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For being on a beautiful location you have to give
Ardbeg 100 points already. I could spend days in just a few kilometer
radius. But more about what you can do there later in this distillery
visit.
The Old Kiln cafe which is situated in the, well, old kiln, is famous
for its excellent Scottish fare which is often prepared with products
from the distillery itself (flour, single malt) and other local produce.
It is an excellent way to start or end your tour, or resupply your body
after some other activities you could do in the area.
The tour itself is amongst the best I have ever experienced in any distillery.
Avoiding boring production process explanations and numbers our guide
explains about stories from the past, and includes a proper joke here
and there which quickly makes the whole group feel one.
The
distillery itself is also a beauty to look at. The malt barn is one of
the few left in the industry, and it is fun to read the chalk notes the
people left behind long time ago. If customs permit a visit to the warehouse
is the last stop before we enjoy our dram in the Old Kiln where also the
shop is situated.
Keen hikers might take the hike up to Loch Uigeadail, the water source
of the distillery. It is quite a hike, and there is no clear path, so
this is more something for a bit more experienced hikers (and navigators),
or those who go with someone who does. A little closer by, and just a
small walk further down the road is seal bay. THE place to go watch seals
who are sunbathing on the rocks just a small distance away. Further down
this road (go hike, and you'll get to see a lot of wildlife like deer
too) you get to the Kildalton Cross, the oldest highland cross that is
still standing outside, and dates back to the 8th century.
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