Best beaches to wild swim on Islay

On the west coast of Islay, a short walk from the hotel’s front door lies The Big Strand. A 7 mile expanse of sandy beach located in Laggan Bay. It’s a popular spot for swimming, fatbiking and sunset picnics and stretches from Laggan Point through Machrie to Kintra.

A 20 minute drive from the hotel, you'll find Blackrockots, with lots of small bays with sandy entrances to the water. When the weather is calm you can swim to the black rock a short distance from the shore. Just right of the rock, there is a length of beach, ideal to swim along.

Kilnaughton beach is calm, sheltered and shallow making it ideal for small children. Walk round the ruins of an old chapel or walk over to Singing Sands beach and after, there are restaurants, cafes, car park and toilets nearby in Port Ellen.

On a sheltered and secluded part of Islay's east coast, a shingle and beach with views towards Kintyre. Drive up to the ruined church at Kidalton and the Kidalton Cross, a monolithic high cross carved in the second half of the 8th century AD.

Also known as Port Ban Beach Bruichladdich, it is a half-hour drive from the hotel, where you'll find Loch Indaal Way monument. Taking the stairs down to the bay, you'll come out to calm, clear and sheltered water. A popular area with locals.

A secluded cove where the sand is rumoured to sing underfoot and wild goats roam the cliffs. A peaceful spot for paddling, exploring rock pools and watching the waves roll in.