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A tale of two coasts, two characters, one unforgettable journey. 

Scotland is rich with whisky regions, but two names stand apart for those seeking depth, distinction, and a little mystery: Islay and Campbeltown. Each one weaves tradition, flavour, and storytelling into every sip. And while no two drams are the same, the experience of discovering them is always memorable, especially when led by an expert guide on a private whisky tour. 

This is your guide to choosing between two legendary whisky destinations or deciding to do both. 

Flavour First: What’s in the Glass 

Islay: Smoke from the Sea 

Islay whisky is elemental. Born of peat, sea air, and stormy coastlines, it’s not just smoky—it’s alive. From Laphroaig’s medicinal bite to Ardbeg’s charcoal fire, each sip carries the echo of tradition and the tang of salt spray. Bruichladdich, Bowmore and Bunnahabhain offer gentler interpretations, but the island’s unmistakable character lingers long after the glass is empty. 

This is a destination for those who like their spirits bold, unapologetic and deeply rooted in the land. 

Campbeltown: Coastal Complexity 

Once home to over 30 distilleries, Campbeltown now holds just three, but what remains is extraordinary. Springbank is the darling of collectors and connoisseurs alike, made entirely in-house using time-honoured techniques. Glen Scotia offers elegant maritime drams, while Glengyle’s Kilkerran bottlings are beautifully balanced with light smoke and orchard fruit. 

There’s an oiliness, a depth, and a heritage here that speaks of sea journeys, shipbuilding, and an enduring dedication to craftsmanship. 

The Distillery Experience 

Islay Distillery Tours 

From the moment you arrive, Islay welcomes you like an old friend, with sea air in your lungs and peat fires in the distance. Distillery visits here go beyond tasting; they’re total immersion. Walk the malting floors, step into stone warehouses, and hear the stories of islanders who’ve distilled whisky for generations. 

Highlights include behind-the-scenes tours at Lagavulin, hand-filled bottles at Kilchoman, and the dramatic cliffside setting of Bunnahabhain. 

Campbeltown Distillery Tours 

Fewer in number but mighty in experience, Campbeltown’s distilleries are some of the most intimate in Scotland. At Springbank, watch traditional methods in action, from floor malting to bottling, all on site. Glen Scotia’s stone buildings and quiet charm make it a peaceful contrast to Islay’s bustle, while Kilkerran offers rare insight into the revival of a historic label. 

Here, it’s not just whisky making: it’s whisky storytelling. 

Setting & Scenery 

Islay 

Think windswept beaches, dramatic Atlantic cliffs, and remote single-track roads framed by dry-stone walls. The natural beauty of Islay is rugged and poetic, shaped by weather and sea. From ancient standing stones to sheep-dotted moorland, it’s a place where nature and spirit-making meet. 

Don’t miss the Fèis Ìle festival in the last week of May: eight days of celebration, music, and island pride, all centred around whisky. 

Campbeltown 

Perched on the Mull of Kintyre, Campbeltown is smaller and more secluded. But it offers a sense of depth—its misty harbour, 19th-century warehouses, and echoes of a boom time when whisky ships left daily for Glasgow and beyond. Today, it feels like a well-kept secret. 

The landscape unfolds slowly; with quiet hills, lochs, and sea views all best enjoyed over a dram. 

Which Should You Choose? 

Both regions are best explored slowly, with time to taste, reflect, and connect.

Why Travel with Scottish Routes 

At Scottish Routes, we create immersive whisky journeys through Islay, Campbeltown, and beyond. Choose from: 

• Private whisky tours, tailored entirely to your preferences 

• Small group experiences, perfect for connecting with like-minded travellers 

• Expert guides, passionate about whisky, heritage, and Highland hospitality 

• Sustainable travel, staying close to the land and supporting local communities 

Every journey is designed with care, from your ferry crossings to your distillery appointments, so you can simply sit back and savour the experience. 

Book Your Whisky Adventure Today 

The next step is yours. If you’re dreaming of smoky Islay sunsets or Campbeltown’s coastal calm, we’ll help you get there with style and soul. 

Get in touch today to start planning your private or small group whisky tour with Scottish Routes. The spirit of Scotland is waiting.