Day 1 |
Arrive in Tarbert, Loch Fyne |
Travel to the bustling fishing port of Tarbert for your first night's accommodation. |
Day 2 |
Tarbert to Claonaig
(12 miles / 19 km) |
The route begins by climbing to the ruins of the 13th century Tarbert Castle where you will be rewarded with superb views across the Kilbrannan Sound to Arran. From Skipness it is a short and worthwhile diversion to the ruins of Skipness Castle from where the track follows the shore to the ferry pier at Claonaig. You are quite likely to see seals and perhaps otters on this stretch and basking sharks are seasonal visitors.
There are no facilities in Claonaig so we will arrange for you to be picked up and transferred to your accommodation in either Clachan or Tarbert. |
Day 3 |
Claonaig to Clachan
(9.5 miles / 15.5 km) |
Fom the ferry pier at Claonaig your route heads south & then steadily climbs through farm & moorland to provide more views across Kilbrannan Sound to Arran. You may see the small ferry plying back and forth between Claonaig and Lochranza on Arran. The track then enters Achaglass Forest before skirting attractive Loch Ciaran.
The track begins to head away from the loch as it descends to the village of Clachan with superb views over to Islay and Jura.
The path continues through to reach the A83 at the small village of Clachan.
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Day 4 |
Clachan to Tayinloan
(9 miles / 14 km) |
From Clachan the route follows the main road south for 2 miles to reach Ronachan Point before continuing on close to the road with the Atlantic ocean a few steps to your right. In strong winds it can be an exhilarating experience walking along here.
This lovely stretch of coast is a birders delight and you will enjoy wonderful views across the Sound of Gigha to the Inner Hebrides.
From Tayinloan you can catch the ferry to Gigha, just 9km long but well worth an extra day and its special atmosphere makes it a place to savour.
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Day 5 |
Tayinloan to Carradale
(16 miles / 26 km) |
Today the Kintyre Way makes a complete traverse of the peninsula, starting on the west coast and finishing on the east.
From Tayinloan jetty the route heads purposefully up into the hills but the effort is repaid by the impressive views across to Gigha, Islay and Jura. A long, winding descent eventually leads to the lovely village of Carradale which has lovely views across the Kilbrannan Sound to Arran.
Carradale has a heritage centre as well as a spectacular 9 hole golf course. |
Day 6 |
Carradale to Campbeltown
(20 miles / 32 km) |
From Carradale the route visits pretty Torrisdale Bay, after which a road section continues south to Saddell & the haunting ruin of 12th century Saddell Abbey. On Saddell Bay is a wonderful fine pebble beach, where the video of Paul McCartney’s Mull of Kintyre was filmed.
The track heads west to the scenic Lussa Loch - this is all on good tracks and is easy walking. The main route continues south, mostly along an attractive minor road into Campbeltown, the largest town in Kintyre where the route runs down to the harbour.
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Day 7 |
Campbeltown to Dunaverty Bay
(21 miles / 33.5 km) |
Undoubtedly the toughest but also the most rewarding day, the Kintyre Way passes through wild and challenging countryside.
The first section of 5.5 miles follows minor roads for most of its length & rather than walking we recommend taking the bus (or a taxi) from Campbeltown to Machrihanish and enjoy a walk along the 5km stretch of wonderful sandy beach.
You'll then head across empty moorland and after a steep walk up to a ridge the toughest walking is behind you. The route then takes you down to the beach at Dunaverty Bay which is also the end of the Kintyre Way. Finally, a short walk past the golf course will take you into Southend village.
There are limited facilities in Southend so we will arrange for you to stay here or back in Campbeltown. |
