Route Stops
Tarbert is sometimes called Tarbert Loch Fyne, to distinguish it from other Scottish villages with the same name.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Congratulations – you have completed the Kintyre Way!
Kintyre Way
125 km
The Kintyre Way passes through a variety of landscapes as it heads south from Tarbert on Loch Fyne to Southend in the far south of the Peninsula.
The sea is never far away from this route, with many superb views to the dramatic mountains of Arran and Jura. Rathlin Island and the Northern Irish mainland can be seen from the southern stages.
The Way is regarded as moderate grade with a few exceptions, where some challenging terrain is encountered, particularly between Machrihanish and Dunaverty.
Kintyre is also extremely rich in historic, archaeological remains and abundant wildlife including; roe deer, grouse, red squirrels, hen harriers and golden eagles.
A visit to the islands of Islay and Jura or the community-owned island of Gigha can be arranged as part of this walk experience, just ask for details at time of enquiry.
Quality Accommodation
Door to Door Baggage Transfer (max 18kg)
Rucksack Readers Guide Book
Location Details For Each Accommodation
Travel Information from start to finish
Sugguested Equipment List
Route Packages
What’s included?
- An Electronic Tour Pack with full tour information downloaded to your mobile device
- En-suite accommodation from a selection of Hotels, Guest Houses and B&Bs.
- Breakfast included at all stages
- Bag Transfer at All Stages (max 18kg)
- A Kintyre Way Walking Guide Book
- A Guibo GPS Mapping App detailing all walking routes
- Travel information to the start and from the finish of the walk
- Emergency support during your walking period
What’s not included?
- Evening meals, packed lunches and drinks
- Travel insurance
- Travel to and from the walk start and end point
First established in 1996, EasyWays has built a strong reputation with the UK and International walking community in the delivery of walking holidays throughout Scotland.
The template of every successful business is grounded in long term relationships, and EasyWays, along with our accommodation providers and baggage transfer companies work as one to ensure your walk experience is both enjoyable and memorable.
As a Scottish based company we are close at hand to the walking routes and pride ourselves in delivering a bespoke service – tell us what you would like and we will build an itinerary to match.
