Kintyre Way FAQ

Q: Where can I find more information about the walk?
A: A free leaflet is available from the Visitor Information Centre in Campbeltown, campbeltown@visitscotland.com There is also an excellent route guide available from bookshops and Rucsac Readers www.rucsacs.com price £10.99. Any specific queries can be sent to the route manager at routemanager@kintyreway.com.

Q: Would it be risky to walk this route on my own ?
A: The route is well waymarked but in poor weather route finding can still be challenging, especially between Claonaig and Clachan and Ballygroggan to Amod farm. Mobile phone overage cannot be relied on as a safety backup. Several sections of the Kintyre Way have no mobile reception with the best coverage, in 2007, provided by Vodafone. Solo walkers should always leave route details with a responsible person who will be able to contact the emergency services if needed.

Q: Do you know of any companies offering self-guided tours of the new Kintyre Way ?
A: Click on business directory, select “packaged walking holidays” and select “any” in the location box – a list of services provided should appear.

Q: Are dogs allowed on the Kintyre Way ?
A: Yes, but please keep on a lead as cattle, goats and sheep will be on the hills, this is especially important during the lambing season, March to June.

Q: I shall be camping all the way. Is there a list of camp sites available?
A: Click accommodation from the menu list on the left, select “Touring & Camping” leave next two boxes at "any". A list should appear. 

Q: Is the route clearly marked ?
A: Yes, sky blue markers with the logo (on its side) are placed throughout the Kintyre Way. There are also information boards at various locations.

Q: Do the ferries run all year from Lochranza (on Arran) to Claonaig ?
A: They run in the summer only from end of March to end of October.  Check with Calmac for details.

Q: Do the ferries run all year from Tayinloan to Gigha?
A: They run all year round, but with a slightly reduced service during the winter months.  Check with Calmac for details.

Q: Is the walk vulnerable to the weather?
A: Because of our location, visibility can change suddenly with mists rolling in over the hills. We suggest checking carefully with forecasts before setting off. Always wear suitable clothing and footwear.

Q: What is public transport like in Kintyre?
A: A booklet called Area Transport Guide Kintyre is available from campbeltown@visitscotland.com it lists all the bus routes on Kintyre. There is also a section on Transport on the "Links" page.

Q : Are there cash machines available on route?
A: Cash machines are available in Tarbert, Carradale, Gigha and Campbeltown.

Q: Can you tell me is this walk less or more challenging than the West Highland Way?
A: Not being a constructed path, I would say the Kintyre Way is a little tougher than the WHW in terms of terrain on some sections. The Machrihanish to Southend section covers rough hill ground with some challenging slopes, it is also vulnerably to mists rolling in from the sea.

Q: What are the OS map numbers for the route?
A: 1:50000 Landranger maps for Kintyre are - Number 62 North Kintyre & Tarbert and Number 68 South Kintyre & Campbeltown. The 1:25000 Explorer Maps are 357 Kintyre North and 356 Kintyre South. However, the 2006 edition of the Explorer 356 Kintyre South map shows the wrong route from Campbeltown to Southend. A new map was published in February 2008 which shows the correct route.

Maps can be purchsed from the Visitor Information Centre in Campbeltown.  Contact them on:  campbeltown@visitscotland.com

Q: What kind of footwear and clothing do you advise for the Kintyre Way?
A: Terrain varies across the Kintyre Way, from tarmac road to sheep trail. Good walking boots are essential for the Machrihanish to Southend section and adviseable for most of the route. Good waterproofs are also essential as the weather can change very rapidly and it will sometimes be a long walk to the nearest shelter.

Q: Are dogs allowed on buses serving Kintyre?
A: West Coast Motors will allow dogs on local services, however, Citylink services will only allow dogs on board if they are in a proper travel case.

Q: Are sheep ticks a problem along the Kintyre Way?
A: I'm afraid ticks are likely to be encountered anywhere in Argyll over the summer and the best way to avoid them is by keeping trousers tucked into socks and wearing long sleeves when walking through long grass or bracken. Having said that, you are unlikely to be troubled by them on the forest tracks and minor public roads which make up quite a lot of the Kintyre Way. Where the route crosses farmland and open hill it is strimmed at regular intervals but even so the bracken can grow up in late summer, especially in the last section from Machrihanish to Southend.

 

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