Blackrock

 We had a couple of fantastic sessions on Islay even though we didn't get fantastic wind directions both times we've been.  Our first couple of sessions were at blackrock and we had a lovely surf over to Bowmore which can just be seen in the distance in the picture below.  We parked right next to the beach and were surfing in an east south east wind.  The launching was safe enough but we were at about half tide and the wind was pretty smooth especially considering the direction.

Traigh Mor 

Our other good session was on Traigh Mor.  We parked at the top end of the beach coming down the track by Drochaid Bheag. It's about 5 miles of good hard sand that would be buggyable at low tide without any worries.  You would need the right direction (south west) as it's not hugely wide.  The kite surfing was fantastic with really nice waves coming in and the only thing spoiling it was we could have done with a few more mph from the wind.

Kilnaughton Bay

Kilnaughton Bay faces SE and is the next sandy bay round from Port Ellen where one of the Calmac ferries comes in. We parked on the machair down the track at the East end of the beach.  The launching's a bit tight but it's not too bad and safe enough although we probably wouldn't recommend it for beginners.  You get reasonably flat water so it's good for practising your tricks and it's also fun to surf out to the lighthouse at Carraig Fhada. If you time it right, you can even do some showing off for the ferry passengers as it comes out of Port Ellen and past the lighthouse.

Other beaches we've looked at but haven't surfed - YET

Traigh Mhachir 

Traigh Mhachir - Looks good for kite surfing from SW through to NW.  Gets good waves and probably good for surfing but there are some strong currents so be very careful.

 Loch Gruiniart & Traigh Baile Aonghais

 
Loch Gruinart/Traigh Baile Aonghais - Surprisingly, there is actually very little launching space in Loch Gruiniart and it is a nature reserve so respect the wildlife! However, there is a mission to be had! Traigh Baile Aonghais is the north facing beach that stretches east from Killinallan Point. You can't drive to it so getting your stuff to the virgin sands is a right sod. If you can't be arsed to walk with all of your kit, we figure that given a nice northerly, you could launch from the big sand bank at Corran Ban on the west side of Loch Gruiniart opposite Killinallan point and surf across the end of the loch to the beach on the other side (see picture to the left). Not for the faint hearted or indeed the less experienced kitesurfer but we figure it would be well worth it even if you do get unlucky and have to walk back to your van from the other side!

Traigh Baile Aonghais

Other Activities

The good thing about Islay is there are quite a few other things to do as well as kite surfing. There is a lot of fun cycling to be had. We went for a great bike ride the first time we went and found Traigh Mhachir. In 2007, the cycling was fuelled by several drams of Bruichladdich which definitely took the edge off the steeper hills!  We had a lovely barbecue one night on Traigh Mor and also had a great walk where we saw an otter.  You can nip over to Jura (the island next door) which is well worth a day trip. If you can't be arsed to walk the 14 mile round trip at the north end of Jura to look at the Corryvreckan (3rd largest natural whirlpool.in the world), you could always book on one of the boat tours. We have done both and have yet to see the maelstrom in full swing! Also, there are  lots of bird watching opportunities if that's your thing - we saw a golden eagle last time which is always guda. 

There are plenty of distilleries if you are a fan of the Brown Water. There are 9 altogether - Jura, Caol Ila ('cull-eela'), Bunnahabhain ('boona-hahven'), Kilchoman ('kilhoman'), Bruichladdich ('brook-laddy'), Bowmore, Lagavulin, Ardbeg and Laphroaig ('la-froig'). 

 Not all have visitor centres or regular tours so check at the tourist info in Bowmore before you go. We've done the tours of Bowmore and Bruichladdich. Bruichladdich is the only independent distillery on Islay and is well worth a visit cos they have some brilliant old machinery and they've also been spied on by the Americans who thought they were making WMD! Take a look at their website for the full story of this and the yellow submarine.

Getting there and accomodation

As usual for Scottish islands getting there is a  Caledonian MacBrayne ferry or an airplane.  The little ferry route over to Islay is lovely but not very quick (what's the rush?!).  We left Edinburgh at about 8AM and were there by 3 o'clock ish and took 3 ferries: western ferries from Greenock to Dunoon , a second ferry (cal mac) from Portavadie to Tarbert, and then a final ferry (cal mac) from Kennacraig to Port Ellen.  Alternatively you can get to Kennacraig from Glasgow on the A82 and A83 which, provided Johnny tourist isn't doing 40mph in front of you, is a really fun and beautiful drive. And PLEASE, in the name of The Wee Man, DO NOT PANIC if there are sheep wandering about in the road. You are in Scotland and this is normal. The best grass grows on the road you see. If you do drive to Kennacraig, make sure you have time to stop at the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar because you will have some of the best seafood you will ever come across there. There is also a shop so you can do a picnic if the restaurant is full or you're in a rush thanks to some git who wouldn't pull over!

There is plenty accommodation  on the island but it's worth booking in advance.  We didn't the first time and stopped in a selection of lovely B&B's but you do run the risk of getting caught out if you leave it too late. For our 2007 trip we stayed at a holiday cottage called Tigh Na Coille (don't ask us how you say it!) near Bruichladdich which was perfectly placed for easy beach and distillery access and sleeps up to 5 people plus pets. 

We've had a selection lovely meals on Islay. The Harbour Inn is a place you should visit because the food is excellent as is the view from the conservatory. Be aware that you will probably need to book a couple of days in advance to make sure you aren't disappointed.  The Indian restaurant in Bowmore is also excellent and they do take-away as well as sit in meals which can be handy if you're on the late ferry or have had a late session. The pub in Bridgend also does very good meals (bar and restaurant menus) and has a good selection of the local ales which are well worth a try if you like beer.

You can do a big Tesco shop before you go if you really want to but the local shops on the island are generally very well stocked (especially if you want to buy whisky!). There's a Co-op in Bowmore as well as a good butcher. There is also Jean's Fish Van if you're a fishy soul - she does a mean kipper. You'll have to ask a local what her timetable is as she is in different towns on different days.