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Recommedations for Islay
TheChaoticScot
Member ✭✭✭
Hi all,
I'm finally getting myself over to Islay for the first time at the end of September. We're flying from Glasgow and will be there for two or three nights.
I'm looking for suggestions on where to stay - nothing remote, as we won't have a car. I've read that Bowmore is a good choice, and it's home to my favourite Islay whisky
My Dad would like breakfast, and would prefer somewhere that isn't too 'Auntie Beanie' (such a diva!).
We're also hoping to take a day tour around the island, rather than just relying on public transport to explore. Does anyone know of anything like this? I've seen that the local taxi companies do bespoke tours, but haven't found much else.
Aside from the obvious whisky-inspired sightseeing, any other must-sees that I should add to my list are most welcome.
Thanks,
Kay
I'm finally getting myself over to Islay for the first time at the end of September. We're flying from Glasgow and will be there for two or three nights.
I'm looking for suggestions on where to stay - nothing remote, as we won't have a car. I've read that Bowmore is a good choice, and it's home to my favourite Islay whisky
My Dad would like breakfast, and would prefer somewhere that isn't too 'Auntie Beanie' (such a diva!).We're also hoping to take a day tour around the island, rather than just relying on public transport to explore. Does anyone know of anything like this? I've seen that the local taxi companies do bespoke tours, but haven't found much else.
Aside from the obvious whisky-inspired sightseeing, any other must-sees that I should add to my list are most welcome.
Thanks,
Kay
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Have a wee nosey at my blog
Former tour guide and current blether. Edinburgh girl whose
is in the Scottish Islands. Talk to me about scenic walks, photography, places to eat, public transport, exciting adventures and history
Have a wee nosey at my blog
Former tour guide and current blether. Edinburgh girl whose
is in the Scottish Islands. Talk to me about scenic walks, photography, places to eat, public transport, exciting adventures and history
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The medieval Cross at Kildalton Chapel ruins. Beautiful medieval grave stones there too. There was an honesty box with homemade cake, tea and coffee when we went. Perfect.
Mull of Oa is beautiful. The American Monument is there and lots of photogenic heilan' coos.
The beaches are fab, in particular Machir Bay.
Portnahaven Harbour for seal spotting. Never seen so many.
For great food and hospitality I can't recommend the Bridgend Hotel in Bridgend more highly. One of my favourite hotels ever.
We adored Islay. Not a whisky fan but The Botanist gin by Bruichladdie is wonderful.
There's also a fabulous soap maker in Bowmore well worth paying a visit to.
Looking forward to your photos and blog.
@Samantha_Grant ;
I've noted all of your other recommendations, cheers! We've booked taxi/private tours by locals around both Islay and Jura so will be sure to request stops at the places you've suggested. Really looking forward to it!
Have a wee nosey at my blog
Former tour guide and current blether. Edinburgh girl whose
You can also find me on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and Tumblr.
@travelswithakilt so I best be remedying that. Will check out the distillery too, if I have time, and can still walk...
Have a wee nosey at my blog
Former tour guide and current blether. Edinburgh girl whose
Have a wee nosey at my blog
Former tour guide and current blether. Edinburgh girl whose
Scottish Golf Travel Expert
Instagram @scottishgolfpodcast
Fit at least one distillery visit in
Have a drink in Portnahaven and watch for seals
Visit the little bar at Port Ellen ~ The Ardview Inn and walk around the harbour
Catch the ferry to Jura and look out for deer ~ visit the Jura distillery
Finlaggan ~ soak up the atmosphere
Check to see if Loch Gruinart oysters are available from the farm ~ some great photo ops and the best oysters ever
Birdwatch at Gruinart Nature Reserve
Visit the Outback Gallery, Sanaigmore ~ remote and lovely (Great coffee!!)
Take any of the little roads to see where they lead ~ like Lossit Point
Kildalton Cross & chapel ~ lovely for photos
Put a bit lens on when driving the lanes and go slowly (let people past) and watch the field for wildlife ~ hares, birds, all sorts
Watch the ridge between Bruichladdich and Bridgend for eagles ~ be patient
Port Ellen
Portnahaven
Watch Out !!
Above all have a wonderful time (we've been back many time)
And for a change Harris & Lewis ~ even better!!
www.boogiebopboys.co.uk
Playing the music that created teenagers
I'm just back from a trip to Islay and Jura... I'd recommend taking a car or bikes to Jura, as it's quite a distance to the distillery from the ferry. Here's the beach just by the ferry terminal.
We also met this guy on Jura, basking in the sun... Adders are really shy, and despite growing up in Argyll, this is the first one I've ever seen.
The distillery is closed on Sundays, so we popped into the Jura hotel for a coffee instead.
Back on Islay, the church at Bowmore is lovely.
...and we did a tour of Bowmore distillery too, which is the oldest on Islay.
I'd also recommend taking a walk to the American Monument at the Mull of Oa, which you can access from the road just north of Port Ellen.
The monument is dedicated to the crew of two American ships that sank off the coast of Islay during the first world war. It's perched right on the cliffs, and the walk is a very gentle incline, with a fantastic walkway across the bog, through fields of lovely coos.
We had beautiful weather, and I left the island feeling inspired to draw and paint. We're so lucky to live in such a gorgeous place.