Some will just lift a finger, others the whole hand. 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. Subtract this from 8 hours to get 8 - 1:30 = 6 hr 30 min. To calculate this answer, follow these steps: Calculate total break time: 15 min + 60 min + 15 min = 1 hr 30 min.
We started this journey from nearby. 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. 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! The majority of people travelling to Islay will arrive on one of the Calmac ferries that sail daily from Kennacraig on the Kintyre peninsula. Bowmore is considered the capital of the island and the towns central location is a great jumping off point for those driving around. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-103309309', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car then a 2.5 hr ferry). The Kintyre peninsula is a few miles to the east, Northern Ireland is approx 20 miles to the south across the Irish Sea. Due to its reputation as Scotlands whisky island, Im often asked if Islay is suitable for families with children. We usually go to Mull which we absolutely love (the variety of scenery and wildlife etc) so were wondering if Islay can compare? 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. Total travel time is 2.5 to 4 hours, distance by car approx. 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. There is no direct connection from Isle of Islay to Island of Skye. Can I get a beer instead? Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. There are only 200 inhabitants living across the island's 142 square miles which makes Jura one of the least inhabited places in Scotland. Like most of the islands on Scotlands west coast, Islay experiences strong winds brought in from the Atlantic Ocean throughout the year. drinkaware.co.uk. 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. While you could travel via Gourock and the Cowal Peninsula (the most direct route) you will have to take two ferry crossings. 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.
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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). The island is also very accommodating when it comes to wild camping but there are a few restrictions which Ill cover later. 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. And driving yourself after sampling whisky, even on Islay, is really not advisable. Before we proceed, lets address the all-important issue of pronunciation. Jura is an island in the Inner Hebrides close to the Isle of Islay. CalMac Ferries (0800 066 5000) serves many of the islands in the Inner Hebrides, including Coll, Mull, Islay and others. If youre planning on visiting Islay, here is everything you need to know about this incredible island. 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. 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. Bear in mind these services are busy in the summer months so you will need to book well in advance. Jim is a lovely legend of a man, whom my Dad and I stayed with on our first visit to Islay. 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. Autumn meanwhile is often cloudy, dull and grey so Id personally avoid that time of year unless youre travelling in September which frequently sees the remains of summer weather with around 12 hours of daylight and temperatures hovering in the 15/16 C region. I have taken to the air and to the sea, and I loved both experiences. Below I've listed a number of frequently asked questions about the Isle of Islay. 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).
Getting Around Islay | islay.com 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). 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. 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. 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. Verify this result with our drive time calculator. Be aware that bad weather can delay crossings, sometimes for consecutive days; advance booking is strongly recommended, too. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Islay is famous for a number of things: Mainly probably for its excellent Islay Single Malt Whiskies from the eight working distilleries. Where do I find petrol stations on Islay? They will process and deliver your order. 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. Arguably the most scenic area of the Oa is the RSPB nature reserve near the American Monument on the southwest tip of the peninsula. By Car
The A846 also continues from Port Ellen to the distilleries at Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. more. 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. From Glasgow, head north on the A82 for 40 miles until you reach Tarbet (where the A82 becomes the A83). One of the best ways to explore Islay is by taking your car across on the ferry. Driving on the left is not hard to get used to. You can walk or cycle the Three Distilleries Pathway from Port Ellen, which links three distilleries in three miles: Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. Only for Kilchoman would a taxi be needed. 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. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Your email address will not be published. You can find links to a number of places in the, First of all hopefully great memories from a wonderful visit. Join him as he shares personal experiences and tips & advice about touring Scotland. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); If you're looking for Scottish travel inspiration, you're in the right place. Out About Scotland is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. 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. However, buses do not run to the remotest parts of the island and taxis are expensive, so taking your own car is preferable. If wild camping is your preferred option you wont have any problems on Islay but there are a few considerations to bear in mind. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you talk to the taxi companies they might be able to put something together as well.
Often asked: What To Do Islay Scotland? - Scotland Blog Explore Islay by boat. All other brands and names are property of their respective owners. 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. Edinburgh (2-3 days, flights in. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Three Distilleries Pathway. The quickest way to get to Islay is on the Loganair flight from Glasgow. 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. These are the ways you can explore Islay without a car. Islay hotels range from luxury resorts on scenic golf courses to historic boutique hotels and affordable . 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. Are taxis plentiful no matter where we stay? For a leisurely trip a week would be great. I'll show you how to explore Scotland on public transport and how to hop around the Scottish Islands like a pro. drinkaware.co.uk, The Post Office, Main Street, Bowmore ++44 (0)1496 810366. 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. The crossing is just over two hours long and onboard there are many places to eat and drink. Would a week be too long or is there plenty to see? more. Be sure to book in advance and check that the bus time links in with the ferry service; the bus pulls right into the ferry terminal for a seamless journey. 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. 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. There are a number of important historic sites included several Celtic crosses and Finlaggan, home to the Lords of the Isles. Thanks so much! Take the A82 from Glasgow towards Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. 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. Are there banks or cash machines (ATMs) on Islay? 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. 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. This website includes affiliate links to Booking.com and GetYourGuide. Well, they were when I visited anyway. There are some indoor options too, which are handy for rainy days. Kennacraig is 65 miles from Tarbet and is located near the top of the Kintyre peninsula. 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. There are a number of options to access the internet on Islay: The easiest is probably the. Just a suggestion. 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. Craig Neil is a travel writer from Edinburgh with a passion for visiting Scotland's tourist attractions from the rugged Highlands to the bustling cities. A single trip costs 1.70 for foot passengers, with an additional 9.05 for cars. If you are on a budget you might want to consider the youth hostel. 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 you don't like whisky may be take a few bottles from. 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. 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. There are further shops in Port Ellen, Bridgend, Port Askaig, Bruichladdich and Port Charlotte. We plan to be in Islay for three days in the first week of April. Jura is a similar size to Islay though it has far fewer facilities and only one village which is Craighouse on the east coast. How many distilleries are there on Islay? Manage Settings 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. 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. Probably best to stay centrally in either Bowmore or Bridgend to reduce travel times.
How to get to Islay from Glasgow: a local's best guide All 18,000 of them! Its just stunning. I think I can make some decions now.
The Perfect 5 Day Islay Itinerary - Wayfaring Kiwi http://www.islayinfo.com/downloads/islaybustimetable.pdf, Get answers to your questions about Islay, Getting around Islay / best places to stay. Continue to Loch Lomond and stop for photos. Do they offer tours? The 450 service runs between the administrative capital Bowmore in the centre of Islay and Portnahaven in the south west. On the other hand youll experience the least amount of annual rainfall and the daylight hours will be long. From there, you can catch a ferry to Port Askaig on Islays east coast. 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. 1.
Plan Your Ultimate Oahu Road Trip - Discount Hawaii Car Rental Driving on Hawaii Island: What You Need to Know - TripSavvy If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Continue south on the A83 to Lochgilphead then follow the road along the picturesque Campbeltown peninsula to Tarbert before it cuts inland to Kennacraig.
Islay Ferry from Kennacraig to Port Ellen (Day Trip to Islay) 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. They will process and deliver your order. It makes for a lovely slow drive to explore the island and see the amazing Outer Hebrides beaches surrounding. All those activities, I'm getting hungry: Where can I eat on Islay? The local bus service connects all of the main towns and most of the distilleries.
Take the Slow Road: Scotland - a driving tour of Arran 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. I was there for a week once. 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. Ro-Ro & Drive Through Ferries. Can I visit the distilleries? Fill up before taking the ferry over though. I have a wee hunch that I will be a lifetime regular on this island.
Port Ellen, Bowmore and Bridgend :: Islay Info 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. 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. Required fields are marked *. Getting to Glasgow Airport by public transport: take the bus to Buchanan Street Station then take the Glasgow Airport Express directly to the airport, or, take the train to Queen Street Station and catch the same bus to the airport from the bus stop at George Square. COPYRIGHT ELEMENTS OF ISLAY 2023. 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.
7 day Scotland itinerary, how to include Islay? - Scotland Forum 105 miles. 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.
Ferries in Scotland - A Practical Guide for Island Hopping - Watch Me See 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. If you find my blogs informative and inspiring, you can support what I do and say thanks by gifting me a virtual coffee. How long does it take to drive around Islay? Rabbies Islay & The Whisky Coast 4-day Tour. I do it the opposite way to you Mary Beth when we are in Spain. Discover tips and advice for visiting the Isle of Islay with this article that explains how to get there, how to travel around the island, the weather, and the best places to visit. How can I get around on Islay without a car? It is approx 25 miles long north-south and approx 20 miles wide east-west. Quite a few old ruins up north past Gruinart. If you travel from Glasgow to Islay by Car it will take around three hours to get to Kennacraig. Cycling round the island to see Islays nature and wildlife up close is ideal, not least due to the largely flat terrain and the low level of traffic on the island. I'm Kay, the 'chaotic' lass behind the blog. all winter) as flights get frequently cancelled without much notice. 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. 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. There are a number of B&Bs and guesthouses as well as a large variety of self-catering accommodation. Need a few quick answers for questions about Islay? 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. How long does it take to drive around Islay? The bus stops near the ferry ports in Port Ellen and Port Askaig, and directly outside Islay Airport. Islay is also very popular among birdwatchers, in particular for the Barnacle Geese. 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.
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