Scotland, Day 4: Island Hopping to Isle of Arran, Lochranza Distillery, Isle of Islay, Late Arrival at Islay House

A final look at our breakfast room at Alamo Guest House.

Today: a big travel day for us. We have a series of ferries to catch, and two islands to visit, as we make our way to our next hotel.

We had a small drive from Glasgow to the Ardrossan CalMac terminal. From there, we had a short ferry to Arran.

After that, we had a ferry to catch from Lochranza to Claonaig. Then, a short drive to another ferry that would take us from Kennecraig to Port Ellen. With us then arriving pretty late at night on Islay.

At our first ferry (we bought tickets ahead of time). To my horror, I learned that the tickets I purchased were for the wrong direction. Luckily, the agent got me sorted out and we got a spot on the proper ferry.

Our ferry, ready for the cars to board.

A hilarious and terrifying sign.

Our car, parked on the ferry!

On Arran, taking a short break on the drive to Lochranza.

Stopping at Arran for lunch.

Sadly, the servers at the cafe didn’t seem to really know much about their own whisky. Liz had to work really hard to ask a lot of questions, and it just didn’t seem like any of the staff knew a lot about their own product.

It would be different if this were just some random shop. But it was the cafe that was inside the distillery.

Our (smaller) ferry, taking us from Lochranza to Claonaig (the ferry ride was only 30 minutes long).

From here, we had a 10 minute drive to get to the next ferry. A lot of jumping from today, from port to port.

In line for the big trek: Kennecraig to Port Ellen (a 2+ hour trek). Luckily, my round trip tickets I purchased in advance were correct.

Late dinner, fish and chips.

Waiting to depart, Port Ellen.

Late arrival at Islay House.

Enjoying a very late (and very well deserved) dram, at the end of a long travel day.

Related:
Scotland, Day 1: Driving to Glasgow, Dinner at The Butchershop
Scotland, Day 2: Auchentoshan Distillery, Kelvingrove Park, Dinner at Fanny Trollopes and Bon Accord
Scotland, Day 3: Glasgow Necropolis, Glasgow Cathedral, Tasting at Glen Goyne Distillery, Dinner at Stravaigin