10 ways to lap up the light
As the northern hemisphere tips back into the light and we stretch towards the sun after a long winter, we share some of our favourite ways to make the most of the extra daylight hours by lake or ocean, fells or dunes… Early mornings, lingering twilights or seizing the day with as much as you can possibly squeeze in – what’s it to be?
1. Early morning wander before breakfast
WHERE? Another Place, The Lake and Another Place, The Machrie
When the sun’s shining in through the curtains, it’s hard to resist the call of a bright fresh morning on the lakeshore or beach before anyone else is around.
Dawn over Ullswater is often so still that the lake mirrors the fells, with soaring birds, glinting reflections or morning mist working their magic. Sit and take it all in on the hotel’s private jetty, or follow the marked path through the boatyard to lakeside fields full of lambs and killer views.
At The Machrie, slip out early for a walk through the dunes down to vast stretches of empty sand reflecting endless skies – and nothing between you and Canada. Barefoot is best, and a paddle in the ocean sure gets the day off to the right start.
2. Pre-breakfast swim
WHERE? Another Place, The Lake
Swim Club beckons from 7am, when the light pours in through floor-to-ceiling windows and two huge skylights. Earn your waffles with some fell-view lengths, or just float, gaze, breathe deep and contemplate the day ahead.
Feeling brave? A dip in the lake will give you an endorphin hit like no other – and the sheep shed’s hot showers and warm changing rooms are only a short dash away.
3. Early morning sauna and cold plunge
WHERE? Another Place, The Machrie
Bring in the heat on bracing spring mornings in The Machrie’s wild garden, soaking up the sauna’s warmth while watching the day brighten on the championship links and Laggan Bay beyond. Cold plunge, hot tub, sauna – figure out the order that’s best for you, before heading inside for a full Scottish breakfast in 18 Restaurant.
4. Morning yoga or Pilates in The Glasshouse
WHERE? Another Place, The Lake
‘Mountain pose’ takes on a whole new meaning when you’re breathing in fresh mountain air and gazing at the fells and sky through The Glasshouse’s glass roof.
Immerse yourself fully with an active break this spring or autumn, with yoga, Pilates and art and yoga breaks to choose from in May, June and October.
Across the water at The Machrie, the yoga and wellbeing break starts the day with invigorating Atlantic swims and calming practice beside the dunes.
5. Wildlife dawn and dusk boat trips
WHERE? Another Place, The Machrie
Head out along Islay’s southeast coast to the island’s Special Area of Conservation, which is only viewable from the sea. Leaving before dawn and arriving in time to watch the sunrise (on a clear morning – not guaranteed!), these boat trips are a great opportunity to see Islay’s abundant wildlife – including a large seal colony, red deer, otters, lots of bird life and some stunning scenery. For the very lucky, dolphins, white-tailed eagles, basking sharks and minke whales may even make an appearance.
If you struggle with early mornings, the sunset boat trip around the Mull of Oa – taking in towering sea cliffs, islets and the American Monument – washed down with a glass of Prosecco, is another option.
These trips are weather dependent, so keep an eye on Islay Sea Adventures website, or consider a dawn wildlife adventure on dry land with Islay Encounters.
6. Coming down the mountain – later
WHERE? Another Place, The Lake
With more light comes more opportunity – from longer walks to fitting in a lake swim or stand-up paddleboarding session before you even head off on an afternoon hike.
Nothing beats coming down off the fells as the sky turns orange. There are lots of good hikes of all distances and difficulty levels to choose from, taking in high summits, waterfalls, forest trails and lakeside paths. Take your pick from Another Place, The Lake’s new walking guides in the front porch, or plan ahead by viewing them all on the website.
Islay also has some beautiful wild hikes and whisky trails to explore – see the walks page.
7. Later tee time for a round of golf
WHERE? Another Place, The Machrie
As the days stretch out, make the most of later tee times from 4pm–7pm and play your round through Islay’s ‘golden hour’. Dusk is also one of the best times to spot hares bounding through the dunes and marram grass.
If you don’t have the energy for a full round, have a go on the six-hole, par 3 ‘Wee course’, or get social with a glass of something cold on The Hebrides 19-hole putting green (18 holes + a playoff hole), with its twilight illumination to carry you through.
8. Sunset swing
WHERE? Another Place, The Lake
Tap into the simple pleasure of swinging beneath an ancient oak tree, watching the light fade and listening to the birds.
While Another Place, The Lake’s gardens and lakeshore face southeast, so see the sunrise rather than direct sunset views, the intense colours of the fells and sky lit up in the afterglow – with patches of light ricocheting across the valley – can be quite something.
9. Firebowl and stars
WHERE? Another Place, The Lake and Another Place, The Machrie
The timeless crackle and dancing flames of an open fire can be mesmerising enough – but watching the stars appear in the dark Cumbrian or Hebridean skies above adds another dose of wonder. Spring brings warmer temperatures but without having to stay up until midnight for it to even get dark – a good combination.
Sit around a social firebowl in the gardens at both hotels, or, if you’re staying in a shepherd hut or the treehouse at Another Place, The Lake, get cosy with your own private set-up. Whatever you choose, marshmallows and toasting forks come as standard.
And if you want to take your stargazing experience to a whole new level, join one of Colin Hill’s night swims at The Lake – to find yourself floating on your back gazing at distant constellations.
10. A whisky nightcap on the beach deck
WHERE? Another Place, The Machrie
Let Islay’s finest drams warm you inside as you stoke the firepit on the beach deck and settle in for some stargazing – or maybe even the Northern Lights if you’re very lucky. Walking back through the dunes can also reveal some beautiful views of the moon rising over the hotel.
Find out more and visit Islay’s ten (and counting) whisky distilleries.