Distillery routes

THREE DISTILLERY PATHWAY

Stroll or cycle three miles east of Port Ellen, where deep crescent bays are dramatic backdrops for the beautiful distilleries of Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg, all offering prebookable tastings, tours and special-release bottles of powerful, peaty whiskies. It is hoped that the greenway, which opened in 2017, will be extended between distilleries across the island. laphroaig.com malts.com ardbeg.com

BRUICHLADDICH

Opened in spring 2021, the Bruichladdich Foot and Cycle Path is the island’s newest car-free distillery trail. The paved route snakes along Loch Indaal’s coast, from the pier in the village distillery of Bruichladdich (pre-book for tastings and tours) to Port Charlotte, with little wooden bridges spanning inlets and golden barley fields. bruichladdich.com

CAOL ILA, ARDNAHOE & BUNNAHABHAIN

Stacked against the island’s cliffy northeast coast, in view of Jura, the distilleries of Caol Ila, Ardnahoe and Bunnahabhain form Islay’s most remote, rural whisky route — one for a designated driver. Follow a single-lane road along winding clifftops, with views of purple heather and dunes, for pre-booked tastings and tours of these lighter profile whiskies. malts.com ardnahoedistillery.com bunnahabhain.com