Overview

Walking Holidays
7 - 8 Nights
100 miles / 161 km
  • Prices from: £790 per person
  • Start: Tarbert, Argyll
  • Finish: Machrihanish, Argyll
  • Availability: Any start date from March to October
  • Grading: Moderate
  • Way-marked: Yes

Kintyre Way Highlights

Island views
Read more

Keep the sea by your side as you enjoy wonderful views west to the Scottish islands of Gigha, Islay and Jura and on a clear day, you might even see Ireland.

Rich wildlife
Read more

Spot the rich variety of wildlife along the trail including eagles, otters, seals and basking sharks.

A wilderness escape
Read more

Explore an untouched landscape in one of Scotland’s lesser-known regions, also known as Scotland’s mainland island.

Secluded beaches
Read more

Breathe in the bracing sea air as you stride along the white sands of Machrihanish Beach and across Saddell Bay, where Paul McCartney’s Mull of Kintyre was filmed.

Picturesque fishing villages
Read more

Take in the pretty fishing port of Tarbert and the lovely harbour and beach at Carradale.

Whisky distilleries
Read more

As one of Scotland’s famous whisky regions, sample a wee dram of Glen Scotia or Springbank in Campbeltown.

Walking Scotland’s Undiscovered Peninsula

The Kintyre Way offers the chance to explore an undiscovered and beautiful region of Scotland, traversing a satisfyingly round 100 miles across the Kintyre Peninsula, from the fishing port of Tarbert in the North to remote Machrihanish in the South. The criss-cross route takes in beaches, woodland and gentle hills in an extraordinary variety of landscape and walking.

Read more

A hearty welcome awaits from the friendly people of Kintyre as you take on the challenge of the Kintyre Way, crossing from east to west and back again – never far from the sea or a secluded beach. You will leave feeling that you have explored a stunning area of Scotland that is all yours.  

More island than mainland, lovely Kintyre boasts hidden coves and deserted beaches along the wild Atlantic coast, tiny fishing communities, gentle hills and fabulous local produce.

There are magnificent views to the west to the islands of Gigha, Islay and Jura and on a clear day, Ireland and to the Isle of Arran in the east. Enjoy walking through rolling farmland, past inland lochs, coastal plains and sandy beaches. Spot the rich variety of wildlife including roe deer, hen harriers and golden eagles, together with a wide variety of noisy seabirds.

Kintyre Way Route Map

Recommended Itinerary

Our most popular itinerary is KW2 which covers the route in 7 days / 8 nights.

Travel to Tarbert for your first night’s accommodation
Read more

Arrive in the pretty and bustling fishing port of Tarbert and spend the evening at your first night’s accommodation.

Day 1: Tarbert to Claonaig (12 miles / 19 km)
Read more

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 2: Claonaig to Clachan (9.5 miles / 15.5 km)
Read more

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 3: Clachan to Tayinloan (9 miles / 14 km)
Read more

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 4: Tayinloan to Carradale (16 miles / 26 km)
Read more

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 5: Carradale to Campbeltown (20 miles / 32 km)
Read more

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 6: Campbeltown to Southend (16 miles / 26 km)
Read more

The penultimate section starts out from Campbeltown and follows the shores of the loch taking you past the sentinel of Davaar Island. The Island is linked to the shore at low tide by a natural shingle causeway called the Doirlinn. In a cave on the island is an image of the Crucifixion painted by Archiebald MacKinnon in 1887.

The route then follows a single track road known locally as the Leerside, which offers a stunning seascape of Arran, Ireland and the Ayrshire coast. The road takes you to Polliwilline Farm where you will then head towards the shore and a beautiful piece of coast walking right along to Kilmashenachan.

From here you will follow a minor road to the hamlet of Mill Park and then join the B842 into Southend village.

Day 7: Southend to Machrihanish (16 miles / 26 km)
Read more

Undoubtedly the toughest but most rewarding day, the final day of your walk passes through wild and challenging countryside.

From Southend you will head westwards towards the crescent beach of Dunaverty Bay, onto the road to Keil and onwards through productive farmland to Amod. From here you will start climbing towards the Scottish Wildlife Trust nature reserve at Largiebaan. Passing through wild and remote country there is little shelter on this section and no mobile phone signal, but offers amazing views out to sea and across to the Irish coast. Map and compass skills are often needed here as the waymarks may be hidden by mist or overgrowth and the path is not always clear on the ground.

You are then taken over open moorland to Innean Glen and inland towards Ballygroggan. From here, join the public road for a steep descent into the village of Machrihanish with the islands of Islay and Jura to your left providing a wonderful finale to your walk.

Onward travel
Read more

After breakfast, you will start your journey home after a wonderful walking holiday on the Kintyre Way.

What's Included?

Your Kintyre Way walking holiday includes:

  • Carefully selected accommodation along the route and trail transfers when applicable
  • En-suite or private bathroom facilities whenever possible
  • Daily door-to-door baggage transfers
  • Comprehensive information pack, kit list, guidebook and map (one set per room)
  • Personalised itinerary with details of your accommodation, route and recommendations for lunch and dinner
  • Traditional Scottish breakfast each morning
  • 24-hour emergency contact number
  • Full financial protection

Your walking holiday doesn't include:

  • Travel insurance
  • Transport to and from the start and end of the walk
  • Lunches and evening meals

Itineraries & Prices

We offer 2 suggested itineraries for walking the Kintyre Way.

Our most popular itinerary is KW2 which covers the route in 7 days.

Tour code
Itinerary
Average miles infoAverage miles per day
Difficulty infoLevel of difficulty
Price per person
KW1
6 Days / 7 Nights
16.5 miles per day
Moderate
From £790
Average miles infoAverage miles per day 16.5 miles per day
Tour code: KW1
Difficulty infoLevel of difficulty Moderate

6 Days / 7 Nights (KW1)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Additional information

Rather than walking the entire section from Carradale to Campbeltown, you may wish to use the local bus service from Carradale to Saddell. This avoids 5 miles / 8 km of mainly road walking.

Please note that the overnight stops may be different for our Standard and Premium packages. 

Single room & solo walker supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room. 

  • Premium: £100 per night
  • Standard: £55 per night

As we incur additional costs for transferring a single bag there is a solo walker supplement of £35 per day in addition to the single supplement.

Arrive Travel to Tarbert for your first night's accommodation
1
Day 1 Tarbert to Clachan (overnight Tarbert) 21.5 miles / 34.5 km
2
Day 2 Clachan to Tayinloan 9 miles / 14 km
3
Day 3 Tayinloan to Carradale 16 miles / 26 km
4
Day 4 Carradale to Campbeltown 20 miles / 32 km
5
Day 5 Campbeltown to Southend (overnight Campbeltown) 16 miles / 26 km
6
Day 6 Southend to Machrihanish 16 miles / 26 km
Depart Onward travel from Machrihanish

Prices

Premium
Best available Guest Houses, Inns & Hotels
From £1335 per person

Carefully selected guest houses, inns and hotels throughout your walk, which will be the best available in each location. As premium accommodation is in short supply on this trail, please note that some establishments will be of a higher standard than others. En-suite facilities or private bathroom guaranteed.

Standard
Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels
From £790 per person

Good quality and comfortable B&Bs, guest houses and some hotels located as close to the trail as possible. We will prioritise en-suite facilities or a private bathroom, although in remote areas with limited accommodation this may not always be possible.

KW2
7 Days / 8 Nights
14 miles per day
Moderate
From £930
Average miles infoAverage miles per day 14 miles per day
Tour code: KW2
Difficulty infoLevel of difficulty Moderate

7 Days / 8 Nights (KW2)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Additional information

Rather than walking the entire section from Carradale to Campbeltown, you may wish to use the local bus service from Carradale to Saddell. This avoids 5 miles / 8 km of mainly road walking.

Please note that the overnight stops may be different for our Standard and Premium packages. 

Single room & solo walker supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room. 

  • Premium: £100 per night
  • Standard: £55 per night

As we incur additional costs for transferring a single bag there is a solo walker supplement of £35 per day in addition to the single supplement.

Arrive Travel to Tarbert for your first night's accommodation
1
Day 1 Tarbert to Claonaig (overnight Tarbert) 12 miles / 19 km
2
Day 2 Claonaig to Clachan (overnight Tarbert) 9.5 miles / 15.5 km
3
Day 3 Clachan to Tayinloan 9 miles / 14 km
4
Day 4 Tayinloan to Carradale 16 miles / 26 km
5
Day 5 Carradale to Campbeltown 20 miles / 32 km
6
Day 6 Campbeltown to Southend (overnight Campbeltown) 16 miles / 26 km
7
Day 7 Southend to Machrihanish 16 miles / 26 km
Depart Onward travel from Machrihanish

Prices

Premium
Best available Guest Houses, Inns & Hotels
From £1430 per person

Carefully selected guest houses, inns and hotels throughout your walk, which will be the best available in each location. As premium accommodation is in short supply on this trail, please note that some establishments will be of a higher standard than others. En-suite facilities or private bathroom guaranteed.

Standard
Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels
From £930 per person

Good quality and comfortable B&Bs, guest houses and some hotels located as close to the trail as possible. We will prioritise en-suite facilities or a private bathroom, although in remote areas with limited accommodation this may not always be possible.

Kintyre Way Accommodation

All of the accommodation that we reserve for you has been personally selected by our expert team to ensure it meets our exacting standards. We regularly review our extensive database.

We will always prioritise accommodation as close to the walking trail as possible. Occasionally, your accommodation may be located a short distance from the trail, or you may need to spend more than one night in the same place, in which case we will provide return transfers.

Travel Information

As an environmentally conscious tour operator, we actively encourage the use of public transport by providing clients with a detailed breakdown of travel options in their information packs. The following information may help with your pre-trip planning.

Getting to Tarbert
By Air

Nearest Airports: Glasgow International Airport and Glasgow Prestwick Airport.

An airport shuttle bus operates between Glasgow International Airport and Glasgow city centre (journey time 25 min). A train service operates between Glasgow Prestwick Airport and Glasgow city centre (journey time 45 min).

From Glasgow, you can travel to Tarbert by bus.

By Public Transport

Tarbert can be reached by Citylink bus from Glasgow Buchanan Street Station (journey time 3 hours 15 min). There are usually 3 bus services to Tarbert each day.

By Car

If you plan to travel by car, it may be possible to park at your accommodation in Tarbert for the duration of your holiday. We can advise you about parking options when you make your enquiry.

Departing Campbeltown
By Air

Nearest Airports: Glasgow International Airport and Glasgow Prestwick Airport.

There are regular Citylink bus services from Campbeltown to Glasgow (journey time 4 hours 30 min).

Airport shuttle bus services operate between Glasgow city centre and Glasgow International Airport (journey time 25 min) and a train service operates to Glasgow Prestwick Airport (journey time 45 min).

By Public Transport

From Campbeltown, you can travel back to Glasgow by Citylink bus (journey time 4 hours 30 min). There are usually 3 bus services to from Campbeltown each day.

By Car

If you plan to travel by car, it may be possible to park at your accommodation in Tarbert for the duration of your holiday. There are regular local bus services from Campbeltown to Tarbert operated by West Coast Motors (journey time 1 hour 10 min).

We can advise you about parking options when you make your enquiry.

Additional Days

We would be delighted to arrange additional accommodation for you along the Kintyre Way.

You may wish to plan a rest day or have an additional night at any of the locations along the route which offer activities or sightseeing opportunities – we’ve made some suggestions below. Please request this when you make an enquiry.

Tayinloan
Read more
  • Take the 20-minute ferry journey from Tayinloan to explore the beautiful island of Gigha, the most southerly of the Hebridean Island. You can stay in Tayinloan or ask about adding a night on the island itself
Carradale
Read more
  • Take time out to relax in this small fishing village and enjoy the coastal scenery 
  • Enjoy a round of golf at the 9-hole course, one of Scotland’s golfing gems
Campbeltown
Read more
  • Enjoy a visit to Springbank, the oldest independent, family owned distillery in Scotland
  • Visit Campbeltown Pottery and buy a unique memento of your walk through Kintyre
Machrihanish
Read more
  • For keen golfers, Machrihanish offers one of the finest Links Golf Courses in the country

Make an enquiry

Kintyre Way

Need something more tailored?
Contact us via email:
enquiries@absoluteescapes.com

Back to top