Try not to pronounce it Izley or anything similar, unless you immediately want to out yourself as a clueless tourist. We saw seals laying on the rocks near a cove past the Ardbeg distillery as we were driving to the Kidalton Cross. The answer is yes to both. 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). An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. This campsite has facilities for tents and camper vans and unlike Kintra Farm there are electrical hook-up points. Take the A82 from Glasgow towards Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. From there, you can catch a ferry to Port Askaig on Islays east coast. Often asked: What To Do Islay Scotland? - Scotland Blog This is a site thats famed more for its history than its scenery but its a great place to visit nonetheless. Fill up before taking the ferry over though. 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. Visit in October and youll see the spectacle of barnacle and white-fronted geese fly in from Greenland to spend the winter on Islay. Rabbies Islay & The Whisky Coast 4-day Tour. Then there's the Croft Kitchen in Port Charlotte or the Cottage Restaurant in Bowmore. Islay has a number of beautiful beaches as well as some impressive cliffs. I'll also highlight where to find quirky accommodation and amazing local eateries along the way! 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. On the other hand youll experience the least amount of annual rainfall and the daylight hours will be long. Islay hotels range from luxury resorts on scenic golf courses to historic boutique hotels and affordable . I hope that my writing will entertain & inspire you, and that my photos will make you want to be there - or make you hungry! The 450 service runs between the administrative capital Bowmore in the centre of Islay and Portnahaven in the south west. 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. As far as driving is concerned the roads are quite good, mostly single track but in great condition. 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. 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). From Waikiki, Honolulu to the North Shore and back, is a full day but not overwhelming, give yourself 8 hours. It may look small, but it will take you several days to see every nook and cranny by road. You can only wild camp at the same location for a maximum of 3 nights. 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. It makes for a lovely slow drive to explore the island and see the amazing Outer Hebrides beaches surrounding. Arguably the most scenic area of the Oa is the RSPB nature reserve near the American Monument on the southwest tip of the peninsula. Continue through the West Highlands towards the coastal town of Oban. There is so much more to come. Total travel time is 2.5 to 4 hours, distance by car approx. It's stunning. The quickest way to get to Islay is on the Loganair flight from Glasgow. Cars must be booked onto the ferry in advance and check-in is 30 minutes prior to departure. If you are on a budget you might want to consider the youth hostel. The A846 between Port Ellen and Bowmore (also known as Low Road) looks deceptively straight and fast on a map, but as it floats on the peat it is quite bumpy and you can't drive as fast as you might think. The majority of people travelling to Islay will arrive on one of the Calmac ferries that sail daily from Kennacraig on the Kintyre peninsula. 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. 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. Dont be surprised to find yourself sitting outside reading a book at 9 pm. Be aware that bad weather can delay crossings, sometimes for consecutive days; advance booking is strongly recommended, too. 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. Stop at the village of Inveraray on the banks of Loch Fyne. A return trip from Oban to Craignure, on Mull, for a car and two people (driver and . For a map and to look around try. 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. You can probably see most of the island in 3 days, however a day on nearby Jura is worthwhile. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Are there banks or cash machines (ATMs) on Islay? How do I drive around on Islay? Islay actually isnt as bad as the mainland for midges which I think might be down to the Atlantic winds keeping them at bay, but when the winds drop they can be a real pain. 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. 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. Theres a reason why this island has the nickname Queen of the Hebrides, and its nothing to do with Isle of Islay whisky. 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. Both journeys take around 3 hours 10 minutes and offer stunning scenery. Visitors can explore the open landscape by taking a ferry from Port Askaig and cycling or driving around the A846 which offers . If youre planning on visiting Islay, here is everything you need to know about this incredible island. If you add viewing wildlife a week seems ideal. Continue to Loch Lomond and stop for photos. Oahu Circle Drive One of the best drives in Oahu is the circle tour, where you drive around the island. If you fancy a coffee or snack you can stop at the airport. 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. There are a number of important historic sites included several Celtic crosses and Finlaggan, home to the Lords of the Isles. At 25 miles long by 15 miles wide, Islay is the fifth largest island in Scotland, and it's rich, . Visit Kilchoman distillery for a tour and a whisky tasting. Are taxis plentiful no matter where we stay? Its all quite interesting and it certainly makes a nice change of pace from Islays whisky distillery tours. 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. Lagavulin - Founded in 1816, one of the three distilleries near Port Ellen. Quite a few old ruins up north past Gruinart. Where can I access the internet on Islay? The Essential Guide to Visiting Islay - The Chaotic Scot 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. 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. Good quality accommodation doesnt come cheap on Islay, however there are some budget-friendly self-catering options available. Lower Killeyan, Islay. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The Series IIA on Islay is a 2.25-litre petrol, however. While there are dozens of tour operators willing to take visitors around Islay, the pick of the bunch has to be Rabbies. 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. A return ticket on the ferry currently costs 71.10 per car plus 14.20 per adult. Also, there are generally fewer tourists milling about so you can breeze through the distillery tours without having to wait for available space. Things to do on Islay Scotland - Finding the Universe We spent 3 nights on our first visit to Islay this past August, and it was way too short. Many of the distilleries stop doing tours by 4 pm. The Calmac ferry from Kennacraig on Kintyre sails to Port Askaig and Port Ellen on Islay. Even if youre not (yet) a lover of single malt, I would say that at least one distillery tour is a must when visiting Islay. Islay is pronounced EYE-LA and no one says it better than a local with their lovely, lilting accent. COPYRIGHT ELEMENTS OF ISLAY 2023. The buses only run until the evening, so if you are relying on public transport and would like to venture out for dinner and drinks, it would be worth basing yourself in or around one of the main towns, Bowmore or Port Ellen. There is plenty to see on the journey, and once there you'll be glad you have the car to explore the less accessible places on Islay. Islay has fast become the island that I know best. Continue south on the A83 to Lochgilphead then follow the road along the picturesque Campbeltown peninsula to Tarbert before it cuts inland to Kennacraig. 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. Book your seats in advance for the best fares and sign up to the Loganair newsletter to find out about any sales/discounts. 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. Select your Islay Tour from the map above or via the links below . FAQ: What To Do In Islay Scotland? - Scotland Blog I need souvenirs, what should I take back home from Islay? You are not allowed to wild camp in big groups. 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. You can either bring your own bike or rent one on Islay. Isle of Jura: Complete Visitor Guide | Out About Scotland Glasgow to Islay by Car and Ferry - 4 Different Routes Tips Travel Times Thanks all for your input - much appreciated!! Youll find Loch Finlaggan a few miles southwest of Port Askaig on the northeast part of the island in an area thats mostly grassland and farmland but is no less attractive for it. 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. Then this page is hopefully right for you. The A846 also continues from Port Ellen to the distilleries at Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. Islay Storm Pods in Lagavulin has 5 glamping pods and a holiday cottage (Im staying in one of the pods in September). Arrival at Arran The ferry from the mainland arrives at Brodick, Arran's capital and main settlement. Managed a day trip to Colonsay. 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. A 4-Day Islay Whisky Tour with Rabbie's Tours [Review 2019] Visit Lagavulin distillery for a tour and a tasting. 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. Ro-Ro & Drive Through Ferries. Plan Your Ultimate Oahu Road Trip - Discount Hawaii Car Rental 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. From Edinburgh head to the Highlands and stop at the Trossachs National Park for food. The opening hours vary, so I would recommend taking note in advance to ensure that you dont get caught short. Wow, this forum is awesome! We are now submitting your order to TheWhiskyExchange.com. Having been to Mull, I found Islay to be less dramatic in topography - flatter and easier to get around. 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'm excited to share it with you. It is also illegal! Whenever you pass a local on the road, you will be treated to a friendly wave, which you obviously have to reciprocate. The price starts at 356 and includes transport in a mini-coach, the ferry crossing and an extremely knowledgable driver-guide. 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). Adjust your driving style and speed accordingly. You cannot wild camp on private property without obtaining permission first. Manage Settings They also offer distillery tours, usually 2-3 times a day. Is there anything to do on a rainy day on Islay? 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. 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. 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. 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. Travel to the Isle of Jura and Local Transportation - Isle of Jura Scotland 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! Getting to Glasgow International on public transport is effortless as there are regular buses from Glasgow city centre to the airport terminal, but if youre driving the quickest route will be to take the M8 and look for junction 28. Multiply this time with 60 mph average speed to get the distance traveled: 60 6.5 = 390 miles. I'm Kay, the 'chaotic' lass behind the blog. By Ferry 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? 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. 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 single/return price for a foot passenger is approximately 6.50/13; cars have an additional charge of 32.50/65. This is such a pleasant wee exchange and one of the things I love about 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. Glenegedale House (my favourite place to stay on Islay) is a 5*, multi-award winning guesthouse which serves sharing boards on whisky barrel tops and Laphroaig with your breakfast porridge. Traffic on Islay is light, as it usually is on islands, and getting used to the 'wrong' side of the road is remarkably easy. 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'outaboutscotland_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_0',852,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-outaboutscotland_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');However, if youre just popping over for a couple of days you can leave your vehicle at the Kennacraig ferry terminal car park. Visit Ardnahoe distillery for a tour and lunch. 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. First time for all of us. I'd most certainly say the long drive up Jura is well worth it. 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. A bus stop directly outside the terminal building follows the A846 and the A847 from Portnahaven to Ardbeg so youll be able to stop at most of the distillery villages, but I found the buses to be quite infrequent so if you mistime your flight you might find yourself waiting up to 2 hours for the next bus. 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. drinkaware.co.uk. The Isle of Islay on Scotlands west coast is one of the countrys premier tourist destinations, and not just for its whisky distilleries. more. How many distilleries are there on Islay? You can view the timetable and book your journey on the Scottish Citylink website. Carol's Cabs - tel: +44 (0) 1496 302 155 / Mobile: +44 (0) 777 5782155. There is no direct connection from Isle of Islay to Island of Skye. They will process and deliver your order. Make Traigh a Bhaigh Beach your first port of call. Its just stunning. 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. Driving on the left is not hard to get used to. If youre wondering what is the best way to travel around Islay Ive got an easy answer for you car, with a sat nav. The two 94.8m long vessels will replace the 36 . Driving on the wrong side is easy enough. There are usually two flights per day (only one on weekends) and the flight time is 45 minutes. Driving Tour Distance (miles/km) Time; Circular Tour from Bridgend via Loch Gorm and Loch Gruinart: 19-35 Miles, 31-56Km: 2 - 5 Hours: Circular Tour Rhinns of Islay : 20 Miles, 32Km: You can view the timetable and book your tickets on the CalMac website. 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. Bear in mind these services are busy in the summer months so you will need to book well in advance. 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. Upon clicking the "Checkout" button you will be transferred to their website for the final checkout. Is a car necessary? - Islay Forum - Tripadvisor The bus service runs between 7am and 6pm Monday to Saturday, but not on Sunday. There are a limited number of taxis however, so I would always book your journey in advance. With no synchromesh on lower gears, it . 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. Staying near Bridgend will put you near the center of the island and make the distilleries easy to get to. more. If I can do it, and I now drive probably a good few thousand miles each year in Spain, you can do it too. Inside, you can grab a tasty burger at the Gate 1 cafe! The Isle of Islay in Scotland: Advice for Visitors How can I get around on Islay without a car? Subtract this from 8 hours to get 8 - 1:30 = 6 hr 30 min. 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. 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). You do not need a car on Islay as there is public transport with buses and taxi services. Islay Bus Islay Coaches runs a number of routes between the main villages, Mondays to Saturdays. The Singing Sands gets its name from the tiny silica grains on the beach that sing when the wind blows through the minuscule tunnels the silica creates, similar to how a glass bottle whistles when you blow across the top. Also if you are planning on renting accommodation many have weekly lets. 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. However, buses do not run to the remotest parts of the island and taxis are expensive, so taking your own car is preferable. 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. 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. The distilleries, which are open year-round, each have their own unique stories, tours and traditions. They all offer a great experience, so you really cant go wrong. Why do people wave at me when I'm driving on Islay? There are also self-catering lodges which allow guests the best of both worlds. Due to social distancing measures and managing capacity, foot passengers should also pre-book their journey and arrive no later than 10 minutes before departure. Cost breakdown on getting to Islay from Glasgow, by bus & ferry. I was there for a week once. I don't like whisky. 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. Just a suggestion. The crossing is just over two hours long and onboard there are many places to eat and drink. Sure, you can even get beer brewed on Islay: There's a lot you can do on Islay, too much to list here. While certainly not as frequent as in an urban area there is a regular bus service between the major villages.
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