South Islay

Friday, midday

Stroll from the airport across to the welcoming arms of the awardwinning Glenegedale House (double rooms from £166, www. glenegedalehouse.co.uk), a relaxed oasis run by husband and wife team Graeme and Emma.

2:30pm

Set off on the electric bike that Islay E-wheels delivered to Glenegedale. Your route sweeps along the spectacularly indented coastline to three of the world’s most famous distilleries – Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg.

3pm

Pop into Lagavulin for their exclusive bonded warehouse tasting – savour a surprisingly mellow 8-year-old, through to a heart warming, glorious 23-year-old. The latter is well on the way to becoming the world class 25-year-old; available in their shop.

4pm

Continue to Claggan Bay looking out for seals and otters as you ease from the stresses of the modern world.

7pm

Tuck into one of the legendary boat-fresh seafood platters at Glenegedale; landed at 5pm, served alongside a crisp Burgundy at 7pm. Divine.

Saturday, 10am

Venture out towards the Mull of Oa.

This otherworldly peninsula struts out into the baleful Atlantic with the monument at its tip commemorating the sinking of troop ships in 1918.

1pm

Hot foot it out to Ardbeg as the best café and restaurant of any of the distilleries awaits.

2:30pm

It’s time for a serious Islay highlight with Ardbeg’s ‘Old and Very Difficult to Find’ tasting. There is something to suit all palates and the experience will linger in the memories of dram fans forever.

5pm

Potter back to Port Ellen to admire the postcard pretty whitewashed cottages and the white sand beach.

7pm

Perfectly cooked local lobster is on the menu at Port Ellen’s Seasalt, the latest creation from acclaimed Islay restaurateur Yan Wang.

Sunday, 10am

Yomp along the wide expanse of the Big Strand drinking in salt-lashed air.

Loganair (www.loganair.co.uk) fly to Islay from Glasgow from £108.98 return. For more info on Islay, Argyll and the Isles pick up the free ‘Extra Mile’ guide at the airport. Website www.wildaboutargyll.co.uk