Kintyre Way

A long distance walking route that criss-crosses the Kintyre Peninsula on the West Coast of the Scottish Mainland, the Kintyre Way extends for 89 miles (142 km) from Tarbert to Dunaverty. It includes fine views over Loch Fyne, the Kilbrannan Sound and Arran to the east, and Islay, Gigha and Northern Ireland to the west. Wildlife includes roe deer, grouse, red squirrels, hen harriers and golden eagles. The Way was officially opened on 12th August 2006 at Tarbert Castle by George Lyon, MSP for Argyll & Bute.

Divided into nine sections, ranging from 2½ miles (4 km) to 15 miles (24 km) in length, the route initially heads south from Tarbert to Skipness overlooking the east coast. It then turns west to Claonaig and crosses the peninsula to Clachan, hugging the west coast to Tayinloan, before crossing the peninsula again to Carradale following the east coast south to Saddell before heading inland to Lussa Loch. It then turns due south to Campbeltown following a minor road for much of the distance. At Campbeltown the route follows the B843 west to Machrihanish from where it turns south through the most remote part of the walk, before descending through Glen Breackerie to Keil and finally Dunaverty on the south coast. There are several side-spurs which extend the route, which is marked throughout by blue posts. Interpretation panels are installed at places of interest along the way.

A third of the route passes through woodland managed by Forestry and Land Scotland, using well-established forest tracks. The remainder of the route is equally divided between the ownership of Argyll & Bute Council (principally public roads) and private land. The route is managed by the Kintyre Marketing Group - a group of local businessmen who helped develop the concept. Funding came from Forestry Commission Scotland, who also did much of the practical work in creating the route, Argyll and the Islands Enterprise, Scottish Natural Heritage, VisitScotland and Argyll & Bute Council.


Use the tabs on the right of this page to see other parts of this entry arrow

If you have found this information useful please consider making
a donation to help maintain and improve this resource. More info...

By using our site you agree to accept cookies, which help us serve you better