The Hebridean Island of Islay is the perfect place for a holiday for all the family – especially those wishing to ‘get away from it all’. Here’s some starter information.
There is so much wildlife that you’re never more than a blink away from something new. Bring your best binoculars, and just sit at our window. Or go to the RSPB reserve at Loch Gruinart (10 minutes) or on the Oa on the South of the island.
Islay is known to every whisky aficianado around the world. We have two distilleries nearby: the wonderful Bruichladdich (the best tour, the best shop), and the relatively new Kilchoman at Rockside, down the road.
There is great local produce in season – scallops, venison and lamb of course. We love the walled community vegetable garden at Islay House (but this seems to be no longer), where you can also pick up micro-brewery beer and home made jams. There are mini supermarkets, and a range of places to eat and drink.You do not need to bring any food with you.
Apart from walking all day, there are glistening beaches, hidden rockpools and some sandy coves safe for swimming. There are craft shopping opportunities, historic sites (such as Finlaggan, Kildalton), sea safaris, bikes for hire. You can pop over to Jura any time, and on Wednesday you can go to Colonsay for the day.
The weather seems more dynamic than on the mainland. We’ve walked in shirtsleeves on the beach on Christmas Day, but we have also had roaring fires going in summer time. Just look at the sky each morning and decide where to go.
