Peaty Whisky

We left Crinan (an unexpectedly small 'town' - no shops, one hotel) to a worsening weather forecast and decided to head to a sheltered marina (Ardfern) about an hour away. The weather forecast was correct, Friday was truly awful with very heavy rain most of the day. The prediction for Saturday was better and we woke to sunshine and mostly clear sky and decided to make the trip to Islay, 45 miles to the south.  A mixture of motor-sailing and sailing and a favourable tide allowed us to make good time and were tided up on the 22 berth self-service pontoon at Port Ellen on the South East Coast of Islay by 6pm.

Leaving Ardfern, Loch Craignish

Islay is famous for its single malt whisky distilleries and today we took a hike to visit a couple of them within walking distance along the coast from Port Ellen. At Laphroaig we took the distillery tour, which we both enjoyed, although the strong peaty product is an acquired taste we're yet to relish, still there are plenty more drams to sample on the other islands.

The pictures show Port Ellen harbour, Ardbeg Distillery and Laphroaig. (Second to last snap shows a 1978 whisky barrel signed by Prince Charles in 1994).

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Weather permitting, off to Gigha tomorrow.