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. Adjust your driving style and speed accordingly. . more. Well if you are into that sort of thing. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Lagavulin Distillery, Islay. The Isle of Islay on Scotlands west coast is one of the countrys premier tourist destinations, and not just for its whisky distilleries. The Kintyre peninsula is a few miles to the east, Northern Ireland is approx 20 miles to the south across the Irish Sea. Islay is most famed for its peat-infused, smoky whisky which is exported across the world. FAQ: What To Do In Islay Scotland? - Scotland Blog Need a few quick answers for questions about Islay? Your email address will not be published. Theres a reason why this island has the nickname Queen of the Hebrides, and its nothing to do with Isle of Islay whisky. Need some help to plan your holiday on Islay? 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. travelling around the island - do i need a car. 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. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-45677876', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');fly from Glasgow. They also offer distillery tours, usually 2-3 times a day. 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. All rights reserved Out About Scotland 2023. Then this page is hopefully right for you. The eight existing ones are (in alphabetical order): In addition to the distilleries on Islay there is also the. Are taxis plentiful no matter where we stay? The flocks are so vast the fields surrounding the loch turn black and white as the geese get their strength back after their long flight, and its an amazing experience to sit in the bird hides and watch the wildlife spectacle unfold in front of you. Your email address will not be published. There is a wide variety of accommodation on Islay, from hostels and glamping pods to homely B&Bs and high-end guesthouses and hotels. It makes for a lovely slow drive to explore the island and see the amazing Outer Hebrides beaches surrounding. Visit Kilchoman distillery for a tour and a whisky tasting. Distillery visiting is our primary goal, including Jura. 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. All other brands and names are property of their respective owners. By using only public transport to Islay, it will cost you from 69 GBP round trip (without a car) from Glasgow, with the most expensive part being the bus. 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. You can walk or cycle the Three Distilleries Pathway from Port Ellen, which links three distilleries in three miles: Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. 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. I'll show you how to explore Scotland on public transport and how to hop around the Scottish Islands like a pro. The bus service runs between 7am and 6pm Monday to Saturday, but not on Sunday. Unless you can catch the morning ferries, you are arriving in Islay sometime in the afternoon at the earliest. You can either bring your own bike or rent one on Islay. Upon clicking the "Checkout" button you will be transferred to their website for the final checkout. If you talk to the taxi companies they might be able to put something together as well. 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. Im Craig Neil, I'm from Edinburgh, and I've spent over 20 years exploring Scotland. 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. Lagavulin - Founded in 1816, one of the three distilleries near Port Ellen. 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. They're just friendly, as most people on Islay. Your time visiting Islay can be as relaxing or energetic as you want it to be. Driving on the wrong side is easy enough. Caol Ila - founded in 1846, and the largest distillery on the island. While flying is faster, the crossing on the ferry is so nice it has become something of a tourist attraction in its own right. Nothing to worry about, you're not suddenly famous and there's nothing wrong with your car. . Three Distilleries Pathway. 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. On the other hand youll experience the least amount of annual rainfall and the daylight hours will be long. One last thing if you take an electric bike to Islay youll have the best of all worlds. ENJOY RESPONSIBLY. The Perfect 5 Day Islay Itinerary - Wayfaring Kiwi Firstly, it is a minimum 5-hr plus journey from Glasgow (3 hrs by (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Join him as he shares personal experiences and tips & advice about touring Scotland. 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. 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. I mentioned this peninsula earlier but Ill repeat myself here as it really is a stunning place. Managed a day trip to Colonsay. I try to dedicate a day to spend on Jura at least. 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. If you are on a budget you might want to consider the youth hostel. The crossing is just over two hours long and onboard there are many places to eat and drink. By Car number of lovely walks where if your lucky you can see golden eagles sea eagles and other bird of prey.We have been visiting Islay for the last 40 yrs and never tire of this beautiful island and it's superb 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. There are two bus routes on Islay, both of which using the main roads on the island. 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. 105 miles. Having been to Mull, I found Islay to be less dramatic in topography - flatter and easier to get around. Visit Lagavulin distillery for a tour and a tasting. COPYRIGHT ELEMENTS OF ISLAY 2023. uk breakdown; european breakdown; motorbike breakdown; report a breakdown; insurance; car insurance; home insurance . drinkaware.co.uk. I first visited Islay in 2015 and Ive been a big fan ever since. I need accommodation on Islay, where can I stay when visiting Islay? Islay has fast become the island that I know best. Things to do on Islay Scotland - Finding the Universe Inner Hebrides, Scotland | Island-Hopping Travel Guide We are now submitting your order to TheWhiskyExchange.com. Whisky is, of course, Islays ultimate claim to fame; it is a way of life on this windswept isle. For the latest ferry information contactCaledonian MacBrayne: Getting to Islay by air is very easy thanks to the airline Loganair which operates two flights daily out of Glasgow International airport (GLA). Bruichladdich - founded in 1881, re-opened in 2000. The Calmac ferry from Kennacraig on Kintyre sails to Port Askaig and Port Ellen on Islay. Take the ferry back to the mainland and drive south through the Highlands. Report inappropriate content. Glenmachrie House offers a wonderful, homely experience with huge portions of freshly prepared breakfast plus home-baking. Same with the road to Ardbeg from Port Ellen, which passes Laguvulin and Laphroiag. Is there anything to do on a rainy day on Islay? Is there an Islay guide I can print off and take with me? Use the buses, they are convenient and mean you can drink at distilleries. Islay is a terrific place to explore by car. See website for route schedules. While this may seem like a long time, there are a few things you can do to make the journey more enjoyable. 1. Getting Around Islay | islay.com If you add viewing wildlife a week seems ideal. 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. I do it the opposite way to you Mary Beth when we are in Spain. While certainly not as frequent as in an urban area there is a regular bus service between the major villages. The trip over is very short maybe 10 minutes shore to shore and costs less than 10 for a car and driver so theres no reason not to make the journey. more. Coming from Glasgow you take the M8 and cross the Clyde over the Erskine Bridge. There are also car-hire companies on Islay, too, with pick-up locations from the airport and ferry terminals. Continue through the West Highlands towards the coastal town of Oban. Subtract this from 8 hours to get 8 - 1:30 = 6 hr 30 min. Continue to Loch Lomond and stop for photos. You are not allowed to wild camp in big groups. Port Ellen to Port Askaig: 19 miles, approx 30 minutes.Port Ellen to Portnahaven: 26 miles, approx 40 minutes.Bowmore to Port Askaig: 11 miles, approx 20 minutes.Bowmore to Sanaigmore: 13 miles, approx 30 minutes. There are two ways to reach Islay via plane: a 45-minute flight from Glasgow, run by Flybe twice daily, and a 40/55-minute flight from Oban (the latter via Colonsay), run by Hebridean Air Services twice a week. CalMac Ferries (0800 066 5000) serves many of the islands in the Inner Hebrides, including Coll, Mull, Islay and others. They will process and deliver your order. Please check the individual websites for opening times, tours and updates on the situation. The ports are easy to reach by car; Oban is around a two and a half hour drive from Glasgow, and there are also train and bus services. As far as driving is concerned the roads are quite good, mostly single track but in great condition. The most central place to stay is in Bowmore, but anywhere would do as distances aren't that great. Bus 500 from Glasgow airport to Glasgow central: 9 - one way (14.80 discounted return); Where can I access the internet on Islay? Stop at the village of Inveraray on the banks of Loch Fyne. 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). If you don't like whisky may be take a few bottles from. Out About Scotland also participates in affiliate programs with Awin, Get Your Guide, Booking.com, and other sites. I don't like whisky. Islay hotels range from luxury resorts on scenic golf courses to historic boutique hotels and affordable . 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. Watch this space! Isle of Islay - Holidays, Things To Do & Travel | VisitScotland Driving on Islay. 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. Scotland in Summer: A Guide to the Best Things to Do, Historic Buildings in Edinburgh: Complete Guide. Verify this result with our drive time calculator. The obvious choice for a souvenir is Islay Single Malt Whisky, available from the distillery shops. Most of the shoreline comprises sheer cliffs, although there are a few sandy beaches which are fantastic because theyre usually tourist-free. 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. 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. 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. 2-3 people is fine though. 7 day Scotland itinerary, how to include Islay? - Scotland Forum Due to its reputation as Scotlands whisky island, Im often asked if Islay is suitable for families with children. That said, there is so much more to Islays charm than its golden drams: the landscape, the light, the coast, the cuisine, and the locals. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. How long does it take to drive around Islay? There are a number of important historic sites included several Celtic crosses and Finlaggan, home to the Lords of the Isles. The single/return price for a foot passenger is approximately 6.50/13; cars have an additional charge of 32.50/65. Transportation options between Port Ellen and Burichladdich? A 4-Day Islay Whisky Tour with Rabbie's Tours [Review 2019] {{checkoutCalculateItemTotalPrice(product)}}. Good quality accommodation doesnt come cheap on Islay, however there are some budget-friendly self-catering options available. I'm Kay, the 'chaotic' lass behind the blog. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-45680001', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car. 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. 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. This is a wild expanse of open moorland, lochs and coastline with a few hills on the southern side that rise up to around 200 metres. You can find links to a number of places in the, First of all hopefully great memories from a wonderful visit. Bunnahabhain - most remote of the Islay distilleries, established in 1881. Well, they were when I visited anyway. These are the ways you can explore Islay without a car. 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. Outer Hebrides Road Trip: Your 1 Week Itinerary for the Western Isles We plan to be in Islay for three days in the first week of April. How long does it take to drive around Islay? The guide also details the arrival airport on Islay which borders Laggan Bay on the west coast. Visit Ardnahoe distillery for a tour and lunch. 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. Can I get a beer instead? 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. How can I get around on Islay without a car? Couldn't get to Jura due to wind/seas. Traffic on Islay is light, as it usually is on islands, and getting used to the 'wrong' side of the road is remarkably easy. 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. The distilleries, which are open year-round, each have their own unique stories, tours and traditions. Lower Killeyan, Islay. This website includes affiliate links to Booking.com and GetYourGuide. There are two bus routes on Islay, both of which using the main roads on the island. If you want to go more into depth, get a OS map and start looking at sites and ruins. Then there's the Croft Kitchen in Port Charlotte or the Cottage Restaurant in Bowmore. Are there banks or cash machines (ATMs) on Islay? For a map and to look around try. You can view the timetable and book your tickets on the CalMac website. All of the distilleries have a visitor centre in some form, some with a shop and restaurant, some just a small reception. The service links Portnahaven, Port Charlotte, Bridgend, Port Askaig, Bowmore and Port Ellen. In a few short hours you will drive through all kinds of landscapes, from mountains to empty hinterland via jolly seafronts and high cliff routes. This journey is more expensive than the Kennacraig route at 109.10 per car plus 14.20 per passenger return, and it takes around 4 hours. http://www.islayinfo.com/downloads/islaybustimetable.pdf, Get answers to your questions about Islay, Getting around Islay / best places to stay. All other roads are single track roads with passing places, including the B8016 (also known as High Road) from Port Ellen to Bowmore, the B8018 from near Bruichladdich to Kilchoman and the stretch of the A847 from Port Charlotte to Portnahaven. 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. Another fantastic way to explore Islay is by eBike with Islay E Wheels. 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. 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 journey on the Scottish Citylink website. For a leisurely trip a week would be great. drinkaware.co.uk, The Post Office, Main Street, Bowmore ++44 (0)1496 810366. Plan Your Ultimate Oahu Road Trip - Discount Hawaii Car Rental We will (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Islay is pronounced eye-la. While you could travel via Gourock and the Cowal Peninsula (the most direct route) you will have to take two ferry crossings. 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. Don't expect the roads to be as wide, well maintained and fast as on the mainland and calculate your travelling time accordingly. Also, there are generally fewer tourists milling about so you can breeze through the distillery tours without having to wait for available space. 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. The Kennacraig ferry departs three times daily on a sailing that takes around 2 1/4 hours and its the most frequently used route for visitors coming from the south of Scotland. All those activities, I'm getting hungry: Where can I eat on Islay? How many days to visit Islay? - Islay Message Board - Tripadvisor 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. 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. There are usually two flights per day (only one on weekends) and the flight time is 45 minutes. 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). Ive visited Islay in February and August so I know first-hand that the winter months are probably best avoided unless you absolutely have to travel at that time of year, even though there are plenty of distilleries to hide inside. Islay has a number of beautiful beaches as well as some impressive cliffs. Also if you are planning on renting accommodation many have weekly lets. Also if you are planning on renting accommodation many have weekly lets. The Harbour Inn in Bowmore is a lovely, modern Scottish hotel which is centrally located near Bowmore Harbour and serves excellent food. Wow, this forum is awesome! Quick Answer: How To Get From Mainland Scotland To Islay? 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. If I can do it, and I now drive probably a good few thousand miles each year in Spain, you can do it too. 5 . 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. And driving yourself after sampling whisky, even on Islay, is really not advisable. Inside, you can grab a tasty burger at the Gate 1 cafe! A return ticket on the ferry currently costs 71.10 per car plus 14.20 per adult. travelling around the island - do i need a car. The journey time from Glasgow to Kennacraig is approximately 3 hours 15 minutes and you can get advanced fares for as little as 23.60 return. Multiply this time with 60 mph average speed to get the distance traveled: 60 6.5 = 390 miles. Dont be surprised to find yourself sitting outside reading a book at 9 pm. Just a suggestion. There are currently eight working whisky distilleries on Islay, with a ninth one expected to open soon. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The Machrie, near Islay Airport, is Islays luxury resort-style hotel, complete with a golf course, spa, bar and restaurant. 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. The cheapest way to travel to Islay is by ferry from Kennacraig. There are two bus routes on Islay running between 7am and 6pm Monday to Saturday, but not on Sunday. Kennacraig is 65 miles from Tarbet and is located near the top of the Kintyre peninsula. By Car 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. For a leisurely trip a week would be great. At 25 miles long by 15 miles wide, Islay is the fifth largest island in Scotland, and it's rich, . This is the ancient power base of the Lords of the Isles, the Nordic-born kings who ruled over Scotlands western islands for hundreds of years and who almost conquered mainland Scotland during the time they were in power. I've got a suggestion to improve these FAQ, where can I send it? Both ferries leave from Kennacraig on the mainland. Rabbies Islay & The Whisky Coast 4-day Tour. The bus is the cheaper option at 25.30 for an advanced return ticket, while an off-peak return on the train is 40.90; although better priced fares can be picked up 12 weeks in advance (set up a ticket alert on the TheTrainLine to be notified when they go on sale). 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. Opening hours vary, so best check before going. Some taxi drivers also offer full and half day tours of the island. Ballivicar Farm, just outside Port Ellen, has 3 self-catering apartments with one or two bedrooms. The Essential Guide to Visiting Islay - The Chaotic Scot 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). The local bus service connects all of the main towns and most of the distilleries. The Isle of Islay is located in Argyll just southwest of Jura, and only 25 miles north off the Irish Coast. Where can I get cash on Islay?
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how long to drive around islay