Hi this has probably been asked before but I searched and could not find an answer..we are planning our next Highlands trip and wondered how many days to stay on Islay? If you fancy a coffee or snack you can stop at the airport. I'm excited to share it with you. The opening hours vary, so I would recommend taking note in advance to ensure that you dont get caught short. 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. Don't expect the roads to be as wide . Out About Scotland is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Your time visiting Islay can be as relaxing or energetic as you want it to be. 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. 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. Nothing to worry about, you're not suddenly famous and there's nothing wrong with your car. By Car Islay is famous for a number of things: Mainly probably for its excellent Islay Single Malt Whiskies from the eight working distilleries. 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. all winter) as flights get frequently cancelled without much notice. This website includes affiliate links to Booking.com and GetYourGuide. There is also a ferry service between Islay and Jura, across the Sound of Islay. Thanks all for your input - much appreciated!! You can find links to a number of places in the, First of all hopefully great memories from a wonderful visit. Once on Islay head to Bowmore for overnight accommodation. Take the A82 from Glasgow towards Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. 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. Continue to Loch Lomond and stop for photos. From Edinburgh head to the Highlands and stop at the Trossachs National Park for food. You must not disturb any animals or damage any plants. Remember. COPYRIGHT ELEMENTS OF ISLAY 2023. 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. Both ferries leave from Kennacraig on the mainland. If you are on a budget you might want to consider the youth hostel. 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. You can view the timetable and book your tickets on the CalMac website. Oahu Circle Drive One of the best drives in Oahu is the circle tour, where you drive around the island. Planning a week-long trip in September to Scotland, in and out of Edinburgh (Tues - Tues). If wild camping is your preferred option you wont have any problems on Islay but there are a few considerations to bear in mind. 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. 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. There are also self-catering lodges which allow guests the best of both worlds. Its just stunning. Also if you are planning on renting accommodation many have weekly lets. There are two bus routes on Islay, both of which using the main roads on the island. Carol's Cabs - tel: +44 (0) 1496 302 155 / Mobile: +44 (0) 777 5782155. Quite a few people also speak, Yes, there are a number of books about Islay: A good entry level book with quite a few pictures is. Vatersay is a little island off Barra, with a population of just 90 people. Upon clicking the "Checkout" button you will be transferred to their website for the final checkout. 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. 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. You can view the bus timetable here. The bay features a famously large beach known as The Big Strand which is an astonishing 7 miles long, and luckily enough for campers, Kintra Farm has the best access point. 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 an Amazon Associate, I earn a wee commission on qualifying purchases. It might be worth keeping your wild camping pitches close to the coastline where the sea breeze should deter all but the most determined midge, but for the ultimate protection you really have to cover yourself in Smidge (Amazon link). {{checkoutCalculateItemTotalPrice(product)}}. Try not to pronounce it Izley or anything similar, unless you immediately want to out yourself as a clueless tourist. 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. They're just friendly, as most people on Islay. It is . Roundabouts are painted with their guidelines forcing you clockwise as they will in the USA and mainland Europe force you anti-clockwise. There are further shops in Port Ellen, Bridgend, Port Askaig, Bruichladdich and Port Charlotte. Getting to Oban from Glasgow: take the ScotRail train from Glasgow Queen Street to Oban or take the Citylink bus from Glasgow Buchanan Street to Oban. 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. I try to dedicate a day to spend on Jura at least. I would rather not have to cope with driving on the (to me) "wrong side" of the road. 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. 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. You can probably see most of the island in 3 days, however a day on nearby Jura is worthwhile. 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. Thanks so much! 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 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. 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. These are the ways you can explore Islay without a car. The Best Things to Do on Islay: Distilleries, Food & Outdoor Activities, Have a day at the beach at The Singing Sands or Machir Bay, Burn off some energy at the childrens play park at the, Explore the ruins and history of the Lords of the Isles at, Go seal spotting in the picturesque village of Portnahaven, Discover Carraig Fhada Lighthouse and the stunning Singing Sands. You can either bring your own bike or rent one on Islay. 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. Parts of this film were shot on Islay. The Series IIA on Islay is a 2.25-litre petrol, however. Traffic on Islay is light, as it usually is on islands, and getting used to the 'wrong' side of the road is remarkably easy. 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. 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! Ballivicar Farm, just outside Port Ellen, has 3 self-catering apartments with one or two bedrooms. 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 are usually two flights per day (only one on weekends) and the flight time is 45 minutes. It is approx 25 miles long north-south and approx 20 miles wide east-west. Opening hours vary, so best check before going. They also offer distillery tours, usually 2-3 times a day. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-45678062', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car. 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). 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. 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! Islay is accessible by flight or ferry, and it is possible to reach the island entirely on public transport. Good quality accommodation doesnt come cheap on Islay, however there are some budget-friendly self-catering options available. 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. Rabbies Islay & The Whisky Coast 4-day Tour. 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. The Chaotic Scot is packed with personality, travel tips, and destination inspiration - as well as the odd misadventure! The sail to Port Ellen takes 2 hours. 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. Glasgow to Islay by Car via Loch Lomond - Inveraray - Kennacraig. A week would be ideal. 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. A return ticket on the ferry currently costs 71.10 per car plus 14.20 per adult. Also, there are generally fewer tourists milling about so you can breeze through the distillery tours without having to wait for available space.
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