Whisky and the West Coast: 7 Day Sailing Itinerary

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On the cusp of the Kintyre Peninsula, the tiny town of Tarbert is a handy place to stop and stretch your legs, with several walks and hikes nearby. Take in the views from Robert the Bruce's 14th century castle which towers above the town, or go for a walk to the shell-strewn beach at the end of Pier Road.

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Portavadie is a lovely stop on Loch Fyne directly across from Tarbert, with incredible views along the loch and towards Kintyre. With some pleasant coastal paths, you can stretch your legs for a little while or rent bicycles and explore the area. There are several dining options and luxury waterside accommodation too, if you want to stop here for longer.

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The starting point of the Crinan Canal offers a breathtaking backdrop with Knapdale Forest and Kilmartin Glen forming the surrounding landscape. In Ardrishaig, you can stock up on amenities and have a bite to eat in the hearty Grey Gull Hotel with stunning views across Loch Gilp.

Continue onwards to Cairnbaan, where you'll find a peaceful night's slumber with several accommodation options. This passage can take a few hours in high season.

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Make a stop at this picture-perfect seaside village. In Crinan, you can absorb a little of the region's history with walks through the leafy Knapdale Forest, Crinan Wood and upwards to the highest point at Castle Dounie. A bustling place for visiting boats, you are bound to meet a few new yachting buddies!

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We'd recommend a visit to the famous Jura Distillery. A chat with one of the distillery team is a great way to get an insight into island life. They are a friendly bunch who relish the opportunity to recount stories from the past - once, you've been, you'll want to become an honorary Diurach. And the whisky is pretty wonderful stuff, too!

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Add a challenge to your west coast adventure and climb the Paps of Jura, the distinctive island peaks which can be seen for miles. Scaling the paps will probably take most of the day, so you could find an alternative walk if you're keen to get a distillery visit in, or explore more of the island.

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When arriving at Port Ellen by boat, the striking, square-shaped Carraig Fhada Lighthouse is a useful landmark. With excellent pontoon facilities available from March - October, visiting boats can stop here with ease. Enjoy a hearty pub lunch or perhaps an evening of live music. Port Ellen is also home to one of the island's Calmac ferry terminals, making it a hub of activity and the first stop for many visitors to Islay.

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Rent a bike and discover Islay on two wheels. Bikes can be rented and returned to Islay Cycles in Port Ellen, so you can explore the beaches, distilleries and island communities at your own pace.

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Grab a takeaway from the SeaSalt Bistro or sit down for a delicious dinner at the Islay Hotel, which has a changing seasonal menu, often featuring freshly caught salmon, langoustines and oysters from local fishermen. 

There are some lovely places to stay in Port Ellen too, with several cosy B&Bs, hotels and self-catering properties. 

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With big claims that it is the 'peatiest whisky' on Islay (it's got some tough competition), Ardbeg offers a range of fascinating distillery tours and tastings.

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Situated in a small bay in the shadows of Dunyveg Castle's ruins, Lagavulin Distillery has a history which dates back to 1742, which includes illicit whisky distilling and a friendly rivalry with its neighbour, Laphroaig.

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The unmistakable flavour of this single malt is thought to be one of the most distinctive tastes in the world. Learn about 200 years of whisky-making from a tight community of islanders who are passionate about this spirit.

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A stop in the town of Campbeltown is a fantastic base for exploring this peaceful corner of Scotland. Located on a deep bay sheltered by Davaar Island and the surrounding hills, Campbeltown was once 'the whisky capital of the world' and home to 30 distilleries. It now just has three - Glen Scotia, Glen Gyle and Springbank - each still actively producing excellent whisky. Golfers also have plenty choice with Machrihanish, Machrihanish Dunes and Dunaverty courses nearby.

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The only distillery that you can still visit today in the region, Springbank offers tours for whisky lovers eager to learn more about the peninsula's long history of distilling and production. There are several pubs, hotels and inns in the town where you can try a few more drams, or settle down for a cosy dinner.

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Spend a pleasant afternoon or evening here in Ardshiel Hotel's relaxed and laidback surroundings. With its impressive period features, the building dates back to 1877. Indulge in some delicious comfort food in the Garden Restaurant, or enjoy a drink in the award-winning bar. It's also possible to stay over for the night.

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Named after the rugged shores of Loch Ranza, the village is one of Arran's most scenic places, complete with towering mountains and a ruined castle, which dates back to the 1200s and was built for the influential MacSween family. The village also has a 9-hole golf course, and a hotel serving up some fine local dishes - perfect for hungry sailors! 

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Head to Lochranza for a distillery tour and discover the story of whisky on the Isle of Arran, see the distilling process in action, and sample the malt whisky and Arran Gold, a delightful, creamy whisky-based liqueur.

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Head to Brodick Castle and Country Park, the only island country park in Britain. Traditionalists will love it; it's the quintessential Victorian Scottish estate. Steeped in history, the castle was the ancient seat of the Dukes of Hamilton and houses a fabulous collection of artefacts, from silverware and paintings to even sporting trophies. Explore the garden to see the famous collection of rhododendrons or follow one of the woodland trails - you might even spot rare red squirrels.

Afterwards, set off along either the coastal road north or south to get a real feel for the island's geography. Let the kids blow off some steam at the Isle Be Wild adventure play area and for the adults, take it easy as you stroll through the formal gardens on the Silver Garden Trail.

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We're taking things to dizzying heights on our next stop with a hearty climb up to Goatfell. At 874m (2,867ft), it is the highest peak on the Isle of Arran where you will be treated to incredible panoramic views at the top. The weather in Scotland can be very unpredictable at times and its best you come fully prepared before you set off on your hike. 

Along the way, you will discover an abundance of wildlife and fauna including the dwarf juniper, sweet-scented heather, buzzards and golden eagles.

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Arran is definitely famed for its tasty local produce, especially its delicious creamy cheese. At the farm shop, you can watch as the cheese is made using milk from three local producers. Stock up on a few cheesy treats before heading back to the mainland, or purchase a selection of cheeses from the shop and have a picnic on the island. 

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Swap a dram of single malt with a pint from the Arran Brewery, which is based near Brodick. Here, you can see how Arran Premium Ales and craft beers are brewed to perfection and take in all of the brewery's enticing sights and smells.