THE
KINTYRE
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100 MILES OF KINTYRE

Walk the Kintyre Way

From Tarbert to Machrihanish, discover Kintyre on foot: seven stages connecting coast, hills and village life. Walk a section, or make a holiday of the whole journey.

Tarbert Harbour, Kintyre (not Harris)
Photo: Stuart Wilding · Photo credits

A little planning goes a long way

Plan each stage around your experience, daylight, accommodation and transport. Check the official route updates and maps before walking, especially for tidal sections and diversions.

100 milesApproximately 161 km
7 stagesChoose a section or the full trail
Coast to coastTarbert to Machrihanish

A DIFFERENT VIEW WITH EVERY DAY

Walk into the heart of Kintyre.

Make the journey part of your holiday. Follow a stretch of the Kintyre Way, pause in a village and give yourself time for a good meal and a comfortable night. A single walking day can sit alongside a longer stay; the whole trail calls for a more carefully planned adventure.

Official route maps Check route updates

PLAN YOUR WALK

Seven stages. Your own pace.

These are the official north-to-south stages, not a fixed seven-day itinerary. Distances and walking times below are approximate figures from the route’s own guides; your pace, conditions and diversions will affect them.

  1. Tarbert to Claonaig

    11 miles · 5–8 hours

    Begin beside Tarbert harbour, climb past the castle and head through the hills towards Skipness and the east coast.

    Official stage guide for Tarbert to Claonaig

  2. Claonaig to Clachan

    10 miles · 5–7 hours

    Cross moorland and pass Loch Ciaran before descending through woodland to Clachan. Carry your provisions for the crossing.

    Official stage guide for Claonaig to Clachan

  3. Clachan to Tayinloan

    9 miles · 5–7 hours

    Follow the west coast with island views towards Gigha, Islay and Jura. Shingle and shoreline sections can make progress slower.

    Official stage guide for Clachan to Tayinloan

  4. Tayinloan to Carradale

    16 miles · 6–9 hours

    A coast-to-coast crossing through Kintyre’s hills and forest tracks, finishing in Carradale on the eastern side of the peninsula.

    Official stage guide for Tayinloan to Carradale

  5. Carradale to Campbeltown

    22 miles · 7–10 hours

    A long, demanding stage through Torrisdale, forest and the Lussa Loch area. The shore near Carradale has a tidal section: check the official alternative.

    Official stage guide for Carradale to Campbeltown

  6. Campbeltown to Southend

    15 miles · 7–10 hours

    Leave Campbeltown Loch behind for coastal roads and the beaches towards Southend. Some shoreline sections are impassable at high tide.

    Official stage guide for Campbeltown to Southend

  7. Southend to Machrihanish

    16 miles · 7–9 hours

    The remote southern hills bring a challenging finale, with rough ground, climbs and Atlantic views before the finish at Machrihanish.

    Official stage guide for Southend to Machrihanish

Stage information checked against The Kintyre Way’s official guides on 21 September 2026. Use the current maps and notices when planning.

Burger, chips and slaw among the flowers at Glenbarr Stores
Photo: Glenbarr Stores · Photo credits

MAKE TIME FOR GLENBARR

A good meal. A greenhouse table. A little longer to linger.

Build Glenbarr Stores into your wider walking holiday: homemade food and coffee, a browse through Scottish gifts, and a garden centre full of reasons to slow down. The café, shop and garden centre make it a rewarding stop before or after a day on the trail.

For an overnight stay, The House at Glenbarr has five individual rooms beside the Stores.

Glenbarr is an off-route stop on the west coast. Arrange a detour or transport, check opening hours and book accommodation directly before setting out.

Explore Glenbarr Stores Stay at The House

Make the practical parts easy.

Walking just a section?

Choose your start and finish together. Arrange your return journey first and pick a distance that suits your experience and the available daylight. A full stage can still be a substantial day out.

Staying for the whole trail?

Book each night and plan food, water and transport between overnight stops. Ask accommodation providers about arrival times and any luggage arrangements before booking.

Before you set out

Check the forecast, route notices and tide guidance. Carry suitable footwear, waterproofs, food, water and reliable navigation, including an offline map. Follow local signs and keep dogs under control around livestock.

Travel and transport planning Visit the official Kintyre Way website

Places for your walking holiday

Your saved places

Stays, food and independent shops in route communities and the surrounding area. Some require a detour or transport; check each location and opening hours when planning your day.

Walk the Kintyre Way | The Kintyre Guide