Tayinloan To Carradale - 26km (16 miles)
Footpath and forest road

This part of the Kintyre Way makes a complete traverse of the peninsula, starting on the west coast and finishing on the east. It is a varied and satisfying walk. On the way it passes through farmland and forestry and at its highest point gives an unusual opportunity to see a working wind farm at close quarters.

From Tayinloan jetty the route follows the road to the village, passes the village shop,  turns briefly back to the coast and then twists inland again before finally heading purposefully up into the hills on a broad track which is used both by forestry and wind farm vehicles. Walkers should be aware that heavy timber lorries may be using this track.

Just south of this turnoff, but well worth the short diversion, is the lovely old Killean Church and burial ground. The church nave is 14th century and although the church has been disused for over 200 years it still retains an air of serenity.

As you climb the track the effort is repaid by the impressive views across to Gigha, Islay and Jura. The route enters forestry, leaves it again past Loch na Neich, and then plunges back into the trees, which are mainly tall conifers. A sharp left turn leads to Deucheran Hill, the site of the wind farm. Interpretation is provided here and whatever your views on wind farms, it is fascinating to see the big turbines working.

From here the route starts a long, winding descent through the forest to the glen of the rushing Carradale Water, passing Auchenbreck (speckled field), following a farm access road to Brackley the site of a Prehistoric chambered cairn. After a short stretch on the B842 a forest car park gives access to a beautiful walk up  Cnoc nan Gabhar (hill of goats) then down to the attractive village of Carradale. If you are staying in Carradale keep an eye out for the finger post which directs walkers into the village. The Kintyre Way continues in the forest finally descending to the road at the Network Centre with its small tea-room and heritage centre

Carradale has a range of accommodation and shops as well as a busy fishing harbour. On Carradale Point there is another example of a vitrified fort similar to that at Dun Skeig near Clachan.

 

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