Islay Whisky Trails

A relaxed self-guided walking holiday ideal for those wishing to sample Scotland’s world renowned liquid gold—whisky—while taking in the best Islay has to offer. The walks are optional, and allow plenty of time each day for distillery visits and whisky tastings. Ranging from 7-17 km the routes follow quiet country roads, tracks, and paths. Explore Islay’s lush south, the rugged coastline of Loch Indaal and the remote beaches of the west before returning to your friendly accommodation.

Slower Adventures | Where walking and cycling meet easy-going exploring, our Slower Adventures are the perfect combination. Most days are filled with picturesque journeys with some free time to dive into the destination and experience the people, local food and culture as you go.

Multi Centre Walking | With a mix of loop and point-to-point walks stay 2 or 3 nights in one place which offers the chance to slow down and really explore a destination.

Solo Travellers

As a guide, we would suggest that the minimum age of traveller this holiday would be suitable for is: 12 Years

This route is largely not waymarked and much of it is on quiet country roads along with tracks and paths. The walks are graded easy to moderate as they are not strenuous and although there may be some uphill and steeper sections, these are not particularly challenging.

We specifically choose our accommodations to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. All offer a warm welcome to walkers, great hospitality and delicious local food. During the high season, you might be booked into alternative accommodations which are not listed in the description. Any alternative accommodation will be of the same or better standard as those described.

Solo Walkers & Single Rooms

This independent walking holiday is available to solo walkers. If you require single rooms in your party we will of course try to accommodate your request, subject to availability. Please note that singles may not be of the same standard or size as twins/doubles.

Meals

A hearty breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Most of your accommodations will more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request and this can be booked on arrival. Alternatively, your route notes include details of local shops and convenient lunch stops on the way. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby pubs and restaurants.

With our route notes and GPX tracks provided on the Macs Adventure smartphone app, you should have no problem following the route each day.

This walking holiday is best enjoyed between early April and mid-October. Islay is very popular during the summer months, and the last week in May during the annual Whisky Festival, so we advise booking as far in advance as you can. Due to public transport restrictions on the islands at the weekend, it’s best to begin your trip from Monday—Thursday. However, if this isn’t possible just call the office and speak to our Destination & Adventure Specialists who can help by arranging taxi transfers.

Scotland enjoys a temperate climate, meaning it's relatively mild all year, except in winter when temperatures occasionally dip below 0 degrees Celsius for short periods. The Scottish Islands are renowned for variable weather so you should be prepared for everything; from 'dreich' days (a Scottish word for drizzly days that are a bit bleak) to days with beautiful blue skies and warmer weather. Whatever the weather it tends to be breezy so spare layers in your day-pack is always recommended.

From the end of April to October average daily temperatures vary from 9-15 degrees Celsius. Monthly rainfall varies from 10-16 mm per month on average. Generally, May-July are the driest and mildest months, but walking later in the year from Sep-Oct is pleasant in cooler temperatures and with great autumnal scenery as the leaves begin to change colour.

Getting to/from Islay (Port Askaig / Port Ellen)

To arrive by ferry make your way to Kennacraig on Scotland’s mainland, there are daily Citylink buses from Buchanan Bus Station, Glasgow (3hr 20 mins) that will take you from Glasgow to Kennacraig—on the 926 bus headed onto Campbeltown.  From Kennacraig take the Calmac ferry to either Port Askaig or Port Ellen on Islay.  The Kennacraig ferry terminal has public toilets, a ticket office and waiting room. 

If you’re coming from further afield you might prefer to fly to Islay directly from Glasgow airport with Loganair. The airport is just a 10 minute bus ride from Port Ellen or 35 minutes by bus to Port Askaig. 

It’s s also possible to make this trip a drive & hike by using your own car if you are coming from the UK. Most of the distilleries are able to give the designated driver their drams in miniature bottles to go. Please speak to a Destination & Adventure Specialist to find out more.

Please follow the above directions in reverse for your journey home.

No separate bag transfers are needed for the majority of this holiday, on Day 4 as you transfer from Bowmore to Port Charlotte you'll bring your luggage in the taxi with you and it will be transferred onto Port Charlotte while you enjoy your walk. On other days please bring your bags with as you use the local bus service to transfer around this wonderfully slow-paced island. You'll be able to leave your bags at your hotel reception on arrival or at your B&B by prior arrangment so you can enjoy the rest of the day unburdened by your luggage.