how long to drive around islay
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. Take a look at their accommodation page for an updated list of self-catering homes. Outer Hebrides Road Trip: Your 1 Week Itinerary for the Western Isles I was there for a week once. 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. How long does it take to drive around Islay? 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. 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). {{checkoutCalculateItemTotalPrice(product)}}. The weather on Islay can be described as moderate, mainly because of the Gulf Stream. Arrival at Arran The ferry from the mainland arrives at Brodick, Arran's capital and main settlement. The Scottish islands are my favourite place in the world, and I've visited 62 so far. Bruichladdich - founded in 1881, re-opened in 2000. It is approx 25 miles long north-south and approx 20 miles wide east-west. Islay has fast become the island that I know best. Also, there are generally fewer tourists milling about so you can breeze through the distillery tours without having to wait for available space. 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. Having been to Mull, I found Islay to be less dramatic in topography - flatter and easier to get around. 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. Out About Scotland is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. I try to dedicate a day to spend on Jura at least. How long is the ferry to Islay? 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 Isle of Islay is one of the best places in Scotland to experience everything that makes the country such a magical destination for tourists. Hostels Hostelling Scotland run the family-friend Port Charlotte Youth Hostel. If you are on a budget you might want to consider the youth hostel. Unfortunately theres no ring road around Islay so you wont be able to explore the entire coastline by car, but the A846 does at least enable you to drive from Lagavulin in the south to Port Askaig on the northeast corner, while the A847 will take you over to the western-most point at Portnahaven. While certainly not as frequent as in an urban area there is a regular bus service between the major villages. Having said that, there is taxi service on the island, and there is excellent bus service. Ferries in Scotland - A Practical Guide for Island Hopping - Watch Me See For a map and to look around try. Report inappropriate content. Its not as big as Skye, doesnt have mountainous peaks like Mull or as many beaches as Tiree, but its certainly majestic in every other aspect and its a destination every visitor to Scotland needs to experience at least once in their lives. COPYRIGHT ELEMENTS OF ISLAY 2023. 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. Getting Around Islay | islay.com Islay nature and wildlife. Then this page is hopefully right for you. Prices are reasonable (around 60 for a single ticket) and flight times are short with a non-stop service that takes just 45 minutes. Islay receives its fair share of rain (hey, the distilleries need a lot of water), but also a lot of brilliant sunshine. 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. Theres a visitor centre in the car park which depicts the story of the Lords of the Isles and well as explaining the significance of this part of the island. 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. I first visited Islay in 2015 and Ive been a big fan ever since. Inner Hebrides, Scotland | Island-Hopping Travel Guide You could also choose an accommodation which offers food and drink or book a local taxi. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-45677876', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');fly from Glasgow. all winter) as flights get frequently cancelled without much notice. Upon clicking the "Checkout" button you will be transferred to their website for the final checkout. Check out my other blog on the top things to do on Islay. 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. 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 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. In a few short hours you will drive through all kinds of landscapes, from mountains to empty hinterland via jolly seafronts and high cliff routes. The bus service runs between 7am and 6pm Monday to Saturday, but not on Sunday. Visit in October and youll see the spectacle of barnacle and white-fronted geese fly in from Greenland to spend the winter on Islay. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-45678062', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Getting around :: Islay Info All of the distilleries have a visitor centre in some form, some with a shop and restaurant, some just a small reception. We will ferry over with our (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 5 . The Essential Guide to Visiting Islay - The Chaotic Scot Use the buses, they are convenient and mean you can drink at distilleries. If you find my blogs informative and inspiring, you can support what I do and say thanks by gifting me a virtual coffee. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Home Regions of Scotland The Hebrides Inner Hebrides Isle of Islay. If you want to get to the more inaccessible parts of Islay the northeast and the southeast youll have no option but to get as close as you can either on public transport or by driving and then walking to your desired destination. I think I can make some decions now. How you choose to travel to Islay will depend on how much time you have, your budget, and where youre coming from. Islay will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, and not just by drinking drams! Follow him on Pinterest and YouTube. 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. As in most places in Scotland the weather can change very quickly, so be prepared when going for a walk. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); If you're looking for Scottish travel inspiration, you're in the right place. Is there an Islay guide I can print off and take with me? I admit it was a bit of a culture shock at first, but I found myself missing those friendly people on my return to Edinburgh. 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. Islay Ferry from Kennacraig to Port Ellen (Day Trip to Islay) Managed a day trip to Colonsay. They will process and deliver your order. I can personally recommend Jims Islay Taxi for both taxis and tours. Take the A82 from Glasgow towards Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. 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. If you want to go more into depth, get a OS map and start looking at sites and ruins. Sure, you can even get beer brewed on Islay: There's a lot you can do on Islay, too much to list here. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. My fondness for Islay grows with every visit, and while I experience new things each time, I always leave pining for more. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a wee commission on qualifying purchases. 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. 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. Take the ferry back to the mainland and drive south through the Highlands. 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 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. However, buses do not run to the remotest parts of the island and taxis are expensive, so taking your own car is preferable. Our itinerary is not set in stone but are planning to hit some of the following: 1. Nothing to worry about, you're not suddenly famous and there's nothing wrong with your car. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. For ideas on how to spend your time on the island, check out my other post on the best things to do 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). The sail to Port Ellen takes 2 hours. Even if youre not (yet) a lover of single malt, I would say that at least one distillery tour is a must when visiting Islay. A 4-Day Islay Whisky Tour with Rabbie's Tours [Review 2019] There are two bus routes on Islay running between 7am and 6pm Monday to Saturday, but not on Sunday. 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. Inside, you can grab a tasty burger at the Gate 1 cafe! There arent any massive hills to tackle on the bike, but the island isnt completely flat either, so the extra push from the eBike is much appreciated. 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. 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. Just a suggestion. 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. Its all quite interesting and it certainly makes a nice change of pace from Islays whisky distillery tours. Driving on Islay. I love the experience of flying on Loganairs wee tartan-tailed planes, and seeing the islands from the sky. Probably best to stay centrally in either Bowmore or Bridgend to reduce travel times. The roads are narrow and single track and the landscape is mostly rough grassland, but its an interesting day trip, especially if you pull your walking boots on and go for a hike around the Paps of Jura which are three mountains on the west of the island that rise to 2,575 feet. 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. I would rather not have to cope with driving on the (to me) "wrong side" of the road. 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. There are some indoor options too, which are handy for rainy days. The Big Island makes up for more than half of the entire size of the state of Hawaii at just over 4,000 square milesabout half the size of New Jersey. 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. Couldn't get to Jura due to wind/seas. 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. Aside from its distilleries, Islay is just like all the other Scottish islands in that the main attraction is the outdoors. The bus services run between 7.20 am to 6.30 pm midweek and 8.10 am to 6.30 pm at the weekend, but there is no service on Sunday so you could find yourself stuck in the middle of nowhere if you miss the last one on Saturday evening which is where Islays taxi services will come to the rescue. You can walk or cycle the Three Distilleries Pathway from Port Ellen, which links three distilleries in three miles: Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. Jura is a similar size to Islay though it has far fewer facilities and only one village which is Craighouse on the east coast. 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. 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. This journey should take about two and a half to three hours, depending on the amount of stops, and is a very scenic drive. It is also illegal! A single trip costs 1.70 for foot passengers, with an additional 9.05 for cars. 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). 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. The Chaotic Scot is packed with personality, travel tips, and destination inspiration - as well as the odd misadventure! 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. From Edinburgh head to the Highlands and stop at the Trossachs National Park for food. At 25 miles long by 15 miles wide, Islay is the fifth largest island in Scotland, and it's rich, . 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. There are further shops in Port Ellen, Bridgend, Port Askaig, Bruichladdich and Port Charlotte. 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. ENJOY RESPONSIBLY. First time for all of us. I mentioned this peninsula earlier but Ill repeat myself here as it really is a stunning place. I need souvenirs, what should I take back home from Islay? 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). Jura is an island in the Inner Hebrides close to the Isle of Islay. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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. They will process and deliver your order. You can either bring your own bike or rent one on Islay. The island is also famous for its wildlife (particularly its birdlife) and its landscapes. Glasgow to Islay by Car via Loch Lomond - Inveraray - Kennacraig. The cheapest way to travel to Islay is by ferry from Kennacraig. How to get to Islay from Glasgow: a local's best guide 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. 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. 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? Whisky is, of course, Islays ultimate claim to fame; it is a way of life on this windswept isle. They all offer a great experience, so you really cant go wrong. Transportation options between Port Ellen and Burichladdich? Staying near Bridgend will put you near the center of the island and make the distilleries easy to get to. These are the ways you can explore Islay without a car. . Well, they were when I visited anyway. Your time visiting Islay can be as relaxing or energetic as you want it to be. There are a limited number of taxis however, so I would always book your journey in advance. Dont be surprised to find yourself sitting outside reading a book at 9 pm. Some taxi drivers also offer full and half day tours of the island. Both ferries leave from Kennacraig on the mainland. COPYRIGHT ELEMENTS OF ISLAY 2023. Traffic on Islay is light, as it usually is on islands, and getting used to the 'wrong' side of the road is remarkably easy. The journey time from Kennacraig to Port Askaig is around 2 hours and from Kennacraig to Port Ellen 2 hours and 20 minutes. The A846 also continues from Port Ellen to the distilleries at Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. Distillery visiting is our primary goal, including Jura. Where do I find petrol stations on Islay? Verify this result with our drive time calculator. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. ENJOY RESPONSIBLY. Ro-Ro & Drive Through Ferries. Its just stunning. The sail to Port Askaig takes 2 hours 20 minutes. We will (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? How many distilleries are there on Islay? The opening hours vary, so I would recommend taking note in advance to ensure that you dont get caught short. Driving Tour Distance (miles/km) Time; Circular Tour from Bridgend via Loch Gorm and Loch Gruinart: 19-35 Miles, 31-56Km: 2 - 5 Hours: Circular Tour Rhinns of Islay : 20 Miles, 32Km: The island can be visited by air and by sea, but you might be best off catching the ferry when the weather picks up (i.e. Do they offer tours? 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 ? 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. 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. Islay Bus Islay Coaches runs a number of routes between the main villages, Mondays to Saturdays. Join him as he shares personal experiences and tips & advice about touring Scotland. If you add viewing wildlife a week seems ideal. Visit Lagavulin distillery for a tour and a tasting. There are a ton of sites, standing stones and ruins on both Islay and Jura. Drive the winding road to Ardnave and walk across the dunes to see what I mean. Islay is most famed for its peat-infused, smoky whisky which is exported across the world. Driving on the left is not hard to get used to. 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. 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). ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-103124700', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car, so happy to drive about etc. Required fields are marked *. There are usually two flights per day (only one on weekends) and the flight time is 45 minutes. When I first started driving in Spain I would remember little things like "at home me, the driver, I am positioned in the middle of the road and it is the same here" that helped when turning left especially, to you it would be the opposite ie when you turn right. Thanks. The famous Scottish whisky island is just 25 miles long and 15 miles wide, easily explored in 2-3 days. Islay is larger than most people think, so driving around can take some time. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Thanks all for your input - much appreciated!! Make Traigh a Bhaigh Beach your first port of call. 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). There are two bus routes on Islay, both of which using the main roads on the island. 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. {{checkoutCalculateItemTotalPrice(product)}}. One last thing if you take an electric bike to Islay youll have the best of all worlds. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Take a tour around the Oban distillery and have a seafood lunch. . Out About Scotland also participates in affiliate programs with Awin, Get Your Guide, Booking.com, and other sites. Islay has a number of beautiful beaches as well as some impressive cliffs. 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). There are a number of B&Bs and guesthouses as well as a large variety of self-catering accommodation. 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. 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. A return ticket on the ferry currently costs 71.10 per car plus 14.20 per adult. A week would be ideal. After a few miles you reach Islay Airport at Glenegedale and the famous Machrie Golf Course, both on your left. Continue south on the A83 to Lochgilphead then follow the road along the picturesque Campbeltown peninsula to Tarbert before it cuts inland to Kennacraig. There are two bus routes on Islay, both of which using the main roads on the island. The largest shop on Islay is the Co-Op in Bowmore. The only island that is connected to the Scottish mainland by a bridge is the . Things to do on Islay Scotland - Finding the Universe If youre thinking of touring the Isle of Islay and would like to know more about Rabbies I highly recommend taking a look at their website which shows all the tours they run in Scotland as well as the rest of Britain.
Chargeable Gain On Investment Bond Calculator,
Diversity Coaching Fellowship,
Can I Shoot A Dog On My Property In Tennessee,
Nottingham Parking Zones Map,
Articles H
