Travel Directions

By Car and Ferry

Using Sat Nav the postcode for Kilchoman is PA49 7UY. Confirm the directions as the official shortest route is through Arran using another two ferries

From Glasgow take the A82 up Loch Lomond side, at Tarbet keep straight on for the A83 for Campbeltown, five miles past Tarbert Loch Fyne you come to Kennacraig Ferry terminal. Timetables and booking available from www.calmac.co.uk . Drive time from Glasgow to the ferry is approx. two and a half hours and check in is 45 mins prior to sailing.

The crossing takes a little over two hours to either Port Askaig or Port Ellen depending on which port the ferry is going into. It is a pleasant trip with the opportunity for a meal or drinks on board and the chance of seeing some marine wildlife.

For Kilchoman PA49 7UY

From either Port make your way to Bridgend then take the A847 for Port Charlotte and Portnahaven. Five miles after leaving Bridgend Sanaigmore is signposted to the right. (Before reaching Bruichladdich)

Carry straight on for a further ten minutes and about 0.5-mile past Kilchoman Distillery turn left before a row of white houses, towards the church on the hill. Just past the church are the main gates, cross the cattle grid and down the hill to the cottages and main house where we look forward to welcoming you.

By Air

Only from Glasgow to Glenegedale (Islay), flights are normally twice daily during the week but one only on Saturday and Sunday. Flights take about forty minutes. Contact Logan Air www.loganair.co.uk

Car Hire

Both companies below will meet you off the flight.

D&J McKenzie 01496 302300 Islay Car Hire 01496 810 544

Driving on Islay is simple, but many roads are single track with passing places and courtesy in pulling in in good time or letting a faster car behind you pass is appreciated. If driving at night look out for deer and remember sheep always have right of way on unfenced roads.

Your accommodation is available from 15.30 on day of arrival

Once you have arrived at your accommodation the door will be unlocked, at Kilchoman the cottage names are on the front doors. Please go in and make yourself comfortable, there is Information inside which will explain how your accommodation works. We will be in touch to check you have everything you need.

Testimonials

My wife and I spent 2 weeks at Machir Cottage, one of four row cottages in Kilchoman. For me, it was a wonderful return to Islay after over 50 years having visited as a boy and stayed in the same cottages. For my wife, who is American, it was a brand new and wonderful experience and she loved every moment. The cottage had everything you could need as a base for exploring this incredible island.

Everything was to a good standard, the beds were comfortable and the wi-fi connection was more than adequate for such a remote location (we didn’t use the TV/DVD). The living room and kitchen area is perfect for relaxing in the evenings, and you’ll be amazed at the quiet ! If your idea of the perfect holiday is getting out into the wilds and exploring miles of unspoilt beauty, this is the place for you. I am certain it is popular with walkers, but you can also do many exciting trips by car (which you’ll need anyway to get around !). Some of the roads do get a bit funky in places, and it’s largely single track with passing places, but you soon get used to this, and the courtesy between drivers is generally a joy to experience.

The Kilchoman cottages are near three absolutely stunning beaches, all within 4/5 miles: Machir Bay, Saligo Bay and Sanaigmore, it was impossible to choose between them, but we visited each one at least twice. Perhaps the most scenic beaches we’ve ever seen, with beautiful rock formations, white sand and totally unspoilt (and indeed generally deserted !)

There’s also the possibility to take a day trip over to the nearby island of Jura, the famous `paps’ (mountains) add a stunning back drop to so many places on Islay. It is a photographer’s dream. Life is simpler here, and in many ways it had not changed at all for me since 1972 ! A lifetime dream fulfilled to come back here, and I wasn’t disappointed ! We were very very lucky with the weather, which does help, and on a good day I wouldn’t hesitate to call it paradise.

Handy hints: Take plenty of basic provisions with you, but the Co-op in Bowmore is up to modern standards for most of your needs, we only needed a couple of trips there to restock in two weeks. If you’re big on nightlife and bustle, give it a miss…but if you love nature, beauty and fresh air….it can’t be beaten.