Detailed Daily Itinerary

DAY 1 - Arrive in Islay

You will arrive in Islay via the Calmac ferry at the port of Port Askaig or by air with the airline Flybe at Islay Airport . You will make your way to your accommodation for 3 nights. We utilise hotels in the main town of Bowmore and the loch side villages of Port Charlotte and Bruichladdich. Depending on availability you will be accommodated in one of the following 3 hotels for 3 nights.

Bowmore

Overnight: The Harbour Inn Hotel

Situated next to Bowmore harbour, this small family run hotel offers wonderful accommodation. Awarded 4 stars gold standard by the Scottish Tourist Board it was voted Island Hotel of the Year in 2009. Relax in the individually decorated comfortable rooms or enjoy the views across to the harbour to the north west of the Island. You may wish to dine in the award winning restaurant.
Website: www.harbour-inn.com

Suggested walk upon arrival:

Walk to the beautiful viewpoint  at the Battery. This was once an armed watch point to deter the skirmishes of 18th century privateer, John Paul Jones. The view across Loch Indaal affords chances to see both grey and common seals both in the water and basking on the rocks.  In season terns may be present fishing on fry. If you have time you may wish to visit the famous Bowmore whisky distillery, where tours and tasting may be undertaken. 

Port Charlotte

Overnight: The Port Charlotte Hotel

Beautifully positioned next on the shore of Loch Indaal, this 4 star hotel is steeped in island history. Originally made up of 4 cottages built in 1829 by the Laird of Islay it was transformed into a charming 10 room hotel providing individual attention to guests. The restaurant  has been lauded in the Michelin guide and the bar and lounge are sure to appeal with the chance to enjoy art and traditional music.
Website: www.portcharlottehotel.co.uk 

Suggested walk upon arrival:

Walk south west following the quiet road A847 toward Portnahaven searching for Hen Harrier inland and possible bottle nosed dolphins along the coast. Alternatively drop into the excellent Islay Natural History Society visitor centre for an idea of what to expect plus latest sightings! You may wish to continue north west along the beach if the tide allows or follow the coast path north east to the small lighthouse for view across Loch Indaal.

Bruichladdich

Overnight: An Taigh-Osda Hotel

Fresh Egyptian cotton and large comfortable beds are a feature in this small yet beautifully formed hotel. With only 5 individually designed rooms you are sure of a warm Islay welcome. Enjoy views across Loch Indaal while you dine on traditional Scottish ingredients
Website: www.antaighosda.co.uk

Suggested walk upon arrival

Visit the world famous whisky distillery of the same name for a tour and a dram. Alternatively take a short walk north east following Loch Indaal scanning the water for possible bottle nosed dolphin and fishing sea birds.

DAYS 2 AND 3 - Walking Islay

You are free to explore the many exciting and intriguing walks that Islay has to offer.  For those clients with cars you may access some of the more remote sites. If you are relying on public transport, due to the fact that buses only serve main villages and towns, some of the locations may require extra road walking or the use of taxi transfer. We will supply you with a book of walks and accompanying maps though we have suggested the following based upon our personal experience. These offer tremendous opportunities to encounter the special wildlife of the island while allowing relaxed walking in spectacular surroundings.

The Oa Peninsula

This most southerly point of Islay juts out majestically into the North Atlantic and on a clear day provides stunning views across to Kintyre in mainland Scotland, the Isle of Arran and even the coast of Northern Ireland.  To journey the full length of it’s rugged coast can be very demanding and would take a full day. However there are some easily accessible sections that allow for an easier day with the chance of viewing natural spectacles including some great wildlife opportunities.

West Coast beaches

The exposed beaches of the West are a must see and the walking affords beautiful approaches through moorland to the crags, cliffs and bays. Machir Bay is a sight to behold and the famous local Choughs cry their distinctive welcome as you follow hunting Peregrine Falcons down to the awe inspiring Atlantic beach. Clean rollers sweep unhindered from the west , their spray cooling you as you make your way along the strand. Saligo Bay to the north is a lovely sandy beach too and not to be missed!

Ardnave

A lovely walk along the coast that  provides perfect viewing opportunities for birdlife. Loch Gruinart RSPB reserve is internationally important for wintering geese and the area is also major site for breeding species that summer here. Otters and seals may also be seen.

DAY 4 - Jura

After your third night on Islay you will make your way to Port Askaig for the roll on/roll off ferry to Jura. Upon arrival in the port of Feolin you will travel to your hotel accommodation in the main east coast village of Craighouse for the next 2 nights.
Overnight: The Jura Hotel
This is the main focal point for the Jura community and many of the hotels 17 rooms offering beautiful views across to the Kintyre peninsula. You may enjoy a meal in the restaurant or drink in the convivial bar.
Website: www.jurahotel.co.uk

DAY 5 - Walking on Jura

Again, you are free to explore at your own pace and will provide a map to assist. However we suggest the following for a real adventure
Evan’s Walk
This walk has one of the only  proper ‘pathways’ on the Island. You can follow the path to traverse the island from east to west. The walk affords stunning views of the ‘Paps’ of Jura, the knuckled backbone of the island.

Overnight: The Jura Hotel

DAY 6 - Onward Travel

After breakfast you will make your way back to the port of Feolin for the ferry back to Islay and onward travel back to the mainland.

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