Itinerary · 5 days · Scotland
Islay and Campbeltown in 5 days
This route links Scotland's two most characterful whisky towns and islands. It is a journey as much as a tasting trip: lochs, a long peninsula and a ferry crossing.
Day 1Glasgow to Campbeltown
Drive (or be driven) along Loch Lomond, over the Rest and Be Thankful and down Kintyre. That is 3½–4 hours of scenery before any tasting. Alternatively, fly from Glasgow. Have dinner in town.
Day 2Campbeltown
Take a morning tour at one of the town's distilleries, then lunch by the harbour. In the afternoon, tour a second distillery or walk the waterfront. Every stop is walkable in town, so this is an easy, car-free tasting day.
Day 3Kennacraig ferry to Islay
Transfer to Kennacraig (about 50 minutes) for the ferry to Port Ellen or Port Askaig (about 2 hours). Settle in, and walk on the shore.
Day 4Islay's south coast
Visit the peaty distilleries east of Port Ellen. Choose two tours and leave space for lunch. The roadside path between them is lovely for a walk, but distances add up.
Day 5Bowmore or the Rhinns, then home
Have one last tasting at Bowmore or Port Charlotte, then take the afternoon ferry or flight back. If you can, add a night here to protect against weather disruption.
Let someone else do the driving
Distillery roads are narrow, the drams are generous and Scotland's drink-drive limit is lower than in the rest of the UK. A private driver-guide plans the route around your bookings, waits while you taste and gets you home.
English enquiries go to Scottish Highland Travel, Chinese-language enquiries to HighlandTrip. Both are private chauffeur services run by the same group as this guide.
Official sources to check before booking
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