Kintyre Way Route
This is our suggested Kintyre Way route. Click on Itineraries & Prices for various route options.
Day 1: Travel to Tarbert and spend the evening at your first nights’ accommodation in this pretty and bustling fishing port.
Day 2: Tarbert to Claonaig (12 miles / 19 km)
The Kintyre Way begins by climbing to the ruins of Tarbert Castle from where there are superb views across Kilbrannan Sound to the Island of Arran. From Skipness it follows the shore to the ferry pier at Claonaig; on the way it is a short but wonderful diversion to the ruins of Skipness Castle. 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 collected and transferred to your accommodation in either Clachan or Tarbert.
Day 3: Claonaig to Clachan (9.5 miles / 15.5 km)
From the ferry pier at Claonaig the Kintyre Way route heads south & then steadily climbs through farm & moorland to provide more views across Kilbrannan Sound. You may see the small ferry plying back and forth between Claonaig and Lochranza on Arran.
The track then enters Achaglass Forest before skirting Loch Ciaran and descends to the village of Clachan where there are superb views over to the Islands of Islay and Jura.
Day 4: Clachan to Tayinloan (9 miles / 14 km)
From Clachan village the route follows the main road south to reach Ronachan Point 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 offers wonderful views across the Sound of Gigha to the Inner Hebrides.
From Tayinloan, catch the ferry to the Island of Gigha, just 9km long but well worth an additional day; its special atmosphere makes it a place to really savour.
Day 5: Tayinloan to Carradale (16 miles / 26 km)
The Kintyre Way makes a complete traverse of the peninsula, beginning on the west coast and finishing on the east. From Tayinloan jetty the route heads 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 wonderful views across Kilbrannan Sound to Arran.
Day 6: Carradale to Campbeltown (20 miles / 32 km)
From Carradale the route visits pretty Torrisdale Bay and 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 then heads west to scenic Lussa Loch before continuing south along an attractive minor road into Campbeltown, the largest town in Kintyre where the route runs down to the harbour.
Day 7: Campbeltown to Dunaverty Bay (21 miles / 33.5 km)
Undoubtedly the toughest but most rewarding day, the final day of your Kintyre Way walk passes through wild and challenging countryside. The first section follows minor roads for most of its length & rather than walking we recommend taking a bus (or a taxi) from Campbeltown to Machrihanish and enjoy a walk along this wonderful sandy beach.
Then head across empty moorland and after a steep walk up to a ridge the toughest walking is behind you. The route continues down to the beach at Dunaverty Bay which is the end of the Kintyre Way and a short walk takes you into Southend village. There are limited facilities in Southend so we will arrange for you to stay here or back in Campbeltown.
Day 8: Onward Travel
