An Afternoon at the Distilleries, South Islay - Two weeks on Islay in June 2007, Scotland

After the walk on The Oa in the morning we were quite hungry. The Old Kiln Cafe at Ardbeg distillery with its generous portions was the right answer to this problem. From The Oa we drove to Port Ellen and then followed the A846 to Ardbeg. A quick photo opportunity in front of the visitor centre with the cafe, then we were hoping for an empty table within a reasonable time. We were in luck, after only a few minutes a table became available and we could sit down. As usual the food was excellent and the portions big. Everyone was happy after the meal, we also noticed several other participants from the walk in the morning having chosen the same option for lunch. Now it was time for some rest and some photography in the beautiful afternoon sun and warm weather.

	One of the first things we did was to take a family picture: Behind the visitor centre is a row of six chairs made out of recycled whisky casks, plenty enough for a family of four. As there was nobody around we used a tripod and the self timer at the camera for the pictures, I'm quite pleased with the results. With the family pictures taken care of my sister and me turned our attention to the distillery. While our parents rested in the cask chairs we explored the area around the distillery, taking lots of pictures. My sister walked out on the pier, I climbed a small hill just west of the distillery. Now we could take pictures of us taking pictures: I'm the one standing on the top of the hill, if you look very closely you can just make out my sister at the end of the pier. On to more pictures!

From the hills I had a nice view north-east, overlooking the distillery and Loch an t-Sàilein. You can also view a Quicktime VR version of the Ardbeg Distillery and Coastline Panorama, Islay, showing you how the distillery fits into the coastline:
	Once I reached Meall Ard (the highest part of the coastline between Ardbeg and Lagavulin) I had a fantastic view west over Lagavulin Bay and the shore. By now it had cleared up almost completely, the sun was glistening on the water and green of the vegetation was shining bright in the sunshine. The island of Texa was nicely visible just off the shore between Lagavulin and Laphroaig. I decided to walk a bit further for a closer view. Standing on a hill just above Lagavulin Bay I had an excellent view of the ruins of Dunyvaig Castle. There isn't much left of it and what is left is quite overgrown, but it must have been impressive back when it was at its prime. Lagavulin distillery was partly hidden by a small hill and some trees, but it's roofs and the warehouse with the big Lagavulin letters were visible.

The view west over Lagavulin Bay and Texa was very nice, also parts of Port Ellen were visible in the distance. For a better view try the Quicktime VR panorama of Lagavulin Bay, Islay:
	Walking back to Ardbeg I had a nice view of a buzzard hunting in the area. I had seen it earlier on my way out, but then it was too far away to take a picture. This time it was flying almost right above me and not too high, allowing me to take a reasonable picture. My parents and sister were waiting for me at Ardbeg, having enjoyed the sun and a relaxing afternoon. On the way back we stopped at Laphroaig to pick up our Friends of Laphroaig rent, later in Bowmore for some quick food shopping. Our last stop on the way back to Kilchoman was at the raised beach near Uiskentuie. Next to the raised beach is a pebble beach, where we tried to find some nice stones for some stone skipping/ skimming. We weren't too successful, most of the stones were round, not flat, and therefore not particularly useful.

If you are interested in more information about Islay, Colonsay and Jura you might also be interested in my Isle of Islay pages. There you will find many more pictures and further information about Islay, Jura and Colonsay.

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