Glasgow to Islay and Back, Scotland – A 5 Day Whisky Road Trip
A 5 Day Whisky Road Trip from Glasgow to Islay and Back
Region and Route Overview
This 5-day whisky road trip takes you from Glasgow to the legendary whisky island of Islay, home to some of Scotland’s most famous distilleries. Known for its smoky and peaty whiskies, many of Islay’s distilleries are steeped in history and tradition. The journey includes stunning landscapes, ferry rides, and stops at lesser-known distilleries for a balanced mix of iconic and boutique whisky experiences.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Glasgow to Kennacraig Ferry Terminal
Distilleries to Visit
- Auchentoshan Distillery (near Glasgow)
Overview: Triple-distilled Lowland malts, smooth and approachable.
Tour: Classic Tour (£20).
Speciality: Auchentoshan Three Wood.
Website: www.auchentoshan.com
Contact: +44 1389 878561 - Loch Lomond Distillery (Alexandria)
Overview: Innovative and versatile whisky styles.
Tour: Standard Tour (£15).
Speciality: Loch Lomond 12-Year-Old.
Website: www.lochlomondwhiskies.com
Contact: +44 1389 752781
Accommodation
Lochgilphead Hotel (£75 per night)
Budget-friendly hotel near Kennacraig.
Dinner Recommendation
The Smiddy Bistro, Lochgilphead
Dish: Seafood linguine (£15).
Scenic Stop
Rest and Be Thankful Viewpoint — stunning Highland scenery.
Driving Details
Glasgow → Auchentoshan: ~20 mins (10 mi).
Auchentoshan → Loch Lomond Distillery: ~30 mins (20 mi).
Loch Lomond → Kennacraig: ~2 hrs (70 mi).
Total: ~100 mi
Day 2: Kennacraig to Islay (Port Ellen)
Distilleries to Visit
- Laphroaig Distillery
Overview: Established 1815, iconic heavily peated whisky.
Tour: Distillery Tour (£15).
Speciality: Laphroaig 10-Year-Old.
Website: www.laphroaig.com
Contact: +44 1496 302418 - Lagavulin Distillery
Overview: Established 1816, rich smoky malts.
Tour: Warehouse Experience (£25).
Speciality: Lagavulin 16-Year-Old.
Website: www.malts.com
Contact: +44 1496 302730
Accommodation
Port Charlotte Hotel (£90 per night)
Website
Dinner Recommendation
Sea Salt Bistro, Port Charlotte
Dish: Whisky-glazed salmon (£18).
Scenic Stop
Port Ellen Beaches — sandy Atlantic shores.
Ferry and Driving Details
Kennacraig → Port Ellen ferry: ~2 hrs.
Port Ellen → Laphroaig: ~10 mins (5 mi).
Day 3: Exploring Islay’s Northern Distilleries
Distilleries to Visit
- Ardbeg Distillery
Overview: Balanced smoky whiskies, iconic site.
Tour: Distillery Tour (£15).
Speciality: Ardbeg An Oa.
Website: www.ardbeg.com
Contact: +44 1496 302244 - Bruichladdich Distillery
Overview: Home of unpeated Bruichladdich and Octomore.
Tour: Classic Tour (£10).
Speciality: Bruichladdich Classic Laddie.
Website: www.bruichladdich.com
Contact: +44 1496 850190
Accommodation
Stay another night at Port Charlotte Hotel.
Dinner Recommendation
The Bridgend Hotel
Dish: Islay scallops with garlic butter (£20).
Website
Scenic Stop
The Round Church, Bowmore — unique 18th-century design.
Driving Details
Port Charlotte → Ardbeg: ~30 mins (15 mi).
Ardbeg → Bruichladdich: ~20 mins (12 mi).
Day 4: Islay to Oban
Distillery to Visit
- Oban Distillery
Overview: Coastal-inspired malts.
Tour: Standard Tour (£20).
Speciality: Oban 14-Year-Old.
Website: www.obanwhisky.com
Contact: +44 1631 572004
Accommodation
Columba Hotel, Oban (£85 per night)
Website
Dinner Recommendation
The Waterfront Fishouse Restaurant, Oban
Dish: Fresh seafood chowder (£14).
Website
Scenic Stop
Kilchurn Castle — dramatic ruin on Loch Awe.
Ferry and Driving Details
Port Ellen → Kennacraig ferry: ~2 hrs.
Kennacraig → Oban: ~2.5 hrs (85 mi).
Day 5: Oban to Glasgow
Distillery to Visit
- Deanston Distillery
Overview: Organic Highland malts, former cotton mill.
Tour: Distillery Tour (£12).
Speciality: Deanston 18.
Website: www.deanstonmalt.com
Contact: +44 1786 843010
Scenic Stop
Rest and Be Thankful Viewpoint — revisit this iconic Highland pass.
Driving Details
Oban → Deanston: ~1.5 hrs (55 mi).
Deanston → Glasgow: ~1 hr (30 mi).
Total: ~85 mi
Cost Breakdown
- Distillery Tours: ~£115 (8 distilleries)
- Accommodation: ~£450 (5 nights)
- Meals: ~£160
- Ferry Costs: ~£40 (return)
- Fuel Costs: ~£90 (360 miles)
- Other Activities: ~£10 (Kilchurn Castle)
Tips and Notes
- Best Time to Visit: May–September for weather and daylight.
- Ferry Reservations: Book early to secure crossings.
- Road Conditions: Islay roads are narrow; take care.
- Packing Tips: Waterproofs and sturdy shoes recommended.
This itinerary combines iconic whisky experiences with scenic beauty, ensuring a well-rounded and budget-friendly trip. Enjoy your whisky adventure!
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!
