Kintyre Way

Kintyre Way ~ 77.5 miles (125 km) ~ 6 days walking

The Kintyre Way passes through a variety of landscapes, taking in tiny fishing villages, extensive conifer forests, stretches of fine coastline, open hills and moors. The narrow peninsula means that the sea is never far away, and the superb views take in many islands including the dramatic mountains of Jura and Arran, fertile Islay and Gigha, and even Rathlin Island and the Northern Irish mainland from the southern stages.

Begin at Tarbert Harbour, situated on an inlet of Loch Fyne and criss-cross over the beautiful Kintyre peninsula to Claonaig and back to Clachan and Tayinloan. From there the Way crosses to Carradale where, from its central spine of higher ground, there are wonderful views to the islands of Gigha and Jura.  As you travel further south, you’ll see the mainland of Northern Ireland in the west and Arran in the east. At Campbeltown, cross over to Machrihanish to make your way round the Mull of Kintyre to Dunaverty.

The Kintyre Way is regarded as a moderate grade but is has sections where some rougher terrain is encountered, particularly between Machrihanish and Dunaverty. There are no steep slopes or severe gradients and most of the climbing is quite gradual but it can be tiring when wet underfoot. The remoteness in the south demands caution in bad weather and calls for basic compass and map reading skills.

Wildlife that can be seen on the Kintyre Way include roe deer, grouse, red squirrels, hen harriers and golden eagles, as well as a wide variety of sea birds. Kintyre is also extremely rich in historic and archaeological remains. Interpretation boards at key points along the route highlight these.

There are lots of ways to tailor your route through the Kintyre peninsula, selecting your overnight stops to suit your preferences, interests and time available. Why not enhance your walk with a visit to the island of Islay or the community-owned island of Gigha? In the south of the peninsula, there are a number of ways to explore the Mull of Kintyre. All these options are described in the “Customise My Walk” section below.

Interested in embarking on our Kintyre Way walk? Fill out our enquiry form.

Key Symbols

ROUTE TERRAIN

Moderate to Strenuous

ROUTE SIGNPOSTING

Waymarked 

NAVIGATIONAL SKILLS

Moderate

Kintyre Way ~ 77.5 miles (125 km) ~ 6 days walking

Easyways Suggested Itinerary

Click each day to expand.

Arrive in Tarbert

Tarbert is sometimes called Tarbert Loch Fyne, to distinguish it from other Scottish villages with the same name.

Tarbert to Claonaig (11 miles / 18 km)

Begin at the picturesque harbour of Tarbert and head north-east out towards Tarbert Castle. The route rises to give good views over Loch Fyne. Continue on a forest track and descend to the small village of Skipness, then follow a minor road south to the ferry terminal and Claonaig. Alternatively, it is possible to arrange a transfer to Kennacraig Ferry Terminal and take a ferry to Islay as an optional two night break, as described in the “Customise My Walk” section on this page.

Claonaig to Clachan (10 miles / 16 km)

From the car park for Claonaig Oakwood, set off up a broad grassy track, rising to cross deserted moorland before joining a forest road. Bear left to reach open hillside and follow the Allt Mor stream down towards Clachan.

Clachan to Tayinloan (9 miles / 14 km)

The Way from Clachan begins with some road walking along the coastline, providing great views across the water to Jura, Islay and Gigha with some fine beaches to enjoy en route. Depending on your arrival time into Tayinloan it is possible to include a ferry crossing over to Gigha for a short visit. Alternatively it is possible to extend your walking trip by adding an additional overnight on Gigha, returning to Kintyre the following day, as described in the “Customise My Walk” section on this page.

Tayinloan to Carradale (15 miles / 24 km)

Start with a lovely coastal section from Tayinloan and then climb through open countryside and forestry to Deucheran Hill where there is a wind farm. The second half of the section descends to the open glen at Brackley before ascending another forested hill to emerge with coastal views over Arran and then make your way down to Carradale.

Carradale to Campbeltown (21 miles / 34km)

A long stage of the Kintyre Way combining an exciting coastal section, farmland paths, extensive forestry tracks, picturesque Loch Lussa and finally a long section of minor road for the final descent to Campbeltown. Note – The first section can be impassable at very high tides – use the A83 instead. There is a very rough shore section between Waterfoot and Dippen Bay which could be impassable at very high tide and can be avoided by following the road. Otherwise the stage follows paths, minor roads and well-made forestry tracks.

Campbeltown to Southend (15.75 miles / 25.2 km)

The sixth stage of the Kintyre Way follows the minor road around the southeastern end of the peninsula for much of its distance with views to the offshore islands of Davaar and Sanda. From Polliwilline Bay there is a section along the shoreline, taking in some wonderful sandy beaches.

Terrain: Tarmac minor road for much of the way; grassy tracks and paths on the shoreline section.

Southend to Machrihanish (18 miles / 29 km) - Optional

The final section of the Kintyre Way is much more challenging but well worth the rewards. The fabulous coastal scenery is visable in all directions with a feeling of remote isolation and no settlements or roads visible for much of the day. Machrihanish has all facilities and regular bus to Campbeltown – where your overnight will be. 

Depart Campbeltown

Congratulations – you have completed the Kintyre Way! 

Prices from – £670 per person

Single supplement – On request

What’s included?

  • 7 nights’ accommodation for 2 people sharing in quality B&Bs, guest houses, inns and hotels. Rooms with shower/wc (where available)
  • Breakfast
  • Door to door baggage transfer – maximum 16 kg per bag
  • Rucksack Readers Guide Book
  • Location details for each accommodation
  • Travel information to the start and from the finish of the walk
  • Suggested equipment list
  • Emergency support

What’s not included?

  • Ferry to Islay or Gigha (optional)
  • Overnight accommodation on Islay or Gigha (optional – EasyWays will be happy to arrange this if you wish)
  • Taxi transfer from Claonaig to Tarbert (optional – EasyWays will be happy to arrange this if you wish)
  • Taxi transfer from Dunaverty to Campbeltown (if required)
  • Evening meals, packed lunches and drinks
  • Travel insurance

STAGES & DISTANCES

Tarbert
11 miles – 18 km
Claonaig
10 miles – 16 km
Clachan
9 miles – 14 km
Tayinloan
(Visit Gigha)
(Tayinloan)
15 miles – 24 km
Carradale
21 miles – 33 km
Campbeltown
5.5 miles – 9 km
(Machrihanish)
16 miles – 26 km
Dunaverty
16 miles – 26 km
(Campbeltown)

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE

Tarbert
5.5 miles – 9 km
(Kennacraig)
(Islay 2 nights)
(Kennacraig)
5.5 miles – 9 km
Clachan
9 miles – 14 km
Tayinloan
(Visit Gigha)
(Tayinloan)
15 miles – 24 km
Carradale
21 miles – 33 km
Campbeltown
5.5 miles – 9 km
(Machrihanish)
16 miles – 26 km
Dunaverty
16 miles – 26 km
(Campbeltown)

MAP

Photo Gallery

Want to book an Easy Ways walk?

If so, please fill out our enquiry form.

If you have any extra questions, feel free to contact us, we’d love to hear from you.