Route 66 to KINTYRE For most visitors, the gateway to Kintyre is Tarbert, a charming fishing port where
colourful boats bob in the harbour, framed by cafés, quaint shops, and the striking silhouette of a church tower. Overlooking the town, the ivy-clad ruins of Tarbert Castle whisper tales of medieval Scotland, once a crucial stronghold for Robert the Bruce. Today, the town carries on its legacy with lively festivals, celebrating seafood in July (5th & 6th), music in Septem- ber with the newly branded Live at the Loch (19th-21st), and literature in November. Leaving Tarbert behind, the coastal road south offers a mesmerising drive where the Atlantic practically kisses the tarmac. Between Tarbert and Bellochantuy, the waves crash so close you can taste the salt in the air. It’s well worth pulling over at Muasdale, where a pause by the shore lets you feel the full embrace of the sea. While many travellers stick to the west, the lesser-known east coast of Kintyre rewards those who take the road less travelled. Castles and ancient ruins punctuate the landscape, with the fishing village of Carradale nestled in
Westport Beach Photo: shutterstock.com
lush greenery, gazing across the water to the Isle of Arran. The golden stretch of Carradale Bay is the perfect place to shake off the cobwebs, whether you choose to wander its full mile or climb to the remains of an Iron Age hill fort on its eastern edge. As you approach Campbeltown, the hilltop roads open up to sweeping views of the islands beyond. Along the way, beaches like Westport provide moments of solitude - vast and wind- swept, they feel a world apart from the busy town. Once a whisky capital with over 30 distilleries, Campbeltown now holds onto just three, yet whisky remains an essential part of its identity, with tastings and tours that draw en- thusiasts from near and far. The town’s seafront has been revitalised, offering a mix of shops, restaurants, and historic landmarks, including Tartan Kirk, a
museum named for its striking mul- ti-coloured brickwork. Offshore, the Isle of Davaar and its Stevenson-designed lighthouse add to the town’s maritime charm. Unexpectedly, palm trees line the streets here, hinting at a climate milder than one might expect. For those in search of pristine dunes and wild Atlan- tic waves, Machrihanish delivers - home to a legendary golf course designed by Old Tom Morris and a magnet for water sports enthusiasts. Over the years, everyone from sporting legends to rock stars has walked its fairways. At the remote southern tip of the pen- insula, the Mull of Kintyre is known to many through Paul McCartney’s famous ballad, yet its history runs far deeper. On clear days, the views stretch all the way to the Antrim coast of Northern Ireland, a reminder of Kintyre’s long-standing connections across the sea. For those who love the open road, the Kintyre 66 is an unmissable route. This 66-mile loop rivals even California’s Route 66 in beauty - without the traffic. It sweeps through the penin-
sula’s most striking landscapes, from historic Campbeltown to the idyllic Isle of Gigha, offering an unforgettable journey through Scotland’s coastal heartland. Prefer to explore at your own pace? Kintyre is a paradise for walkers and cy- clists alike. The Kintyre Way, a 103-mile long-distance trail, winds from Tarbert to Southend and up to Machrihanish, leading adventurers through wood- lands, over rolling hills, and along the ever-present sea. Once you’ve felt the sand between your toes and the salty breeze in your hair, Kintyre has a way of staying with you. Battered by the Atlantic yet bless- ed with extraordinary beauty, this is a place that lingers in the heart long after you’ve left. Download the Holiday West Scotland app at www.westcoasttoday.co.uk for more inspiration and map out your exploration! Also visit www.wildaboutargyll. co.uk and search Route 66 for lots of useful information.
Carradale Bay Photo: scotphoto.com
Tarbert Photo: shutterstock.com
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