how long to drive around islay

I don't like whisky. 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. 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. 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 single/return price for a foot passenger is approximately 6.50/13; cars have an additional charge of 32.50/65. Can I get a beer instead? Another important piece of island etiquette is the famous Islay wave. There are a ton of sites, standing stones and ruins on both Islay and Jura. If you allow for one day trip to Jura and another to Colonsay, that only leaves around four days for Islay itself, so its not too long. 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. Islay is accessible by flight or ferry, and it is possible to reach the island entirely on public transport. 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. Visit the Ardbeg distillery for a tour and lunch. I only include links to tours, accommodation and activities which I recommend and personally love. We plan to be in Islay for three days in the first week of April. The service links Portnahaven, Port Charlotte, Bridgend, Port Askaig, Bowmore and Port Ellen. Also keep in mind that farm animals might slow you down on almost any road on Islay. Your time visiting Islay can be as relaxing or energetic as you want it to be. Multiply this time with 60 mph average speed to get the distance traveled: 60 6.5 = 390 miles. Traffic on Islay is light, as it usually is on islands, and getting used to the 'wrong' side of the road is remarkably easy. We are now submitting your order to TheWhiskyExchange.com. I have to mention I found the locals to be incredibly courteous and theyre very tolerant of slow tourists driving on unfamiliar roads, and theyll almost always wave to you as you drive past them. The road then follows the path of Loch Fyne, Scotlands large sea loch, taking in some spectacular scenery along the way, including Inveraray Castle. To calculate this answer, follow these steps: Calculate total break time: 15 min + 60 min + 15 min = 1 hr 30 min. I've got a suggestion to improve these FAQ, where can I send it? drinkaware.co.uk. This is such a pleasant wee exchange and one of the things I love about Islay. I'm excited to share it with you. Thank you all for the advice and driving encouragement. Both journeys take around 3 hours 10 minutes and offer stunning scenery. If you travel from Glasgow to Islay by Car it will take around three hours to get to Kennacraig. The Series IIA on Islay is a 2.25-litre petrol, however. Coming from Glasgow you take the M8 and cross the Clyde over the Erskine Bridge. We usually go to Mull which we absolutely love (the variety of scenery and wildlife etc) so were wondering if Islay can compare? 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. 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. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 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. 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. By Ferry all winter) as flights get frequently cancelled without much notice. 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). Automobile Association Developments Ltd. 2018 . The first vehicle we drive after landing on the island, it's a quick lesson in driving older cars. You can find links to a number of places in the, First of all hopefully great memories from a wonderful visit. For ideas on how to spend your time on the island, check out my other post on the best things to do on Islay. Islay is best known for three things whisky, wildlife and the landscape and as much as I would like to include every place to visit in this article it would become far too long, so instead Ill give you a few highlights to include in your Islay itinerary. There are Petrol Stations in Port Ellen, Bowmore and Port Charlotte. If you talk to the taxi companies they might be able to put something together as well. Continue south on the A83 to Lochgilphead then follow the road along the picturesque Campbeltown peninsula to Tarbert before it cuts inland to Kennacraig. . Take the A82 from Glasgow towards Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. 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 distilleries, which are open year-round, each have their own unique stories, tours and traditions. There are a dozen or so crossings each day between Port Askaig and Feolin on Jura; the crossing only takes 10 minutes. All of the distilleries have a visitor centre in some form, some with a shop and restaurant, some just a small reception. Also if you are planning on renting accommodation many have weekly lets. 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. . See website for route schedules. This is my favourite nature reserve on Islay and its a place that I highly recommend you visit. The three southern distilleries can be reached by public transport fairly easily, similar Bowmore and Bruichladdich. Most of the shoreline comprises sheer cliffs, although there are a few sandy beaches which are fantastic because theyre usually tourist-free. COPYRIGHT ELEMENTS OF ISLAY 2023. The table below has a month-by-month overview of the climate on Islay. Bunnahabhain - most remote of the Islay distilleries, established in 1881. Islay is a terrific place to explore by car. Explore Islay by boat. How long does it take to drive around Islay? 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. By Car Opening hours vary, so best check before going. 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. Getting to Kennacraig from Glasgow on public transport: Kennacraig is on the Scottish Citylink service 926from Glasgow Buchanan Street to Campbeltown. Islay receives its fair share of rain (hey, the distilleries need a lot of water), but also a lot of brilliant sunshine. The Whisky Coast. We started this journey from nearby. I first visited Islay in 2015 and Ive been a big fan ever since. 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. all winter) as flights get frequently cancelled without much notice. I'm off to book a stay. In any case Islay is the anglicised spelling, the Gaelic version is Ile. Where can I do my (grocery) shopping on Islay? ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Its a big airport, so I would give yourself extra time if youve never visited it before, or at least take a look at my Scotlands Airports Guide which will give you further information about it. 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. Probably best to stay centrally in either Bowmore or Bridgend to reduce travel times. 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. While the weather as a whole is quite mild (for Scotland) those winds are another matter altogether and they can make or break your holiday on the island. How you choose to travel to Islay will depend on how much time you have, your budget, and where youre coming from. A week would be ideal. Visit Kilmartin Glen to see the ancient standing stones. If I can do it, and I now drive probably a good few thousand miles each year in Spain, you can do it too. Summary. You can probably see most of the island in 3 days, however a day on nearby Jura is worthwhile. They all offer a great experience, so you really cant go wrong. 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. Visit in October and youll see the spectacle of barnacle and white-fronted geese fly in from Greenland to spend the winter on Islay. The bus stops near the ferry ports in Port Ellen and Port Askaig, and directly outside Islay Airport. Islay is famous for a number of things: Mainly probably for its excellent Islay Single Malt Whiskies from the eight working distilleries. Do they offer tours? I still have questions, where can I get answers? If youre wondering what is the best way to travel around Islay Ive got an easy answer for you car, with a sat nav. 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. You can probably see most of the island in 3 days, however a day on nearby Jura is worthwhile. 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. Some visitors will benefit from simply enjoying the food, drink and slower pace, while others will be excited to try the outdoor and water-based activities. Whenever you pass a local on the road, you will be treated to a friendly wave, which you obviously have to reciprocate. I would welcome suggestions about which area to stay in and how to get around. Theres a reason why this island has the nickname Queen of the Hebrides, and its nothing to do with Isle of Islay whisky. Be sure to visit Islay Ale brewery. Cost breakdown on getting to Islay from Glasgow, by bus & ferry. 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. 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. Before we proceed, lets address the all-important issue of pronunciation. 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. I would rather not have to cope with driving on the (to me) "wrong side" of the road. If you are on a budget you might want to consider the youth hostel. The Harbour Inn in Bowmore is a lovely, modern Scottish hotel which is centrally located near Bowmore Harbour and serves excellent food. The walk to Bunnahabhain is lovely from the main road. 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. 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. If you fancy a coffee or snack you can stop at the airport. I need souvenirs, what should I take back home from Islay? Upon clicking the "Checkout" button you will be transferred to their website for the final checkout. Vehicle reservations are recommended. I do it the opposite way to you Mary Beth when we are in Spain. This is a site thats famed more for its history than its scenery but its a great place to visit nonetheless. 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. There are two ferry ports on Islay, Port Ellen in the south (journey time 2 hours 20 minutes) and Port Askaig in the north east (journey time 1 hour 55 minutes). 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. 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. Are taxis plentiful no matter where we stay? The opening hours vary, so I would recommend taking note in advance to ensure that you dont get caught short. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 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. travelling around the island - do i need a car. I have a wee hunch that I will be a lifetime regular on this island. Visit Ardnahoe distillery for a tour and lunch. Good quality accommodation doesnt come cheap on Islay, however there are some budget-friendly self-catering options available. Another fantastic way to explore Islay is by eBike with Islay E Wheels. 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. 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.. 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). ENJOY RESPONSIBLY. The Chaotic Scot is packed with personality, travel tips, and destination inspiration - as well as the odd misadventure! 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. Dont be surprised to find yourself sitting outside reading a book at 9 pm. The Machrie, near Islay Airport, is Islays luxury resort-style hotel, complete with a golf course, spa, bar and restaurant. 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). Sure, you can even get beer brewed on Islay: There's a lot you can do on Islay, too much to list here. Youll find bed-and-breakfasts dotted all over the island but as I havent stayed in them I cant offer any preferred suggestions, but if you search through them on Booking.com youll find reviews from previous guests. All other brands and names are property of their respective owners. Out About Scotland also participates in affiliate programs with Awin, Get Your Guide, Booking.com, and other sites. Vatersay is a little island off Barra, with a population of just 90 people. Islay has a number of beautiful beaches as well as some impressive cliffs. Planning a week-long trip in September to Scotland, in and out of Edinburgh (Tues - Tues). Prices are reasonable (around 60 for a single ticket) and flight times are short with a non-stop service that takes just 45 minutes. How can I get around on Islay without a car? We saw seals laying on the rocks near a cove past the Ardbeg distillery as we were driving to the Kidalton Cross. Quite a few old ruins up north past Gruinart. 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. Need a few quick answers for questions about Islay? 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. 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. If you want to go more into depth, get a OS map and start looking at sites and ruins. The driver guides have an in-depth understanding of Scotland, the places they take you to are incredible, and the prices are reasonable. 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. 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). As far as whisky is concerned Ive created a Complete Guide to Whisky Distilleries on Islay so bookmark it to read at your leisure if youre visiting the island for a dram or two. uk breakdown; european breakdown; motorbike breakdown; report a breakdown; insurance; car insurance; home insurance . After a few miles you reach Islay Airport at Glenegedale and the famous Machrie Golf Course, both on your left. Couldn't get to Jura due to wind/seas. The journey time from Kennacraig to Port Askaig is around 2 hours and from Kennacraig to Port Ellen 2 hours and 20 minutes. 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. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 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. At 25 miles long by 15 miles wide, Islay is the fifth largest island in Scotland, and its rich, fertile land has earned the island its nickname as the Queen of the Hebrides. The Isle of Islay on Scotlands west coast is one of the countrys premier tourist destinations, and not just for its whisky distilleries. 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. I really wouldn't worry about hiring a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Thanks all for your input - much appreciated!! 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. 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. 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. Which port you arrive into will be determined by the day of the week and the time you choose to travel, or you can base it on which port is closest to where youre staying. Islay is the southernmost of the Inner Hebrides, and forms part of a group of islands which are also referred to as the Southern Hebrides: its closest neighbours are Jura, Gigha and Colonsay. 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. 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. 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 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. Travelling by public transport is a slower way of travel (not a bad thing when adopting the island pace) and you wont be able to reach some of the places you would with a car, but for first time visitors or those who dont plan to venture too far off the beaten track, exploring Islay on public transport is a great experience. Getting around Islay on public transport. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-45678062', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car. Also if you are planning on renting accommodation many have weekly lets. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. 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. Equally amazing is the sight of Loch Gruinart when the tides out as its absolutely enormous and has to be, without doubt, the biggest expanse of sand Ive ever seen in my life. These are the ways you can explore Islay without a car. The sail to Port Ellen takes 2 hours.

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