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They're just friendly, as most people on Islay. For a leisurely trip a week would be great. As far as driving is concerned the roads are quite good, mostly single track but in great condition. 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. Explore Kildaton church and Dunyvaig castle. Rabbies Islay & The Whisky Coast 4-day Tour. Islay receives its fair share of rain (hey, the distilleries need a lot of water), but also a lot of brilliant sunshine. Then this page is hopefully right for you. Out About Scotland also participates in affiliate programs with Awin, Get Your Guide, Booking.com, and other sites. 5 . As in most places in Scotland the weather can change very quickly, so be prepared when going for a walk. 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. 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. Dont be surprised to find yourself sitting outside reading a book at 9 pm. They will process and deliver your order. I'm excited to share it with you. Cost breakdown on getting to Islay from Glasgow, by bus & ferry. 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. uk breakdown; european breakdown; motorbike breakdown; report a breakdown; insurance; car insurance; home insurance . Due to its reputation as Scotlands whisky island, Im often asked if Islay is suitable for families with children. 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: 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. Where can I fill up my car? Manage Settings This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. There are a ton of sites, standing stones and ruins on both Islay and Jura. While you could travel via Gourock and the Cowal Peninsula (the most direct route) you will have to take two ferry crossings. 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 Whisky Coast. Upon clicking the "Checkout" button you will be transferred to their website for the final checkout. The local bus service connects all of the main towns and most of the distilleries. Hostels Hostelling Scotland run the family-friend Port Charlotte Youth Hostel. ENJOY RESPONSIBLY. Lagavulin Distillery, Islay. Summary. For hotels, take a look at this selection which varies in price and location but has good reviews: Ill keep this introduction short and say the best time of the year to visit Islay is from April to August, but if youd like a wee bit more information keep reading. 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. How long is the ferry to Islay? The majority of people travelling to Islay will arrive on one of the Calmac ferries that sail daily from Kennacraig on the Kintyre peninsula. One of the best ways to explore Islay is by taking your car across on the ferry. For a leisurely trip a week would be great. You can probably see most of the island in 3 days, however a day on nearby Jura is worthwhile. The first vehicle we drive after landing on the island, it's a quick lesson in driving older cars. Watch this space! Just join in, you'll soon pick it up and enjoy it. Islay is accessible by flight or ferry, and it is possible to reach the island entirely on public transport. The guide also details the arrival airport on Islay which borders Laggan Bay on the west coast. 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! Theres a youth hostel in Port Charlotte if thats your thing, and there are a handful of hotels spread across the towns, but I always prefer to stay in AirBnBs as you get so much more for your money. What is there to do on Islay, which activities can I enjoy during a visit to 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 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. 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. Getting Around Islay | islay.com all winter) as flights get frequently cancelled without much notice. I think I can make some decions now. 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. If you travel from Glasgow to Islay by Car it will take around three hours to get to Kennacraig. The single/return price for a foot passenger is approximately 6.50/13; cars have an additional charge of 32.50/65. Islay Bus Islay Coaches runs a number of routes between the main villages, Mondays to Saturdays. They both stick to the main roads on the island. As nice as Islay is for walking you might like to hop on the ferry to the neighbouring Isle of Jura which can be reached from the terminal at Port Askaig. The island can be visited by air and by sea, but you might be best off catching the ferry when the weather picks up (i.e. I was there for a week once. Why do people wave at me when I'm driving on Islay? While certainly not as frequent as in an urban area there is a regular bus service between the major villages. The main routes are the A846 from Port Ellen to Port Askaig passing Bowmore and Bridgend on the way and the A847 from Bridgend to Port Charlotte passing through Bruichladdich. Please check the individual websites for opening times, tours and updates on the situation. Drive Time Calculator - Travel Time Calculator I'm off to book a stay. Ballivicar Farm, just outside Port Ellen, has 3 self-catering apartments with one or two bedrooms. If you are on a budget you might want to consider the youth hostel. Visitors can explore the open landscape by taking a ferry from Port Askaig and cycling or driving around the A846 which offers . The service links Portnahaven, Port Charlotte, Bridgend, Port Askaig, Bowmore and Port Ellen. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-45677876', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');fly from Glasgow. Some taxi drivers also offer full and half day tours of the island. We are now submitting your order to TheWhiskyExchange.com. I need accommodation on Islay, where can I stay when visiting Islay? Subtract this from 8 hours to get 8 - 1:30 = 6 hr 30 min. 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. All other brands and names are property of their respective owners. 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. Adjust your driving style and speed accordingly. The opening hours vary, so I would recommend taking note in advance to ensure that you dont get caught short. This is my favourite nature reserve on Islay and its a place that I highly recommend you visit. CalMac Ferries (0800 066 5000) serves many of the islands in the Inner Hebrides, including Coll, Mull, Islay and others. Bear in mind these services are busy in the summer months so you will need to book well in advance. Answer 1 of 19: Hello! Total travel time is 2.5 to 4 hours, distance by car approx. The A846 also continues from Port Ellen to the distilleries at Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. Islay has fast become the island that I know best. They will process and deliver your order. There are also car-hire companies on Islay, too, with pick-up locations from the airport and ferry terminals. 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 Explore Islay by boat. It may look small, but it will take you several days to see every nook and cranny by road. 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 driver guides have an in-depth understanding of Scotland, the places they take you to are incredible, and the prices are reasonable. 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. 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. Arguably the most scenic area of the Oa is the RSPB nature reserve near the American Monument on the southwest tip of the peninsula. 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. Quite a few people also speak, Yes, there are a number of books about Islay: A good entry level book with quite a few pictures is. Need some help to plan your holiday on Islay? Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. As an example, when I visited the American memorial at The Oa (detailed further down the page), the wind was so strong I could barely stand up. 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. the best tents for summer camping in Scotland, Complete Guide to Whisky Distilleries on Islay, The Best Places to Visit in the Highlands. If your family enjoys being outside and can be entertained with walks, beach days and water-based activities, then you will absolutely appreciate Islay. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. drinkaware.co.uk, The Post Office, Main Street, Bowmore ++44 (0)1496 810366. You could also choose an accommodation which offers food and drink or book a local taxi. Islay will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, and not just by drinking drams! By Ferry Ferries in Scotland - A Practical Guide for Island Hopping - Watch Me See Having been to Mull, I found Islay to be less dramatic in topography - flatter and easier to get around. First time for all of us. Things to do on Islay Scotland - Finding the Universe The answer is yes to both. There are only 200 inhabitants living across the island's 142 square miles which makes Jura one of the least inhabited places in Scotland. Drive the winding road to Ardnave and walk across the dunes to see what I mean. Land Rover Defender: meeting the ancestors - Motoring Research Whisky is, of course, Islays ultimate claim to fame; it is a way of life on this windswept isle. 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 weather on Islay can be described as moderate, mainly because of the Gulf Stream. Probably best to stay centrally in either Bowmore or Bridgend to reduce travel times. Also if you are planning on renting accommodation many have weekly lets. 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. Out About Scotland is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Be sure to visit Islay Ale brewery. 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. Prices are reasonable (around 60 for a single ticket) and flight times are short with a non-stop service that takes just 45 minutes. 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. Only for Kilchoman would a taxi be needed. I only include links to tours, accommodation and activities which I recommend and personally love. Next take the A83 near Tarbet passing Rest and be Thankful towards the lovely town of Inveraray. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Staying near Bridgend will put you near the center of the island and make the distilleries easy to get to. 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. There is also a ferry service between Islay and Jura, across the Sound of Islay. 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. 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. In particular if you are staying in self-catering accommodation you might need to know where you can get your (grocery) shopping done. A 4-Day Islay Whisky Tour with Rabbie's Tours [Review 2019] 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). 1. The Scottish islands are my favourite place in the world, and I've visited 62 so far. 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. Three Distilleries Pathway. Islay Ferry from Kennacraig to Port Ellen (Day Trip to Islay) Glasgow to Islay by Car and Ferry - 4 Different Routes Tips Travel Times Scotland is the love of my life, and I've devoted my career to promoting it full-time. Transport to Islay | islay.com 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. I'm Kay, the 'chaotic' lass behind the blog. 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. . Islay nature and wildlife. The eight existing ones are (in alphabetical order): In addition to the distilleries on Islay there is also the. How long does it take to drive around Islay? . We saw seals laying on the rocks near a cove past the Ardbeg distillery as we were driving to the Kidalton Cross. I make a wee commission if you book through these links, which will go towards the cost of running this website, and creating valuable content to help you plan your Scottish adventures. Nothing to worry about, you're not suddenly famous and there's nothing wrong with your car. The Isle of Islay on Scotlands west coast is one of the countrys premier tourist destinations, and not just for its whisky distilleries. The road then follows the path of Loch Fyne, Scotlands large sea loch, taking in some spectacular scenery along the way, including Inveraray Castle. With that in mind I personally wouldnt recommend using buses as your only form of transport on a holiday to Islay but they do at least offer a cheap way of travelling between some of the distilleries. 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. Driving on the left is not hard to get used to.