Welcome To Kintyre
Welcome to the Kintyre Peninsula, Scotland's Only Mainland Island!
Join us on the Kintyre Trail, journey from Tarbert through Campbeltown on the way 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'.
Kintyre is on the extreme west coast of Scotland, joined to the mainland by a narrow isthmus at Tarbert and has all the characteristics of island living without the inconvenience and expense of essential ferry crossings, although Kintyre is accessible by both road and ferries from Arran and further north at Tarbert.
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.
But why not take a quick online tour around the Kintyre Trail and find out for yourself?
NOW AVAILABLE
Do and see something different each week of the year in Kintyre with our comprehensive guide.
A Beach Holiday In Scotland? Yes Kintyre Has Amazing Beaches
Kintyre has the most amazing coastline with plenty of interesting coves, caves, inlets, and golden sandy beaches perfect for spending your summer days.
Wherever you are in Kintyre you are less than 20 minutes from a good beach, if you're lucky they'll be one right on your doorstep!
Read our guide to the Top 5 Beaches in Kintyre.
Beautiful Landscapes & Sunsets For Stunning Photography
Kintyre is the perfect place for artists and photographers to capture some of the most stunning images of quaint and picturesque locations, wildlife and much more.
Share your photos with us!
View some of our Photo Galleries.
Things To Do & See In Kintyre
Kintyre has plenty of quaint and historic attractions spread across this glorious part of West Scotland and is only minutes away from the islands of Gigha and Arran to extend your exploration of the area!
From visiting castles, to playing golf, walking and so much more.
Read our Things To Do overview.
Kintyre In History & Why We're Scotland's Only Mainland Island
According to Norse sagas, King Magnus Barelegs, while trying to re-establish control over parts of western Scotland reached an agreement with King Malcolm of Scotland that Magnus could have all the islands off the west coast of Scotland round which he could sail his boat.
Determined to have the Kintyre Peninsula as well, King Magnus had his warriors drag a Viking longboat across the narrow isthmus at the northern end of the peninsula between Tarbert's East Loch Fyne and West Loch Fyne.
‘The king himself sat down in the poop and took hold of the helm-ball and thus he got possession of all the coasts lying on the larboard side.’ The Magnus Saga. Kintyre had become an island!
The same feat was repeated by King Robert the Bruce in the 14th Century, who's castle remains can be seen at Tarbert overlooking Loch Fyne, it does seem likely that it was fairly common for small boats to be dragged across the isthmus to save the long and dangerous voyage around the Mull of Kintyre.
For more information on how to get to Kintyre and cross the Isthmus (by road this time!) visit our comprehensive Kintyre Travel Information pages.
Follow The Route Of Kings & Legends With The Kintyre Trail
Pick up the Kintyre Trail on the A83 just north of the beautiful, bustling fishing village of Tarbert. This popular picturesque fishing village is a haven 
for yachtsmen from all over the world, and host to the UK's second largest yachting regatta, well loved for some of the finest eating places in Scotland.
The road southwards into Kintyre crosses the isthmus from East Loch Tarbert to the West Loch and follows the west Kintyre coast before offering a choice of direction.
- continue on the A83 west side of the Kintyre peninsula
- or turn left onto the B842 and to follow the trail in reverse.
Whichever route you choose you are guaranteed some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland and you are able to drive around the whole peninsula and join at that junction to complete the tour if you wish.
Take the west coast road and you will find yourself spellbound with the views down West Loch Tarbert to the islands of the Inner Hebrides, Islay and Jura, dominated by the mountainous Paps of Jura. The road then drops down to the Atlantic shore through Tayinloan and Muasdale which it follows for many miles rarely out of sight of Kintyre's fantastic coastline. Look out for the colonies of seals on the rocks and the occasional buzzard searching for its lunch.
Rocky coves, miles of sandy beaches and crashing Atlantic rolling waves form the perfect setting for the outstanding views to the Island of Gigha, Rathlin and Northern Ireland on a clear day! At Westport the road swings inland and crosses the Peninsula to Campbeltown, the Wee Toon, through prime farmland responsible for superb quality dairy and meat produce.
While it is possible to continue the circle by heading North again on the East coast road it would be a pity not to explore the small roads South of Campbeltown leading ultimately to the spectacular road out to the Mull of Kintyre itself. Stand at the top of the cliffs looking across to Ireland which is barely eleven miles away and you can well understand why Sir Paul McCartney was captivated, the peace and solitude is inspiring.
To continue the Kintyre Trail return to Campbeltown by the narrow coast road which gives outstanding views down the Firth of Clyde to Ailsa Craig.
By total contrast the East coast road to complete the Kintyre Trail climbs and plunges from one river gorge to the next; one moment there is wild moorland, then forest, but all the time presenting magnificent views across the Kilbrannan Sound to the Island of Arran. Scottish wildlife is in abundance and you might be lucky enough to see Scotland’s most expensive Eagles over the hills above Carradale.
At the North end of the Kintyre peninsula the road turns to rejoin the A83, by taking this fantastic Scottish heritage tour and integrating all of Kintyre's attractions you will have completed The Kintyre Trail.
Completing the Kintyre Trail in a short time means you will miss out on many of Kintyre’s wonderful historic attractions and outdoor activities. For more in depth information on the Kintyre Trail and its attractions please view the Kintyre Trail section of our website.
From The Kintyre Marketing Group To The Kintyre Way
Kintyre.org, the premier visitor information website for Kintyre was initially funded by Argyll and the Islands Enterprise and Argyll the Isles Loch Lomond Stirling and Trossachs Tourist Board and set-up almost 15 years ago. Kintyre.org is now in care of the Long & Winding Way Company Ltd, who are also responsible for the recently developed Kintyre Way walk, and leased to Net Visuals Bespoke Web Design of Tarbert Loch Fyne to deliver up to date information on Kintyre's full schedule of events, activities and quality accommodation to make your stay here both familiar, welcoming, and informative.
Kintyre.org Reaches The 30,000 Visitor Mark For 2010
Kintyre.org is a popular site promoting areas of Kintyre across the UK and the world and receives plenty of visitors. From 1st January 2010 to 8th December 2010 Kintyre.org received an astonishing 32,200 visitors (83% unique), and a total of 127, 881 page views - and that was before the new website! According to Alexa, Kintyre.org is also ranked 5,088,317 in the world for websites, thats 7 million higher than Tarbertlochfyne.com, 2 million higher than Campbeltown.org.uk!
Include your accommodation, business, event and restaurant today. Contact us with your details or read more about Advertising On Kintyre.org Here.
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.
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