Tour Synopsis
Lying between the Scottish mainland and the coast of Ireland is the crescent-shaped island of Islay. Home to the Lord of the Isles for hundreds of years, its glimmering sea lochs like tiny oceans, with rocky headlands and bays, encapsulate the tireless spirit of the Atlantic. With its neighbouring islands of Colonsay and Jura, it forms the Islay group; a distinctive set of islands which share cultural, historical and geographic links.
Much of Islay is low-lying and fertile although it also has high moorland and hills, the highest of which is Beinn Bheigeir at 491 m. The variety of landscapes found in Islay is due to its underlying geological structure - hard quartzites form the rugged uplands while the lower lying, more fertile land is underlain by limestone and mica schists. There are extensive raised beach deposits within the bays and substantial areas of blown sand along coastal fringes.
South of Port Ellen, the Oa a is a wild and remote peninsula where an RSPB nature reserve is situated. The coastal cliffs tower 100 m over the often turbulent sea below and rise, at their highest point, to Beinn Mhòr at 202 m. Within the folds of cliff face are hidden bays, where tumbling waterfalls terminate the burns that run from inland lochs and peatland bogs. Golden eagle, peregrine falcon, choughs and linnets are regularly seen here.
At the opposite end of the island, RSPB Loch Gruinart, offers a temporary home for overwintering barnacle and white-fronted geese which co-habit the Gruinart Flats with lapwing, hen harrier, and corncrake. There is much for the photographer to discover in Islay.
There are nine whisky distilleries on Islay, with more underway, so you’ll never find yourself far from one of these iconic, white-washed buildings donned with bold lettering. Even if you’re not (yet) a lover of Islay whisky, there is a wide selection to sample from.
We are based at the family-run Port Charlotte Hotel located in the conservation village of Port Charlotte on the shore on Loch Indaal. It has a comfortable residents' lounge, dining room, a cosy public bar and patio area overlooking the bay, with direct access to a sandy beach.
The hotel is recommended by Michelin and Good Food Guides and is highly rated in the Best of Scotland Guide.
The images used to promote this tour were captured by Colin on previous trips and are representative of the conditions which may or may not be encountered throughout its duration - in Scotland, one must be prepared for constant change.