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. Parts of this film were shot on Islay. We usually go to Mull which we absolutely love (the variety of scenery and wildlife etc) so were wondering if Islay can compare? Wow, this forum is awesome! Manage Settings You can probably see most of the island in 3 days, however a day on nearby Jura is worthwhile. Where can I get cash on Islay? I do it the opposite way to you Mary Beth when we are in Spain. If youre planning on visiting Islay, here is everything you need to know about this incredible island. A week would be ideal. Opening hours vary, so best check before going. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Islay Bus Islay Coaches runs a number of routes between the main villages, Mondays to Saturdays. travelling around the island - do i need a car. All other brands and names are property of their respective owners. Don't expect the roads to be as wide . 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. We spent 3 nights on our first visit to Islay this past August, and it was way too short. Summary. And driving yourself after sampling whisky, even on Islay, is really not advisable. [UPDATED 2020] Best Things To Do On Islay | dobbernationLOVES Unless you can catch the morning ferries, you are arriving in Islay sometime in the afternoon at the earliest. Bus 500 from Glasgow airport to Glasgow central: 9 - one way (14.80 discounted return); Before we proceed, lets address the all-important issue of pronunciation. Same with the road to Ardbeg from Port Ellen, which passes Laguvulin and Laphroiag. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Flying is the most expensive way to travel, with flights ranging from 54.99 to over 100 each way, but it is ideal if you are only taking a short break or you dont fancy the added journey to the ferry port. Rabbies Islay & The Whisky Coast 4-day Tour. Good quality accommodation doesnt come cheap on Islay, however there are some budget-friendly self-catering options available. You can only wild camp at the same location for a maximum of 3 nights. ENJOY RESPONSIBLY. Its not quite as scenic as Kintra Farm as the stretch of coastline is bare rock without a beach to walk along, but then you do have pubs and restaurants nearby in Port Charlotte and the Port Mor centre has a caf, internet access and laundry facilities. You could also choose an accommodation which offers food and drink or book a local taxi. I have taken to the air and to the sea, and I loved both experiences. 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. 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. 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. I try to dedicate a day to spend on Jura at least. I'll show you how to explore Scotland on public transport and how to hop around the Scottish Islands like a pro. 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. 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. Excellent lunches can be enjoyed in the Old Kiln Cafe at, There are a number of options where to stay on Islay, from the luxurious to the budget option. Need some help to plan your holiday on Islay? Visit Lagavulin distillery for a tour and a tasting. As Islay is mostly quite flat (apart from the very steep hill at Port Askaig) cycling is a good option (unless the wind stops you in your tracks). Islay is a reasonably sized island (for the Scottish west coast) but you might find it difficult to source a place to stay if youre heading there in summer. The Whisky Coast. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 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. I'm off to book a stay. 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 majority of people travelling to Islay will arrive on one of the Calmac ferries that sail daily from Kennacraig on the Kintyre peninsula. You can probably see most of the island in 3 days, however a day on nearby Jura is worthwhile. Transportation options between Port Ellen and Burichladdich? COPYRIGHT ELEMENTS OF ISLAY 2023. 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. It is important to educate yourself on the driving etiquette when youre exploring rural areas and islands in Scotland. Driving on Islay. The Kintyre peninsula is a few miles to the east, Northern Ireland is approx 20 miles to the south across the Irish Sea. 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. A 4-Day Islay Whisky Tour with Rabbie's Tours [Review 2019] They also offer distillery tours, usually 2-3 times a day. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Take the A82 from Glasgow towards Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. 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. Lagavulin - Founded in 1816, one of the three distilleries near Port Ellen. 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. Islay has a number of beautiful beaches as well as some impressive cliffs. The two main services are the 450 and the 451 which will take you between Portnahaven, Bowmore, Ardbeg, Bridgend and Port Askaig although as I mentioned in the flight section, there can be an hour or more between them. By Car 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). Couldn't get to Jura due to wind/seas. The largest shop on Islay is the Co-Op in Bowmore. Visit in October and youll see the spectacle of barnacle and white-fronted geese fly in from Greenland to spend the winter on Islay. Visit Ardnahoe distillery for a tour and lunch. There is no direct connection from Isle of Islay to Island of Skye. There are a few campsites on the island but the two main ones are Kintra Farm and Port Mor. Can I get a beer instead? 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 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. Visitors can explore the open landscape by taking a ferry from Port Askaig and cycling or driving around the A846 which offers . uk breakdown; european breakdown; motorbike breakdown; report a breakdown; insurance; car insurance; home insurance . 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. The 450 service runs between the administrative capital Bowmore in the centre of Islay and Portnahaven in the south west. They will process and deliver your order. 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. Stop at the village of Inveraray on the banks of Loch Fyne. I'm Kay, the 'chaotic' lass behind the blog. 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. Try not to pronounce it Izley or anything similar, unless you immediately want to out yourself as a clueless tourist. Its all quite interesting and it certainly makes a nice change of pace from Islays whisky distillery tours. In any case Islay is the anglicised spelling, the Gaelic version is Ile. Cars must be booked onto the ferry in advance and check-in is 30 minutes prior to departure. 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. While certainly not as frequent as in an urban area there is a regular bus service between the major villages. 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. 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 The guide also details the arrival airport on Islay which borders Laggan Bay on the west coast. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. I would rather not have to cope with driving on the (to me) "wrong side" of the road. CalMac Ferries (0800 066 5000) serves many of the islands in the Inner Hebrides, including Coll, Mull, Islay and others. COPYRIGHT ELEMENTS OF ISLAY 2023. the best tents for summer camping in Scotland, Complete Guide to Whisky Distilleries on Islay, The Best Places to Visit in the Highlands. Im Craig Neil, I'm from Edinburgh, and I've spent over 20 years exploring Scotland. 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. The rest of the roads are very narrow and only suitable for slow-moving traffic so I wouldnt recommend you drive to Islay in a big 44 or anything sporty with a firm suspension, and I have to say on my last two visits I was glad I hired small cars (Vauxhall Corsa and Ford Fiesta which were perfect for the job). Oh, and a good 2000 miles to the west you'll end up in Newfoundland and Labrador on the other side of the Atlantic. Three Distilleries Pathway. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); If you're looking for Scottish travel inspiration, you're in the right place. Islay has seven hotels, my personal favourite being the Port Charlotte Hotel. Travel to the Isle of Jura and Local Transportation - Isle of Jura Scotland 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. There are a few taxi operators on the island that can be pre-booked but there are two that I used that I will happily recommend. 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. 7 day Scotland itinerary, how to include Islay? - Scotland Forum 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. The first day is a wash for practical purposes. All those activities, I'm getting hungry: Where can I eat on Islay? There are also car-hire companies on Islay, too, with pick-up locations from the airport and ferry terminals. 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. 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). The distilleries, which are open year-round, each have their own unique stories, tours and traditions. Need a few quick answers for questions about Islay? Also if you are planning on renting accommodation many have weekly lets. For a leisurely trip a week would be great. 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. Islay hotels range from luxury resorts on scenic golf courses to historic boutique hotels and affordable . 2-3 people is fine though. It is also illegal! If your family enjoys being outside and can be entertained with walks, beach days and water-based activities, then you will absolutely appreciate Islay. Caol Ila - founded in 1846, and the largest distillery on the island. 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. Answer 1 of 19: Hello! Oahu Circle Drive One of the best drives in Oahu is the circle tour, where you drive around the island. 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. The two 94.8m long vessels will replace the 36 . Transport to Islay | islay.com 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. From Edinburgh head to the Highlands and stop at the Trossachs National Park for food. The road then follows the path of Loch Fyne, Scotlands large sea loch, taking in some spectacular scenery along the way, including Inveraray Castle. Then there's the Croft Kitchen in Port Charlotte or the Cottage Restaurant in Bowmore. Islay FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions About the Isle of Islay I still have questions, where can I get answers? How to get to Islay from Glasgow: a local's best guide The table below has a month-by-month overview of the climate on Islay. Where can I access the internet on Islay? 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. There are two islands on the loch where you can see ruins from those days though most of your time will be spent on the largest island Eilean na Comhairle which features several ruined buildings and medieval gravestones. 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. 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. Also if you are planning on renting accommodation many have weekly lets. While you could travel via Gourock and the Cowal Peninsula (the most direct route) you will have to take two ferry crossings. We started this journey from nearby. Whenever you pass a local on the road, you will be treated to a friendly wave, which you obviously have to reciprocate. Get answers to your questions about Islay, Getting around Islay / best places to stay. Getting Around Islay | islay.com All rights reserved Out About Scotland 2023. 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. Adjust your driving style and speed accordingly. Well if you are into that sort of thing. 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. Hostels Hostelling Scotland run the family-friend Port Charlotte Youth Hostel. Islay is famous for a number of things: Mainly probably for its excellent Islay Single Malt Whiskies from the eight working distilleries. Why do people wave at me when I'm driving on Islay? I need souvenirs, what should I take back home from Islay? Staying near Bridgend will put you near the center of the island and make the distilleries easy to get to. 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. How long does it take to drive around Islay? 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. Bruichladdich - founded in 1881, re-opened in 2000. . 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. We saw seals laying on the rocks near a cove past the Ardbeg distillery as we were driving to the Kidalton Cross. 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. Getting to Kennacraig from Glasgow on public transport: Kennacraig is on the Scottish Citylink service 926from Glasgow Buchanan Street to Campbeltown. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-45677876', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');fly from Glasgow. The cheapest way to travel to Islay is by ferry from Kennacraig. Just a suggestion. You can walk or cycle the Three Distilleries Pathway from Port Ellen, which links three distilleries in three miles: Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. Ferries in Scotland - A Practical Guide for Island Hopping - Watch Me See Port Mor campsite is located on the Port Mor community centre on the northern side of Loch Indaall, south of Port Charlotte. Theres no other word for it. Sure, you can even get beer brewed on Islay: There's a lot you can do on Islay, too much to list here. Another fantastic way to explore Islay is by eBike with Islay E Wheels. 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. Islay is accessible by flight or ferry, and it is possible to reach the island entirely on public transport. Distillery visiting is our primary goal, including Jura. 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. 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. The three southern distilleries can be reached by public transport fairly easily, similar Bowmore and Bruichladdich. To calculate this answer, follow these steps: Calculate total break time: 15 min + 60 min + 15 min = 1 hr 30 min. 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. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. How long is the ferry to Islay? We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. There are a number of important historic sites included several Celtic crosses and Finlaggan, home to the Lords of the Isles. Drive Time Calculator - Travel Time Calculator You cannot wild camp on private property without obtaining permission first. 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. If you don't like whisky may be take a few bottles from. Below I've listed a number of frequently asked questions about the Isle of Islay. First time for all of us. http://www.armin-grewe.com/islay/islay-faq.htm#withoutcar, http://www.isle-of-islay.net/islay_transport.html. Verify this result with our drive time calculator. You can view the timetable and book your journey on the Scottish Citylink website. The island is also very accommodating when it comes to wild camping but there are a few restrictions which Ill cover later. By Taxi The opening hours vary, so I would recommend taking note in advance to ensure that you dont get caught short. Just join in, you'll soon pick it up and enjoy it. Driving on the left is not hard to get used to. 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 ? There are a ton of sites, standing stones and ruins on both Islay and Jura. 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. 105 miles. 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. 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 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. Report inappropriate content. And doing the Jura distillery by bus would be distinctly challenging! 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! If you add viewing wildlife a week seems ideal.
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