Enjoy pleasant walks and whisky distilleries on this 8-day self-guided tour of Scotland
What is more Scottish than whisky and walking the beautiful countryside. This self-guided tour allows you to visit and tour some of the best distilleries in all of Scotland, while also walking the local countryside, gaining an appreciation for the environment these whiskies are from. And not trip to Scotland is complete without touring Islay and their famous and distinctive malts.
The eight-day Scottish Walking and Whisky Tour traverses across the famed Scottish archipelago, taking you to a collective of distilleries. Amid tasting the nation’s prized concoction and invention, Scotch whisky, you will meander along charming walking routes, introducing you to spectacular scenery spanning Clyde Islands.
Spend this tour sipping on whisky, basking in the sweet, salted smell of the ocean, and getting acquainted with Scottish culture that—believe it or not—stretches beyond its most popular cities: Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Highlights of the Scottish Walking & Whisky Tour
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Scottish Walking & Whisky Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Tarbert
Start the tour in Glasgow, and you will have bus tickets included to get you to your hotel in Tarbert. Once checked in, explore the pleasant town, perhaps spending some time in the pub enjoying a few drams. Tarbet can be reached by taking a bus from Glasgow.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Tarbet
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Ferry to Islay
After consuming breakfast, take a morning bus to Kennacraig before hopping aboard a ferry and crossing to Islay, known for its whisky. Eight different distilleries pepper the island, with famous Islay malts such as Lagavulin, Laphroaig and Ardberg being nestled close together. Outside of distilleries, expect to encounter lush scenery. Relax on the pristine sandy beaches, discover stunning viewpoints of the swirling sea below, or grab your binoculars and watch the birds. Spend the night along the banks of south Islay in Port Askaig.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Port Askaig
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Visit Caol Ila & Bunnahabhain
Wake up to waves flirting with the shore, consume breakfast, and get ready for a local walking adventure to the first distillery of the day: Caol Ila. After you wet your lips, make your way to the next distillery, one that’s surrounded by green hills and boasts of a seaside view: Bunnahabhain. If time allows, you will check out the pinnacle that towers on the northern part of Islay: Rhuvaal Lighthouse. Expect to see otters and seals in this area. Stay in Port Askaig for the night.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Port Askaig
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Day trip to Jura
Eat a tasty breakfast before setting off on a morning ferry to Jura. Take a local bus to Craighouse. Here, you’ll embark on a gentle 13.5 km walk to the medieval graves sprawling across the cemetery at Keils and Kilearnadil. This day trip will also include a visit to Jura Distillery. Travel back to Port Askaig for the night.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Port Askaig
Distance: 13.5 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Port Ellen, Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardberg
Today is almost a religious experience for some Scotch lovers. Enjoy breakfast before transferring on a 45-minute journey to Port Ellen via direct bus. Commence on a casual Three Distilleries walking tour that will take you to Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg, where peated whisky flows in abundance. Stay the night in Port Ellen.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Port Ellen
Distance: 12 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Campbeltown & Springbank
After enjoying breakfast, hop on a ferry back to Kennacraig and then take a private taxi to Campbeltown, a charming town that sits on the Kintyre Peninsula. Enjoy an afternoon sipping on hand-made whisky at the family-owned Springbank Distillery. Spend the night at a hotel in Campbeltown.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Campbeltown
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Kintyre Way Walk
After breakfast, you will travel on a bus to Southend for a pleasant trek on Kintyre Way, connecting back to Campbeltown. This gorgeous promenade, twisting along 25 km of shorelines, grassy paths, and tarmac. Prepare to depart to Glasgow the next morning.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Campbeltown
Distance: 25 km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Farewell
Enjoy your breakfast and then catch the morning bus to Glasgow.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Scottish Walking & Whisky Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided walking tour in Scotland is always run as a custom tour for your group only and the price is fixed per person staying in a double room. Single rooms are also possible for on request for extra charge. Please note, that booking this tour on a short notice might increase the tour price, as the accommodation options here are limited and on high demand.
- Price per person staying in a double room - $1,225 USD
Accommodation on Clyde Islands Whiskey Tour
This tour includes the accommodation in cozy guest houses and hotels. Each room offers modern amenities that will help to elevate your level of comfort after a long day of walking. Expect to stay in a room with another member of the tour or upgrade to single occupancy for an additional fee.
Please note that we may swap some of the hotels listed below for other similar places to stay.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Single rooms for this tour are on request, and the price depends on the season, availability. Please inquire to find out more.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Knap Guest House in Tarbert
Start your tour with a stay in the lovely Knap Guest House in Tarbert, situated along the harbour. Let the WiFi, TV, fridge, bathrobes, coffee and tea keep you comfy.
Port Askaig Hotel in Port Askaig
This stunning family-run inn charms with its enchanting characteristics and pier-front location. Enjoy the bar, WiFi, and evening entertainment during your stay.
Askernish Hotel in Port Ellen
Expect coziness to envelop you when you stay at the Askernish Hotel. To top it off, the hotel comes with free WiFi, complimentary breakfast, and a bar.
Hotel in Campbeltown
Bask in the comforts of Campbeltown near the end of the Whisky Tour. Located on the peninsula of Kintyre, this spot offers stunning views on top of a relaxing stay.
What’s included in the Clyde Islands Whiskey Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included throughout the tour.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights along the tour are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Bus tickets to and from Glasgow are included for this tour, but you are in charge of local bus transfers.
Also Included
- Detailed route guide
- Taxes
- Bus transfers from and to Glasgow
- Ferry to Islay
- Distillery visits:
-
- Jura Distillery Visit
- Ardbeg Distillery Visit
- Springbank Distillery Visit
Not included
- Guide services (this is self-guided)
- Additional Distillery visits
- Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Transport
- Anything not stated as ‘included’
- Local bus transfers
Optional Extras
- Extra night in Glasgow or Edinburgh
Frequently Asked Questions about Scottish Walking & Whisky Tour
EasyWays is a boutique adventure tour operator, specializing in self-guided walking tours in Scotland and Northern England. They are founded on the close attention to detail that comes from knowing Scotland inside and out. With extensive knowledge of the country and the people, they can advise accurately on each walking tour to choose the right adventure for their clients.
EasyWays can also offer classic Scottish experiences to complement their walking tours, including distillery visits, Highland Games tickets, and visits to cultural and historical places of significance.
EasyWays has also expanded into Spain and Italy to offer more walking tours than ever before.
Learn MoreScottish Walking & Whisky Tour Map
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Is this tour for me?
Local Guide
Ask a Question
- Q: What are guests most surprised about when visiting Scotland?
- A: Overseas clients are already aware of the fantastic scenery, but I feel they are bowled over by the friendliness and ease of conversation with the locals.
- Q: What is one experience anyone visiting Scotland should have?
- A: So many to choose from, but a walk through the vastness of Glencoe and out over the Devil’s Staircase.
- Q: What is the most challenging trip you’ve taken?
- A: Taking a group through Tuscany on the Via Francigena to end at Siena at the time of the Palio, the famous horse ride through the city.