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. I still have questions, where can I get answers? [UPDATED 2020] Best Things To Do On Islay | dobbernationLOVES Roundabouts are painted with their guidelines forcing you clockwise as they will in the USA and mainland Europe force you anti-clockwise. The majority of people travelling to Islay will arrive on one of the Calmac ferries that sail daily from Kennacraig on the Kintyre peninsula. 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. What is there to do on Islay, which activities can I enjoy during a visit to Islay? Islay is larger than most people think, so driving around can take some time. Vehicle reservations are recommended. Good quality accommodation doesnt come cheap on Islay, however there are some budget-friendly self-catering options available. Lots of intersting geology as well, There is never enough time to do everything so I keep going back. We started this journey from nearby. Jim is a lovely legend of a man, whom my Dad and I stayed with on our first visit to Islay. Scotland in Summer: A Guide to the Best Things to Do, Historic Buildings in Edinburgh: Complete Guide. Visit the Ardbeg distillery for a tour and lunch. Visit Lagavulin distillery for a tour and a tasting. 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. 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. Islay is the southernmost of the Inner Hebrides, and forms part of a group of islands which are also referred to as the Southern Hebrides: its closest neighbours are Jura, Gigha and Colonsay. Its easy to just start walking about and see what you find, but a professional tour guide will be able to take you to all the must-see spots as well as the off-the-beaten-path jewels that only the locals know about. Another fantastic way to explore Islay is by eBike with Islay E Wheels. While this may seem like a long time, there are a few things you can do to make the journey more enjoyable. Another important piece of island etiquette is the famous Islay wave. . On the other hand youll experience the least amount of annual rainfall and the daylight hours will be long. 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. 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. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. There are a number of locals who run taxi services on the island, which I have used in the evenings to take me back to my accommodation. Inner Hebrides, Scotland | Island-Hopping Travel Guide Try not to pronounce it Izley or anything similar, unless you immediately want to out yourself as a clueless tourist. Islay will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, and not just by drinking drams! Probably best to stay centrally in either Bowmore or Bridgend to reduce travel times. Kennacraig is 65 miles from Tarbet and is located near the top of the Kintyre peninsula. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-45677876', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');fly from Glasgow. Dont be surprised to find yourself sitting outside reading a book at 9 pm. They will process and deliver your order. 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. Well if you are into that sort of thing. Managed a day trip to Colonsay. 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. It makes for a lovely slow drive to explore the island and see the amazing Outer Hebrides beaches surrounding. After a few miles you reach Islay Airport at Glenegedale and the famous Machrie Golf Course, both on your left. Glenmachrie House offers a wonderful, homely experience with huge portions of freshly prepared breakfast plus home-baking. While there are dozens of tour operators willing to take visitors around Islay, the pick of the bunch has to be Rabbies. You can only wild camp at the same location for a maximum of 3 nights. Which port you arrive into will be determined by the day of the week and the time you choose to travel, or you can base it on which port is closest to where youre staying. Whenever you pass a local on the road, you will be treated to a friendly wave, which you obviously have to reciprocate. However, buses do not run to the remotest parts of the island and taxis are expensive, so taking your own car is preferable. If you travel from Glasgow to Islay by Car it will take around three hours to get to Kennacraig. 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). Thanks so much! For a leisurely trip a week would be great. Islay has seven hotels, my personal favourite being the Port Charlotte Hotel. I think I can make some decions now. Arguably the most scenic area of the Oa is the RSPB nature reserve near the American Monument on the southwest tip of the peninsula. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The first day is a wash for practical purposes. I try to dedicate a day to spend on Jura at least. Getting to Oban from Glasgow: take the ScotRail train from Glasgow Queen Street to Oban or take the Citylink bus from Glasgow Buchanan Street to Oban. If youre wondering what is the best way to travel around Islay Ive got an easy answer for you car, with a sat nav. 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. 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. Lagavulin Distillery, Islay. All 18,000 of them! 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. Below I've listed a number of frequently asked questions about the Isle of Islay. 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. This is a long and straight road, also referred to as the "Low Road". Book your seats in advance for the best fares and sign up to the Loganair newsletter to find out about any sales/discounts. There are a few campsites on the island but the two main ones are Kintra Farm and Port Mor. The A846 also continues from Port Ellen to the distilleries at Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. COPYRIGHT ELEMENTS OF ISLAY 2023. This is my favourite nature reserve on Islay and its a place that I highly recommend you visit. You can view the timetable and book your tickets on the CalMac website. I'd most certainly say the long drive up Jura is well worth it. 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. 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. I'm off to book a stay. The weather on Islay can be described as moderate, mainly because of the Gulf Stream. I don't like whisky. We plan to be in Islay for three days in the first week of April. all winter) as flights get frequently cancelled without much notice. 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. 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. Islay Bus Islay Coaches runs a number of routes between the main villages, Mondays to Saturdays. 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. This campsite has facilities for tents and camper vans and unlike Kintra Farm there are electrical hook-up points. Jura is an island in the Inner Hebrides close to the Isle of Islay. 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. 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. Visitors can explore the open landscape by taking a ferry from Port Askaig and cycling or driving around the A846 which offers . 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'outaboutscotland_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_1',817,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-outaboutscotland_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Route directions: From Glasgow take the M8 across the Erskine Bridge then take the A82 through Dumbarton to Tarbert, via Loch Lomond. Your email address will not be published. Are there banks or cash machines (ATMs) on Islay? 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). 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. Getting To, From, and Around Islay and Jura - whiskyadvocate.com 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. 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! As soon as I stepped foot off the ferry I was blown away by how attractive it is with its wide sweeping plains of Machar, gently rolling hills and dramatic coastline. From Edinburgh head to the Highlands and stop at the Trossachs National Park for food. Route Planner | Directions, traffic and maps | AA - The AA ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Couldn't get to Jura due to wind/seas. In particular if you are staying in self-catering accommodation you might need to know where you can get your (grocery) shopping done. And dont forget the Islay Wave raising your hand to greet/thank other drivers passing the opposite way everyone on the island does it, and so must you! Islay Ferry from Kennacraig to Port Ellen (Day Trip to Islay) 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. 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. 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. Do they offer tours? Is a car necessary? - Islay Forum - Tripadvisor 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 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. You are not allowed to wild camp in big groups. How long does it take to drive around Islay? Visit Kilmartin Glen to see the ancient standing stones. Don't expect the roads to be as wide . Day 3: Vatersay and exploring Barra. Islay Storm Pods in Lagavulin has 5 glamping pods and a holiday cottage (Im staying in one of the pods in September). 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. Transport to Islay | islay.com The local bus service connects all of the main towns and most of the distilleries. Take a look at their accommodation page for an updated list of self-catering homes. Rabbies Islay & The Whisky Coast 4-day Tour. How to get to Islay from Glasgow: a local's best guide Drive the winding road to Ardnave and walk across the dunes to see what I mean. Prices are reasonable (around 60 for a single ticket) and flight times are short with a non-stop service that takes just 45 minutes. Many of the distilleries stop doing tours by 4 pm. Explore Islay by boat. 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. 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. 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. Parts of this film were shot on Islay. You can walk or cycle the Three Distilleries Pathway from Port Ellen, which links three distilleries in three miles: Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. They both stick to the main roads on the island. Hi this has probably been asked before but I searched and could not find an answer..we are planning our next Highlands trip and wondered how many days to stay on Islay? There is so much more to come. 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. The quickest way to get to Islay is on the Loganair flight from Glasgow. The Calmac ferry from Kennacraig on Kintyre sails to Port Askaig and Port Ellen on Islay. I can personally recommend Jims Islay Taxi for both taxis and tours. The Machrie, near Islay Airport, is Islays luxury resort-style hotel, complete with a golf course, spa, bar and restaurant. The Isle of Islay on Scotlands west coast is one of the countrys premier tourist destinations, and not just for its whisky distilleries. 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. 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. Visit Ardnahoe distillery for a tour and lunch. Transportation options between Port Ellen and Burichladdich? I've got a suggestion to improve these FAQ, where can I send it? Visit in October and youll see the spectacle of barnacle and white-fronted geese fly in from Greenland to spend the winter on Islay. Ro-Ro & Drive Through Ferries. There are a number of B&Bs and guesthouses as well as a large variety of self-catering accommodation. Driving on 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. Then this page is hopefully right for you. The guide also details the arrival airport on Islay which borders Laggan Bay on the west coast. Don't expect the roads to be as wide, well maintained and fast as on the mainland and calculate your travelling time accordingly. They also offer distillery tours, usually 2-3 times a day. 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. ENJOY RESPONSIBLY. The crossing is just over two hours long and onboard there are many places to eat and drink. Islay Ferry - The Complete Guide on Ferry Travel to Islay The answer is yes to both. 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 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). In any case Islay is the anglicised spelling, the Gaelic version is Ile. My main bit of advice would be to stay with local hosts if you can so that you can experience the wonderful island hospitality and local recommendations. Islay nature and wildlife. 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. Watch this space! Take the A82 from Glasgow towards Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The Islay & Whisky Coast tour with Rabbie's lasts four days and departs from Edinburgh two to three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday). The famous Scottish whisky island is just 25 miles long and 15 miles wide, easily explored in 2-3 days. There are usually two flights per day (only one on weekends) and the flight time is 45 minutes. Admittedly thats an hour longer than driving your own car, but it does at least mean you can have a few drinks on the way and you wont have to worry about drink-driving after visiting Islays distilleries (dont forget we have a near-zero drink-drive policy in Scotland). Driving on Hawaii Island: What You Need to Know - TripSavvy We are mainly interested in viewing wildlife, and visiting a couple of distilleries. 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. The bus service runs between 7am and 6pm Monday to Saturday, but not on Sunday. 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. Theres a reason why this island has the nickname Queen of the Hebrides, and its nothing to do with Isle of Islay whisky. Manage Settings 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. By Taxi And driving yourself after sampling whisky, even on Islay, is really not advisable. 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. Would a week be too long or is there plenty to see? The distinctive yellow and blue Citylink buses will take you from Glasgow Buchanan Street bus station to Kennacraig ferry terminal in 3-3.5 hours, enroute to Campbeltown. 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. 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. 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. The drive takes 2.5hrs; there is also a Citylink bus service that runs three times a day between Glasgow and Kennacraig; the journey takes 3-3.5hrs. There are only 200 inhabitants living across the island's 142 square miles which makes Jura one of the least inhabited places in Scotland. The driver guides have an in-depth understanding of Scotland, the places they take you to are incredible, and the prices are reasonable. Remember. Be sure to visit Islay Ale brewery. 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. Driving on the left is not hard to get used to. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. The first vehicle we drive after landing on the island, it's a quick lesson in driving older cars. There are some indoor options too, which are handy for rainy days. 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. 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. 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. . From Waikiki, Honolulu to the North Shore and back, is a full day but not overwhelming, give yourself 8 hours. Where can I access the internet on Islay? The bus stops near the ferry ports in Port Ellen and Port Askaig, and directly outside Islay Airport. All those activities, I'm getting hungry: Where can I eat on Islay? The opening hours vary, so I would recommend taking note in advance to ensure that you dont get caught short. Its just stunning. I have taken to the air and to the sea, and I loved both experiences. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. There is a wide variety of accommodation on Islay, from hostels and glamping pods to homely B&Bs and high-end guesthouses and hotels. {{checkoutCalculateItemTotalPrice(product)}}. 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. I can, of course, use your kind donation tobuy a hot drink on my travels,or I can put it towards the cost of running my business/website, and bringing my new ideas to life. By Car drinkaware.co.uk. Take a tour around the Oban distillery and have a seafood lunch. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Be aware that bad weather can delay crossings, sometimes for consecutive days; advance booking is strongly recommended, too. Where can I get cash on Islay? Just a suggestion. I'll show you how to explore Scotland on public transport and how to hop around the Scottish Islands like a pro. Most of the shoreline comprises sheer cliffs, although there are a few sandy beaches which are fantastic because theyre usually tourist-free. 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 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. For a leisurely trip a week would be great. Hostels Hostelling Scotland run the family-friend Port Charlotte Youth Hostel. If youre planning on visiting Islay, here is everything you need to know about this incredible island. Required fields are marked *. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. And doing the Jura distillery by bus would be distinctly challenging! If your family enjoys being outside and can be entertained with walks, beach days and water-based activities, then you will absolutely appreciate Islay. It is important to educate yourself on the driving etiquette when youre exploring rural areas and islands in Scotland. There are a limited number of taxis however, so I would always book your journey in advance. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Home Regions of Scotland The Hebrides Inner Hebrides Isle of 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 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. 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. Plan Your Ultimate Oahu Road Trip - Discount Hawaii Car Rental The price starts at 356 and includes transport in a mini-coach, the ferry crossing and an extremely knowledgable driver-guide. Quite a few old ruins up north past Gruinart. 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 hostel is located in an old distillery warehouse building within close walking distance of the Port Charlotte Hotel, which is great for food, drinks and live music. There are a number of important historic sites included several Celtic crosses and Finlaggan, home to the Lords of the Isles.

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