Outdoor Adventures
If you like the great outdoors, you’re going to love Islay! Our island is an adventure playground of outdoor activities and experiences. Enjoy walking, cycling, fishing, golf, all against the idyllic backdrop of rolling countryside and magnificent coastal scenery.
Walking and cycling in Islay
There are plenty of walking and cycling trails to explore here on Islay, and the scenery is absolutely incredible. From tranquil beach walks to challenging hikes. From gentle cycle routes to more rugged terrain. So whether you’re looking for an active holiday or just a chance to relax and take in some beautiful scenery, our island is the perfect destination.
Explore our beautiful beaches
The beaches on Islay are some of the most beautiful in all of Scotland. With crystal clear water and white sands, they offer a perfect place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The shores of Loch Gruinart, the Big Strand in Laggan Bay, the stunning 2km stretch of Machir Bay, or the soft dunes of Saligo Bay. You’re spoilt for choice!
Water activities and outdoor sports
If you’re looking for thrills and spills, Islay provides the perfect location for a range of outdoor sports and activities. From boat rides and tours to kayaking and fat biking. Our island also boasts a renowned championship golf links, a treat for any golfers coming to Islay. Machrie Golf Club is an 18-hole course with over a century of history, in an incredible setting. And keen fishers won’t be disappointed either. The ideal location for a Scottish fishing holiday, both at sea and in our lochs.
Spectacular Islay wildlife
While enjoying the great outdoors on Islay, look out for an array of insects, birds, fish and mammals. This is a wonderful place for island birdwatching. From moorland and hills to cliff faces, woodland, mud flats and beaches, there are many habitats and around a hundred species of bird on Islay! Take a wildlife boat ride with Islay Sea Adventures for the opportunity to spot a variety of sea birds, plus seals, dolphins and more.
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.
