Driving tours
As well as the excellent walks, you can also discover the island by cycling or driving tours. For car hire, contact Islay Car Hire or Cresswell Cars Ltd, with the latter also on-hand if you have car troubles (call 01496 302300).
We suggest you bring an Islay Landranger Map, binoculars, walking boots, wet weather clothing and allow plenty of time to complete the tours.
The tours listed below take place mainly on single-track roads, so please be mindful of the following advice (extracted from the Highway Code) for safe driving:
- Take extra care and reduce speed approaching bends, minor junctions, turnings, narrow bridges and villages.
- Be prepared to encounter pedestrians, horse riders, cyclists, farm livestock or wild animals in the road, and give them time and space to move aside so you can pass safely.
- Make intelligent use of the passing places (often marked by black and white poles), when vehicles approach or drivers behind need to overtake. That does not include parking in them!
- Don't block entrances to farm tracks, field and cattle grid gates, or other access points.
| Tour | Miles |
|---|---|
| Port Ellen, Ardtalla | 20 |
| Port Ellen, Bowmore, Bridgend | 24 |
| Bridgend, Port Askaig, Glen Road | 20-28 |
| Bridgend, Loch Gorm, Loch Gruinart | 19-35 |
| Rhinns of Islay | 20 |