Warm welcomes, plenty of whisky, and miles and miles of unspoilt golden beaches with aquamarine waters, the island of Islay is a wonderful destination for a summer trip.
Known as Scotland's 'whisky island', it's the ideal location for a drinks fan like me, but it's not the only thing 'The Queen of the Hebrides' has going for it.
The first thing you'll notice as you arrive by ferry, is the white-walled distilleries you'll spot in the distance, and you'll quickly see why Scotland's national spirit is so heavily linked to the island; there are no less than nine distilleries dotted around the landscape – with three more on the way.
If you are a fan of the uisge beatha , then the numerous signs naming them that you come across will leave you with a smile on your face as you drive past, and it can be hard not to want to stop and visit them all as you go.
I also learned quite quickly that everyone you see on the island will give you a wee wave; as a typical city boy, I was confused by this at first, and was convinced they were thinking I was someone else.
I was later told that this is just what islanders do and I was soon waving back at everyone like a gurning idiot as I passed.
Whisky
As I arrived in Port Askaig via the ferry, I was greeted by a sign for Caol Ila distillery pointing down a little side road. I of course take a right and found myself grinning like a Cheshire cat as I happily snap photographs of the first of the many Islay distilleries I'd come across.
When I eventually return to the main road, it's not long before a sign for a second distillery appears, this time for Bunnahabhain. Sensibly, I decide I don't have the time, and instead press on to the hotel at Bridgend.
Over the course of the next few days, I visit the likes of Bowmore, Ardbeg and the exciting new distillery at Ardnahoe (what a view), had I had more time, I'd have probably tried to visit them all if I could.
Even if you don't drink whisky, there is something wonderful about learning how this amazing spirit is made. Each offers something different too, and the many visitor centres, shops and cafes all offer a vastly enjoyable way to while away an afternoon.
It's also key to remember when faced with rain on the island (thankfully it was blissfully warm when I was there in July), that today's downpour will be tomorrow's whisky and nowhere is that truer than on Islay.
Islay Nightlife
One of the best things about Islay is how easy it is to get swept up in an amazing night out, which I found myself doing after a delicious seafood dinner in the Port Charlotte Hotel. I ended up joining the team from the exciting new Mac-Talla whisky range for a very enjoyable evening accompanied by a few of their (very tasty) peated Islay single malts and an evening of live music.
The Beaches
The next day saw me managing to avoid a major hangover, which I was very pleased about, meaning I could head to the beach at Singing Sands (or Traigh Bhan as it's known locally).
Found on the Oa peninsula, it sits opposite Port Ellen just south of the lighthouse at Carraig Fhada.
The beach is said to get its name from the fact that in the right conditions, the sand will make a singing sound as you rub the sole of your foot on it, I tried – and failed – to make this work, but wasn't too disappointed thanks to the stunning golden sands and aquamarine waters.
While a few brave souls were able to go for a proper swim, the most I could muster was a paddle until the water reached my chest, refreshing in the morning, but cold, very, very cold.
While that beach visit was a relaxing one, we swapped it up in the afternoon, for a trip to the Big Strand, the longest uninterrupted stretch of beach on Islay at five miles.
Adventure
This time around we were fatbiking, an exciting way to explore the beach using bikes with 4-inch balloon tyres that are ideal for navigating this stunning coastal track.
Under the guidance of Dave Protherough at KayakWildIslay who supplied all the equipment including the bikes and helmets, it was an amazing day out and one of the most fun ways I can imagine for getting around.
After a stunning few days on this welcoming little island, I took a final wander around the picturesque village of Port Ellen, before it was time to say goodbye.
However, this came with the realisation, that I definitely did not do all the things I wanted to, meaning I've every excuse to come back – and I fully intend to.
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