Kintyre 66

Looking to explore Scotland’s wild, west coast? Let us introduce you to the Kintyre 66. This 66-mile road trip will take you on a journey through Argyll and the six regions of the Kintyre peninsula with lots of things to see and do. From historic castles and stunning beaches to witnessing beautiful wildlife up close, the Kintyre 66 route has all the right ingredients for a fantastic holiday on the road.

Plan your trip along the Kintyre 66 route

Kintyre 66 route map

Plan ahead with your journey along the Kintyre 66 with this handy route map.

Kintyre 66 trails

Get outdoors and explore the natural surroundings with these specially created Kintyre 66 trails.

Kintyre 66 accommodation

Get a good night’s rest with a fabulous array of accommodation en route.

Kintyre 66 parking use and vehicle hire

Find information on accessible car parking and how to hire a vehicle whilst on your travels.

Kintyre 66 events

Kintyre 66 proudly hosts an array of annual events. See what’s coming up next during your visit.

Explore more of the Kintyre 66 in depth

Get your bearings around the Kintyre 66 route and discover some fabulous areas you’ll come across while out on the road.

Discover the Kintyre 66 responsibly

It’s important to explore Scotland’s great outdoors as long as it’s done safely and responsibly. Before you hit the road, reduce your carbon footprint by reading the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. This handy guide gives you more useful information on your rights and responsibilities when travelling out and about. Make sure to read some key top tips on how to help preserve our landscapes for future generations to enjoy.

Top places to visit along Kintyre 66

Looking for trip ideas while on out on the road? The Kintyre 66 has a great range of bookable experiences. Here is just a flavour of what to expect.

Campbeltown

The quaint but lively town of Campbeltown packs a remarkable punch when it comes to things to do. Journey to the past on a visit to Campbeltown Museum. Housed in an A-listed building, uncover the story of Kintyre through a vast collection of archaeology, fine art, natural sciences and social history displays. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for historical gems including a Bronze Age jet necklace and a seascape by William McTaggart. Grab your popcorn and visit the oldest cinema in Scotland. Since 1913, Campbeltown Picture House has continued to entertain audiences young and old with an array of brand-new film releases and cult classics. Before the film, grab a refreshing beverage at the fully licensed cafe where you’ll find sweet and salted popcorn, chocolates, nachos and soft drinks.

If you’re looking for more of a history fix, pop along to the Heritage Centre. This treasure trove is filled with fascinating objects dating back to over 300 years ago. Built in 1868, see how these influences have helped shape Campbeltown into the town it is today, through farming, fishing, mining, distilling and much more. Speaking of distilling, did you know that Campbeltown was once the Whisky Capital of the World? Enjoy one of Scotland’s finest drams of whisky at Springbank Distillery. Available Monday to Saturday, book a behind-the-scenes tour of the whisky process. You’ll even be given the chance to try a dram from the core whisky range and if you’re the designated driver, you’ll get to take a miniature home with you.

Discover Campbeltown

Discover some of Argyll’s best beaches

All good things come in pairs, or as twins in this instance. Say hello to Eilean Garbh, Gigha’s twin beaches. Separated by a narrow strip of land, the north beach is locally referred to as Bàgh na Dòirlinne which translates to 'The Queen's Beach' and the south beach as, Bagh na Rubha Ruaidh meaning 'Bay of the Red Headland'. With its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, it's no surprise that this place provides the perfect sense of escapism for families and beach lovers. You’ll also find lots of food and drink places nearby, so why not enjoy freshly caught seafood at The Nook or a delicious ice cream from Gigha’s Wee Isle Dairy?

Enjoy a day at the beach

Le Machrihanish Dunes Golf Club, Kintyre
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

The Machrihanish Golf Club

Enjoy golf with a view at The Machrihanish Golf Club. Situated in the north of the Mull of Kintyre, it was founded as the Kintyre Golf Club in 1876. In 1879, Scottish golfer, Old Tom Morris redesigned and expanded it to an 18-hole course and is a must-visit for keen golfers who seek coastal beauty and a challenging game of golf.

Play golf at Machrihanish Golf Club

Davaar Island

Linked by a tidal causeway to mainland Kintyre, near Campbeltown, this privately-owned island is a nature lover’s paradise. Seize the day by climbing the summit of Davaar (Trig Point) to catch the sunrise or while away the hours with a delicious picnic. The island is home to an array of wildlife, so make sure to bring your binoculars where you might be treated to sightings of otters, golden eagles, goats, minke whales and a wealth of seabirds. Davaar Island is also renowned for its seven caves, with one containing a life-size painting of the Crucifixion. The work of art is believed to have been painted by Archibald MacKinnon when he was told in his dream to paint the scene and where it should be painted. At night, catch the lighthouse in full operation where you can sit out and watch the fishing boats come into the port.

Experience the wonders of Davaar Island

Saddell Bay

Situated on the East Coast of Kintyre, you’ll find a few architectural gems here in Saddell Bay. This serene pebble bay offers stunning views over the Kilbrannan Sound to the hills of Arran and Ailsa Craig. It’s no surprise that it was featured in Wings’ Mull of Kintyre music video either. During your visit, you’ll notice a striking sculpture standing on the rocks and staring out at sea. Created by artist Antony Gormley, ‘The Grip’ was one of five sculptures commissioned to celebrate the Landmark Trust’s 50th anniversary in 2015. The bay is also home to a former Cistercian Abbey, renowned for its impressive collection of medieval carved grave slabs.

Enjoy a trip to Saddell Bay

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a road trip along the Kintyre 66? We're here to share some top tips and guidance on what to expect en route.

Where does the Kintyre 66 route begin?

If you’re travelling by car, the main route follows the A82 which allows you to turn off at Tarbet on Loch Lomondside and continue via the A83. This is where you’ll pass through Inveraray, Lochgilphead and then south to Tarbert. From the north of Scotland, come via Oban on the A816 to pick up the A83 at Lochgilphead.

If you’re travelling from the south of Scotland, take the CalMac ferry from Ayrshire to Campbeltown which connects with the Glasgow train service. You can also cross by ferry via Arran or Cowal to Kintyre. For keen cyclists, make sure to bring your bike on board as it links up with the National Cycle Route 78.

Before you travel, remember to always check ferry routes are operating. During bad weather, you may expect delays or cancellations, especially during the winter months.

How long does it take to drive the Kintyre 66?

We recommend two to three days to complete the route. This will give you plenty of time to stop off to visit attractions along the way and to explore all six regions which include Tarbert and Skipness, West Kintyre, Gigha, East Kintyre, Campbeltown, Machrihanish and Southend.

Tarbert Castle located on the southern shore of East Loch Tarbert, Argyll

What is the best season to drive the Kintyre 66 route?

The good news is that the Kintyre 66 can be enjoyed all year round. Thanks to the route’s location on the Gulf Stream, you may experience milder weather throughout all four seasons. We recommend planning your road trip adventure from May to early October. Although not guaranteed, it’s likely that you’ll experience a good mix of sunshine with slightly less rain. During the summer months (June – August), expect more crowds and make sure to always book accommodation and attractions in advance to avoid disappointment.

While winter can be the most magical time of the year, be prepared for shorter days and quite hazardous driving conditions. If you’re planning a trip along the Kintyre 66 from November to February, checking the weather forecast before you set off for the day is essential.

Is the Kintyre 66 only accessible by car?

The whole route of the Kintyre 66 is accessible by car. However, there are parts of the route where you can take your bike. There are many side streets and off-road routes that are perfect for a cycling adventure, including The Kintyre Way.

I’m travelling by electric vehicle, are there any EV charging points?

Yes, there are EV charging points along the Kintyre 66. You’ll find EV charging points across Campbeltown, Tarbert and Tighnabruaich. Before you set off, make sure to fully charge your vehicle.

Find EV charging points along the Kintyre 66

Check out zapmap for EV charging points

Can I take my campervan/caravan?

Yes, however please be mindful that sections of the east coast of the Kintyre 66 and Gigha are single track roads. This can be particularly challenging when towing vehicles.

Do I need to be mindful if there are any roaming wild animals on the road?

While the route is home to an abundance of wildlife, it’s important to stay safe while driving on the road. Watch out for roaming deer and livestock as they can sometimes wander astray and block oncoming traffic.

Are there road signs to help me navigate throughout the route?

Yes, although there are no signs marked for the Kintyre 66 route, the peninsula is easy to navigate so you might not need your Sat Nav. Before you go, make sure to research the route as this will make it easy for you to identify the names of various attractions and road names.

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