Bowmore
Bowmore Bogh Mòr | |||
Location Map ( geo) | |||
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County | |||
Argyll | |||
Highway Authority | |||
Argyll and Bute | |||
The island capital of Bowmore lies near the centre of the island of Islay, with an old harbour on Loch Indall. The town is a planned settlement, which is well known for the round church lying at the top of the main street. The main streets are lined with white terraces, most still houses but many are shops, hotels, or guest houses. The harbour has long been on the wrong side of the island for modern ferry services, and even the steamers stopped visiting, but this hasn't stopped Bowmore becoming the largest town on the island, and a pleasant place for visitors with a good range of services.
The main road through the town is the A846, which starts on Jura to the north west, crosses the Jura Ferry, and then crosses Islay from Port Askaig to Port Ellen. It enters on a narrow winding street, turns sharply into the town square and climbs the wide main street before dropping in width again to wind around the church at the top. The only other classified road near Bowmore is the B8016, which forms a sort of bypass to the east, from near Bridgend to Port Ellen. However, it is a slower route than passing through the town.
Routes
Route | To | Notes |
Bridgend, Port Askaig, Portnahaven (A847) | leads to Jura Ferry and Islay Ferries to Kennacraig and A83 | |
Port Ellen | also leads to Islay Ferries | |
Port Ellen | Starts near Bridgend to the east of Bowmore |