Section 1: Tarbert to Claonaig 11 Miles 18 Km

Evocative ruined castles, great views and wildlife filled loch side walking make for a rewarding first days walking on the Kintyre Way. The walk starts by visiting the ruined Tarbert Castle which dates back to the 13th century and after some rewarding climbing you also pass the huge ruins of Skipness Castle. The Seafood Cabin at Skipness Castle does excellent local seafood (Open Sun – Friday 11:00 – 18:00 Closed Saturday) and I would strongly recommend it for lunch. A pleasant loch side section brings you to the end of a breathtaking first section on The Kintyre Way.

There are no facilities in Claonaig so we will arrange for you to be picked up and transferred to either Clachan or Tarbert if you are not continuing to Clachan.

Overnight: Clachan or Tarbert Loch Fyne

Section 2: Claonaig to Clachan 9 Miles 15 Km

Today gives you your first crossing of the peninsula and what a day it is. Coastal and hill walking, peaceful hill lochs and great views of Arran, Islay and Jura all combine to deliver a wonderful day of walking.

Overnight: Clachan, a small village with small shops.

Section 3: Clachan to Tayinloan 10.5 Miles 17 Km

After the climbing of yesterday it’s time to enjoy the delights of coastal walking as you follow the shoreline south to Tayinloan. This lovely stretch of coast is a birders delight and also enjoys beautiful views across the Sound of Gigha to the Inner Hebrides.

Overnight: Tayinloan

Recommendation: Gigha is a unique community owned island with a very special atmosphere and only a 20 minute ferry ride from Tayinloan. It is well worth taking a rest day in Tayinloan and spending the time exploring Gigha. (We can of course arrange for you to spend the two nights on Gigha)

Section 4: Tayinloan to Carradale - 16 Miles 25 Km

Brace yourself for a varied and rewarding second traverse of the peninsula as you head east to the lovely village of Carradale. The way passes through a mix of farmland and forestry as you meander up and over the peninsula.

Overnight: Carradale, a lovely village with a range of services and accommodation.

Section 5: Carradale to Lussa Loch – 12 Miles 19 Km

After the hospitality enjoyed in Carradale you will revel in the coastal walking to Torrisdale Bay, a road section to Saddell Bay follows and after exploring the 12th century Abbey and 16th Century Towerhouse you head inland for 8km through forestry to the attractive Lussa Loch. The section ends at the Southern End of Lussa Loch where your taxi will meet you to take you into Campbeltown for your overnight’s accommodation if you are not continuing to Campbeltown.

Overnight: Campbeltown, Kintyre’s largest town with a population of 6000

Section 5: Lussa Loch To Machrihanish – 11 Miles 17 Km

An enjoyable linking day starts with a taxi transfer back to Lussa Loch and then the walk down the minor road back to Campbeltown. From Campbeltown the official route follows the B842 to Machrihanish so I would recommend taking a bus or taxi to Machrihanish and then enjoying a walk down the huge white sands of Machrihanish Beach instead.

Overnight: Machrihanish

Section 6: Machrihanish to Dunaverty – 16 Miles 25 Km

Undoubtedly the toughest but also the most rewarding section of the walk this section passes through remote and challenging countryside. Huge views dominate and provide a spectacular finale to your week of walking. Once you reach Largiebaan the toughest walking is behind you and you follow tracks and roads down to the beautiful crescent beach of Dunaverty and the end of your Kintyre Way.