Heat welcomes, loads of whisky and miles and miles of unspoilt golden seashores with aquamarine waters, the island of Islay is the best vacation spot for a summer season journey. Often called Scotland's 'whisky island', it is the best location for a drinks fan like me but it surely's not the one factor 'The Queen of the Hebrides' has going for it.
The very first thing you may discover as you arrive by ferry is the white-walled distilleries you may spot within the distance, and you may shortly see why Scotland's nationwide spirit is so closely linked to the island; there are a minimum of 9 distilleries dotted across the island – with three extra on the way in which.
When you're a fan of the uisge beatha , then the quite a few indicators naming them you come throughout will go away you with a smile in your face as you drive previous and it may be arduous to not wish to cease and go to all of them as you go.
I additionally discovered fairly shortly that everybody you see on the island gives you a wee wave; as a typical metropolis boy, I used to be confused by this at first and was satisfied they have been considering I used to be another person. I used to be later informed that that is simply what islanders do and I used to be quickly waving again at everybody like a gurning fool as I handed.
Whisky
As I arrived in Port Askaig by way of the ferry, I used to be greeted by an indication for Caol Ila distillery pointing down a little bit facet street. I in fact take a proper and located myself grinning like a Cheshire cat as I fortunately snap images of the primary of the numerous Islay distilleries I might come throughout.
After I finally return to the principle street it isn't lengthy earlier than a second signal for a second distillery seems, this time for Bunnahabhain. Sensibly, I determine I haven't got the time, and as an alternative press on to the lodge at Bridgend.
Over the course of the subsequent few days, I go to the likes of Bowmore, Ardbeg and the thrilling new distillery at Ardnahoe (what a view), had I had extra time, I might have most likely tried to go to all of them if I might.
Even in case you do not drink whisky, there's something fantastic about studying how this superb spirit is made. Every affords one thing completely different too, and the customer centres and cafes at every all provide a enjoyable option to whereas away a day.
It is also key to recollect when confronted with rain on the island (fortunately it was blissfully heat after I was there in July), that right now's downpour might be tomorrow's whisky and nowhere is that more true than on Islay.
Islay Nightlife
Probably the greatest issues about Islay is how straightforward it's to get swept up in an incredible night time out, which I discovered myself doing after a scrumptious seafood dinner within the Port Charlotte Lodge. I ended up becoming a member of the staff from the thrilling new Mac-Talla whisky vary for a really satisfying night accompanied by a couple of of their (very tasty) peated Islay single malts and a night of dwell music.
The Seashores
The subsequent day noticed me managing to keep away from a significant hangover, which I used to be more than happy about, that means I might head to the seaside at Singing Sands (or Traigh Bhan as its identified domestically).
Discovered on the Oa peninsula, it sits reverse Port Ellen simply south of the lighthouse at Carraig Fhada.
The seaside is alleged to get its title from the truth that in the suitable circumstances, the sand will make a singing sound as you rub the only real of your foot on it, I attempted – and failed – to make this work however wasn't too disillusioned because of its gorgeous golden sands and aquamarine waters.
Whereas a couple of courageous souls have been capable of go for a correct swim, probably the most I might muster was a paddle till the water reached my chest, refreshing within the morning however chilly, very, very chilly.
Whereas that seaside journey was a soothing one, we swapped it up within the afternoon, for a visit to the Huge Strand, the longest uninterrupted stretch of seaside on Islay at 5 miles.
Journey
This time round we have been fatbiking, an thrilling option to discover the seaside utilizing bikes with 4 inch balloon tyres that are perfect for navigating this gorgeous coastal observe.
Beneath the steering of Dave Protherough at KayakWildIslay who provided all of the gear together with the bikes and helmets, it was an incredible day trip and some of the enjoyable methods I can think about for getting round.
And after a surprising few days and a closing wander across the picturesque village of Port Ellen, it was time to say goodbye and realise, I positively didn't do all of the issues I needed to, that means I've each excuse to come back again.
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