Arran and Islay Whisky Island Hopping
Loop from Glasgow using two island ferries to see Arran's standing stones and castles, and Islay's peaty distilleries.
Following CalMac's recommended southern island-hopping route, this itinerary takes you from the northern tip of Arran across to Kintyre, and then by ferry to Islay, returning via Inveraray and Loch Lomond to form a seamless loop. Distillery tours must be booked well in advance. Since drivers cannot drink, it is best to arrange a driver or plan a car-free day for distillery visits. Perfect for whisky lovers, friends, or couples seeking a slower-paced island getaway.
During the Islay Festival of Music and Malt (Fèis Ìle) in late May, accommodation and tours often sell out months in advance.
Day by day
Day 1 · Glasgow to Arran by Ferry
Isle of Arran（Arran Heritage Museum、Brodick Castle）
Drive to Ardrossan (approx. 1 hour), then take the ferry to Brodick (approx. 55 minutes); in case of bad weather or vessel maintenance, sailings may run from Troon (approx. 80 minutes).
Check CalMac service updates before departure to confirm your sailing port.
Stay: Brodick
Day 2 · Arran Island Loop: Standing Stones and Castles
Isle of Arran（Lamlash、Lagg Distillery、Machrie Moor Stone Circles、King's Cave）
Drive clockwise along the island's coastal road (approx. 75 km) via Lamlash, the south coast, and the west coast to Lochranza, enjoying a leisurely full-day drive.
Stay: Lochranza
Day 3 · Lochranza via Kintyre to Islay
Isle of Arran（Lochranza Castle、Lochranza Distillery (Arran Distillery)） → Islay
Take the ferry from Lochranza to Claonaig (30 minutes), drive 10 minutes to Kennacraig, and then take the ferry to Islay (approx. 2 hours).
In winter, the ferry runs to Tarbert instead; booking is required for the Kennacraig segment.
Stay: Port Ellen
Day 4 · The Three Distilleries Pathway
Islay（Laphroaig Distillery、Lagavulin Distillery、Ardbeg Distillery、Kildalton Cross）
Walk or cycle along the Three Distilleries Pathway (approx. 5 km), connecting Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg, and take a taxi back.
Tours book out weeks in advance during peak season; buses do not run on Sundays.
Stay: Port Ellen
Day 5 · Bowmore to the Rinns of Islay
Islay（Bowmore Distillery、Kilarrow Parish Church (Round Church)、Kilchoman Distillery、Machir Bay、Bruichladdich Distillery）
Drive from Port Ellen to Bowmore (approx. 20 minutes), then head around Loch Indaal to the west coast, covering approx. 60 km for the day.
If the driver wishes to participate in tastings, consider hiring a local taxi for a half or full day.
Stay: Port Charlotte
Day 6 · Finlaggan and Return via Inveraray
Islay（Finlaggan、Caol Ila Distillery） → Glasgow（Loch Lomond & Loch Lomond Shores (Balloch)）
Take the ferry from Port Askaig to Kennacraig (approx. 2 hours), then drive back to Glasgow via the A83 and A82 (approx. 3 hours).
The A83 at Rest and Be Thankful is frequently closed due to landslides; check road conditions before setting off.