Glasgow to Campbeltown via Isle of Arran and Oban, Scotland – A 5 Day Whisky Road Trip
A 5 Day Whisky Road Trip – Glasgow to Campbeltown via Isle of Arran and Oban
Region and Route Overview
This 5-day whisky road trip takes you from Glasgow to the Isle of Arran, then to the historic Campbeltown region, before heading to Oban and Loch Lomond on your way back to Glasgow. The journey combines iconic distilleries with smaller, hidden gems, offering whisky lovers an authentic and affordable experience of Scotland’s whisky heritage and breathtaking landscapes.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Glasgow → Isle of Arran
Distilleries to Visit
- Auchentoshan Distillery (near Glasgow)
Overview: Renowned for triple distillation.
Tour: Classic Tour (£20).
Speciality: Auchentoshan Three Wood.
Website: auchentoshan.com
Contact: +44 1389 878561 - Arran Distillery (Lochranza)
Overview: Fruity, aromatic malts since 1995.
Tour: Distillery Tour (£12).
Speciality: Arran 10-Year-Old, Arran Quarter Cask.
Website: arranwhisky.com
Contact: +44 1770 830264
Accommodation
The Lochranza Hotel (£85/night)
Website
Dinner Recommendation
The Stags Pavilion, Lochranza
Dish: Seafood platter (£20).
Website
Scenic Stop
Lochranza Castle — photogenic ruin.
Driving & Ferry Details
Glasgow → Ardrossan Ferry (~1 hr).
Ferry to Arran (~55 mins, £25).
Ferry → Lochranza (~40 mins drive).
Day 2: Isle of Arran → Campbeltown
Distilleries to Visit
- Lagg Distillery
Overview: Opened 2019, peated malts.
Tour: Standard Tour (£15).
Speciality: Lagg Kilmory Edition.
Website: laggwhisky.com
Contact: +44 1770 870565 - Glen Scotia Distillery
Overview: Historic Campbeltown producer.
Tour: Classic Tour (£15).
Speciality: Glen Scotia Double Cask.
Website: glenscotia.com
Contact: +44 1586 552288
Accommodation
Argyll Arms Hotel (£85/night)
Website
Dinner Recommendation
The Harbourview Grille, Campbeltown
Dish: Seafood chowder (£12).
Scenic Stop
Machrihanish Beach — wide sandy bay.
Driving & Ferry Details
Lochranza → Claonaig Ferry (~30 mins).
Ferry (~30 mins, £20).
Claonaig → Campbeltown (~1 hr).
Day 3: Exploring Campbeltown
Distilleries to Visit
- Springbank Distillery
Overview: Traditional, every step on-site.
Tour: Distillery Tour (£12).
Speciality: Springbank 10-Year-Old.
Website: springbank.scot
Contact: +44 1586 552009 - Kilkerran (Glengyle) Distillery
Overview: Boutique Campbeltown whisky.
Tour: Distillery Tour (£10).
Speciality: Kilkerran 12-Year-Old.
Website: kilkerrandistillery.com
Contact: +44 1586 552553
Accommodation
Stay another night at Argyll Arms Hotel.
Dinner Recommendation
The Black Sheep Pub
Dish: Haggis, neeps & tatties (£14).
Scenic Stop
Davaar Island Lighthouse — tidal island walk.
Day 4: Campbeltown → Oban
Distillery to Visit
- Oban Distillery
Overview: Gateway to the Isles.
Tour: Standard Tour (£20).
Speciality: Oban 14-Year-Old.
Website: obanwhisky.com
Contact: +44 1631 572004
Accommodation
Columba Hotel (£90/night)
Website
Dinner Recommendation
The Waterfront Fishouse Restaurant
Dish: Whisky-infused salmon (£17).
Website
Scenic Stop
Kilchurn Castle — ruined stronghold.
Driving Details
Campbeltown → Oban: ~2.5 hrs (90 mi).
Day 5: Oban → Glasgow (via Loch Lomond)
Distillery to Visit
- Loch Lomond Distillery
Overview: Wide whisky styles incl. single malts & grain.
Tour: Standard Tour (£15).
Speciality: Loch Lomond 12-Year-Old.
Website: lochlomondwhiskies.com
Contact: +44 1389 752781
Scenic Stop
Rest and Be Thankful Viewpoint — mountain pass.
Driving Details
Oban → Loch Lomond Distillery: ~1.5 hrs (60 mi).
Loch Lomond → Glasgow: ~1 hr (35 mi).
Cost Breakdown
- Distillery Tours: ~£110 (7 distilleries)
- Accommodation: ~£400 (5 nights)
- Meals: ~£150
- Fuel Costs: ~£70 (300 miles)
- Other Activities: ~£20 (Falkirk Wheel + Sweetheart Abbey)
Total Estimate: ~£750
Tips and Notes
- Best Time to Visit: April–October, for longer daylight hours.
- Road Conditions: Generally good, though rural roads can be narrow.
- Booking Advice: Reserve tours & rooms in summer months.
- Packing: Waterproof jacket & sturdy walking shoes.
This 5-day journey blends the Lowlands’ whisky revival with scenic landmarks and budget-friendly stays. Slàinte!
These travel guides are designed to give you a start point or framework to create your own trip, allowing you to use as much or as little as you wish. We recommend doing your own research, particularly checking opening times and costs, as well as personalising your visits to best suit your tastes.
Our UK Whisky Bars Map & List may come in useful!
