DAY 1

Morning

Drive over the bridge to Skye, and begin your tour at Torabhaig Distillery, housed in an old farm steading which has been lovingly restored. Take a distillery tour, hear about the unique Journeyman’s Drams, and taste Torabhaig expressions and maybe even pair it with chocolate.

Not far from the distillery is Armadale Castle, Museum and Gardens – a lovely place to stretch your legs for a wee walk before you head towards your next destination.

Afternoon

Less than an hour away, pick up the ferry to Raasay. This is a short 25 minute ride across the waves to this hidden gem. From the dock it’s just a 5 minute walk up to the Isle of Raasay Distillery, where another tour will teach you how these independent thinkers put a modern twist on their whisky-making process. When you take a bottle home, it’s the first time that whisky has ever left the island! Tours here may include Raasay Gin and possibly more chocolate.

Torabhaig Distillery

Accommodation and Dining:

For a really unique treat, spend the evening in the distillery hotel Borodale House. Dining is available at the distillery as well, but must be booked in advance.

Transportation:

The Skye Bridge is an easy way to drive onto the island. Alternatively, there are ferries from Mallaig and Glenelg.

The CalMac ferry from Sconser to Raasay is a turn up and go ferry with no advance booking. Be sure to not wait until the last minute to catch the ferry back to the mainland if you don’t have overnight accommodation on the island, as the ferry can fill up.

Helpful tips:

If accommodation isn’t available on Raasay, head towards your next destination and consider staying at the Sligachan or the Glenbrittle Campsite

DAY 2

Morning

Talisker Distillery is next on the agenda. We hope you booked this one far in advance, as tickets sell out quickly. Whisky experiences here include their signature tour, an immersive tasting experience, and the opportunity to draw your own straight from the cask. For those who haven’t pre-booked, the retail centre offers a bar for tasting flights, the opportunity to fill your own custom engraved bottle, and a shopping delight.

Afternoon

We recommend aiming to be in Uig by evening for an early morning ferry to Harris the next day. The afternoon offers a chance to hike out to the Fairy Pools, drive to the Old Man of Storr for that photo op, spend a bit of time in colourful Portree, wander around Dunvegan Castle and Gardens, or visit the Fairy Glen near Uig. The choice is yours, the hard part is choosing just one!

Talisker Distillery

Accommodation and Dining:

There are many choices of accommodation on Skye, from camping and glamping, B&Bs, self-catering, and hotels. Portree offers a lovely view while dining.

Helpful tips:

Book your tickets and accommodation ahead of time, and allow extra time to drive to Uig.

DAY 3

Morning

Take the ferry to Tarbet, where you’ll be greeted by the sight of the Isle of Harris Distillery as you disembark. Pop in for a tour and tasting of their gin and whisky, and be sure to visit their retail shop for some bottles to take home.

After your visit, there’s a Harris Tweed shop just across the road, if you want to take some cloth or gifts home.

Afternoon

Before heading south, take the road out to Luskentyre Beach to see those crystal blue waters and white sandy beach for yourself. This is truly a spectacular beach to visit, and looks just like a Caribbean beach. It might feel a bit colder if you take a dip!

Isle of Harris Distillery

Accommodation and Dining:

The Harris Hotel and Hotel Hebrides in Tarbert offer both accommodation and meals close to the distillery.

Transportation:

The CalMac ferry from Uig (Skye) to Tarbert (Harris) is a pleasant journey across the minch. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins accompanying the ferry.

Helpful tips:

Book your ferry and accommodation ahead of time to remove the stress of not knowing if there will be standby room on the ferry or a place to stay.

DAY 4

Morning

Take the early morning ferry from Leverburgh to Berneray. From here it’s a leisurely drive to Benbecula Distillery. Stop at the Barpa Langais Neolithic chambered cairn along the A867 for a glimpse into the past.

Benbecula Distillery isn’t open for visitors yet, but it’s worth a stop and photo op to take in the sight of the glass lighthouse housing a shiny copper still.

Afternoon

Visit North Uist Distillery for a tasting of their award-winning Downpour Gin, or perhaps sign up for a cocktail masterclass! Learn about the history of Nunton Steadings, and be sure to pop into their retail area for a variety of goodies to take home.

After a visit here, there are more archaeological sites to see nearby, or perhaps go for a pony trek or stroll along a beach. The six islands of Uist are linked by causeways and close to each other, offering a variety of opportunities all within range.

Benbecula Distillery

Accommodation and Dining:

Take a look at the Visit Outer Hebrides options for accommodation on Uist.

Transportation:

The ferry from Leverburgh to Berneray takes just an hour to cross the Sound of Harris.

DAY 5

Morning

This day is a distillery-free day, as the ferry timetables can be tricky to sort. The easiest route to continue the Hebridean Whisky Trail is to take the ferry from Lochboisdale on South Uist to Mallaig. This is a 3.5 hour journey.

Afternoon

From Mallaig, you’ll drive along the scenic, rugged west coast from the silver sands of Morar, past the Glenfinnan Steam Train viewpoint, through Glencoe and Oban. Your ultimate destination could be one of two different places. During the summer, you can take a passenger ferry from Tayvallich straight to Jura, or alternatively drive down to Kennacraig and take the car ferry to Islay, and the Feolin ferry to Jura. Either way, enjoy the scenery, as this is some of the most beautiful parts of the country.

Accommodation and Dining:

We recommend you aim to stay on the mainland either near Tayvallich or approaching Kennacraig.

Transportation:

The Lochboisdale to Mallaig Ferry is the most direct route, but other routes are available. View the CalMac ferry options from North Uist, South Uist and Eriskay.

Helpful tips:

While it is possible on certain days to time the ferries right, it is a challenge to get from Uist to Jura in one day. We recommend not rushing it and enjoying the ride.

DAY 6

Morning

You’ve arrived at Jura! The distillery is in Craighouse. The Jura Passenger Ferry from Tayvallich will drop you off at its doorstep. If you’ve arrived by car via the Feolin Ferry, follow the road 8 miles into town and you’ll see the distillery on your left. Tours here are quite limited, so it’s best to book ahead. The retail shop offers tastings and a variety of bottles and merchandise to choose from.

Afternoon

You’ve been on a lot of ferries by this point, but you haven’t been on a boat like this. Jura Boat Tours will take you on a high-powered RIB out to see marine wildlife and the world’s third largest whirlpool at Corryvreckan, how exciting! For those who prefer to stay on land for a bit longer, a drive out to Lussa Gin or a wee walk down to Deer Island Rum might be more your style.

Jura Distillery

Accommodation and Dining:

The Jura Hotel next door to the distillery offers food and accommodation.

Transportation:

From Tayvallich, the Jura Passenger Ferry operates limited times during the summer.

From Kennacraig, CalMac offers two ferries which can accommodate cars, landing at either Port Ellen or Port Askaig on the isle of Islay. Port Ellen is just over a half hour drive from Port Askaig, where you pick up the Feolin Ferry to Jura.

The Tayvallich and CalMac ferries should be booked in advance. The Feolin Ferry is a turn up and go ferry, paying when you get in the queue.

Helpful tips:

During the summer months, if you are driving on the ferries (needing car transportation), these should be booked in advance, as vehicular space is limited. Accommodation on the isles is also limited, and even the distillery tours can sell out. While it is possible to wing it, be prepared for disappointment and be flexible in your travel plans if you have not pre-booked the essentials.

We hope you enjoy travelling the Hebridean Whisky Trail!