5782155. 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 saw seals laying on the rocks near a cove past the Ardbeg distillery as we were driving to the Kidalton Cross. Take a tour around the Oban distillery and have a seafood lunch. Answer 1 of 19: Hello! From Glasgow, head north on the A82 for 40 miles until you reach Tarbet (where the A82 becomes the A83). And driving yourself after sampling whisky, even on Islay, is really not advisable. 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. . Quite a few old ruins up north past Gruinart. The Chaotic Scot is packed with personality, travel tips, and destination inspiration - as well as the odd misadventure! 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. Ballivicar Farm, just outside Port Ellen, has 3 self-catering apartments with one or two bedrooms. Need a few quick answers for questions about Islay? The extra time will allow you to do more hikes especially along the coast and see more wildlife. Most of the shoreline comprises sheer cliffs, although there are a few sandy beaches which are fantastic because theyre usually tourist-free. If you talk to the taxi companies they might be able to put something together as well. 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. The majority of people travelling to Islay will arrive on one of the Calmac ferries that sail daily from Kennacraig on the Kintyre peninsula. Its not quite as scenic as Kintra Farm as the stretch of coastline is bare rock without a beach to walk along, but then you do have pubs and restaurants nearby in Port Charlotte and the Port Mor centre has a caf, internet access and laundry facilities. How long does it take to drive around Islay? As Islay is mostly quite flat (apart from the very steep hill at Port Askaig) cycling is a good option (unless the wind stops you in your tracks). Would a week be too long or is there plenty to see? 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. Inside, you can grab a tasty burger at the Gate 1 cafe! Glenmachrie House offers a wonderful, homely experience with huge portions of freshly prepared breakfast plus home-baking. If you add viewing wildlife a week seems ideal. Check out my other blog on the top things to do on Islay. 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. With no synchromesh on lower gears, it . The most central place to stay is in Bowmore, but anywhere would do as distances aren't that great. Parts of this film were shot on Islay. 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. 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. Staying near Bridgend will put you near the center of the island and make the distilleries easy to get to. 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. Where can I get cash on Islay? How can I get around on Islay without a car? While this may seem like a long time, there are a few things you can do to make the journey more enjoyable. A return trip from Oban to Craignure, on Mull, for a car and two people (driver and . I need souvenirs, what should I take back home from Islay? Bear in mind these services are busy in the summer months so you will need to book well in advance. Your time visiting Islay can be as relaxing or energetic as you want it to be. 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). Continue south on the A83 to Lochgilphead then follow the road along the picturesque Campbeltown peninsula to Tarbert before it cuts inland to Kennacraig. In this website I share my experiences of visiting the top Scottish attractions along with travel tips and advice to help you plan your own sightseeing tour. 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. Visit Kilchoman distillery for a tour and a whisky tasting. Get answers to your questions about Islay, Getting around Islay / best places to stay. 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. There is so much more to come. You can probably see most of the island in 3 days, however a day on nearby Jura is worthwhile. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-103124700', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car, so happy to drive about etc. 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. This is a wild expanse of open moorland, lochs and coastline with a few hills on the southern side that rise up to around 200 metres. 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. 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. 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. Islay is famous for a number of things: Mainly probably for its excellent Islay Single Malt Whiskies from the eight working distilleries. COPYRIGHT ELEMENTS OF ISLAY 2023. The service links Portnahaven, Port Charlotte, Bridgend, Port Askaig, Bowmore and Port Ellen. 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. Traffic on Islay is light, as it usually is on islands, and getting used to the 'wrong' side of the road is remarkably easy. We will (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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). 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. Next take the A83 near Tarbet passing Rest and be Thankful towards the lovely town of Inveraray. What is there to do on Islay, which activities can I enjoy during a visit to Islay? How long does it take to drive around Islay? You must not light open fires on Islay where there is dry peat due to the fire risk. From Kennacraig, ferries run to Port Ellen three times a day (2hr 20min crossing time) and twice a day to Port Askaig (2hr 5min), with extra crossings during the Feis Ile festival in May. From Edinburgh head to the Highlands and stop at the Trossachs National Park for food. Continue through the West Highlands towards the coastal town of Oban. This website includes affiliate links to Booking.com and GetYourGuide. If you are on a budget you might want to consider the youth hostel. Islay Car Hire provides Quality Self Drive hire on the Isle of Islay. Edinburgh (2-3 days, flights in. 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. Islay will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, and not just by drinking drams! Book your seats in advance for the best fares and sign up to the Loganair newsletter to find out about any sales/discounts. The sail to Port Ellen takes 2 hours. 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. Islay is accessible by flight or ferry, and it is possible to reach the island entirely on public transport. You can only wild camp at the same location for a maximum of 3 nights. There are two bus routes on Islay running between 7am and 6pm Monday to Saturday, but not on Sunday. Join him as he shares personal experiences and tips & advice about touring Scotland. If you fancy a coffee or snack you can stop at the airport. I was there for a week once. Whisky is, of course, Islays ultimate claim to fame; it is a way of life on this windswept isle. We are now submitting your order to TheWhiskyExchange.com. When you drive around on Islay you'll notice that quite a few people will give you a short wave when you're passing. The walk to Bunnahabhain is lovely from the main road. As far as driving is concerned the roads are quite good, mostly single track but in great condition. 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. Islay is pronounced EYE-LA and no one says it better than a local with their lovely, lilting accent. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. For a leisurely trip a week would be great. Because of its size, navigating around the Big Island can be daunting, and driving around the entire island will take around eight hours. Transportation options between Port Ellen and Burichladdich? You can walk or cycle the Three Distilleries Pathway from Port Ellen, which links three distilleries in three miles: Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. Why do people wave at me when I'm driving on Islay? The driver guides have an in-depth understanding of Scotland, the places they take you to are incredible, and the prices are reasonable. The first vehicle we drive after landing on the island, it's a quick lesson in driving older cars. Sure, you can even get beer brewed on Islay: There's a lot you can do on Islay, too much to list here. 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. 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. 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. 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). The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The cheapest way to travel to Islay is by ferry from Kennacraig. Thanks so much! The famous Scottish whisky island is just 25 miles long and 15 miles wide, easily explored in 2-3 days. Don't expect the roads to be as wide . Islay has seven hotels, my personal favourite being the Port Charlotte Hotel. Islay is larger than most people think, so driving around can take some time. You can probably see most of the island in 3 days, however a day on nearby Jura is worthwhile. Travelling by public transport is a slower way of travel (not a bad thing when adopting the island pace) and you wont be able to reach some of the places you would with a car, but for first time visitors or those who dont plan to venture too far off the beaten track, exploring Islay on public transport is a great experience. The Isle of Islay on Scotlands west coast is one of the countrys premier tourist destinations, and not just for its whisky distilleries. We are mainly interested in viewing wildlife, and visiting a couple of distilleries. The quickest way to get to Islay is on the Loganair flight from Glasgow. The Kintyre peninsula is a few miles to the east, Northern Ireland is approx 20 miles to the south across the Irish Sea. Probably best to stay centrally in either Bowmore or Bridgend to reduce travel times. 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 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. Caol Ila - founded in 1846, and the largest distillery on the island. It is important to educate yourself on the driving etiquette when youre exploring rural areas and islands in Scotland. Report inappropriate content. Visit in October and youll see the spectacle of barnacle and white-fronted geese fly in from Greenland to spend the winter on Islay. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. All rights reserved Out About Scotland 2023. Kintra Farm, near the beautiful Kintra Beach, has 4 self-catering properties on site. I would welcome suggestions about which area to stay in and how to get around. Don't expect the roads to be as wide, well maintained and fast as on the mainland and calculate your travelling time accordingly. There is no direct connection from Isle of Islay to Island of Skye. The bus services run between 7.20 am to 6.30 pm midweek and 8.10 am to 6.30 pm at the weekend, but there is no service on Sunday so you could find yourself stuck in the middle of nowhere if you miss the last one on Saturday evening which is where Islays taxi services will come to the rescue. I hope that my writing will entertain & inspire you, and that my photos will make you want to be there - or make you hungry! We spent 3 nights on our first visit to Islay this past August, and it was way too short. Islay is a terrific place to explore by car.
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