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If you are travelling by car to Islay by the Ferry for the first time the first thing you're likely to ask is where on earth is Kennacraig. Looking at the map you'll realise it's half way down the Kintyre Peninsula a few miles south of Tarbet and north of Campeltown. There is nothing there, just the ferry terminal.

A casual glance at the map will give the impression that Kennacraig is not that far from Glasgow. As far as the crow flies that's true, but by road its 105 miles  and you need to allow at least two and a half hours travel time, even more on busy summer days when there's lots of slow moving traffic on the roads.

The compensation for this journey is that the route is undoubtedly one of the most scenically beautiful routes in the whole of Europe. Leave Glasgow on the M8 taking the Erskine Bridge (toll 60p) exit and follow the A82 alongside Loch Lomond.  The route follows the West Bank of Loch Lomond its full length with many views over the Loch and to Ben Lomond at its northern end.

At Tarbet, at the north end of Loch Lomond, take the A83 (direction Campbeltown) crossing the end of Loch Long and over the "Rest and be Thankful" Pass into Glen Croe and Glen Kinglas. At Cairndow is the start of a delightful route along the shores of Loch Fyne. You might wish to find time to take a refreshment break at the Loch Fyne Restaurant, or stock up with goodies from their shop. Equally you may be tempted to explore Inverary or Lochgilphead before reaching the ferry terminal on West Loch Tarbert at Kennacraig. It really is worth leaving plenty of time to explore this route rather than just dashing for the ferry.