Another important piece of island etiquette is the famous Islay wave. You do not need a car on Islay as there is public transport with buses and taxi services. By Bike Where can I access the internet on Islay? COPYRIGHT ELEMENTS OF ISLAY 2023. Thanks all for your input - much appreciated!! Transportation options between Port Ellen and Burichladdich? For a leisurely trip a week would be great. Check out my other blog on the top things to do on Islay. 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. Explore Kildaton church and Dunyvaig castle. There are two bus routes on Islay running between 7am and 6pm Monday to Saturday, but not on Sunday. 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. Out About Scotland is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. 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. Verify this result with our drive time calculator. 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. Driving on Hawaii Island: What You Need to Know - TripSavvy 29.1K subscribers Day Trip to Islay: Taking the car onto the Islay Ferry from Kennacraig to Port Ellen on Islay with CalMac Ferries (Caledonian MacBrayne). Three Distilleries Pathway. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Visit Kilmartin Glen to see the ancient standing stones. 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. Getting to Kennacraig from Glasgow on public transport: Kennacraig is on the Scottish Citylink service 926from Glasgow Buchanan Street to Campbeltown. After a few miles you reach Islay Airport at Glenegedale and the famous Machrie Golf Course, both on your left. There is an infrequent ferry service from Oban to Port Askaig if you are travelling to/from this direction or if you plan to extend your adventure and do more island hopping from Oban. In any case Islay is the anglicised spelling, the Gaelic version is Ile. 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. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The driver guides have an in-depth understanding of Scotland, the places they take you to are incredible, and the prices are reasonable. 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. SCOTTISH TRAVEL BLOG PACKED WITH FUN, FOOD & INSPIRATION. Prices are reasonable (around 60 for a single ticket) and flight times are short with a non-stop service that takes just 45 minutes. This is my favourite nature reserve on Islay and its a place that I highly recommend you visit. Islay is pronounced EYE-LA and no one says it better than a local with their lovely, lilting accent. You could also choose an accommodation which offers food and drink or book a local taxi. 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 The Isle of Islay on Scotlands west coast is one of the countrys premier tourist destinations, and not just for its whisky distilleries. Book your seats in advance for the best fares and sign up to the Loganair newsletter to find out about any sales/discounts. You can probably see most of the island in 3 days, however a day on nearby Jura is worthwhile. How many days to visit Islay? - Islay Message Board - Tripadvisor Bear in mind these services are busy in the summer months so you will need to book well in advance. Report inappropriate content. There are two islands on the loch where you can see ruins from those days though most of your time will be spent on the largest island Eilean na Comhairle which features several ruined buildings and medieval gravestones. The extra time will allow you to do more hikes especially along the coast and see more wildlife. 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. The Isle of Islay in Scotland: Advice for Visitors Your time visiting Islay can be as relaxing or energetic as you want it to be. 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. There are Petrol Stations in Port Ellen, Bowmore and Port Charlotte. Many of the distilleries stop doing tours by 4 pm. 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. 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. Transportation options between Port Ellen and Burichladdich? 7 day Scotland itinerary, how to include Islay? - Scotland Forum Jim is a lovely legend of a man, whom my Dad and I stayed with on our first visit to Islay. 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. Where can I get cash on Islay? drinkaware.co.uk, The Post Office, Main Street, Bowmore ++44 (0)1496 810366. Dont be surprised to find yourself sitting outside reading a book at 9 pm. 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. Its a little tricky to get to if youve booked accommodation in the Port Ellen area as its located all the way up at the northern tip of the island, but its an absolutely beautiful place. 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 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). Take the A82 from Glasgow towards Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. From Glasgow, head north on the A82 for 40 miles until you reach Tarbet (where the A82 becomes the A83). We usually go to Mull which we absolutely love (the variety of scenery and wildlife etc) so were wondering if Islay can compare? Getting Around Islay | islay.com 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. If you add viewing wildlife a week seems ideal. CalMac Ferries (0800 066 5000) serves many of the islands in the Inner Hebrides, including Coll, Mull, Islay and others. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Isle of Jura: Complete Visitor Guide | Out About Scotland You can view the timetable and book your tickets on the CalMac website. The Harbour Inn in Bowmore is a lovely, modern Scottish hotel which is centrally located near Bowmore Harbour and serves excellent food. I do it the opposite way to you Mary Beth when we are in Spain. Route Planner | Directions, traffic and maps | AA - The AA To calculate this answer, follow these steps: Calculate total break time: 15 min + 60 min + 15 min = 1 hr 30 min. Report inappropriate content. Is there an Islay guide I can print off and take with me? 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. We started this journey from nearby. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Home Regions of Scotland The Hebrides Inner Hebrides Isle of Islay. You will also have to deal with the enemy of all Scottish wild campers the infamous midge. From there, you can catch a ferry to Port Askaig on Islays east coast. Inside, you can grab a tasty burger at the Gate 1 cafe! This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. The road then follows the path of Loch Fyne, Scotlands large sea loch, taking in some spectacular scenery along the way, including Inveraray Castle. 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. more. Use the buses, they are convenient and mean you can drink at distilleries. 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. Stop at the village of Inveraray on the banks of Loch Fyne. Ferries in Scotland - A Practical Guide for Island Hopping - Watch Me See 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 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. Before we proceed, lets address the all-important issue of pronunciation. Lower Killeyan, Islay. the best tents for summer camping in Scotland, Complete Guide to Whisky Distilleries on Islay, The Best Places to Visit in the Highlands. Inner Hebrides, Scotland | Island-Hopping Travel Guide If you don't like whisky may be take a few bottles from. The Islay & Whisky Coast tour with Rabbie's lasts four days and departs from Edinburgh two to three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday). Fill up before taking the ferry over though. It may look small, but it will take you several days to see every nook and cranny by road. One of the best ways to explore Islay is by taking your car across on the ferry. 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. While youre walking along the clifftops keep your eyes open for otters which can often be seen hunting for food along the tide line, and you might also see seals, although their favourite spots on Islay are Loch Gruinart and the harbour at Portnahaven. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a wee commission on qualifying purchases. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); If you're looking for Scottish travel inspiration, you're in the right place. 2-3 people is fine though. Be aware that bad weather can delay crossings, sometimes for consecutive days; advance booking is strongly recommended, too. Because of its size, navigating around the Big Island can be daunting, and driving around the entire island will take around eight hours. If youre visiting Islay from overseas or you dont have a car I suggest checking the Travel Supermarket website to find the best car hire deals as a hire car will open up the entire island to you. On the other hand youll experience the least amount of annual rainfall and the daylight hours will be long. Port Ellen, Bowmore and Bridgend :: Islay Info 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. The eight existing ones are (in alphabetical order): In addition to the distilleries on Islay there is also the. There is a reliable bus service, but buses are not all that frequent, and you would struggle to get round many distilleries in your short visit. How many distilleries are there on Islay? ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Islay is a reasonably sized island (for the Scottish west coast) but you might find it difficult to source a place to stay if youre heading there in summer. 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. 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. If youre planning on visiting Islay, here is everything you need to know about this incredible island. Explore Islay by boat. 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. ENJOY RESPONSIBLY. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Vehicle reservations are recommended. Where can I do my (grocery) shopping on Islay? A return trip from Oban to Craignure, on Mull, for a car and two people (driver and . By Bus 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). Travel to the Isle of Jura and Local Transportation - Isle of Jura Scotland Take a tour around the Oban distillery and have a seafood lunch. While there are dozens of tour operators willing to take visitors around Islay, the pick of the bunch has to be Rabbies. There are a number of important historic sites included several Celtic crosses and Finlaggan, home to the Lords of the Isles. How can I get around on Islay without a car? 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. 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. [UPDATED 2020] Best Things To Do On Islay | dobbernationLOVES Join him as he shares personal experiences and tips & advice about touring Scotland. Take the A83 to Inveraray and then drive south on the A83 along Loch Fyne to Inveraray (a lovely loch-side village stop at Inveraray Castle before continuing). ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-45677876', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');fly from Glasgow. We will ferry over with our (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 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. Cars must be booked onto the ferry in advance and check-in is 30 minutes prior to departure. I love the experience of flying on Loganairs wee tartan-tailed planes, and seeing the islands from the sky. You can find links to a number of places in the, First of all hopefully great memories from a wonderful visit. 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. The table below has a month-by-month overview of the climate on Islay. Driving on the wrong side is easy enough. Islay nature and wildlife. A small delicatessen shop can be found at Kilchoman Distillery. The Chaotic Scot is packed with personality, travel tips, and destination inspiration - as well as the odd misadventure! If wild camping is your preferred option you wont have any problems on Islay but there are a few considerations to bear in mind. This will allow you to reach locations which are not served by bus and to treat yourself to a healthy dose of fresh, island air while youre at it!