West Coast Whisky Trail
WHISKY DOUBLE
A 6 day trip by land and sea along the Kintyre Trail and across to Islay and Jura
An unmissable trip for travellers and explorers, for golfers and those seeking peace and tranquillity - and of course for lovers of Scotch whisky.
Breathtaking scenery, the pampering you need from the very best accommodation, 11 distilleries and two famous links courses for the golfers among you – a dream come true.
The Kintyre peninsula is a romantic and unspoilt corner of Scotland famed for its sandy beaches, historic castles and as the home of Scotch whisky. However, mention it to any golfer and they will instantly think of the area’s world renowned links golf courses.
To reach Kintyre you can enjoy a spectacular road trip, by car or bus, or fly direct from Glasgow.
Set off for Campbeltown -either fly with Loganair from Glasgow or from Glasgow, head on the A82 for the 3½ drive, via Oban, taking in the superb scenery along the way.
As you travel south on the Kintyre peninsula you will come to Balinakill Country House Hotel at Clachan. Balinakill may be an ideal place to relax after touring Campbeltown’s distilleries, strolling its beaches and swinging irons on the links. It is an ideal base for touring Kintyre, visiting Springbank and Glengyle distilleries and accessing 5 superb golf courses (www.golfkintyre.com). Set in its own peaceful six acres of land, the hotel provides an antidote to today’s high pressure living - a place to relax, unwind and restore the spirit.
After another relaxing night at the Balinakill Country House Hotel, you will take the early ferry to Islay for the second leg of your trip. Balinakill is just five miles south of Kennacraig Pier, the ferry terminal connecting Kintyre with Islay.
Upon arriving on on Islay, you may wish to head first for Bowmore, the island’s natural capital, where you will find Bowmore Distillery, Islay's oldest distillery. Here is traditional whisky making in its full glory - from the rare sight of the malting of the barley, to the peat fired kilns, to the famous warehouses by the shores of Loch Indaal.
You will find a visitor centre and a range of tours and, of course, a taste of the single malt.
Across Loch Indaal, Bruichladdich Distillery is a bustling place of barley, barrels and bottles where 40 islanders distil, warehouse, bottle and export 'The Laddie' from this private distillery to around the world. Built in 1881 on the shores of Lochindaal, 'brook-laddie' benefits from an inspirational layout influenced by a century of distilling experience prior to construction.
Next stop is Kilchoman is the first distillery to be built on Islay for 125 years and is now the most westerly distillery in Scotland. Established in 2005 by Anthony Wills it takes the art of whisky production back to its roots by being the only distillery that does the whole production process on site from growing the barley to eventually bottling the mature whisky - 100% Islay from barley to bottling.
Finish your day at the tastefully restored 4-star Victorian Port Charlotte Hotel, situated by the seashore in the centre of Port Charlotte, an attractive conservation village.
Guest can enjoy the scenery while relaxing in the hotel’s conservatory and gardens, opening directly onto the beach. You’ll find both A la Carte and bar meals, and the cosy bar pays homage to Islay’s whisky heritage and the island’s distinctive Islay Ales.
Next day, you will travel to the south coast distilleries – Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg.