Quite a few old ruins up north past Gruinart. From there, you can catch a ferry to Port Askaig on Islays east coast. There are further shops in Port Ellen, Bridgend, Port Askaig, Bruichladdich and Port Charlotte. 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 Machrie, near Islay Airport, is Islays luxury resort-style hotel, complete with a golf course, spa, bar and restaurant. Do they offer tours? If you fancy a coffee or snack you can stop at the airport. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. If youre planning on visiting Islay, here is everything you need to know about this incredible island. Upon clicking the "Checkout" button you will be transferred to their website for the final checkout. 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. By Bike
Most of the shoreline comprises sheer cliffs, although there are a few sandy beaches which are fantastic because theyre usually tourist-free. To calculate this answer, follow these steps: Calculate total break time: 15 min + 60 min + 15 min = 1 hr 30 min. 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. 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 many days to visit Islay? - Islay Message Board - Tripadvisor While flying is faster, the crossing on the ferry is so nice it has become something of a tourist attraction in its own right. There are a number of taxi firms on Islay, some of which offer half- or full-day hire as well as whisky tours, too. Managed a day trip to Colonsay. Port Mor campsite is located on the Port Mor community centre on the northern side of Loch Indaall, south of Port Charlotte. Getting to Kennacraig from Glasgow on public transport: Kennacraig is on the Scottish Citylink service 926from Glasgow Buchanan Street to Campbeltown. If you travel from Glasgow to Islay by Car it will take around three hours to get to Kennacraig. Visitors can explore the open landscape by taking a ferry from Port Askaig and cycling or driving around the A846 which offers . Where can I do my (grocery) shopping on Islay? Driving on the left is not hard to get used to. These are the ways you can explore Islay without a car. Good quality accommodation doesnt come cheap on Islay, however there are some budget-friendly self-catering options available. Bear in mind these services are busy in the summer months so you will need to book well in advance. Rabbies Islay & The Whisky Coast 4-day Tour. Vatersay is a little island off Barra, with a population of just 90 people. If you add viewing wildlife a week seems ideal. 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. Manage Settings Visit Kilchoman distillery for a tour and a whisky tasting. 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). If youre not interested in wildlife youll be pleased to know the islands climate benefits from the warm Gulf Stream that ensures mild temperatures and lots of sunny days from April to August, which makes the golden sand beaches at Laggan Bay and Gruinart extremely inviting. How you choose to travel to Islay will depend on how much time you have, your budget, and where youre coming from. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. 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. I usually use HomeAway.co.uk as they tend to have nicer homes than AirBnB and their prices are just that wee bit more reasonable, but their selection is also more limited, so theyve both got their pros and cons. Are there banks or cash machines (ATMs) on Islay? Subtract this from 8 hours to get 8 - 1:30 = 6 hr 30 min. Upon clicking the "Checkout" button you will be transferred to their website for the final checkout. For a leisurely trip a week would be great. 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. We started this journey from nearby. Islay is most famed for its peat-infused, smoky whisky which is exported across the world. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Alternatively, you can take a vehicle from Isle of Islay to Fort William via Port Askaig, Ferry Terminal, Port Askaig Islay Ferry Terminal, Oban Ferry Terminal, Oban, and Crianlarich in around 10h 13m. I need accommodation on Islay, where can I stay when visiting Islay? We plan to be in Islay for three days in the first week of April. The walk to Bunnahabhain is lovely from the main road. Also if you are planning on renting accommodation many have weekly lets. Out About Scotland also participates in affiliate programs with Awin, Get Your Guide, Booking.com, and other sites. Required fields are marked *. I do it the opposite way to you Mary Beth when we are in Spain. There are Petrol Stations in Port Ellen, Bowmore and Port Charlotte. Its not as big as Skye, doesnt have mountainous peaks like Mull or as many beaches as Tiree, but its certainly majestic in every other aspect and its a destination every visitor to Scotland needs to experience at least once in their lives. Summary. Islay is also very popular among birdwatchers, in particular for the Barnacle Geese. Islay hotels range from luxury resorts on scenic golf courses to historic boutique hotels and affordable . The table below has a month-by-month overview of the climate on Islay. How long drive is it to Glasgow to Islay? - Glasgow Eyes Magazine 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. There are beautiful coastlines to walk around, historic whisky distilleries to visit, and incredible wildlife-watching opportunities around every corner. The majority of people travelling to Islay will arrive on one of the Calmac ferries that sail daily from Kennacraig on the Kintyre peninsula. travelling around the island - do i need a car. 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. Islay is famous for a number of things: Mainly probably for its excellent Islay Single Malt Whiskies from the eight working distilleries. Bunnahabhain - most remote of the Islay distilleries, established in 1881. How long does it take to drive around Islay? 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. There is a wide variety of accommodation on Islay, from hostels and glamping pods to homely B&Bs and high-end guesthouses and hotels. Visit Lagavulin distillery for a tour and a tasting. 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. 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. Clicking on a question will take you to the answer for the question, use the back button of your browser to return to the top: So far the questions, here are the answers: There are a number of options to get to Islay: Visiting Islay without a car is possible and there are various ways to get around without a car: Copyright 2007 Armin Grewe - About - FAQ For a map and to look around try. 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. 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. Below I've listed a number of frequently asked questions about the Isle of Islay. If your family enjoys being outside and can be entertained with walks, beach days and water-based activities, then you will absolutely appreciate Islay. 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. Need some help to plan your holiday on Islay? You must not disturb any animals or damage any plants. The island sits between the Kintyre Peninsula on the west coast of Scotland and Northern Ireland, which looks surprisingly close on a clear day. You can probably see most of the island in 3 days, however a day on nearby Jura is worthwhile. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Roundabouts are painted with their guidelines forcing you clockwise as they will in the USA and mainland Europe force you anti-clockwise. Drive the winding road to Ardnave and walk across the dunes to see what I mean. Ro-Ro & Drive Through Ferries. 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. Be sure to visit Islay Ale brewery. Also keep in mind that farm animals might slow you down on almost any road on Islay. drinkaware.co.uk. Scotland is the love of my life, and I've devoted my career to promoting it full-time. When you drive around on Islay you'll notice that quite a few people will give you a short wave when you're passing. While this may seem like a long time, there are a few things you can do to make the journey more enjoyable. I need souvenirs, what should I take back home from Islay? Well, they were when I visited anyway. Another important piece of island etiquette is the famous Islay wave. The most central place to stay is in Bowmore, but anywhere would do as distances aren't that great. Edinburgh (2-3 days, flights in. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Need a few quick answers for questions about Islay? Answer 1 of 19: Hello! Parts of this film were shot on Islay. 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. Scotland in Summer: A Guide to the Best Things to Do, Historic Buildings in Edinburgh: Complete Guide. If youre wondering what is the best way to travel around Islay Ive got an easy answer for you car, with a sat nav. At 25 miles long by 15 miles wide, Islay is the fifth largest island in Scotland, and its rich, fertile land has earned the island its nickname as the Queen of the Hebrides. I'm Kay, the 'chaotic' lass behind the blog. A week would be ideal. The Kintyre peninsula is a few miles to the east, Northern Ireland is approx 20 miles to the south across the Irish Sea. I try to dedicate a day to spend on Jura at least. Drive Time Calculator - Travel Time Calculator This is my favourite nature reserve on Islay and its a place that I highly recommend you visit. The Isle of Islay is one of the best places in Scotland to experience everything that makes the country such a magical destination for tourists. You must not light open fires on Islay where there is dry peat due to the fire risk. 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. You can view the timetable and book your tickets on the CalMac website. We are now submitting your order to TheWhiskyExchange.com. 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. 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. 5 . By Car
Continue through the West Highlands towards the coastal town of Oban. By Bus
The extra time will allow you to do more hikes especially along the coast and see more wildlife. 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). There are a limited number of taxis however, so I would always book your journey in advance. The distilleries, which are open year-round, each have their own unique stories, tours and traditions. The Isle of Islay in Scotland: Advice for Visitors Visit in October and youll see the spectacle of barnacle and white-fronted geese fly in from Greenland to spend the winter on Islay. It is recommended to book for a tour to avoid disappointment, your best option is to contact/call the distilleries (details are usually available on their websites). 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. The quickest way to get to Islay is on the Loganair flight from Glasgow. Dont be surprised to find yourself sitting outside reading a book at 9 pm. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. When I first started driving in Spain I would remember little things like "at home me, the driver, I am positioned in the middle of the road and it is the same here" that helped when turning left especially, to you it would be the opposite ie when you turn right. Yes, there are a number of banks on Islay, some also providing a cash machine: If I haven't answered your questions here feel free to, I'd love to hear from you with any suggestions and ideas for improvements to these FAQ (or the pages in general), so please feel free to. This is such a pleasant wee exchange and one of the things I love about Islay. Thanks so much! Don't expect the roads to be as wide . There are also self-catering lodges which allow guests the best of both worlds. 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 still have questions, where can I get answers? Wow, this forum is awesome! Some will just lift a finger, others the whole hand. If you find my blogs informative and inspiring, you can support what I do and say thanks by gifting me a virtual coffee. 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. 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. How long is the ferry to Islay? 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. Traffic on Islay is light, as it usually is on islands, and getting used to the 'wrong' side of the road is remarkably easy. Thanks. This is a site thats famed more for its history than its scenery but its a great place to visit nonetheless. I have taken to the air and to the sea, and I loved both experiences. Can I get a beer instead? 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. 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. How can I get around on Islay without a car? The local bus service connects all of the main towns and most of the distilleries. In a few short hours you will drive through all kinds of landscapes, from mountains to empty hinterland via jolly seafronts and high cliff routes. Cycling round the island to see Islays nature and wildlife up close is ideal, not least due to the largely flat terrain and the low level of traffic on the island. 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. Plan Your Ultimate Oahu Road Trip - Discount Hawaii Car Rental 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). Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. You can walk or cycle the Three Distilleries Pathway from Port Ellen, which links three distilleries in three miles: Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. For a leisurely trip a week would be great. And driving yourself after sampling whisky, even on Islay, is really not advisable. Transportation options between Port Ellen and Burichladdich? Just join in, you'll soon pick it up and enjoy it. 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. Jura is a similar size to Islay though it has far fewer facilities and only one village which is Craighouse on the east coast. 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! 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. Sure, you can even get beer brewed on Islay: There's a lot you can do on Islay, too much to list here. 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. Outer Hebrides Road Trip: Your 1 Week Itinerary for the Western Isles [UPDATED 2020] Best Things To Do On Islay | dobbernationLOVES 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. We usually go to Mull which we absolutely love (the variety of scenery and wildlife etc) so were wondering if Islay can compare? more. But with a week, you can pick a day when the weather is decent.. You really get the feeling you are away from the world. Lagavulin Distillery, Islay. Oahu Circle Drive One of the best drives in Oahu is the circle tour, where you drive around the island. Opening hours vary, so best check before going. travelling around the island - do i need a car. This campsite has facilities for tents and camper vans and unlike Kintra Farm there are electrical hook-up points. 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. Cheap transport, no problems on narrow roads, and the chance to explore large parts of the island without much effort. The famous Scottish whisky island is just 25 miles long and 15 miles wide, easily explored in 2-3 days. Report inappropriate content. There are a number of important historic sites included several Celtic crosses and Finlaggan, home to the Lords of the Isles. Land Rover Defender: meeting the ancestors - Motoring Research First time for all of us. The journey time from Glasgow to Kennacraig is approximately 3 hours 15 minutes and you can get advanced fares for as little as 23.60 return. I really wouldn't worry about hiring a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Before we proceed, lets address the all-important issue of pronunciation. Many of the distilleries stop doing tours by 4 pm. Islay Bus Islay Coaches runs a number of routes between the main villages, Mondays to Saturdays. 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. 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. 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. Where can I access the internet on Islay? 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. The two 94.8m long vessels will replace the 36 . The route via Loch Lomond and Inverary is longer (just over 100 miles from Glasgow) but faster, and you should be able to drive from Glasgow to Kennacraig in around 2 1/2 hours. Where do I find petrol stations on Islay? The sail to Port Askaig takes 2 hours 20 minutes. Kennacraig is 65 miles from Tarbet and is located near the top of the Kintyre peninsula. Another fantastic way to explore Islay is by eBike with Islay E Wheels.
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