Skye, Sumardale River

Explorer Tom Talisker sits beside Loch Harport in Carbost, where the sea air seems keen to get involved in every dram. Skye has no shortage of scenery, but here you can watch the island's oldest working distillery make something to take home in a bottle. I would call that efficient sightseeing, provided I am not put in charge of the stills. Brothers Hugh and Kenneth MacAskill founded Talisker in 1830. The working equipment and copper pot stills give a tour more to see than a row of handsome labels, while the tastings explain why the whisky has its smoky, peppery reputation. Even the setting has a story: the distillery faces the tidal water of Loch Harport rather than hiding up a glen. The drive from Portree is about 45 minutes, but Skye's narrow roads can make any confident travel plan look a wee bit foolish. Talisker has had its disasters too. The company says a fire destroyed the stillhouse in 1960 and flaming whisky ran into Loch Harport. That is one way to make the neighbours notice your production day. The place recovered, and visitors can now choose a production tour, a guided tasting or a closer look at whisky drawn from a cask. You need not drink to appreciate the craft, and the shore is worth a pause before you leave. Tours are ticketed and advance booking is wise, especially in summer. Working areas span several floors and some have stairs; the visitor building is on one level. Maintenance can change which experiences are available, so check Talisker's current booking page before driving across Skye. I would also appoint someone else to keep the car keys.