Discover The Glory Of The Whisky Coast In Autumn

The Whisky Coast - Arran, Islay, Jura and Mull, Campbeltown, Skye, Scotland

Envisage standing amidst the most beautiful scenery Scotland has to offer, as autumnal leaves drop at your feet. Or imagine rounding off a day of exploring the great outdoors, whilst savouring a warming dram of one of the finest whiskies in the world. If you are dreaming of escaping from it all this Autumn, the west coast of Scotland is the perfect setting to enjoy glorious landscapes, astounding seascapes, and a relaxing experience, as you watch the seasons change. With 16 celebrated world renowned distilleries and a wealth of exceptional accommodation and activities, a trip to the Whisky Coast is certain to create a memorable impression.

Taking in the many miles of the west coast of Scotland stretching from the northern breathtaking beauty of Skye to the stunning coastal drama of Campbeltown in the south, and including the collection of magical islands of Arran, Islay, Jura and Mull, the Whisky Coast encapsulates an array of exceptional destinations. Spend a week island hopping and discover the intriguing histories of each area, dine in stunning locations and sample the finest produce Scotland has to offer. Educate yourself in the methods of distillation with a visit to the world renowned distilleries, whilst never forgetting to sample and savour the delectable whiskies on offer, each with their own unique characteristics attributable to their distinct geography.

The array of highlights to explore include:

Choose from a range of outstanding accommodation, allowing you to unwind in luxury and rest in comfort. Pamper yourself with treatments in a first class establishment at the Auchrannie Resort and Spa on Arran, or escape into a world reminiscent of times gone by with a stay in the Balinakill Hotel where the traditional individually furnished rooms offer the luxury of open log fires. Escape from it all and enjoy the perfect hideaway with a visit to the Harbour Inn situated on Islay. Indulge in their award winning menu, and awake to find an amazing coastal scene on your doorstep. Enjoy the grandeur of the Isle of Eriska Hotel on Oban, a 5 AA Red Star establishment with an internationally celebrated 3 AA Rosette Restaurant. Or find yourself charmed by the peaceful surroundings of Kinloch Lodge on the Isle of Skye, where attention to detail is reflected in every element of the guest rooms from the Egyptian cotton sheets to the carefully chosen antiques.

For those looking to discover island life in its many forms, hopping from destination to destination could not be simpler. Caledonian Macbrayne ferries operate regular sailings taking in islands such as Mull, Arran, Islay and Skye, allowing visitors to discover the beauty and drama of each individual location and enjoy the impressive scenic views and seascapes along the way.

Or find your sea legs and experience the serene charm of travelling by sea with a cruise along the glorious shoreline of the west coast. Providing visitors with the opportunity to sail in style and discover the mystical islands including Islay and Mull, The Majestic Line offers cruises of either 6 or 3 nights in duration. Relax amidst the gorgeous surroundings of the traditional wooden vessels or hop ashore to learn more about the whisky, wildlife and heritage of your destination. Ensuite accommodation and hospitality is available.

Alternatively take to the skies and take advantage of the daily flights operated by Loganair, servicing Islay and Campbeltown. Islay is served twice daily Monday to Friday, with one daily flight operating on Saturdays and Sundays, flying to Glasgow International Airport whilst Campbeltown is served Monday to Friday, twice daily flying from Glasgow International Airport.

For those looking to kick back, relax and experience the most relaxing of breaks, tour operators Rabbies Trail Burners and Scotsell provide the perfect remedy.

Whether you are wishing to take a week long island trail or spend a short leisurely break, Rabbies Trail Burners offer a range of tours taking in the wealth of attractions to ensure visitors experience an unforgettable trip. With an extensive knowledge of the area, tours offer an insight into the array of hidden gems and fascinating landmarks which bless the west coast.

Making certain that your visit to filled with remarkable memories, Scotsell is a family owned tour operator with over 25 years of experience in the tourism sector. Whether you wish to stay in an idyllic country cottage or a luxurious hotel, take to the road and tour by car, or sail by seas, Scotsell can plan your trip to suit your requirements.

Experience a round of golf on one of the excellent courses on the west coast of Scotland. With vast expertise and knowledge, tour operator Perry Golf can organise every aspect of your trip, fulfilling every required arrangement including accommodation and transportation. Whether travelling in a small or large group, Perry Golf can create a specific itinerary to your needs taking in the wealth of exceptional courses offered in the west coast.

Celebrated as having “the best opening hole in golf” try your hand at the natural 18 hole golf course at Machrihanish Golf Club set in the breathtaking surroundings of the Kintyre Penisula. The coastal location sees ever changing wind temperatures and strengths, meaning that no two days play are ever the same. Or spend an idyllic day at the Machrie Hotel and Golf Links, where the celebrated course sits above the beautiful sands of Laggan bay. Undertake the challenging course which is 6250 yards long, and round off the day with a delicious meal of freshly prepared local produce within the hotel.

The Westin Turnberry Resort near Ayr is the ideal location for golfing fanatics, with two championship courses and a nine-hole course set against the dramatic Scottish coastline. The resort also boasts the Colin Montgomerie Links Golf Academy, allowing players to experience world class tuition, with state of the art teaching and practice facilities on offer. Perfect your swing or improve your putting with a personalised programme created with the aim of ensuring golfers develop their skills and hone their abilities. Or experience instruction under the guidance of Beverley Lewis, captain of the PGA in 2006/2007, with a visit to the Isle of Eriska Hotel golf course. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon on the course which has a par 35 challenge, and take in the astounding sea views looking across to Mull.

Renowned for the freshest and most sumptuous seafood, the west coast is a haven for those looking to sample and savour from some of the finest to be found on Scottish shores.

Just one of the exceptional restaurants in the area, the internationally celebrated, award winning Three Chimneys restaurant on the Isle of Skye has an array of tempting dishes on offer. Specialising in seafood, choose from a spectacular menu with highlights including lobster, hake, oysters and langoustines caught from nearby Loch Dunvegan.

Or visit the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar and Seafood Shop, situated in Cairndow the establishment is uniquely set in the old cow byre at Clachan Farm. Select from the collection of seafood, meats, preserves, wines and home made cakes which are available in the Seafood shop. Or indulge in a luxurious lunch or leisurely evening meal at the Oyster Bar which has accomplished a host of accolades including appearing in the Good Food Guide for over 20 consecutive years.

A trip to the west coast of Scotland would not be complete without grasping the opportunity to sample the wealth of world class whiskies which are created within the area. Discover the infamous island of Islay where eight distilleries are situated including Bruichladdich, Laphroaig and Bowmore and Lagavulin. Visit the tiny distillery of Tobermory on Mull set at the end of the harbour alongside the array of vibrantly coloured buildings which line the shore. Learn the art of distillation at one of Scotland’s newest distilleries, the Isle of Arran distillery. Or sample a dram created using water drawn straight from Britain’s highest mountain at the Ben Nevis Distillery near Fort William, one of the earliest licensed distilleries in the UK.

For those looking to create lasting memories, take a taste of the west coast home with a visit to Loch Fyne Whiskies. Ideal for both whisky aficionados and enthusiastic novices, a vast array of Scotland’s famous spirit is available to purchase in their unique shop in Inverary, ideally located for both Campbeltown and Islay.

The Whisky Coast is a company formed through collaboration between sixteen distilleries, three tour companies, eighteen hotels, restaurants, golf courses and attractions on the West Coast of Scotland. The Whisky Coast aims to raise the profile of the West Coast as an area blessed with a high concentration of distilleries against the backdrop of a dramatic rugged coastline.

For more information regarding The Whisky Coast visit www.whiskycoast.co.uk.

To book a tour in the area visit www.rabbies.com or www.scotsell.com.

Picture Caption: Celebrated as having “the best opening hole in golf” try your hand at the natural 18 hole golf course at Machrihanish Golf Club, set in the breathtaking surroundings of the Kintyre Penisula, just one of the hidden gems which awaits during an Autumn break on the Whisky Coast.