Cheap transport, no problems on narrow roads, and the chance to explore large parts of the island without much effort. There are currently eight working whisky distilleries on Islay, with a ninth one expected to open soon. 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. Some visitors will benefit from simply enjoying the food, drink and slower pace, while others will be excited to try the outdoor and water-based activities. 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. 1. 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. 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. Transport to Islay By Car From Glasgow, head north on the A82 for 40 miles until you reach Tarbet (where the A82 becomes the A83). What is there to do on Islay, which activities can I enjoy during a visit to Islay? 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. One last thing if you take an electric bike to Islay youll have the best of all worlds. Driving on Islay. I think I can make some decions now. Report inappropriate content. more. A return ticket on the ferry currently costs 71.10 per car plus 14.20 per adult. The Machrie, near Islay Airport, is Islays luxury resort-style hotel, complete with a golf course, spa, bar and restaurant. There are only 200 inhabitants living across the island's 142 square miles which makes Jura one of the least inhabited places in Scotland. If you add viewing wildlife a week seems ideal. The trip over is very short maybe 10 minutes shore to shore and costs less than 10 for a car and driver so theres no reason not to make the journey. Islay Storm Pods in Lagavulin has 5 glamping pods and a holiday cottage (Im staying in one of the pods in September). If you find my blogs informative and inspiring, you can support what I do and say thanks by gifting me a virtual coffee. Caol Ila - founded in 1846, and the largest distillery on the island. The island sits between the Kintyre Peninsula on the west coast of Scotland and Northern Ireland, which looks surprisingly close on a clear day. 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 ? Islay has fast become the island that I know best. Use the buses, they are convenient and mean you can drink at distilleries. Multiply this time with 60 mph average speed to get the distance traveled: 60 6.5 = 390 miles. Visit Lagavulin distillery for a tour and a tasting. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); If you're looking for Scottish travel inspiration, you're in the right place. I would welcome suggestions about which area to stay in and how to get around. Jura is a similar size to Islay though it has far fewer facilities and only one village which is Craighouse on the east coast. Islay is famous for a number of things: Mainly probably for its excellent Islay Single Malt Whiskies from the eight working distilleries. Upon clicking the "Checkout" button you will be transferred to their website for the final checkout. travelling around the island - do i need a car. The famous Scottish whisky island is just 25 miles long and 15 miles wide, easily explored in 2-3 days. all winter) as flights get frequently cancelled without much notice. There are beautiful coastlines to walk around, historic whisky distilleries to visit, and incredible wildlife-watching opportunities around every corner. Visitors can explore the open landscape by taking a ferry from Port Askaig and cycling or driving around the A846 which offers . 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. 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. If you need a car on Islay there is the option of a. Islay is larger than most people think, so driving around can take some time. If you travel from Glasgow to Islay by Car it will take around three hours to get to Kennacraig. The single/return price for a foot passenger is approximately 6.50/13; cars have an additional charge of 32.50/65. 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. The ports are easy to reach by car; Oban is around a two and a half hour drive from Glasgow, and there are also train and bus services. This campsite has facilities for tents and camper vans and unlike Kintra Farm there are electrical hook-up points. There are Petrol Stations in Port Ellen, Bowmore and Port Charlotte. For a leisurely trip a week would be great. 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. Continue south on the A83 to Lochgilphead then follow the road along the picturesque Campbeltown peninsula to Tarbert before it cuts inland to Kennacraig. 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). Take a tour around the Oban distillery and have a seafood lunch. The Kintyre peninsula is a few miles to the east, Northern Ireland is approx 20 miles to the south across the Irish Sea. A small delicatessen shop can be found at Kilchoman Distillery. The 450 service runs between the administrative capital Bowmore in the centre of Islay and Portnahaven in the south west. The three southern distilleries can be reached by public transport fairly easily, similar Bowmore and Bruichladdich. If you fancy a coffee or snack you can stop at the airport. Try not to pronounce it Izley or anything similar, unless you immediately want to out yourself as a clueless tourist. There are a limited number of taxis however, so I would always book your journey in advance. Check out some tours and trails on the island, from sampling the exquisite whisky and finding out more about distilleries to exploring the open sea. Visit the Ardbeg distillery for a tour and lunch. Would a week be too long or is there plenty to see? Lagavulin - Founded in 1816, one of the three distilleries near Port Ellen. Join him as he shares personal experiences and tips & advice about touring Scotland. From Glasgow, head north on the A82 for 40 miles until you reach Tarbet (where the A82 becomes the A83). We will ferry over with our (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Are taxis plentiful no matter where we stay? 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. The type of map you need depends on what you plan to do on Islay: If you only plan to visit the distilleries and other major tourist attractions, any decent road map or tourist map should be sufficient. 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. Then this page is hopefully right for you. We are now submitting your order to TheWhiskyExchange.com. However, buses do not run to the remotest parts of the island and taxis are expensive, so taking your own car is preferable. Islay has a number of beautiful beaches as well as some impressive cliffs. Just a suggestion. It was also pushing me towards the cliffs look at the photo further down to see how steep they are which made the whole experience just a wee bit terrifying. Stop at the village of Inveraray on the banks of Loch Fyne. 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. By Taxi After a few miles you reach Islay Airport at Glenegedale and the famous Machrie Golf Course, both on your left. 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). Also if you are planning on renting accommodation many have weekly lets. Before we proceed, lets address the all-important issue of pronunciation. The bus stops near the ferry ports in Port Ellen and Port Askaig, and directly outside Islay Airport. Out About Scotland also participates in affiliate programs with Awin, Get Your Guide, Booking.com, and other sites. If you add viewing wildlife a week seems ideal. I'd most certainly say the long drive up Jura is well worth it. How long does it take to drive around Islay? There are usually two flights per day (only one on weekends) and the flight time is 45 minutes. Are there banks or cash machines (ATMs) on Islay? Parts of this film were shot on Islay. Nothing to worry about, you're not suddenly famous and there's nothing wrong with your car. If you would rather not drive there are Citylink coaches that leave Glasgow four times a day from Buchanan Street bus station which takes around 3 1/4 hours. There are two bus routes on Islay running between 7am and 6pm Monday to Saturday, but not on Sunday. 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). Kintra Farm is the best location in my opinion as its near the airport so its easy to get to and its situated on the gorgeous Laggan Bay which is one of the nicest spots on the island. 105 miles. 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. Because of its size, navigating around the Big Island can be daunting, and driving around the entire island will take around eight hours. When planning my adventures, I usually start my search on Booking.com or Airbnb to see whats available for my chosen dates. Islay will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, and not just by drinking drams! There are 9 distilleries on Islay and most have tours and visitor centres. All those activities, I'm getting hungry: Where can I eat on Islay? By Bike We will (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. The eight existing ones are (in alphabetical order): In addition to the distilleries on Islay there is also the. For a leisurely trip a week would be great. 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. Islay Bus Islay Coaches runs a number of routes between the main villages, Mondays to Saturdays. Book your seats in advance for the best fares and sign up to the Loganair newsletter to find out about any sales/discounts. The A846 also continues from Port Ellen to the distilleries at Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. Islay receives its fair share of rain (hey, the distilleries need a lot of water), but also a lot of brilliant sunshine. A week would be ideal. Don't expect the roads to be as wide . The Isle of Islay is located in Argyll just southwest of Jura, and only 25 miles north off the Irish Coast. The Big Island makes up for more than half of the entire size of the state of Hawaii at just over 4,000 square milesabout half the size of New Jersey. CalMac Ferries (0800 066 5000) serves many of the islands in the Inner Hebrides, including Coll, Mull, Islay and others. At 25 miles long by 15 miles wide, Islay is the fifth largest island in Scotland, and it's rich, . 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. 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. This is a site thats famed more for its history than its scenery but its a great place to visit nonetheless. If you talk to the taxi companies they might be able to put something together as well. Couldn't get to Jura due to wind/seas. Islay is also very popular among birdwatchers, in particular for the Barnacle Geese. 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. Ballivicar Farm, just outside Port Ellen, has 3 self-catering apartments with one or two bedrooms. I have a wee hunch that I will be a lifetime regular on this island. Need a few quick answers for questions about Islay? 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. all winter) as flights get frequently cancelled without much notice. 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. I'll show you how to explore Scotland on public transport and how to hop around the Scottish Islands like a pro. There are signs for the airport as soon as you enter the Glasgow city limits but if you have a satnav you might like to enter the address Paisley PA3 2ST which will re-direct you if theres congestion bear that in mind if youre travelling on the M8 between 8 am to 10 am and 4 pm to 6 pm. Bunnahabhain - most remote of the Islay distilleries, established in 1881. 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. The sail to Port Ellen takes 2 hours. Then there's the Croft Kitchen in Port Charlotte or the Cottage Restaurant in Bowmore. Kintra Farm, near the beautiful Kintra Beach, has 4 self-catering properties on site. Can I visit the distilleries? Bus 500 from Glasgow airport to Glasgow central: 9 - one way (14.80 discounted return); I do it the opposite way to you Mary Beth when we are in Spain. My fondness for Islay grows with every visit, and while I experience new things each time, I always leave pining for more. 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. 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. Arguably the most scenic area of the Oa is the RSPB nature reserve near the American Monument on the southwest tip of the peninsula. There are a ton of sites, standing stones and ruins on both Islay and Jura. Most of the shoreline comprises sheer cliffs, although there are a few sandy beaches which are fantastic because theyre usually tourist-free. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. From there, you can catch a ferry to Port Askaig on Islays east coast. Be sure to book in advance and check that the bus time links in with the ferry service; the bus pulls right into the ferry terminal for a seamless journey. To calculate this answer, follow these steps: Calculate total break time: 15 min + 60 min + 15 min = 1 hr 30 min. You can probably see most of the island in 3 days, however a day on nearby Jura is worthwhile. By Car I first visited Islay in 2015 and Ive been a big fan ever since. 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.. I don't like whisky. . 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 Isle of Islay on Scotlands west coast is one of the countrys premier tourist destinations, and not just for its whisky distilleries. Thanks. Edinburgh (2-3 days, flights in. 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. Scotland is the love of my life, and I've devoted my career to promoting it full-time. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 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. If it fits with your schedule you might want to look into a tour with a local: http://www.wildandmagicislay.com/, they do a three day tour including all distilleries on Islay and Jura - even managing to squeeze in a couple of VIP/Extended tours as well. If I can do it, and I now drive probably a good few thousand miles each year in Spain, you can do it too. There are further shops in Port Ellen, Bridgend, Port Askaig, Bruichladdich and Port Charlotte. 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. This journey is more expensive than the Kennacraig route at 109.10 per car plus 14.20 per passenger return, and it takes around 4 hours. You must not disturb any animals or damage any plants. The extra time will allow you to do more hikes especially along the coast and see more wildlife. 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. 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. I'll also highlight where to find quirky accommodation and amazing local eateries along the way! Some will just lift a finger, others the whole hand. Roundabouts are painted with their guidelines forcing you clockwise as they will in the USA and mainland Europe force you anti-clockwise. The walk to Bunnahabhain is lovely from the main road. I have taken to the air and to the sea, and I loved both experiences. . Get answers to your questions about Islay, Getting around Islay / best places to stay. There are two bus routes on Islay, both of which using the main roads on the island. The local bus service connects all of the main towns and most of the distilleries. Required fields are marked *. Visit in October and youll see the spectacle of barnacle and white-fronted geese fly in from Greenland to spend the winter on Islay. There is a wide variety of accommodation on Islay, from hostels and glamping pods to homely B&Bs and high-end guesthouses and hotels. 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. 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). Need some help to plan your holiday on Islay? 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. How many distilleries are there on Islay? 5 . Getting to Kennacraig from Glasgow on public transport: Kennacraig is on the Scottish Citylink service 926from Glasgow Buchanan Street to Campbeltown. Inside, you can grab a tasty burger at the Gate 1 cafe! The largest shop on Islay is the Co-Op in Bowmore. Subtract this from 8 hours to get 8 - 1:30 = 6 hr 30 min. 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. Transportation options between Port Ellen and Burichladdich? 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. The Series IIA on Islay is a 2.25-litre petrol, however. By Bus The Isle of Islay is located in Argyll just southwest of Jura, and only 25 miles north off the Irish Coast. 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. COPYRIGHT ELEMENTS OF ISLAY 2023. The driver guides have an in-depth understanding of Scotland, the places they take you to are incredible, and the prices are reasonable. Rabbies Islay & The Whisky Coast 4-day Tour. Same with the road to Ardbeg from Port Ellen, which passes Laguvulin and Laphroiag. As in most places in Scotland the weather can change very quickly, so be prepared when going for a walk. On the other hand youll experience the least amount of annual rainfall and the daylight hours will be long. Islay by taxi is a good idea if you are planning to visit several distilleries and enjoy a few drams while youre there. Is there an Islay guide I can print off and take with me? Islay is absolutely doable on public transport for visitors who, like me, don't drive or for those who just don't want to: drinking whisky and driving is not a good mix. There are a number of B&Bs and guesthouses as well as a large variety of self-catering accommodation. These are the ways you can explore Islay without a car. Islay distillery tours. Im Craig Neil, I'm from Edinburgh, and I've spent over 20 years exploring Scotland. It is approx 25 miles long north-south and approx 20 miles wide east-west. 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. It is important to educate yourself on the driving etiquette when youre exploring rural areas and islands in Scotland. 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). Having been to Mull, I found Islay to be less dramatic in topography - flatter and easier to get around. Quite a few old ruins up north past Gruinart. Sure, you can even get beer brewed on Islay: There's a lot you can do on Islay, too much to list here. I mentioned this peninsula earlier but Ill repeat myself here as it really is a stunning place. If youre driving to GLA expect to take (midday): Edinburgh 1 1/4 hours, Stirling 3/4 hour, Dundee 1 3/4 hours, Ayr 1 hour. One of the best ways to explore Islay is by taking your car across on the ferry. 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. We usually go to Mull which we absolutely love (the variety of scenery and wildlife etc) so were wondering if Islay can compare? In any case Islay is the anglicised spelling, the Gaelic version is Ile. The table below has a month-by-month overview of the climate on Islay. You can find links to a number of places in the, First of all hopefully great memories from a wonderful visit. Dont be surprised to find yourself sitting outside reading a book at 9 pm. 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. These are serviced by smaller passenger ferries, such as the Isle of Kerrera or the Small Isles, Rum, Muck and Eigg. You will also have to deal with the enemy of all Scottish wild campers the infamous midge. And driving yourself after sampling whisky, even on Islay, is really not advisable. 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. Another important piece of island etiquette is the famous Islay wave. And driving yourself after sampling whisky, even on Islay, is really not advisable. 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. I'm excited to share it with you. Having said that, there is taxi service on the island, and there is excellent bus service. Theres no other word for it. Manage Settings This is a long and straight road, also referred to as the "Low Road". I was there for a week once. Take the A82 from Glasgow towards Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. If your family enjoys being outside and can be entertained with walks, beach days and water-based activities, then you will absolutely appreciate Islay. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-103309309', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car then a 2.5 hr ferry). How you choose to travel to Islay will depend on how much time you have, your budget, and where youre coming from. Fill up before taking the ferry over though. 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). They all offer a great experience, so you really cant go wrong. They're just friendly, as most people on Islay. Whenever you pass a local on the road, you will be treated to a friendly wave, which you obviously have to reciprocate. Select your Islay Tour from the map above or via the links below . Firstly, it is a minimum 5-hr plus journey from Glasgow (3 hrs by (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? How long does it take to drive around Islay? If wild camping is your preferred option you wont have any problems on Islay but there are a few considerations to bear in mind.
