how long to drive around islay

Report inappropriate content. The Series IIA on Islay is a 2.25-litre petrol, however. Theres a reason why this island has the nickname Queen of the Hebrides, and its nothing to do with Isle of Islay whisky. 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. 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. You can view the timetable and book your tickets on the CalMac website. 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. Islay is larger than most people think, so driving around can take some time. A small delicatessen shop can be found at Kilchoman Distillery. 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. 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. 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. 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. Also, there are generally fewer tourists milling about so you can breeze through the distillery tours without having to wait for available space. Here are some suggestions to get you started: Port Mor Campsite in Port Charlotte has pitches for tents and motorhomes, as well as a caf and a playpark. 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. Not exactly what I was looking for on an island getaway. You cannot wild camp on private property without obtaining permission first. While you could travel via Gourock and the Cowal Peninsula (the most direct route) you will have to take two ferry crossings. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); If you're looking for Scottish travel inspiration, you're in the right place. Summary. 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. 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. Verify this result with our drive time calculator. 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. Its just stunning. 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 Machrie, near Islay Airport, is Islays luxury resort-style hotel, complete with a golf course, spa, bar and restaurant. You can probably see most of the island in 3 days, however a day on nearby Jura is worthwhile. 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 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. There are five petrol stations (or gas stations for Americans) on Islay I can think of: Port Ellen (on Charlotte Street next to the White Hart Hotel), Bowmore (Jamieson Street, off Main Street), Bridgend (right at the square), Port Charlotte (next to the Spar shop/ post office on Main Street) and Port Askaig (next to the waiting area for the Kennacraig ferry). The Chaotic Scot is packed with personality, travel tips, and destination inspiration - as well as the odd misadventure! Bruichladdich - founded in 1881, re-opened in 2000. Upon clicking the "Checkout" button you will be transferred to their website for the final checkout. Total travel time is 2.5 to 4 hours, distance by car approx. 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). 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. Prices are reasonable (around 60 for a single ticket) and flight times are short with a non-stop service that takes just 45 minutes. 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. We will ferry over with our (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? With no synchromesh on lower gears, it . We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. You will also have to deal with the enemy of all Scottish wild campers the infamous midge. The obvious choice for a souvenir is Islay Single Malt Whisky, available from the distillery shops. If the weather is the most important aspect of your holiday then obviously summer (June, July, August) is the time to go but be aware youll be sharing the island with the highest number of tourists and the hotel prices will increase substantially compared to spring. Another option for getting around Islay is the bus service which is respectable for an island service but obviously not up to the efficient standards of Glasgow or Edinburgh. I try to dedicate a day to spend on Jura at least. 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). 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). Are there banks or cash machines (ATMs) on Islay? I'd most certainly say the long drive up Jura is well worth it. We will (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. The island is also famous for its wildlife (particularly its birdlife) and its landscapes. A week would be ideal. Just join in, you'll soon pick it up and enjoy it. 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. 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. 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. CalMac Ferries (0800 066 5000) serves many of the islands in the Inner Hebrides, including Coll, Mull, Islay and others. Join him as he shares personal experiences and tips & advice about touring Scotland. 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! Both ferries leave from Kennacraig on the mainland. 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. Islay Car Hire provides Quality Self Drive hire on the Isle of Islay. The Whisky Coast. The crossing is just over two hours long and onboard there are many places to eat and drink. Please check the individual websites for opening times, tours and updates on the situation. You cannot drive around the perimeter of Islay as there is no ring road, but it is possible to drive to most parts on the mainly single-track roads. Visitors can explore the open landscape by taking a ferry from Port Askaig and cycling or driving around the A846 which offers . 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. If you fancy a coffee or snack you can stop at the airport. Islay is pronounced EYE-LA and no one says it better than a local with their lovely, lilting accent. For ideas on how to spend your time on the island, check out my other post on the best things to do on Islay. I have taken to the air and to the sea, and I loved both experiences. travelling around the island - do i need a car. This journey should take about two and a half to three hours, depending on the amount of stops, and is a very scenic drive. Visit Kilmartin Glen to see the ancient standing stones. 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. 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. How long does it take to drive around Islay? As an Amazon Associate, I earn a wee commission on qualifying purchases. 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. There are a limited number of taxis however, so I would always book your journey in advance. Take a tour around the Oban distillery and have a seafood lunch. The distilleries, which are open year-round, each have their own unique stories, tours and traditions. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The largest shop on Islay is the Co-Op in Bowmore. 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. 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. If you are planning a trip to Islay, or are simply looking to get inspired, this post brings together all the essential practical information that you need to get started, from how to plan your journey and get around the island, to choosing accommodation and which distilleries to visit. 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. Its all quite interesting and it certainly makes a nice change of pace from Islays whisky distillery tours. When planning my adventures, I usually start my search on Booking.com or Airbnb to see whats available for my chosen dates. Getting to Glasgow International on public transport is effortless as there are regular buses from Glasgow city centre to the airport terminal, but if youre driving the quickest route will be to take the M8 and look for junction 28. 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. How can I get around on Islay without a car? And driving yourself after sampling whisky, even on Islay, is really not advisable. Thanks all for your input - much appreciated!! Then there's the Croft Kitchen in Port Charlotte or the Cottage Restaurant in Bowmore. They will process and deliver your order. Both journeys take around 3 hours 10 minutes and offer stunning scenery. Theres no other word for it. Before we proceed, lets address the all-important issue of pronunciation. It is . {{checkoutCalculateItemTotalPrice(product)}}. Don't expect the roads to be as wide . Also if you are planning on renting accommodation many have weekly lets. There are a number of B&Bs and guesthouses as well as a large variety of self-catering accommodation. Where can I get cash on Islay? Of course, many people visit Islay for the whisky distilleries there are 9 of them but the island is also a nature-lovers dream destination and photographers will have a memorable time at places like Loch Gruinart (home to over 20,000 geese) and Loch Indaal (home of rare birds like corncrake and chough). A few options include, You won't get bored on a rainy day either, there's a lot to do on Islay: You could go for a swim at the MacTaggart Leisure Centre in Bowmore. 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. There are currently eight working whisky distilleries on Islay, with a ninth one expected to open soon. 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! 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. travelling around the island - do i need a car. This is a site thats famed more for its history than its scenery but its a great place to visit nonetheless. 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. Watch this space! If youre planning on visiting Islay, here is everything you need to know about this incredible island. Coming from Glasgow you take the M8 and cross the Clyde over the Erskine Bridge. While there are dozens of tour operators willing to take visitors around Islay, the pick of the bunch has to be Rabbies. If you find my blogs informative and inspiring, you can support what I do and say thanks by gifting me a virtual coffee. There are beautiful coastlines to walk around, historic whisky distilleries to visit, and incredible wildlife-watching opportunities around every corner. Out About Scotland also participates in affiliate programs with Awin, Get Your Guide, Booking.com, and other sites. 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. It is approx 25 miles long north-south and approx 20 miles wide east-west. Be aware that many of Islays roads are single track with passing places, and allow plenty of time to get to your destination what looks a short journey on a map will usually take much longer. 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. Lagavulin Distillery, Islay. Your email address will not be published. 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. I would welcome suggestions about which area to stay in and how to get around. I'm off to book a 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. . 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. Islay has a number of beautiful beaches as well as some impressive cliffs. Need a few quick answers for questions about Islay? Because of its size, navigating around the Big Island can be daunting, and driving around the entire island will take around eight hours. 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. The table below has a month-by-month overview of the climate on Islay. Distillery visiting is our primary goal, including Jura. By Bus Kintra Farm, near the beautiful Kintra Beach, has 4 self-catering properties on site. 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. Remember. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-45680001', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car. I do it the opposite way to you Mary Beth when we are in Spain. Opening hours vary, so best check before going. the best tents for summer camping in Scotland, Complete Guide to Whisky Distilleries on Islay, The Best Places to Visit in the Highlands. The A846 also continues from Port Ellen to the distilleries at Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. Visit Lagavulin distillery for a tour and a tasting. 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. All of the distilleries have a visitor centre in some form, some with a shop and restaurant, some just a small reception. The majority of people travelling to Islay will arrive on one of the Calmac ferries that sail daily from Kennacraig on the Kintyre peninsula. Be aware that bad weather can delay crossings, sometimes for consecutive days; advance booking is strongly recommended, too. On the other hand youll experience the least amount of annual rainfall and the daylight hours will be long. Hi! The eight existing ones are (in alphabetical order): In addition to the distilleries on Islay there is also the. I've got a suggestion to improve these FAQ, where can I send it? An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 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. All rights reserved Out About Scotland 2023. It is also illegal! These are serviced by smaller passenger ferries, such as the Isle of Kerrera or the Small Isles, Rum, Muck and Eigg. You must not light open fires on Islay where there is dry peat due to the fire risk. 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). 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). Islay Storm Pods in Lagavulin has 5 glamping pods and a holiday cottage (Im staying in one of the pods in September). We have been visiting Islay each year for the last week of our yearly trips to Scotland for many years, and we do use a hire (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I mentioned this peninsula earlier but Ill repeat myself here as it really is a stunning place. Get the ferry to Islay from Kennacraig on Kintyre, landing at Port Ellen (2 hours 20 minutes) or Port Askaig (from 1 hour 55 minutes). Below I've listed a number of frequently asked questions about the Isle of Islay. Select your Islay Tour from the map above or via the links below . In particular if you are staying in self-catering accommodation you might need to know where you can get your (grocery) shopping done. The Kintyre peninsula is a few miles to the east, Northern Ireland is approx 20 miles to the south across the Irish Sea.

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