Carradale, Kintyre

The Kintyre peninsula is well known due to Sir Paul McCartney and Denny Laine’s iconic song, ‘Mull of Kintyre’. Off the beaten track, it isn’t a place you pass through on your way to somewhere else; you really only go there if it is your destination. While the west coast can be wild and unpredictable, the sheltered eastern side of the peninsula is a haven for swimmers. The village of Carradale lies a little over halfway down the east coast of Kintyre, and has two exceptional swimming beaches.

Carradale Bay

Protected to the east by the rocky headland of Carradale Point, this lengthy sandy beach is a lovely place for longer swims parallel with the shore. The beach is nearly one kilometre in length from end to end, and if you catch it

Technical Information

Carradale Bay

DESCRIPTION beach ORIENTATION south TIDES best at high tide ACCESS parking by the beach ENTRY sand GOOD FOR longer swims; wildlife spotting; playing in the waves LOCATION 55.5813, -5.4731 on a calm, sunny day, it is hard to resist a dip in the sparkling water.

I prefer swimming here at high tide. The beach stays shallow for quite a long way out, so you can easily swim within your depth.

Port Righ

Small but perfectly formed, this little bay is my favourite place to swim on the Kintyre peninsula. It’s a very sheltered semi-circular bay with fantastic views across the Kilbrannan Sound towards the Isle of Arran.

The entry is sandy, with some pebbles and stones. The bay is only around 100 metres across, but a perfect place for peaceful dips. The water clarity has always been excellent when I’ve swum here, revealing a fascinating underwater world.

Port Righ

DESCRIPTION beach ORIENTATION east TIDES best at high tide ACCESS 1.2km walk from car park; steps down from the road ENTRY sand; gravel in places GOOD FOR short swims; beautiful views; sunrise swims LOCATION 55.5854, -5.4646

Getting there – Carradale

Take the B879 towards Carradale. Turn right after Carradale Primary School, signposted Port Righ and Carradale Bay parking. After 300 metres (where the road bends to the left) there is a gate straight ahead. Go through the gate (make sure you close it behind you) and continue along the track. There is a second gate before you reach the grassy car park. I’ve found that this is the best place to park for both beaches.

Access – Carradale Bay

Walk down the sandy path to the beach.

Access – Port Righ

Walk back along the track from the car park and then follow the lane and walk down the steps to the beach (1.2 kilometres). There is also very limited parking on the lane directly above Port Righ – please don’t park at the end of the road as this is a turning area.

Refreshments

» Blackbird Tearoom, Carradale. Brilliant little cafe with delicious home bakes and great coffee.

» The Glen Bar & Restaurant, Carradale. Cosy restaurant with a wood-burning stove.

» Beinn an Tuirc Distillery Cafe, Torrisdale Castle Estate. Great cafe for post-swim coffee, cakes, lunch or something a bit stronger! Everything is local, fresh and delicious. Indoor and covered outdoor seating. For something a bit special, you can pre-book an afternoon tea.