Getting there is a bit of a trek, but if you make it, you'll be . DAY 2/ It's time to head North . Flights To Islay (Glasgow to Islay) One of the easiest (though definitely not the cheapest) ways of getting to Islay is to fly from Glasgow Airport. While . It's always wise to familiarize yourself with the pedals, buttons, and other operations of your rental car before pulling out of the lot, but it's even more important if these functions are on . There is only one airline operating between Glasgow and Islay - Logan Air. Travel within United Kingdom is: Partially open . Northern adventures. . Bridgend - Bowmore: 3 miles or 5 km. How can I get around on Islay without a car? Port Askaig Harbour The Islay Ferry MV Finlaggan The MV Finlaggan is the newest ferry on the Islay service. The no.456 runs between Feolin and Lussa, stopping at Jura Gardens, Craighouse, Three Arch Bridge, Knockrome and Lagg along the way. If you don't like to share scenery with lots of other people, Islay is the place . £26 - £41. Is Glenfiddich an Islay? Only in the summer there is a passenger ferry, a RIB for 12 persons, operating a service from Tayvallich on the mainland to Craighouse on Jura.So Jura is quite remote and one of the few inhabited islands in Scotland not being serviced by Calmac directly. So in this case, it's better to drive from Cheyenne to Islay. The driving route is the one suggested by Google Maps- as you can see, all roads lead . Not to mention, you can also visit the excellent Isle of Jura distillery and gaze at the Paps of Jura while enjoying a dram. The locals are immensely proud of their wee town. At Port Askaig we had a long, leisurely meal in an 18th-century inn built next to a 16th-century pub, and went for a short walk with a view of neighbouring island Jura across the water. How long does the ferry take from kennacraig to Islay? When the weather is clear, you can hike to the summit of Sgurr na Stri for the best view in the United Kingdom. Then there is only one road that leads to Craighouse, which is the "centrum" of Jura, so you can't get lost. Flybe Hebridean Air Services The first plane lands on Islay 1928 Miles of Islay coastline 130 Distance between Islay and Jura 0.9 miles Islay's West Coast Beaches. All you need to do is drive down to Feolin or take a bus or bike and cross the Sound of Islay on the Jura Ferry. Isle of Skye was a definite; Mull a maybe. There are no toll roads or toll bridges in Scotland. The Kennacraig ferry terminal is an easy 120-150 minute drive, around 110 miles from Glasgow city center. From Port Askaig you sail up the Sound of Islay and along the very fascinating west coast of Jura to the Corryvreckan Whirlpool. Driving on Islay. The price starts at £239 and includes transport in a mini-coach, the ferry crossing and an extremely knowledgable driver-guide. You won't find driving like that in the UK. Jura has fewer people living on it than Islay, it has one main road the A846, which becomes a single track road from Lussagiven, taking you from the Feolin Ferry port to Kinuachdrachd at the north of the Island. Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between. One involves following the A87, and the other one involves taking both the A890 and the A87. We had cycled 33 miles, taken a train and travelled on four ferries to get to Islay- that is certainly an epic adventure. Your accommodation on Islay is an independently owned jewel, in a superb position overlooking Laggan Bay. Drive from Gourock to Tarbert, Bus Terminal. The first is the Isle of Coll, to the west of Mull, which takes around 2 hours 55 minutes, with a further hour between to its smaller neighbour, Tiree. The drive from Bowmore to Laphroaig took in the area of twenty minutes (which seems to be a common theme when driving around Islay) and brought us right through the peat bogs. Islay is absolutely doable on public transport for visitors who, like me, don't drive or for those who just don't want to: drinking whisky and driving is not a good mix. This trip involved a short ferry from Port Askaig on Islay to Feolin on Jura, the journey takes only 10 minutes. Where to stay Bowmore Cottages. 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. 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. The ships accommodate approximately 60-85 cars and check-in for vehicles closes 30 minutes before departure. Getting around Islay on public transport. Long range planning indeed! If you're a fan of good whisky, the island of Islay in Scotland is a premiere travel destination. Subdued peat and smoke, with a bit more sweetness; Founded: 1816 While at Lagavulin we were able to persuade the woman doing our tasting to let us try something really special, with the 200 anniversary edition 25 year scotch. Even Scotland's highways (motorways) are free to use. Design room at Natural History Trust. . Prices From. Transport to Islay. The only distillery to use 100% barley grown on Islay and work with local farmers, Bruichladdich is proud to be independent and is always coming up with new and interesting product lines. If peaty whisky is your favourite, a journey to Islay should satisfy your thirst. You cannot drive around the perimeter of Islay as there is no ring road, . . Its highest point is the hill Mullach Mor. The 450 service runs between the administrative capital Bowmore in the centre of Islay and Portnahaven in the south west. The closest airport is Glasgow. Kilchoman Beach at Machir Bay is probably one of the best beaches on Islay. The other option is to travel to Colonsay, to the south of Mull, with this trip taking around 2 hours and 20 minutes. We left bursting at the seams and the girl's just a tad tipsy from the wine & cider. It is a beautiful stretch of white sandy beach backed by high dunes on Islay's Atlantic Coast. Port Askaig - Bridgend: 8 Miles or 13 km. From Glasgow, head north on the A82 for 40 miles until you reach Tarbet (where the A82 becomes the A83). only an hour's drive from Glasgow. It was unbelievable, and was probably the most special dram of the . We were staying in the Bowmore Cottages during our initial stay on the island, but due to us being caught by the storm we had two additional nights in two hotels so it was almost like a wee bonus to experience more accommodation alternatives which I can share with you here.. This leaves only two options to get to the island: By flight or by ferry. The few times I took it, it departed from Stance 55. 12-1.30pm lunch at Ardbeg Distillery (whisky tasting available) 2-3pm Laphroaig Distillery (£6pp) 3.15-4.15pm Premium tasting of 4 whiskies (£30pp) 5.30pm drop off at hotel. 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. Inside, you can grab a tasty burger at the Gate 1 cafe! The crossing is just over two hours long and onboard there are many places to eat and drink. How do I drive around on Islay? Since Port Ellen is at the southern tip of the island, you'll drive north on B8016 (the funnest straight road to drive in Islay) for about 9 miles. Whistling winds blowing through the trees, brightly colored cottages dotted across the rolling fields, and a traditional pub to nip into and enjoy a strong whisky, Portnahaven is exactly how we imagined life in a remote Scottish village to be like. Below are a few distances and travel times between villages on Islay based on car travel:<. London - Glasgow is a competitive route, with airlines competing with each other and with the railway for business, and you should be able so shop around for a cheap fare if you do so well in advance (but it's way too early at the moment, of course!). Glenfiddich. Vehicle reservations are recommended. . They both stick to the main roads on the island. The island is only around 2 miles (3 km) long and ½ mile (1 km) wide, and located here is the Centre for World Peace and Health - an environmentally designed centre for retreats and a range of different . Islands of Arran, Islay, Mull & Skye; View more > Whisky Trails. It takes longer to drive on, drive off and pay than the ferry does itself. 10. This Islands of Arran, Islay, Mull & Skye self-drive tour takes you on a wonderful journey by land and by sea to explore the magical islands of Scotland's West Coast as you island-hop to the isles of Arran, Islay, Mull and Skye. . Click here to find out more about our Islands of Arran, Islay, Mull & Skye self-drive tour. Typically, a standard tour will last around an hour and include a guided tour of the distillery - from . You will also find fully accessible toilet facilities. This is our Isle of Skye driving map, which covered two days (two LONG days- you could easily make this into a three day itinerary, maybe even 4 days if you want to do plenty of hiking.) Travel time 15 minutes. Day 1 - Loch Coriusk, Fairy Pools, Talisker Distillery and Neist Point. Isle of Skye driving map. A 30-minute drive around Loch Snizort Beag sees the route drop towards the ferry port of Uig, where you'll catch the service across the North Minch to the Outer Hebrides, landing in port at Tarbert on the . Old Man of Storr. The Isle of Skye is located off the east coast of Scotland in the Highland region. After a few miles you reach Islay Airport at Glenegedale and the famous Machrie Golf Course, both on your left. There are some limitations for renting a car. The Isle of Jura is not an island for an impromptu visit since it doesn't have a direct car ferry link with the mainland. Also if you are planning on renting accommodation many have weekly lets. If you want stunning scenery, pristine coastline and plenty of things to see and do, this is the road trip for you. Drive, ferry. Continue to part two of this journey: Whisky island View Getting to Islay in a larger map Getting there Wemyss Bay is about 50 minutes by train from Glasgow Central. £995. However, once you get to the Glasgow - Islay stage of your journey, then the Citylink coach and ferry will almost . The island is also known for its rolling, sheep-dotted landscape and beautiful beaches. A one hour train journey from Glasgow Central Station runs direct to the CalMac ferry terminal at Wemyss Bay Station. The Islay & Whisky Coast tour with Rabbie's lasts four days and departs from Edinburgh two to three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday). Local Transport. Jura should be part of any visit to Islay as the ferry takes less than 10 minutes and provides you with the opportunity to explore an island where deer outnumber people 27 to 1. Firstly, Colintraive to Rhubodach is a 5 minute ferry. If you are 23 or 24, you may be restricted to renting certain cars and may incur a small surcharge, depending on the agency you choose. Speyside Malt Whisky Trail; . Day 1 - Loch Coriusk, Fairy Pools, Talisker Distillery and Neist Point. 5. 10.30-11.30am go to Kildalton Cross, possible seal watching enroute. From there, a 35 minute connecting ferry ride takes you to Rothesay, the main town on Bute. The Skye Trail is a long-distance hiking route that covers incredible mountain & coastal scenery across the island, which takes about 7 days to complete. You may like to explore Jura by on foot or by bike. From Kennacraig, we took the ferry to Port Askaig. We spent half a day driving along the island's single-track roads, finding long stretches of empty coastline. Public Transport Buses. Islay is the southern-most island of the Scottish islands, the fifth largest, and the closest island to Ireland. This is a better option than flying if you plan on purchasing a large number of bottles. The Kintyre peninsula is a few miles to the east, Northern Ireland is . Length of route: 300 miles (482.8 km) Start and finish: Ayr. 7. A tour round the Island For information on schedules, contact British Airways at Glasgow +44 (0)141 887 1111 or Islay Airport +44 (0)1496 302022. Buying a combined rail and sail ticket from the station or on . The South West Coastal 300 is a wonderfully scenic route around one of Scotland's most picturesque coasts. Some folk ask me about the distances on the island. Driving Requirements. The special maritime climate of the island and characteristically smoky peat produces strong, thunderous drams; memories of which will follow you home. If you fancy a coffee or snack you can stop at the airport. Prize exhibits include an illicit still, 19th-century crofters' furniture, and a set of leather boots once worn by the horse that pulled the lawnmower at Islay House (so it wouldn't leave hoof prints on the lawn! You can probably see most of the island in 3 days, however a day on nearby Jura is worthwhile. With an hour-long scenic drive to Portavadie, you'll quickly set sail for Tarbert, sailing approximately 30 minutes (also no reservations). Report inappropriate content. Day 2 - Old Man of Storr, Dunvegan Castle, Kilt Rock and The Quiraing. We pit stopped in Inverary for lunch at the Samphire. A brace of Scotland's finest and most contrasting islands, and an oft-overlooked peninsula, ready for a week-long self-drive exploration. Glenfiddich means "valley of the deer" in Scottish Gaelic, which is why the Glenfiddich logo is a stag. There is a bus journey on Jura. If you are looking to get across to Jura then you can take the ferry from Port Askaig across the water which only takes about 5 minutes. Glenfiddich (Scottish English: [ɡlɛnˈfɪdɪç]) is a Speyside single malt Scotch whisky produced by William Grant & Sons in the Scottish burgh of Dufftown in Moray. An average cost is £20/night. CYCLING ON JURA. No reservations necessary. It was a very easy but incredibly boring drive, pretty much just one long straight stretch on the I95. Day 2 - Old Man of Storr, Dunvegan Castle, Kilt Rock and The Quiraing. It is . One of the best ways to explore Islay is by taking your car across on the ferry. 6h 42m. The Old Man Of Storr. Find the travel option that best suits you. The drive from Inverness to Skye (Portree) is roughly 114 mi (183 km) long and would take about 2 hours and 40 minutes. Check the time boards at Buchanan bus station to know which bus bay (or stance) bus 926 departs from. The folk from Islay Sea Adventures are very knowledgeable and will also point out the wildlife along the . Outside of the major towns and cities, where credit cards might be accepted, expect to have to pay for parking with coins in British pounds sterling. The timetable is also available online as well as bookings on www.ba.com. Be aware that many of Islay's 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. Logistics and Salient Bits Bases. Oban (Mainland) - Colonsay - Port Askaig (Islay) - Kennacraig (Mainland) This scenic ferry route arrives south from Oban on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Garelochhead Minibuses and Coaches run Jura's local bus service. Disarmingly simple to reach from the Ayrshire coast, the Isle of Arran has long been the go-to destination for peace-seeking West-of-Scots, while often-overlooked . Islay's long history is lovingly recorded in this museum, housed in the former Free Church. The cheapest way to get from Isle of Islay to Largs costs only £33, and the quickest way takes just 6¾ hours. Either hire a bike from Jura Bike Hire at Craighouse or take the ferry to Islay. Find the travel option that best suits you. Actually, it's way better to drive on this trip, so unless you made big adjustments to the numbers above, you should probably drive. For a leisurely trip a week would be great. October 16, 2021 ana@gnometrotting.com. Portnahaven. The Isle of Skye is located off the east coast of Scotland in the Highland region. These results are based on the actual driving distance from Cheyenne to Islay, which is 25 miles or 40 kilometers. If you add viewing wildlife a week seems ideal. 6h 32m. Your Accommodation on Islay. Islay is a terrific place to explore by car. Bowmore distillery. So if you wanted to make a day of it, you could easily visit all three. At 25 miles long by 15 miles wide, Islay is the fifth largest island in Scotland, and it's rich, . Islay hotels range from luxury resorts on scenic golf courses to historic boutique hotels and affordable . Museum of Islay Life. The trip to Islay involves a drive to the town of Kennacraig, in southwest Scotland, then a two hour ferry over to Islay plus (for us) another drive across the island, in the dark, to the cottage we had rented for the weekend. Selected highlights: Take the ferry from Kennacraig Ferry Terminal to Port Askaig Islay Ferry Terminal. It is approx 25 miles long north-south and approx 20 miles wide east-west. Time - 2 to 3 days. It may look small, but it will take you several days to see every nook and cranny by road. ). The fact that they use barley from Islay means that a lot of their whiskies have a unique, salty falvour. Also if you are planning on renting accommodation many have weekly lets. On the Calmac ferry to Islay on a beautiful evening. Islay is most convenient to reach from Glasgow, which has two international airports (Glasgow International GLA and Glasgow Prestwick PIK). Blue pins are one day, purple pins are another. Yesterday I drove 350 miles from Miami to Orlando in just over 3 hours. It's a 25 minute car drive from Bowmore. As Islay is located approximately 20 miles off the western coast of mainland Scotland, it is not possible to drive there without having to cross a large body of water first. Depending on time and vehicle, some crossing must be booked in advance. Trains from London to Glasgow take about 4 hours 30 minutes. The famous Scottish whisky island is just 25 miles long and 15 miles wide, easily explored in 2-3 days. You can probably see most of the island in 3 days, however a day on nearby Jura is worthwhile. If you add viewing wildlife a week seems ideal. There is ample parking, although you are usually (almost) on your own. You'll reach the end of B8016, and take a slight right onto A846 for 0.7 miles. From Glasgow, we rented a car to drive to Kennacraig (about a 2-2.5 hour drive depending on traffic). This is a long and straight road, also referred to as the "Low Road". Quick Isle of Skye road trip itinerary. The self-catered cottages were lovely, with a great location in the middle of Bowmore . . From Bruichladdich to the town Bowmore, this series outlining my recent trip to Islay will now detail our visit to the Laphroaig distillery - which, appropriately, was the second distillery we visited on our tour. This service is operated by Loganair. The mainland has one ferry port for Islay, that's Kennacraig in Argyll and Bute. Islay Single Malt Whisky and the Distilleries - The Questions. The island is around 3 kilometre (2 miles) long and around 1 km (around half a mile) wide. It's also within a couple of miles of two other world renowned whisky distilleries, Ardbeg and Lagavulin. Time to drive: 5-6 hours. Islay Taxis, started in 2006, is the largest Taxi Company on Islay with the newest fleet. £25 - £38. Why do people wave at me when I'm driving on Islay? Drive from Tarbert, Bus Terminal to Largs. The car ferry from Port Askaig to Feolin takes under 10 minutes. We paid about £26 for one vehicle and 2 adult passengers. Europe - Now we're arguing about Islay - Well, am tentatively planning a western Scotland trip 6/2011. Consider the drive from London to Glasgow (pretty much 350 miles) takes around seven hours you'll begin to understand the . No of Nights. The best way to get around the Isle of Skye is to drive. What is new in 2021 is their nature walks, zoom talks, mini wildlife adventures, live rockpool exhibits and a wildlife library plus gift shop. DAY 1/ Arrive in Inverness and settle for the day, if you've never seen it before, drive to the world-famous Loch Ness, you're in Scotland after all, the whisky can wait one more day If you really want to dedicate this whole trip to whisky, drive to the nearby Royal Brackla Distillery ! Remember to pick up one of their children's quizzes for their walk around. How long is the ferry to Islay? Bus 926, the Glasgow to Campbeltown bus, takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes to get to Kennacraig, where your public transport journey to Islay continues by boat. It's a three hour drive [link to google maps] from the centre of Glasgow over the A82 along Loch Lomond and the A83 over Rest and be Thankful. With a total of nine distilleries, the island has a long history of distilling peaty whisky even before distilling whisky was legal. The ~45 minute flight can cost anything from £50 to £150 each way. The island has a long history as sacred site, with a spring said to have healing properties, the hermit cave of 6th Century monk Saint Molaise, and evidence of a 13th Century monastery.