A day on Gigha
Check the ferry timetable and seasonal opening. Book lunch and leave time for your return sailing.
View & print this day →- Achamore Gardens
A garden walk
- The Boathouse
Lunch by the shore
- Gigha’s Natural Skincare
Made on the island
GOOD DAYS START HERE
Plan a little.
Explore a lot.
Find your way here, choose a base and build a few days around the things you love. Leave space for a change of plan.
Getting here & around
By road
Follow the A83 into Kintyre. Check conditions and diversions at the Rest and Be Thankful before you travel.
Traffic ScotlandGigha ferry
CalMac sails from Tayinloan to Gigha in around 20 minutes. Check the timetable, service status and your return sailing.
Ferry times & statusWalk the Kintyre Way
Plan a section or a longer walking holiday, with seven stages and local places to eat, shop and stay.
Explore the Kintyre WayThe Kintyre 66
Explore the A83 and B842 loop, with spurs for extra stops. Allow time for small roads and villages.
Without a car
The 926 service connects Glasgow, Inveraray and Campbeltown. Plan onward connections before booking accommodation, especially for rural stops and Sunday journeys.
West Coast Motors timetablesChoose your base
Browse stays by area and think about the places you most want to visit. Staying near your evening meal can make a slower trip easier.
Explore places to stayWeather & daylight
Keep an indoor option in your plans and check the local forecast before outdoor activities. In the shorter days, start coastal excursions early enough to return in daylight.
Check the Met Office forecastSix ideas for a day out
Whisky & harbour life
Book your distillery visit ahead. Arrange transport if you are tasting.
View & print this day →- Springbank Distillery
Tours and whisky
- Cadenhead’s
Independent bottlings
- Coorie Doon
A little local shopping
Explore the east coast
Allow time for the smaller roads and check access and opening before setting out.
View & print this day →- Saddell Abbey
History in the glen
- Saddell Bay
A walk by the water
- Beinn an Tuirc
A stop at Torrisdale
Harbours & castles
Start around Tarbert harbour, then make time for Skipness. Check castle access and the seafood cabin’s seasonal opening.
View & print this day →- Tarbert Castle Heritage Park
A look over the harbour
- The Harbour Gallery
A browse before heading on
- Skipness Castle & Chapel
Explore the historic coast
- Skipness Seafood Cabin
Seafood when the cabin is open
The slower west coast
Pick a stretch of the west coast and take it slowly. Arrange surf lessons in advance and check conditions with the operator.
View & print this day →- Glenbarr Stores Garden Café
Begin with a café stop
- Westport Beach
Atlantic views and a beach walk
- Pete’s Surf School
A pre-booked lesson, conditions permitting
Southern shores
Combine Machrihanish with Southend. Allow extra time for the smaller roads and keep the day flexible around the weather.
View & print this day →- Machrihanish Beach
Start beside the Atlantic
- The Old Clubhouse
A stop for food in Machrihanish
- Dunaverty Beach
Finish on the southern coast
Good to know
Booking & opening
Book stays, tours and meals ahead. Some places open seasonally; check directly before visiting.
Find placesTides & coastal safety
Check weather and local access advice. Davaar’s causeway is tidal: follow the estate’s current guidance and plan a safe return.
Davaar visitor adviceEnjoying the outdoors
Keep access clear, take litter away and respect homes, working land and wildlife. Follow local signs.
Outdoor Access CodeFOUR PAWS. A WARM WELCOME.
Bring the dog.
Make a day of it.
A rotating selection of places with recorded dog policies. Check each listing for permitted areas and arrangements before visiting.
Eat & drink · Café, shop & garden centreDog friendly
Glenbarr Stores
Homemade food, greenhouse tables, Scottish gifts, a garden centre and Little Glenbarr play — with five rooms at The House for an overnight escape.
West Kintyre
Beaches · Atlantic beachDog friendly
Westport Beach
A dog-friendly stretch of Atlantic sand at the northern end of Machrihanish Bay, made for long beach walks and wide sea views.
West Kintyre
Stay · Coastal hotelDog friendly
Argyll Hotel Bellochantuy
Stay beside Bellochantuy beach, with Atlantic views, a conservatory restaurant and a terrace just above the sand.
West Kintyre
Booking is completed with the accommodation provider. Opens in a new tab.
Plan my trip from here →Follow each venue’s dog policy and local signs. Keep dogs under control around wildlife and livestock, and take dog waste away.
A trip that works for you
Access needs
Check the accessibility information on individual listings and speak to the business about your specific needs before booking. Ask about step-free routes, surfaces, parking, toilets and assistance. A listing without access details is not a confirmation of suitability.
Find a business to contactTravelling with children
Mix a short outing with time for food and a rest. Ask activity providers about minimum ages, equipment and facilities, and check the day’s programme before visiting indoor attractions.
Explore AqualibriumBringing your dog
Confirm pet policies directly with accommodation and food businesses. Follow signs, keep dogs under close control around livestock and wildlife, and take waste away.
Responsible outdoor accessKeep the places you love
Use the heart on any listing to save it on this browser, then view or print your shortlist. Suggested days are flexible ideas; confirm opening, travel and bookings separately.