Islay

[Broch]

I've got seven days on Islay with several days on Kintyre either side now

So, other than the Whisky distilleries (which I am more than familiar with ), does anyone have inside knowledge of:

a) the most likely location to spot and photograph otters
b) shore fishing locations (beach, pier, rock)

I've been to Islay before but a long time ago.

 

[salad]

Hi , contact Jeremy hast ings. He lives there
https://www.islayinfo.com/islay_jeremy_hastings.html

 

[Brynglas]

I've got seven days on Islay with several days on Kintyre either side now

So, other than the Whisky distilleries (which I am more than familiar with ), does anyone have inside knowledge of:

a) the most likely location to spot and photograph otters
b) shore fishing locations (beach, pier, rock)

I've been to Islay before but a long time ago.

Hi Broch,

Islay is a regular haunt for me. Do you know where you're likely to be staying?

For otters and fishing, take your pick really. There are some lovely quiet spots up near Bunnahabhainn, there's a distillery up there as well. I've seen otters, seals, Eagles and Minke whales off the coast up there.

At the other end of the Island, out past Ardbeg (another distillery, very nice café!) Along the coast towards Ardmore is a rocky broken coastline where I've seen otters on several occasions.

For beaches, there are too many to count! The Big Strand, accessed from near the airport along a very broken up old runway is quite special, five or so miles long of clear sandy beach. Ardnave point is a lovely headland you can walk right around, plenty of fishing to do. If you can get to near the mouth of the Laggan River, conscious not to stray into the estate fishing stretches, I've caught sea trout and salmon down there as well as sea bass.

If the weather is bad, Ballygrant and Bridgend woods and Islay House gardens are good for a walk.

Hope this helps.

Sent from my SM-T819 using Tapatalk

 

[Brynglas]

Hi , contact Jeremy hast ings. He lives there
https://www.islayinfo.com/islay_jeremy_hastings.html

He's moved off the island a couple of years ago

Sent from my SM-T819 using Tapatalk

 

[Broch]

Hi , contact Jeremy hast ings. He lives there
https://www.islayinfo.com/islay_jeremy_hastings.html

Thanks but sadly, at the bottom of the article, it says he no longer lives there or runs the business

 

[Broch]

Hi Broch,

Islay is a regular haunt for me. Do you know where you're likely to be staying?

…..

Hope this helps.

Sent from my SM-T819 using Tapatalk

Thanks for that Brynglas, all very useful information. I'm cheating for this break and staying in a cottage near Port Charlotte. I camped last time I was here and found some lovely spots but we're 'camped out' this year (if you can believe that) so taking a more leisurely break

 

[Brynglas]

Thanks for that Brynglas, all very useful information. I'm cheating for this break and staying in a cottage near Port Charlotte. I camped last time I was here and found some lovely spots but we're 'camped out' this year (if you can believe that) so taking a more leisurely break

You've got great access to some lovely fishing just around Port Charlotte, and Kilchoman beach. If you're a seafood fan, the Lochindaal Hotel (a pub really) do a spectacular seafood platter with 24hrs notice.

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[Toddy]

If you get to Kintyre, there's an organic tannery at Carradale, Torrisdale Castle.
https://www.torrisdalecastle.com/shotp-2/
Their sheep and deerskins are superb, and they're made using bark tanning.
Fair bit down to travel though.

M

 

[Broch]

Thanks Toddy; I think we'll make it - probably try to do 'the tour'. I'd like to get all the way down to Keil Point - we'll see

 

[Toddy]

There's a superb jeweller too....if you're in the market for an early Christmas present
http://www.wallishunter-jewellery.com/profile/index.php

 

[Broch]

Ta, may stay clear of there

 

[Toddy]

 

[Sundowner]

Broch!!!! Take me ???? Pretty please??? I'll let you carry my crutches??

 

[Broch]

Broch!!!! Take me ???? Pretty please??? I'll let you carry my crutches??

Ah, if only you'd said yesterday - on Kintyre now

 

[Sundowner]

Ah ok, bad luck

 

[Broch]

OK, home now and I think I can claim that trip was 100% success

- Caught Pollack spinning of the rocks at Port Charlotte lighthouse
- Photographed otters north of Bunnahabhain
- Had some great food (including the seafood platter at the Lochindaal Hotel recommended by Brynglas)
- Tasted and bought some great whiskys

Here are a few (heavily reduced and compressed) photos:


Port Charlotte


Jura


Otter that's been in a fight!


One of about twenty seals


Red Deer on Jura


Stonechat


The Landy on the Beach!

 

[BJJJ]

Fabulous, memories made