West Coast Whisky from £695pp for 6nts
A true Scottish whisky is as unique as the environment that produces it and the scenically beautiful and truly unspoilt islands and west coast of Scotland are amongst the best places in the world for producing the ‘water of life’. We have put together a unique holiday combination, touring this whisky coast, starting with the Isle of Arran, then heading to Kintyre and the famous Springbank distillery, before crossing to the island of Islay, high on the list of places to visit for any whisky connoisseur. The holiday includes tours of four distilleries, each with its own distinctive character.
Day One - Isle of Arran
Your holiday starts on Arran, often described as "Scotland in miniature", with mountains, glens, attractive coastline, standing stones and castles, and easily reached by ferry from the Ayrshire coast. Your hotel is a short drive from the ferry port in a secluded glen.
Your Hotel
Your hotel is believed to be the oldest house on the Isle of Arran. It is certainly among the richest in its historic associations. Situated at the heart of grounds granted to the forebears of its builders by King Robert the Bruce in 1307, it occupies a spot known to have been inhabited long before that, which is why the house is listed as a building of historic and architectural significance. For all its proud history and its description in the title deeds as a fine Scottish Mansion House, it has a charming intimacy about it, which complements these grand associations. All the rooms are furnished and equipped to the highest standards. Each room is decorated differently and has fresh flowers, fruit and a wee dram of whisky to welcome you on arrival.
Day Two
As well as having plenty of time to explore the island, today you will also enjoy a tour to the proudly independent Arran distillery, in the pretty lochside village of Lochranza. Although a relatively new distillery, traditional methods of production are used. Arran was once home to numerous illegal stills, shipping their product to the gentry of the cities.
Day Three - Kintyre
Today you leave Arran by a different short ferry to the Kintyre peninsula and then make the short journey south towards Campbeltown & the Mull of Kintyre. Spend the day discovering the dramatic scenery, rich history and deserted beaches of this, our favourite Scottish peninsula. Continue through Campbeltown and on to the far south and the Mull of Kintyre. The energetic should walk to the Lighthouse, but everyone can enjoy - in good weather - the views to Ireland, just 12 miles away. In nearby Southend stop to watch for seals and to visit the spot where St Columba first landed after leaving Ireland on his way to Iona.
Your Guesthouse
This listed Georgian country house is both a family home and a welcoming bed and breakfast offering warm, friendly personal attention in a country house setting, just outside Campbeltown, by the Mull of Kintyre. Set in its own small estate less than five minutes drive from Campbeltown harbour and well away from the main road along a private drive, this house was built in 1780 for the Laird of the Achachoirk and Garvachy Estate.Situated in open countryside and enjoying views of Islay and Jura, it is on the very border between fertile farming land and the wilds that lead, uninterrupted, from here to the Mull of Kintyre.
Day Four
Springbank distillery claims to be the the oldest independent family owned distillery in Scotland. Founded in 1828 on the site of Archibald Mitchell's illicit still, the Springbank Distillery is now in the hands of his great great grand son. Springbank is also the only distillery in Scotland to carry out the full production process on the one site. 100% of the traditional floor malting, maturation and bottling is done at the distillery in Campbeltown. It produces the most hand made whisky in Scotland, with traditional production methods being used throughout the process, and human involvement at each and every stage. They now produce three different single malts, Springbank, Longrow and Hazelburn, using three different production methods.
Day Five - Islay
A short drive north takes you to the ferry port for the island of Islay - (pronounced eye-lay) , with your hotel overlooking the sea around thirty minutes' drive further.
Your Hotel
This luxury small hotel - just opened in 2008 - provides relaxed, informal accommodation and fantastic hospitality. You will appreciate the serenity of being away from it all, the clarity of the air, the ever-changing colours of Loch Indaal interrupted only by the wildlife busy on the shore. This view alone will make you understand why the owner recently returned home to Islay and put heart and soul into transforming this stately Victorian building. Your room is prepared with much care and attention. The kitchen makes excellent use of fresh local produce to deliver imaginative and mouth-watering creations.
Day Six
Time to discover why Islay became such a centre for whisky distilling, perhaps even crossing to the neighbouring island of Jura. We will arrange two contrasting tours, which you can choose. Perhaps the staunchly independent and innovative Bruichladdich distillery, close to your hotel, or the peatier products of Ardbeg, and Laphroaig will appeal. Other options include Caol Isla and Bowmore, or the relative newcomer, reliving the traditions of private production - the farm distillery at Kilchoman. We can arrange transport if preferred!
Day Seven
Return Home, by ferry to the mainland, then another scenic drive past Loch Fyne to Glasgow.
Prices & Dates
This holiday can be arranged from April to October 2012.
The price is £695 per person for April & October, £765 per person for May to September, based on 2 people sharing a double/twin room ensuite for 6 nights on a bed & breakfast basis.
The holiday includes tours of the Arran, Springbank and Bruichladdich distilleries, plus one additional Islay distillery of your choice.
Ferry travel for a car and passengers to Arran, from Arran to Kintyre and return to Islay is also included.
All our touring holidays include a map of Scotland with recommended routes from your specified starting point, suggestions on places to see and visit depending on your personal interests and our expertise to help you get the most from your holiday.
All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.
The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee
All our holiday prices include a service charge of £8 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday. We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value.
All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.
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