Snowdrops at Bridgend (Gordon Yates)

Swans and Sheep (Gordon Yates)

You can reach Islay from the mainland either by ferry or by air from Glasgow airport.

• Caledonian MacBrayne operate a ferry service between Kennacraig and Port Ellen or Port Askaig on the island. The timetables for this and all other services are available online. Also provided is a rather nice route map showing where the ferry docks and the roads on Islay. It is strongly recommended that you book your ferry in advance by calling +44 (0)8705 6250000.
• Flybe fly from Glasgow airport to Glenegedale, Islay's airport, just over five miles from Bowmore. Flight time is around 30 minutes. Timetables for these and other flights are available online or you can call Flybe Reservations on +44 (0)871 700 0535.
• Scottish Citylink operate a bus service from Buchanan Street in Glasgow to Kennacraig, leaving Glasgow at 9.00am and arriving at around 12.30pm, just in time for the ferry crossing at 1.00pm. Enquiries + 44 (0) 8795 5050.

There are a number of options for getting around Islay.

• There's a bus service on Islay operated by Islay Coaches and Royal Mail, which connects all the major towns. The bus timetables can be viewed on the Argyll & Bute Council website (services 450/451).
• A car hire service is available at the airport, operated by D & N McKenzie. If you would like to book a car, you should book ahead to ensure availability on your arrival. Contact number is +44 (0) 1496 302300
• Cycling is a great option, given that Islay is comparatively flat and there's generally very little traffic on the roads. You can hire bikes from Polly Mathers in Port Charlotte, phone number +44 (0)1496 850488.

Once you have arrived on Islay, take the A847 road towards Portnahaven to Port Charlotte via Bruichladdich. When you arrive at Port Charlotte, look for the 30mph sign and take the second entrance to the left to your private off-road car park. We are always here to welcome you on your arrival. Here's a map to help you find us.