Trails
The Kintyre Way
Established in 2006, The Kintyre Way runs for 100 miles (161km) along the length of the Kintyre peninsula. It starts at the picturesque village of Tarbert in the north and criss-crosses the Kintyre peninsula ending at Machrihanish. Along the way, you will see deserted, sandy beaches and spectacular views of Loch Fyne, Arran, Ailsa Craig, the Ayrshire coast and Ireland to name a few.
The route can be done in 7 stages so you can take as long as you wish to do the full length of the walk. The seven stages are Tarbert to Claonaig - 11 miles, Claonaig to Clachan - 10 miles, Clachan to Tayinloan - 9 miles, Carradale to Campbeltown - 22 miles, Campbeltown to Dunaverty - 22 miles, Southend to Machrihanish - 16 miles.
If you contact Broonie Bags at https://www.brooniebags.uk/ (Tel: 0791 9410872 or jackie@brooniebags.uk) they will transport your bags for you.
This truly is a wonderful, scenic walk and one for your bucket list.
Gateway To Gigha
In recent years, the Isle of Gigha has developed an extensive path network which accommodates both cyclists and walkers wishing to explore the island's hidden heritage and scenery. The network, which boasts 15 routes totalling 22km, has a variety of hardcore and trodden paths, offering a variety to both keen walkers and cyclists.
Along the routes there are interpretation boards which give visitors more information on the islands culture, wildlife, and heritage. The routes were designed to reach specific points of interest, such as standing stones, cetacean spotting locations, and the famous Achamore Gardens.
A number of shared use paths make it easy for cyclists to explore further afield, too. The Activity Centre which is located at the ferry slip on Gigha offers bike hires, including e-bikes and adaptive bikes, supporting a wide range of active travels options.
The routes are well signposted, however, the best way to explore is by checking the Visit Gigha descriptions and downloading the trail map in advance so you can plan your time on Gigha.
The Isle of Gigha is a place where you can leave your car behind and discover a world of nature, history and culture on your doorstep.
FORESTRY AND lAND sCOTLAND
Kintyre is fortunate to have lots of walking and cycle routes. The two main Forestry and Land Scotland walks in Kintyre are:
Deer Hill which starts at Port na Storm car park, Carradale. This waymarked forestry walk climbs to the summit of Cnoc nan Gabhar to the north of Carradale. The reward is a stunning panorama taking in much of the east coast of Kintyre as well as the Arran mountains and Ailsa Craig. The local wildlife you may see includes red, roe, fallow and sika deer, as well as moorland birds amongst the heather, and golden eagles and hen harriers overhead.
Tarbert Walks, there are two scenic trails from Tarbert Castle to choose from. They take you up to rocky hillside and the high moors beyond where you'll have panoramic views over the pretty village harbour and across Loch Fyne to the Cowal peninsula.
Tarbert Castle Trail - A charming stroll along a path through bracken and heather with great views over East Loch Tarbert and legendary Tarbert Castle.
Corranbuie Trail - Climb across the craggy heath high above Tarbert to Barr Reamhar and the Millennium Cairn. There are fabulous views across Kintyre and Loch Fyne.
Both trails give you unforgettable views across Kintyre and Loch Fyne.
Link to Forestry and Land Scotland Mid Argyll & Kintyre
HEATHERY HEIGHTS
Heathery Heights offers bespoke guided walks and navigation courses throughout Kintyre as well as a selection of self-guided walks suited to a range of levels. Heather, a qualified Mountain Leader and the founder of the company, delights in sharing the hills and coastal scenery and can take you to an array of hidden gems or even to some lesser-known summits, including Kintyre’s Marilyns. Heathery Heights can also guide long distance walks including the Kintyre Way and offers bespoke overnight backpacking experiences. And if you wish to brush up your navigation skills Heather offers map and compass skills days or weekends.
In addition to guided walks, and as an expert forager, Heather provides wild food and foraging experiences with wild food picnics that showcase the natural bounty found in this part of Argyll. Walking and foraging often come hand in hand so bespoke adventures can be created to gain the best of both worlds to create a truly immersive experience.
Why not check out their self-guided walks such as this one at Carradale. You can subscribe to get free downloadable self-guided walks in pdf format and news of offers and experiences on the Heathery Heights website.
© Russ Baum - The Kintyre Way
© Visit Gigha - Gateway to Gigha
© Heathery Heights - Forestry & Land Scotland
© Heathery Heights