Quick Answer: How To Get From Mainland Scotland To Islay? The ports are easy to reach by car; Oban is around a two and a half hour drive from Glasgow, and there are also train and bus services. 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. Getting around Islay on public transport. 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. I hope that my writing will entertain & inspire you, and that my photos will make you want to be there - or make you hungry! 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. Don't expect the roads to be as wide . 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. Youll find a very nice beach on the Port Ellen side at Kilnaughton and another called the Singing Sands just behind the Carraig Fhada lighthouse. The price starts at 356 and includes transport in a mini-coach, the ferry crossing and an extremely knowledgable driver-guide. The quickest way to get to Islay is on the Loganair flight from Glasgow. We plan to be in Islay for three days in the first week of April. Continue through the West Highlands towards the coastal town of Oban. I'll show you how to explore Scotland on public transport and how to hop around the Scottish Islands like a pro. Well, they were when I visited anyway. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-45677876', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');fly from Glasgow. The three southern distilleries can be reached by public transport fairly easily, similar Bowmore and Bruichladdich. To calculate this answer, follow these steps: Calculate total break time: 15 min + 60 min + 15 min = 1 hr 30 min. As far as driving is concerned the roads are quite good, mostly single track but in great condition. 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. 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. Upon clicking the "Checkout" button you will be transferred to their website for the final checkout. You are not allowed to wild camp in big groups. 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. The Isle of Islay in Scotland: Advice for Visitors {{checkoutCalculateItemTotalPrice(product)}}. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a wee commission on qualifying purchases. Where can I access the internet on Islay? Caol Ila - founded in 1846, and the largest distillery on the island. It's stunning. However, buses do not run to the remotest parts of the island and taxis are expensive, so taking your own car is preferable. How many days to visit Islay? - Islay Forum - Tripadvisor Once on Islay head to Bowmore for overnight accommodation. Kintra Farm is the best location in my opinion as its near the airport so its easy to get to and its situated on the gorgeous Laggan Bay which is one of the nicest spots on the island. Total travel time is 2.5 to 4 hours, distance by car approx. 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. We are now submitting your order to TheWhiskyExchange.com. There is a wide variety of accommodation on Islay, from hostels and glamping pods to homely B&Bs and high-end guesthouses and hotels. Where can I do my (grocery) shopping on Islay? Also keep in mind that farm animals might slow you down on almost any road on Islay. They both stick to the main roads on the island. 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. 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. I would rather not have to cope with driving on the (to me) "wrong side" of the road. 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. Lagavulin - Founded in 1816, one of the three distilleries near Port Ellen. The main routes are the A846 from Port Ellen to Port Askaig passing Bowmore and Bridgend on the way and the A847 from Bridgend to Port Charlotte passing through Bruichladdich. If you talk to the taxi companies they might be able to put something together as well. For the latest ferry information contactCaledonian MacBrayne: Getting to Islay by air is very easy thanks to the airline Loganair which operates two flights daily out of Glasgow International airport (GLA). If you add viewing wildlife a week seems ideal. I have taken to the air and to the sea, and I loved both experiences. Its not quite as scenic as Kintra Farm as the stretch of coastline is bare rock without a beach to walk along, but then you do have pubs and restaurants nearby in Port Charlotte and the Port Mor centre has a caf, internet access and laundry facilities. 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! Don't expect the roads to be as wide, well maintained and fast as on the mainland and calculate your travelling time accordingly. Bruichladdich - founded in 1881, re-opened in 2000. I'll also highlight where to find quirky accommodation and amazing local eateries along the way! Islay is most famed for its peat-infused, smoky whisky which is exported across the world. Having said that, there is taxi service on the island, and there is excellent bus service. Is there anything to do on a rainy day on Islay? Islay Bus Islay Coaches runs a number of routes between the main villages, Mondays to Saturdays. I would welcome suggestions about which area to stay in and how to get around. Unless you can catch the morning ferries, you are arriving in Islay sometime in the afternoon at the earliest. Islay nature and wildlife. I have a wee hunch that I will be a lifetime regular on this island. I first visited Islay in 2015 and Ive been a big fan ever since. It is also illegal! Take the A82 from Glasgow towards Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. 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. 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. 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. How long does it take to drive around Islay? There are also self-catering lodges which allow guests the best of both worlds. A week would be ideal. Getting To, From, and Around Islay and Jura - whiskyadvocate.com As nice as Islay is for walking you might like to hop on the ferry to the neighbouring Isle of Jura which can be reached from the terminal at Port Askaig. 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). Getting around :: Islay Info The sail to Port Ellen takes 2 hours. Rabbies Islay & The Whisky Coast 4-day Tour. 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. There are only 200 inhabitants living across the island's 142 square miles which makes Jura one of the least inhabited places in Scotland. Vehicle reservations are recommended. 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. Islay is pronounced EYE-LA and no one says it better than a local with their lovely, lilting accent. It is approx 25 miles long north-south and approx 20 miles wide east-west. 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. 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. Carol's Cabs - tel: +44 (0) 1496 302 155 / Mobile: +44 (0) 777 5782155. The Perfect 5 Day Islay Itinerary - Wayfaring Kiwi The island sits between the Kintyre Peninsula on the west coast of Scotland and Northern Ireland, which looks surprisingly close on a clear day. We are mainly interested in viewing wildlife, and visiting a couple of distilleries. Some will just lift a finger, others the whole hand. Visit Kilmartin Glen to see the ancient standing stones. Driving on Islay.
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