With so much to do, will one week be enough?

Islay is often referred to as ‘The Queen of the Hebrides” and it is the most southerly island of the Inner Isles. The mild climate of the Gulf Stream ensures that it is seldom very cold, even in winter. With a resident population of around 3,500 people, Islay has plenty to interest visitors all year round.

Nature and Birdlife - Home of two RSPB reserves, over 100 species all year round including numerous birds of prey and over 50,000 migrating Greenland geese (from October to May) Islay is a wonderful place for ornithology. Seals and otters abound around the coast and deer and hares populate the wild hinterland. The excellent Islay Wildlife Centre is only 2 miles from the cottage, at Port Charlotte.

Sports and the Outdoors - With an excellent network of quiet roads and tracks throughout the island, Islay is a great place for cycling and walking. A 10 minute ferry to neighbouring Jura allows access to the famous Paps for those who seek serious hillwalking. Islay also has a renowned championship golf course at Machrie and the annual Kildalton Cross tournament attracts amateurs from throughout the UK. The sweeping bays and beaches and the sheltered waters of Loch Indaal offer fun for wind surfers and dinghy sailers.

Uisge-beatha (The Water of Life) - Few places are synonymous with malt whisky quite like Islay. With 8 working distilleries producing some of the world’s most famous single malts and the annual Whisky Festival, Islay is a top of the list destination for whisky fans throughout the year. All distilleries have visitor facilities and the rejuvenated and thriving Bruichladdich Distillery (above) is only a 10 minute walk from the cottage.

Interests for Children - With so many great beaches to choose from, all that most children need is a kite and a bucket and spade! However, the island also has a host of interesting activities: pony trekking at Rockside Farm, swimming at Bowmore pool, an exciting play park at Port Mor, lots of fun and nature walks at Islay Wildlife Centre, Port Charlotte and the Museum of Islay Life, also just along the road from the cottage at Port Charlotte.

It really is ‘Goodbye To Care’ on Islay. But don’t forget to take some time to sit in the garden at the cottage and enjoy the views and a good book in the peaceful and tranquil surroundings!