Most people go to Islay to tour some of the world’s most renowned distilleries – but did you know there are also some really amazing hidden (non-alcohol) adventures on the small island?
We found three favorites that will make get great use of your time between distillery tours (or if you just need a break for a day).
Dunyvaig Castle
The first is the Dunyvaig Castle, ruins, which are hidden on the waterfront behind Lagavulin. The castle has been around since the Middle Ages, although a majority of the ruins date back to the sixteenth century.
Right in front of the ruins is the best spot to grab a picture with the iconic Lagavulin signage on the bay-side of the building. Bring a tripod or prop your camera up on the hill (what we did) and use the self-timer or a remote to get the shot.
NOTE: There’s a bit of a precarious edge you have to walk on (12” wide or less) to get inside the castle courtyard. We don’t recommend this if you’re afraid of heights, not in proper footwear, or in other conditions that might make footing unstable (e.g., when the ground is damp). You know your own limits – err on the side of caution!
Getting there: Take a right on A846 when you exit Lagavulin, then your first right about 0.3 of a mile from the distillery. Follow this down as it arcs back towards Lagavulin Bay, and park at the dead end. From here, you can hike to the ruins (about 0.25 mile further).
Otter and Seal Watching
The European Otter is one of Islay’s most elusive animals. Spotting one swimming in the bay is thrilling! We spotted one along the coast on the drive from Ardbeg to the Kildalton cross (read our 3 day Islay itinerary for more). The best place to spot, though, is off Caol Ila beach in the winter months. Beaches get busy in the summer and the otters retreat to where they’re harder to spot.
If you have more time, route up to the Loch Gruinart nature reserve to see if you can spot grey seals as well!
Getting there: Park at the Caol Ila distillery and walk along the beach. Then, backtrack to the A846 and go south to the next right, and drive towards Bunnahabhain to another great otter spot.
Ardbeg Peat Farm
Another can’t miss on Islay is the Ardbeg Peat Farm. The location isn’t heavily advertised and doesn’t show up in most guidebooks but they’re actually quite easy to find. Stop by the farm where you can walk along the peat bogs and see where they’ve most recently made cuts. It’s a little bit of a walk through muddy terrain from the roadside, but well worth the pitstop if you love peaty scotch (which hopefully you do, if you’re in Islay).
Getting there: Exit the distillery heading west on A846. Pass through Port Ellen and continue following the A846 as it jogs north and west towards Bowmore. Halfway between the turnoff for the Machrie Golf Resort and the airport, you’ll see a small green sign for the peat farm on your left (we passed it our first time…).
Ready to plan your trip?
Look at our Ultimate Guide to Visiting Islay, or catch up on other posts in our Scotland Travel Guide.
- 3 Day Islay Itinerary
- 10 Essential Whisky Experiences
- Visiting Distilleries in Speyside
- 24 Hour in Oban
- What to Pack for Scotland
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