how long to drive around islay

There are usually two flights per day (only one on weekends) and the flight time is 45 minutes. This will allow you to reach locations which are not served by bus and to treat yourself to a healthy dose of fresh, island air while youre at it! Islay has fast become the island that I know best. Take a tour around the Oban distillery and have a seafood lunch. Managed a day trip to Colonsay. Prices are reasonable (around 60 for a single ticket) and flight times are short with a non-stop service that takes just 45 minutes. 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. For a leisurely trip a week would be great. Thank you all for the advice and driving encouragement. I'll show you how to explore Scotland on public transport and how to hop around the Scottish Islands like a pro. 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. 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. 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 Kennacraig ferry departs three times daily on a sailing that takes around 2 1/4 hours and its the most frequently used route for visitors coming from the south of Scotland. Bunnahabhain - most remote of the Islay distilleries, established in 1881. Islay Storm Pods in Lagavulin has 5 glamping pods and a holiday cottage (Im staying in one of the pods in September). Multiply this time with 60 mph average speed to get the distance traveled: 60 6.5 = 390 miles. Here is an overview of experiences on Islay, however I have covered these all in much more detail in my blog full of suggestions for things to do when visiting Islay. At 25 miles long by 15 miles wide, Islay is the fifth largest island in Scotland, and it's rich, . The journey time from Kennacraig to Port Askaig is around 2 hours and from Kennacraig to Port Ellen 2 hours and 20 minutes. 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 Kintyre peninsula is a few miles to the east, Northern Ireland is approx 20 miles to the south across the Irish Sea. 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. drinkaware.co.uk, The Post Office, Main Street, Bowmore ++44 (0)1496 810366. In any case Islay is the anglicised spelling, the Gaelic version is Ile. Are there banks or cash machines (ATMs) on Islay? Coming from Glasgow you take the M8 and cross the Clyde over the Erskine Bridge. Where can I do my (grocery) shopping on Islay? It might be worth keeping your wild camping pitches close to the coastline where the sea breeze should deter all but the most determined midge, but for the ultimate protection you really have to cover yourself in Smidge (Amazon link). 2-3 people is fine though. Watch this space! There are a ton of sites, standing stones and ruins on both Islay and Jura. There are two bus routes on Islay, both of which using the main roads on the island. 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 has seven hotels, my personal favourite being the Port Charlotte Hotel. 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. If you fancy a coffee or snack you can stop at the airport. 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. Vehicle reservations are recommended. 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. 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 website includes affiliate links to Booking.com and GetYourGuide. 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. 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. If youre planning on visiting Islay, here is everything you need to know about this incredible island. Islay hotels range from luxury resorts on scenic golf courses to historic boutique hotels and affordable . 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. 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. If you add viewing wildlife a week seems ideal. The 450 service runs between the administrative capital Bowmore in the centre of Islay and Portnahaven in the south west. 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. They're just friendly, as most people on Islay. The Chaotic Scot is packed with personality, travel tips, and destination inspiration - as well as the odd misadventure! . 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 would certainly do the weekly let, once you get past being on Islay for about 3 days you sort of fully slow down to the island pace and you can step back and watch. Can you hire a car on Islay? 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. Stop at the village of Inveraray on the banks of Loch Fyne. Bowmore is considered the capital of the island and the towns central location is a great jumping off point for those driving around. How long is the ferry to Islay? 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. 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 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. There is so much more to come. 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. 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. 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). If you are arriving by ferry, but would still like to hire a car, you will need to arrange a suitable time to collect your car from the airport. It is . By Taxi While the weather as a whole is quite mild (for Scotland) those winds are another matter altogether and they can make or break your holiday on the island. SCOTTISH TRAVEL BLOG PACKED WITH FUN, FOOD & INSPIRATION. Islay is also very popular among birdwatchers, in particular for the Barnacle Geese. Theres a reason why this island has the nickname Queen of the Hebrides, and its nothing to do with Isle of Islay whisky. Is there an Islay guide I can print off and take with me? The weather on Islay can be described as moderate, mainly because of the Gulf Stream. This is such a pleasant wee exchange and one of the things I love about Islay. Hostels Hostelling Scotland run the family-friend Port Charlotte Youth Hostel. Rabbies Islay & The Whisky Coast 4-day Tour. A return ticket on the ferry currently costs 71.10 per car plus 14.20 per adult. Nothing to worry about, you're not suddenly famous and there's nothing wrong with your car. There are beautiful coastlines to walk around, historic whisky distilleries to visit, and incredible wildlife-watching opportunities around every corner. And driving yourself after sampling whisky, even on Islay, is really not advisable. A single trip costs 1.70 for foot passengers, with an additional 9.05 for cars. The answer is yes to both. . Jim is a lovely legend of a man, whom my Dad and I stayed with on our first visit to Islay. 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. The opening hours vary, so I would recommend taking note in advance to ensure that you dont get caught short. ENJOY RESPONSIBLY. Day 3: Vatersay and exploring Barra. 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. Automobile Association Developments Ltd. 2018 . all winter) as flights get frequently cancelled without much notice. 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. All other brands and names are property of their respective owners. I'll also highlight where to find quirky accommodation and amazing local eateries along the way! if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'outaboutscotland_com-leader-1','ezslot_6',829,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-outaboutscotland_com-leader-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'outaboutscotland_com-leader-1','ezslot_7',829,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-outaboutscotland_com-leader-1-0_1'); .leader-1-multi-829{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:25px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:20px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:600px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}Ive personally used Rabbies before, and every time has been an enjoyable experience. Whisky is, of course, Islays ultimate claim to fame; it is a way of life on this windswept isle. Equally amazing is the sight of Loch Gruinart when the tides out as its absolutely enormous and has to be, without doubt, the biggest expanse of sand Ive ever seen in my life. 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). Glenmachrie House offers a wonderful, homely experience with huge portions of freshly prepared breakfast plus home-baking. Ro-Ro & Drive Through Ferries. 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). 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. Follow me on Pinterest and YouTube. These are serviced by smaller passenger ferries, such as the Isle of Kerrera or the Small Isles, Rum, Muck and Eigg. Also, there are generally fewer tourists milling about so you can breeze through the distillery tours without having to wait for available space. All those activities, I'm getting hungry: Where can I eat on Islay? Be aware that bad weather can delay crossings, sometimes for consecutive days; advance booking is strongly recommended, too. There aren't any real extremes, i.e you won't often experience scorching hot days during the summer or freezing cold days during the winter (the winter storms can be quite strong though). 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. The Calmac ferry from Kennacraig on Kintyre sails to Port Askaig and Port Ellen on Islay. Jura is an island in the Inner Hebrides close to the Isle of Islay. I can personally recommend Jims Islay Taxi for both taxis and tours. I'm off to book a stay. The guide also details the arrival airport on Islay which borders Laggan Bay on the west coast. 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. If you find my blogs informative and inspiring, you can support what I do and say thanks by gifting me a virtual coffee. Jura is a similar size to Islay though it has far fewer facilities and only one village which is Craighouse on the east coast. The Machrie, near Islay Airport, is Islays luxury resort-style hotel, complete with a golf course, spa, bar and restaurant. Your email address will not be published. If you add viewing wildlife a week seems ideal. Firstly, it is a minimum 5-hr plus journey from Glasgow (3 hrs by (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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 Isle of Islay on Scotlands west coast is one of the countrys premier tourist destinations, and not just for its whisky distilleries. Their business speciality is small-group tours for no more than 16 people at a time, travelling in comfortable minibuses where passengers will meet new people and never feel lost in a sea of strangers. Having been to Mull, I found Islay to be less dramatic in topography - flatter and easier to get around. 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! Driving on Islay. This is the most obvious route and a very lovely drive through Argyll's beautiful countryside. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 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. travelling around the island - do i need a car. Transportation options between Port Ellen and Burichladdich? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); If you're looking for Scottish travel inspiration, you're in the right place. Most of the shoreline comprises sheer cliffs, although there are a few sandy beaches which are fantastic because theyre usually tourist-free.

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