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. This is an island that offers visitors a wonderful experience whether its wildlife watching, relaxing on a beach, hiking through picturesque countryside or boat tours around the coastline. 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! One of the best ways to explore Islay is by taking your car across on the ferry. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Next take the A83 near Tarbet passing Rest and be Thankful towards the lovely town of Inveraray. And driving yourself after sampling whisky, even on Islay, is really not advisable. We started this journey from nearby. 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. You can probably see most of the island in 3 days, however a day on nearby Jura is worthwhile. I still have questions, where can I get answers? 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. I love the experience of flying on Loganairs wee tartan-tailed planes, and seeing the islands from the sky. . Take a tour around the Oban distillery and have a seafood lunch. Visit Kilmartin Glen to see the ancient standing stones. If youre flying to the island and would like to hire a car, Islay Car Hire operate from Islay Airport and are based there in line with the flight times. 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. Manage Settings 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. 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. Where can I get cash on Islay? I would welcome suggestions about which area to stay in and how to get around. Then this page is hopefully right for you. If you do, make sure youre wearing a good pair of waterproof walking boots (Amazon link to mine) even in summer because most of the terrain contains Sphagnum moss which holds water like a sponge. The 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. Wow, this forum is awesome! By Car Sure, you can even get beer brewed on Islay: There's a lot you can do on Islay, too much to list here. There are a number of important historic sites included several Celtic crosses and Finlaggan, home to the Lords of the Isles. The price starts at 356 and includes transport in a mini-coach, the ferry crossing and an extremely knowledgable driver-guide. It might be worth keeping your wild camping pitches close to the coastline where the sea breeze should deter all but the most determined midge, but for the ultimate protection you really have to cover yourself in Smidge (Amazon link). I've had a few one week visits to Islay in the last four or five years, and I've never yet found the time to visit Jura, so a week is definitely not too long. Transportation options between Port Ellen and Burichladdich? For a leisurely trip a week would be great. the best tents for summer camping in Scotland, Complete Guide to Whisky Distilleries on Islay, The Best Places to Visit in the Highlands. You can view the bus timetable here. Due to its reputation as Scotlands whisky island, Im often asked if Islay is suitable for families with children. A return trip from Oban to Craignure, on Mull, for a car and two people (driver and . 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. While you could travel via Gourock and the Cowal Peninsula (the most direct route) you will have to take two ferry crossings. Join him as he shares personal experiences and tips & advice about touring Scotland. Need a few quick answers for questions about Islay? Aside from its distilleries, Islay is just like all the other Scottish islands in that the main attraction is the outdoors. 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. Upon clicking the "Checkout" button you will be transferred to their website for the final checkout. Edinburgh (2-3 days, flights in. There are 9 distilleries on Islay and most have tours and visitor centres. Fill up before taking the ferry over though. Don't expect the roads to be as wide, well maintained and fast as on the mainland and calculate your travelling time accordingly. Be aware that bad weather can delay crossings, sometimes for consecutive days; advance booking is strongly recommended, too. 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. There are a ton of sites, standing stones and ruins on both Islay and Jura. The service links Portnahaven, Port Charlotte, Bridgend, Port Askaig, Bowmore and Port Ellen. I'm excited to share it with you. 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. The single/return price for a foot passenger is approximately 6.50/13; cars have an additional charge of 32.50/65. 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. If you need a car on Islay there is the option of a. Islay is larger than most people think, so driving around can take some time. Arguably the most scenic area of the Oa is the RSPB nature reserve near the American Monument on the southwest tip of the peninsula. 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. Make Traigh a Bhaigh Beach your first port of call. There is a wide variety of accommodation on Islay, from hostels and glamping pods to homely B&Bs and high-end guesthouses and hotels. Getting around Islay on public transport. Islay is also very popular among birdwatchers, in particular for the Barnacle Geese. 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. The monument was built to commemorate the loss of American lives when two troop ships sunk off the coast of Islay during WWI and its worth visiting for no other reason than the walk there is so nice, especially considering theres so much wildlife in the area. You will also have to deal with the enemy of all Scottish wild campers the infamous midge. The journey time from Kennacraig to Port Askaig is around 2 hours and from Kennacraig to Port Ellen 2 hours and 20 minutes. 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. . The abundance of peat in the rugged landscape makes Islay the perfect whisky island, and it is this natural fossil fuel which gives Islay single malt its classic, smoky flavour. 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 only include links to tours, accommodation and activities which I recommend and personally love. Youll find a very nice beach on the Port Ellen side at Kilnaughton and another called the Singing Sands just behind the Carraig Fhada lighthouse. There are two bus routes on Islay, both of which using the main roads on the island. I'm off to book a stay. There are a dozen or so crossings each day between Port Askaig and Feolin on Jura; the crossing only takes 10 minutes. 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. Port Mor campsite is located on the Port Mor community centre on the northern side of Loch Indaall, south of Port Charlotte. The walk to Bunnahabhain is lovely from the main road. Follow me on Pinterest and YouTube. {{checkoutCalculateItemTotalPrice(product)}}. Stop at the village of Inveraray on the banks of Loch Fyne. Explore Islay by boat. These are serviced by smaller passenger ferries, such as the Isle of Kerrera or the Small Isles, Rum, Muck and Eigg. Nothing to worry about, you're not suddenly famous and there's nothing wrong with your car. They will process and deliver your order. They're just friendly, as most people on Islay. While flying is faster, the crossing on the ferry is so nice it has become something of a tourist attraction in its own right. . 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. From Edinburgh head to the Highlands and stop at the Trossachs National Park for food. I really wouldn't worry about hiring a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. You can walk or cycle the Three Distilleries Pathway from Port Ellen, which links three distilleries in three miles: Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. Islay receives its fair share of rain (hey, the distilleries need a lot of water), but also a lot of brilliant sunshine. Good quality accommodation doesnt come cheap on Islay, however there are some budget-friendly self-catering options available. From Glasgow, head north on the A82 for 40 miles until you reach Tarbet (where the A82 becomes the A83). You do not need a car on Islay as there is public transport with buses and taxi services. Adjust your driving style and speed accordingly. Take the A82 from Glasgow towards Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. This journey should take about two and a half to three hours, depending on the amount of stops, and is a very scenic drive. 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 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. 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. It makes for a lovely slow drive to explore the island and see the amazing Outer Hebrides beaches surrounding. Couldn't get to Jura due to wind/seas. If you don't like whisky may be take a few bottles from. more. Islay by taxi is a good idea if you are planning to visit several distilleries and enjoy a few drams while youre there. Please check the individual websites for opening times, tours and updates on the situation. With no synchromesh on lower gears, it . 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. There are two bus routes on Islay, both of which using the main roads on the island. 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). Can I visit the distilleries? 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 Series IIA on Islay is a 2.25-litre petrol, however. Also, there are generally fewer tourists milling about so you can breeze through the distillery tours without having to wait for available space. 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. I'll also highlight where to find quirky accommodation and amazing local eateries along the way! 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. There are further shops in Port Ellen, Bridgend, Port Askaig, Bruichladdich and Port Charlotte. Planning a week-long trip in September to Scotland, in and out of Edinburgh (Tues - Tues). Some "ferries" are actually just boats that fit around 10 people - for example, the Ulva Ferry from Mull to Ulva or the Handa Ferry on the NC500. Islay hotels range from luxury resorts on scenic golf courses to historic boutique hotels and affordable . 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. all winter) as flights get frequently cancelled without much notice. 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. Can I get a beer instead? I need souvenirs, what should I take back home from Islay? 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). From Waikiki, Honolulu to the North Shore and back, is a full day but not overwhelming, give yourself 8 hours. You are not allowed to wild camp in big groups. travelling around the island - do i need a car. 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?
