Welcome To Kintyre

The Kintyre Peninsula, One Of Scotland's Most Beautiful Destinations

Kintyre is a beautiful region of Argyll on the west coast of Scotland just 3 hours by road from Glasgow along one of the most rewarding and beautiful scenic journeys in Britian. Joined to the mainland by a narrow isthmus at Tarbert, Kintyre has all the characteristics of island living without the inconvenience and expense of ferry crossings, although Kintyre is accessible by ferries from Arran and further north at Tarbert Loch Fyne.

Journey from Tarbert through Campbeltown on the Kintyre Trail to the Mull Of Kintyre and find out what captivated and inspired Sir Paul McCartney to wrote one of the world's best selling hit songs, 'Mull of Kintyre'.

The Kintyre Peninsula is about forty miles long and contains fantastic family days out, plenty of things to do and see and Scottish attractions making Kintyre an attractive family holiday destination. On your journey to and around Kintyre you will find the stunning hills & lochs, sandy beaches and stunning sunsets, history and archaeology, and of course seafood which have made this part of Scotland famous. Additionally there are small extras that make Kintyre almost unique; the palm trees in Campbeltown shows the effect of the Gulf Stream, low rainfall (less than 40% of the rest of the west of Scotland), rare golden eagle nesting sites (the most expensive eagles in the world), the absence of traffic jams (our one traffic warden is the last example of an endangered species), two world class golf courses on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean featuring the 'best first hole in the world', and a great established Scottish walk that has to be attempted. Kintyre's a land which is the very cradle of Celtic Scotland, and much more bedsides.

Panoramic Photos Of Kintyre

The scenery in Kintyre is breathtaking, discover the beauty of Kintyre in the Kintyre Panoramic Photo Gallery >

Discover The Isle Of Gigha

Just 3 miles from the west of Kintyre and a short car and passenger ferry journey takes you to the beautiful community owned island of Gigha, the most southern of the Hebridean islands. More Information >

A Very Warm Welcome To The Kintyre Peninsula

Welcome to the Kintyre, the perfectly formed rural landscape of sandy beaches, glorious sunsets, fresh food, historic attractions and most of all the charming and friendly people from all walks of life.

We hope you find this website inspires you to visit, and provides as much information as you need to get a good idea about Kintyre life and the things to do here.

If you do have further questions, or we have omitted information which you think may be useful not only to yourself but to other potential visitors, please do not hesitate to email us your suggestions.

Have You Heard Of The Mull Of Kintyre?
Im sure you have listened to the song by Sir Paul McCartney and Wings by the name of Mull Of Kintyre? If you have still to listen to it, or you are unfamiliar with it, the song is quite romantic in its nature about the area and describes what it's like to be here in Kintyre. The song took its name from the most southern part of Kintyre, not the other way around.

Where Is Kintyre?
Kintyre is located at the most south westerly part of Scotland in the county of Argyll, or Argyllshire using the full county name which was previously Argyle or Argyleshire up until the 1900s. The peninsula starts between Tarbert and Knapdale and provides a gateway to the islands of Gigha, Islay and Jura. Arran can be accessed from Kintyre by ferry to the north east of the island.

Perfect For A Short Break & Family Holiday
Kintyre is close enough to Glasgow to conveniently experience a short break or a relaxing family holiday, but for many seems to distant for a day trip. This is a plus point as means Kintyre is never too busy or too crowded, in fact most of the beaches (and they are great beaches) are rarely used, perfect for that quiet walk. Not only does Kintyre have many attractions, but from Kintyre you can easily travel to Gigha and return in a day, and the same could be said for Arran, you may though wish to stay on Islay for a weekend or few days as the ferry trip is a little longer.

What also makes Kintyre perfect for a family holiday is the fresh clean outdoor environment, with technology invading our daily lives, from mobile phones to games consoles, it's a chance to strip back to the basics and rediscover what life is all about, and the good things that nature provides.

Great For Walkers & Golfers
Walking is increasing as one of the most popular outdoor activities as more places develop official waymarked walks and routes. The many reasons for enjoying walks include of course fresh clean air, spending time with nature away from technology, being alone or in the company of friends or family. Kintyre has a long distance walk divided into sections called the Kintyre Way, it is a waymarked route that enables people of all experience to attempt walks*.

Golf, in particular links golf, is a huge attraction of Kintyre with two great links golf courses at the Mull of Kintyre - The Machrihanish Golf Club, and the newly added Machrihanish Dunes Golf Course - and a lesser known third course which provides a great golf challenge by the sea - Dunaverty Golf Club. Add to these small 9 hole golf courses in Carradale, Tarbert, Gigha and also Arran close by you have a huge selection of golf courses at your finger tips.

* Walkers should be well prepared for changing weather, arrange transport or check travel timetables for local transport, wear appropriate footwear, and keep in touch with friends or family en-route.

Sail Around Kintyre
Kintyre also has safe harbours in Campbeltown, Tarbert and Carradale with many inlets that can offer safe shelter as you sail around Kintyre. This is a great way to explore the islands and peninsula in an unhurried and tranquil way. You can of course sail north along the west coast of Kintyre and visit islands before sailing into Crinan and using the famous canal which features many locks, to take you through to Loch Fyne where you can sail south by Tarbert, to Arran, to the Kyles of Bute or the Clyde.

Tarbert and Campbeltown have harbour facilities and a good number of berths.

Cook For Yourself Or Eat Out
Kintyre grows and catches some of the best produce available in Scotland. There has always been the attraction of sitting in a small quiet restaurant, undisturbed, with a nice glass of wine and a seafood dish made from some fresh seafood caught that day, and enjoying an unhurried dining experience.

Cooking, like walking, is increasingly becoming a hobby, almost an art for some people, where the inclusion of fresh ingredients is essential not only for better nutrition, but also for taste. A great way to combine the love of Kintyre, outdoor activity, and fresh local ingredients is to camp, tour or hire self catering cottages or accommodation, buy your local food, and cook your favourite recipes.

Kintyre lands plenty of shellfish, including crab, langoustine and lobster which is available readily, but also the quality is so high it is transported to restuarants all across Europe!

Don't Forget Your Camera Or Easel
The four seasons are well defined here in Kintyre, the Winter can be bleak, but under snow is simply stunning with views across to the snow capped mountains of Arran, and on the west to the Paps of Jura providing inspiration and beaty. In the Spring flowers bloom including the roads lined with daffodils and rhodadendrons, wild deer and rabbits meander along the roads during early mornings, and the lush green returns to the surrounding landscapes. In Autumn the leaves on the trees present hillsides of many colours and hues, and the peninsula takes on another beautiful appearance, before sliding gently back into Winter once more.

Each season, and each Kintyre location, presents a different viewpoint or picture and provides the keen photographer with plenty of interest and landscape to capture. Artists, particularly during the warmer months, may find inspiration and content from the wonderful Kintyre peninsula and its ever changing appearances.

Have you taken photos or created artist impressions? Why not email us with your work and we can share it with other website visitors?

Sounds Great, Where Can I Stay?
Kintyre is fantastic, both as a place to live, and a holiday destination. Accommodation of all types - B&B, Camp Sites, Hotels, Self Catering and Touring - are all available from the north of Kintyre at Tarbert to the southern most villages such as Machrihanish and Southend. Find out more with our Recommended Accommodation >

The Kintyre Way - Experience A Great Scottish Walk

The Kintyre Way walk joins the West Highland Way and a number of long distance walks in Scotland presenting some of the most stunning and peaceful landscapes and destinations from the start in Tarbert to the finish at the Mull Of Kintyre. Launched on 12th August 2006 the route presents visitors with seven individual manageable walking sections from Tarbert to Southend covering approximately 89 miles. Time to complete about 4-7 days (depending on ability).

Please visit the Kintyre Way pages for more information.