Port Ellen
Port Ellen Port Ìlein | |||
Location Map ( geo) | |||
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County | |||
Argyll | |||
Highway Authority | |||
Argyll and Bute | |||
Port Ellen is a pretty town on the south side of the island of Islay and one of the two ferry ports for the island. The town curves around the harbour, which is dotted with rocky outcrops and is protected by a string of islands at the entrance. To the east, strung along the coast are three of the famous Islay Distilleries, producing the famous Ardbeg, Lagavullin and Laphroaig Whiskies. Because of their proximity, Port Ellen is the main port for the grain that is brought to the island, with a storage facility near the pier.
The only classified road in the town is the A846, which approaches from Bowmore to the north along a 7 mile long straight, which continues for the last half mile or so as an unclassified road, whilst the A846 doglegs to the east, meeting the B8016 at the second turn. The B8016 has also come from the north, leaving the A846 between Bowmore and Bridgend, but the A road is the faster route, despite being longer. To the east, the A846 continues as far as Ardbeg. In the past, maps suggest it ran down to Ardbeg Pier, or just the distillery but this may not be the case any more.
Routes
Route | To | Notes |
Bowmore, Bridgend | ||
Ardbeg | ||
Bridgend (A846) | ||
to Kennacraig and the A83 |