Islay Whisky Trails

A relaxed self-guided walking holiday ideal for those wishing to sample some of Scotland's finest Scotch Whisky, while taking in the best of Islay's nature and fine hospitality along the way. 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

The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years

This route is graded easy to moderate. The grade is determined on the basis of the entire trip. Individual days may vary in terms of difficulty, i.e. some walks may be slightly more difficult or easier than the overall grade. The majority of the walks are not waymarked and follow quiet country roads along with tracks and paths with spectacular coastal views. These are all easy to navigate using the Macs Adventure Smartphone App.

On this tour you will stay in hand-picked 3* and 4* B&B's, guesthouses and hotels. All of the accommodations are superior and ideally located so you have everything within easy access. 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.

Solo Walkers & Single Rooms

If you require single rooms we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable. We also welcome solo walkers on this tour, again a supplement is payable.

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.

A taxi transfer to either Port Ellen or Port Askaig will be arranged for you. From here, you can return to Kennacraig on the mainland via the Calmac Ferry.

On the days when you are moving accommodation, be sure to bring your luggage with you in the taxi. You'll be able to leave your bags at your hotel reception on arrival so you can enjoy the rest of the day unburdened by your luggage. On Day 4, when you are transferred from Bowmore to Port Charlotte your luggage will be transferred onto Port Charlotte while you enjoy your walk. All this information will be further detailed in your itinerary on confirmation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.

At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes a transfer of 1 bag per person. It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.