ROUTE 66 TO KINTYRE

With views that surpass California’s celebrated Route 66 and far less traffic, the Kintyre 66 is a new (66 mile) driving route that loops the peninsula and takes in coastal and cultural highlights including the historic town of Campbeltown and a hop over to the isle of Gigha – it is a truly spectacular motoring experience.

Kintyre is well-suited to those travelling under their own steam too, with plenty of scenic woodland and beach walks and the 103 mile Kintyre Way long-distance trail (much of which is accessible to bikes as well) waymarked from Tarbert to Southend – and up to Machrihanish.

Most visits to Kintyre start at Tarbert, a pretty fishing port with a striking church tower and shops and cafes surround the harbour. It’s home to the ivy-covered ruin of Tarbert Castle, a medieval stronghold which was to become an important site for Robert the Bruce and hosts annual festivals celebrating seafood (July 2&3) music (Sept 15-17) and book (November) festivals.

Between Tarbert and Bellochantuy, the waves are so close to the road that you can almost taste the spray and it’s well worth stopping at Muasdale to do just that.

The east coast of Kintyre may be its road less travelled, but there are rewards here, from castles to a ruined abbey.

Set in lush vegetation with views to the Isle of Arran, the village of Carradale remains a working fishing port. A walk on the golden beach at Carradale Bay is bound to blow away any cob- webs, whether you cover its full mile and visit the Iron Age hill fort at the eastern point.

As you draw closer to Campbeltown, the hill-top route boasts views of the islands beyond, and there are more lovely beaches, including Westport –which feels a million windswept miles away from the bustling neighbouring town.

Looking out to the Isle of Davaar and its Stevenson lighthouse, there is plenty to discover in Campbeltown - from the variety of shops and restaurants, to the redeveloped sea front, and Tartan Kirk, a local history museum named for its colourful brick patterns. There are only three distilleries left of more than 30 in the town’s heyday, but whisky still has an important role to play – with tours and tastings on offer.

The palm trees that surprisingly dot the town centre today may be suggestive of a Caribbean resort, but if you are on a quest to find unblemished white sand dunes, head for nearby Machrihanish, a favourite water sports destination, and home to the world-famous golf course, designed by Old Tom Morris and frequented by celebrities from sporting champions to rock stars.

The remote southern tip of the Mull of Kintyre may be most famous now for its link to Paul McCartney, but this is a spot rich with older history too, and on a clear day you can see all the way to the Antrim coast.

DIARY DATE:

Campbeltown Malts Festival, May 25 & 26.

The town’s three distilleries o er a programme of events including tastings and a dinner springbank. scot/malts-festival-info

Distilleries

Campbeltown is home to three whisky distilleries – Springbank, Glen Scotia and Glengyle. All offer tours and tastings, and the Kintyre Gin distillery, on Torrisdale Castle Estate, is open to visitors and has a gin school and cafe.

Skipness Castle and Kilbrannan Chapel

A short drive from Tarbert, this 11th-century castle showcases a blend of architectural styles. There’s plenty to see inside, including views across the Kilbrannan Sound to Arran.

Golf

Machrihanish Golf Club is celebrated worldwide, and no golf enthusiast will want to miss a round on this links course, which boasts sea views and the best opening hole in the country.

www.machgolf.com

Davaar Island

This tidal island is linked to the mainland at Campbeltown by a shingle causeway. It’s known for its lighthouse and caves, one of which contains a life-sized crucifixion painting.

Kintyre Way

This long-distance path takes a winding and beautiful route down the length of the Kintyre peninsula, from Tarbert to Machrihanish. You can do the whole challenge over several days, or just hop on for a stroll.

www.scotlandsgreattrails.com