Night 1
See Tripadvisor ReviewsKnap 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.
Scottish Walking & Whisky Tour
Prices
Highlights
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.
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 - $1,150USD
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.
Night 2-4
See Tripadvisor ReviewsPort 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.
Night 5
See Tripadvisor ReviewsAskernish 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.
Night 6-7
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.
Hotels on Standard Tour
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
Frequenty Asked Questions about Scottish Walking & Whisky Tour
How hard is the Scottish Walking & Whisky Tour?
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. Although the distances of hiking are not very long on this tour (except for one day with 25 km of walking), you will also spend a lot of time on your feet while exploring the local whisky distilleries.
Do I need a visa to travel to Scotland?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. You don’t need to carry lots of things with you and can only carry your daypack, as your luggage will be picked up from your hotel daily in the morning and delivered to your destination hotel.
Are meals included on the Scottish Walking & Whisky Tour?
7 breakfasts are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Glasgow to start this tour?
Glasgow is a big city with many direct air connections from all over Europe, as well as several cities across the world.
Is the Scottish Walking & Whisky Tour in English?
Yes, the tour guide is English speaking.
Where does the Scottish Walking & Whisky Tour end?
The tour ends where it begins, in Glasgow.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Scotland?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Scotland?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Reviews
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Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
4.7
7 ratings
Written Reviews
There are no written reviews yet.
7 total ratings, 0 with reviewsPrices
What travellers say
Stephen L.
I’ve been using 10A route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10A made that happen.
Melinda S.
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Gabriela H.
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Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
When can I do this tour?
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Why 10Adventures?
Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews
Tour Difficulty
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. Although the distances of hiking are not very long on this tour (except for one day with 25 km of walking), you will also spend a lot of time on your feet while exploring the local whisky distilleries.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Local guide
Andrew
Falkirk, Scotland
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