Welcome toKintyre & Campbeltown
So good that Paul McCartney wrote a song about it. Coastal walks, fresh seafood, and panoramic views.
More about Kintyre & Campbeltown
Ideal for:
Food & drink
Outdoor adventure
Golf
Whisky
Scotland's 'mainland island'
Kintyre's Campbeltown was once the whisky capital of the world, and it remains an official whisky region since it's home to three working distilleries - Springbank, dating all the way back to 1591, as well as Glen Scotia and Kilrennan distilleries. Kintyre has maximised the power of its surroundings, combining produce and renewable energy sources to bring sustainable gin to market via the Beinn An Tuirc distillery. Explore the historic town centre, with its carved medieval cross and excellent heritage museum.
Kintyre - Scotland's Mainland island is famous for its beautiful seascapes, a fantastic backdrop to outdoor pursuits - whether that's golf on the famous Machrihanish Golf Course, or completing the Kintyre Way from Campbeltown to Tarbert, either in parts or its entirety. The first tee at the Machrinanish golf course was voted one of the best opening holes in the world - set against a stunning backdrop of broad beach and sea.
Kintyre is a favourite for walkers who like a good view without the breathless hike up a Munro. And even though it's part of the mainland, the panoramic views, beaches, and wildlife make Kintyre feel like an island. If you're getting the ferry from Portavadie, stop off at the marina for the excellent food and local shops. For real foodies, the Tarbert Seafood Festival is a popular event, when the harbour bustles with food demonstrations, stalls, and the freshest seafood from around the peninsula.
Prior to your journey, familiarise yourself with VisitScotland's #RespectProtectEnjoy guidance and check the arrangements individual islands and locations have for managing the safety of their visitors and communities. For Argyll and Bute, please read through the area's 'Be a great Visitor' guidance.
Take care on our coast: slips and falls can happen in all locations, not just high cliffs. Check out these RNLI Safety Tips #RespectTheWater
For more on Kintyre and Campbeltown visit Explore Argyll or Explore Kintyre websites.
Why not jump onto the Taste of Place Trails .
Find out about Scottish Island Passport here
How to get here
There are three ways to get to Kintyre by ferry:
Catch the ferry from Portavadie on the Cowal & Dunoon peninsula.
Portavadie - Tarbert, and Lochranza - Claonaig are Turn up and Go routes - when you pre-purchase tickets on these routes, you'll be purchasing an 'open' ticket for a chosen departure date, valid for the season in which you've purchased it, but it won't have a specific sailing time. Simply turn up at the port of departure and go on the next available sailing.
Looking for the best form of travel to and from our ports? Our Journey Planner can help you find the way that best suits you for making your journey using the most up to date information from around the UK for all transport companies.
Getting to Campbeltown
Travelling without a car
By bus
Scottish Citylink operate daily coach trips between Glasgow, Loch Lomond, Inveraray, Lochgilphead and Tarbert. Passengers can expect the journey from Glasgow to Campbeltown to take 4.2 hours. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.
By foot
Known as the Mainland Island, walking is a great way to explore the rugged and beautiful landscape of Kintyre and Tarbert. As well as having a host of shorter walks ranging from 2 km - 5 km, the area also has many walks for the more experienced walker such as the 7 stage Kintyre Way. If you would like more information on walking in Kintyre, check out Explore Argyll .
By bike
There are vast off-road paths and trails throughout the Kintyre peninsula for bikers of all levels. Where the recreational paths found at Beinn Ghuilean comprise of both family friendly sections as well as more technical sections for accomplished mountain bikers.
If you're bringing your bike, please add your bike(s) to your booking, - this means that you have more certainty about space. This ticket will remain free of charge.
Plan your journey at CycleStreets