Long distance
Kintyre Way
Follows the length of the Kintyre peninsula from Tarbert to Machrihanish. Coastal walking, forest tracks, remote moorland and the famous Mull of Kintyre.
Quick facts
- Distance
- 161 km/ 100 mi
- Typical days
- 7
- Total ascent
- 3500 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Start → Finish
- Tarbert → Machrihanish
- Best direction
- North to South
✔ Waymarked throughout
Our take
The Kintyre Way is longer than most people expect and wilder than its southern latitude suggests. The middle section through Carradale forest and over moorland can feel genuinely remote. The coastal stretches are spectacular. Campbeltown is a surprisingly good town with a reviving whisky scene. The Mull of Kintyre detour is weather-dependent but unmissable on a clear day.
Highlights
- Tarbert harbour start
- Carradale Bay
- Campbeltown and Springbank Distillery
- Mull of Kintyre lighthouse
Day-by-day itinerary
A suggested 7-day schedule. Adjust to your fitness and conditions.
1Tarbert to Skipness22km · 500m ascent
From the picturesque harbour at Tarbert along the east coast of Kintyre to Skipness Castle. Views across Kilbrannan Sound to Arran.
- Terrain
- Coastal paths, forest tracks, some road walking.
- Overnight
- Skipness has the Seafood Cabin and limited B&Bs. Wild camping near the castle.
- Stats
- Tarbert → Skipness · 22km · ↑500m
2Skipness to Claonaig18km · 400m ascent
Through forest and along the coast to the Claonaig ferry terminal. Remote coastal walking with Arran views throughout.
- Terrain
- Forest roads, coastal paths, quiet lanes.
- Overnight
- Very limited at Claonaig. Wild camping or arrange B&B transport.
- Stats
- Skipness → Claonaig · 18km · ↑400m
3Claonaig to Carradale20km · 500m ascent
Over the moorland spine of the peninsula and down to the fishing village of Carradale. The walking is remote and wild on the hill sections.
- Terrain
- Moorland paths, forest tracks, descent to coast.
- Overnight
- Carradale has the Carradale Hotel, B&Bs and a campsite. Small village shop.
- Stats
- Claonaig → Carradale · 20km · ↑500m
4Carradale to Saddell18km · 400m ascent
Along the coast past Torrisdale Bay and through forest to Saddell with its medieval abbey ruins. Quiet and beautiful.
- Terrain
- Coastal paths, forest tracks, beach sections.
- Overnight
- Saddell has Landmark Trust cottages. Wild camping at Saddell Bay.
- Stats
- Carradale → Saddell · 18km · ↑400m
5Saddell to Campbeltown28km · 600m ascent
The longest day, down the coast and over moorland to Campbeltown. The town has a reviving whisky scene — Springbank, Glen Scotia and Glengyle distilleries.
- Terrain
- Coastal paths, moorland tracks, road walking into town.
- Overnight
- Campbeltown has hotels, B&Bs and restaurants. Major resupply point.
- Stats
- Saddell → Campbeltown · 28km · ↑600m
6Campbeltown to Southend24km · 500m ascent
South to the tip of Kintyre past Davaar Island and along the coast to Southend. The Mull of Kintyre lighthouse is a detour from here.
- Terrain
- Coastal paths, farm tracks, moorland. Some exposed sections.
- Overnight
- Southend has the Argyll Arms Hotel and B&Bs.
- Stats
- Campbeltown → Southend · 24km · ↑500m
7Southend to Machrihanish31km · 600m ascent
Around the south coast and up the Atlantic side to Machrihanish and its famous beach. The west coast is wild and exposed with ocean views.
- Terrain
- Coastal paths, beach walking, moorland tracks.
- Overnight
- Machrihanish has the Ugadale Hotel and B&Bs. Machrihanish beach is spectacular.
- Stats
- Southend → Machrihanish · 31km · ↑600m
Best months
Accommodation
B&Bs at Tarbert, Carradale, Campbeltown and Southend. Wild camping works well on the moorland sections.
Resupply
Tarbert and Campbeltown have full shops. Carradale has a small shop. Carry food for 2 days between Tarbert and Carradale.
Current conditions
Weather at the start point (Tarbert)
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:37
- Sunset
- 21:01
- Civil dawn
- 04:52
- Civil dusk
- 21:45
NOAA Solar Calculator · 2 May 2026
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