Welcome to the Kintyre Way
More island than mainland, the wonderfully unexplored Kintyre peninsula boasts hidden coves, deserted beaches along the wild Atlantic coast, tiny fishing communities, gentle hills, fabulous local produce and a welcoming friendly people.
Perhaps you've experienced some of it - a walk along Westport beach as the Atlantic surf crashes onto the shore; scallops, maybe, eaten at the water's edge; the sun setting over Jura; a shot of Springbank; otter spotting; a blustery picnic at the ruined thirteenth century chapel which marks the arrival point of St Columba prior to his trip to Iona. Now, with the launch of The Kintyre Way, you will be able to explore so much more.
Opened in August 2006 and stretching from Tarbert at the north end of the peninsula, to Southend in the south, the way-marked Kintyre Way criss-crosses the peninsula, connecting communities and landscape, people and produce. 140km (87 miles) long in total and with 4 to 7 days worth of walking, there is serious hiking and gentle rambles, all of which bring home the beautiful reality that is Kintyre.
Please find below the latest details of the walk.
The Kintyre Way
The Kintyre Way starts at Tarbert Harbour and finishes at Dunaverty Bay. The distance of the entire walk is 103 miles including all alternative options; approximately 87 miles as a direct route. The time needed to complete the walk is between 4 and 7 days (depending on ability). You may wish to spend a few days at places along the route before continuing
As well as the standard waymarking of blue posts with the Kintyre Way logo on them (rotated 90 degrees), some sections will have temporary markings along them which will consist of wooden stakes which have been painted blue on the top.
Horseriding
Responsible use of the Kintyre Way by horse riders is permitted. However, it must be noted that there are only a few sections of the way that are suitable as many parts of the walk have steep inclines and unsuitable ground such as soft bog or moorland.
Mountain Biking
There are many cycle tracks and mountain biking areas throughout Argyll whose main purpose is to accommodate off road cyclists, so we would recommend using those. While we encourage responsible mountain bike use of the way it should be noted that the same criteria as for horse riding would apply.
The Route
Please find below more details of the route sections.
| Route Section | Terrain | Distance |
| Tarbert to Claonaig Ferry | Footpath, forestry track and minor road | 18km (11miles) |
| Claonaig to Clachan | Minor road, forest track, open moorland, unsurfaced path | 16km (10 miles) |
| Clachan to Tayinloan | Pavement, public highway, unsurfaced path, foreshore | 14km (9 miles) |
| Tayinloan to Carradale | Footpath and forest road | 26km (16 miles) |
| Carradale to Campbeltown | Footpath, forest road and minor road | 32km (20 miles) |
| Campbeltown to Machrihanish | Public Highway (Transport) | 9km (5.5 miles) |
| Machrihanish to Dunaverty | Minor road, track, open moorland | 25km (15.5 miles) |
Additional spurs lead to Bellochuntuy and Peninver.
Ownership is broken down into approximately 34% Forestry Commission, 30%
Argyll & Bute Council, and 36% Private Property.
The Way has been created by the efforts of Argyll and the Isles Enterprise , Forestry Commission, Scottish Natural Heritage, local windfarm trusts, The Kintyre Marketing Group, VisitScotland, local businesses and Argyll & Bute Council.
For further information please email us: info@kintyreway.co.uk
Long & Winding Way Company Ltd - Registered Charity SC037382