The Hebridean island of Islay lies off the west coast of Argyll. The isle provides long sandy beaches and spectacular cliffs, lochs of wild brown trout as well as wide sweeping glens, haunt of the majestic red stag, and forest, the traditional home of the European Roe deer.
Islay is world famous for its birdlife, amongst them many varieties of wild geese and ducks, partridge, wild pheasant, red and black grouse, snipe, and an abundance of migratory Woodcock.
It is linked to the mainland of Scotland by a vehicle ferry and British Airways flights. Its varied landscapes make it attractive for sportsmen and women and its long and sometimes bloody history has left many traces in the landscape for amateur archaeologists to explore. The climate is more temperate than the Scottish highlands and snowfall is rare.
Islay is also famous world over for its whisky and you will be able to visit any of its 7 distilleries (and sample!) if you wish.
Link to Weather On Islay (courtesy of Yahoo!): Weather On Islay
How to get here
The Gearach Forest is situated between Port Charlotte and Kilchiaran Farm
If you are coming from Port Charlotte:
Pass the Port Charlotte Hotel on your left. Take your first turning on the right, sign posted Kilchiaran. Follow the road for 1.5 miles. Pass Gearach Farm on your right.
Continue on the road, you will see that the Forest is on both sides of the road. Follow the road until you see white stones on the left verge, either side of a deer stock gate.
Please park by the black and white post in the lay-by.
If you are coming from Kilchiaran:
Pass Kilchiaran Farm on your left. Follow the road up the hill. You will see Loch Conhailbhe on the left and the Gearach Forest spread out in front of you.
Please park by the black and white post in the lay-by. The gateway has white painted stones either side of the deer stock gate.
Access by Air
Glasgow is the major airport in Scotland into which guests should arrive. There are daily flights from the USA and hourly from London Heathrow, England if you are coming from the UK, Europe, or the Southern Hemisphere.
A thirty minute flight from Glasgow via British Airways (Loganair) flight will see you in Islay Airport where you will be collected and returned at the end of your stay by ourselves.
There are two flights every weekday, morning and afternoon, one on Saturday morning and none on Sunday.
For more information on flights and on-line booking visit British Airways online.
UK BA Booking Number – 0870 850 9 850
International BA Booking Number – 0044 191 490 79 01
Access By Sea
Travel from Europe or anywhere in the UK via ferry is from the Caledonian MacBrayne Ferry Terminal at Kennacraig in Kintyre. Approximately 2 hour crossing to Port Ellen or Port Askaig, but please note vehicles must be booked in advance.
Caledonian MacBrayne Tel: +44 (0)8705 650000