The Three Distilleries walk, from Port Ellen

Summary

For those who love peated Islay whiskies, there couldn't be a walk more tempting than one linking the famous distilleries of Laphraoig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg. Despite the name of the walk, they are now joined by a fourth, Islay's newest distillery, Portintruan. The walk takes the form of a metalled cycle path from Port Ellen, running close by but off the road for almost all the distance. All of the distilleries offer tours - best to book ahead; Ardbeg has a fine cafe at the end. The walk is described as a one-way linear walk - there is a bus service that can be used to return from Ardbeg (or the other distilleries).

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Metalled cycle path throughout - only short sections on road.

Getting there

Start

Port Ellen.

Public Transport

Bus to Port Ellen.

Start Grid Ref

NR366452

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 6.3km / 4 miles
Time: 2 hours - 1 day!
Ascent: 60m (Profile)

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

Port Ellen is the second largest settlement on Islay after Bowmore, with a few facilities, ferry terminal and a stunning beach. The Port Ellen distillery is now operating again after years as a grain maltings serving most of the other distilleries on the island. There is parking in the centre of the village, where the houses face a grassy shore and sandy beach. After exploring the seafront follow the main road past the Co-op, then take a left turn up the main A846 road towards Ardbeg.

Stage 2

After passing the houses and just after the school, the Distilleries Path begins on the right hand side of the road and runs parallel to it. Follow the path ahead almost immediately reaching the island's newest distillery, Portintruan on the right. As the path continues there are lovely coastal views as it passes the inlet at Sròn Dubh. After passing the old excise house it is possible to make a brief detour to the right to visit the MacDougall monument, atop a grassy mound overlooking the sea. Return to the main path and continue along it.

Stage 3

Soon the path leads past some of the warehouses belonging to the Laphraoig Distillery, and then runs through woods to meet a tarred lane. The lane is the access road for the distillery, so to visit Laphraoig detour to the right here. Laphraoig is renowned as one of the peatiest of whiskies and revels in its marmite status - loved by some, loathed by others - as is celebrated on the ceramic tiles on the walkway down through the distillery buildings, which are beautifully set on the shore. After your visit, return to the Three Distilleries Path, turning right to resume along the walkway through the woods, and soon back alongside the main road.

Stage 4

After a further 1km the buildings at the Lagavulin Distillery are reached. This is another legendary place for lovers of peaty malts, and is one of the oldest established distilleries on Islay - distilling was carried on this spot much further back than when it became a legal distillery in 1816. Again, a range of tours are available, and it is best to prebook. Back on the walk, there is no path on this section and the route follows the road past the distillery.

Stage 5

Eventually the walkway begins again initially on the right hand side of the road, and then switching to the left side, crossing a low hill. Eventually there are views to Ardbeg distillery. The walkway ends at the top of the lane leading down to Ardbeg - and it is from this point that you can catch a bus for the eventual journey back to Port Ellen.

Stage 6

Head down the lane to visit Ardbeg. It seems incredible given the status Ardbeg has now, but this historic distillery was for many years closed down - like most on Islay. It reopened to full production in 1998 and has since gone from strength to strength. Again, it is best to book if you want a tour, but there's a fine cafe here as well as a tasting bar. When you've seen or had enough, returning to the road for the bus - if you've timed things right!

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