Discover the Kintyre 66
Start your journey in Tarbert, the gateway to Kintyre. It’s a working fishing village and the shops, hotels and art galleries cluster around the natural harbour. Before you head off on your journey take the short walk up to Tarbert Castle. It sits high on a rocky outcrop overlooking the harbour. The earliest stone structure on this site dates from at least as far back as the 13th century, and possibly even earlier.
From Tarbert, head south west along the A83. Five miles along this route, take a left turn onto the B8001. This single track road winds through beautiful countryside to Claonaig and along the coast to the village of Skipness. It’s well worth taking the time to visit Skipness Castle, where you can climb up a narrow staircase and onto the ramparts where you’ll be treated to incredible views across the Kilbrannan Sound to Arran. In the summer feast on fresh seafood from the Skipness Seafood Cabin in the castle grounds and check out the Skipness Smokery.
Discover Saddell Bay
Head back along the B8001 to Claonaig and then pick up the B842 which will take you down Kintyre’s beautiful east coast. Enjoy stunning seascape vistas and fabulous views of Arran as you drive (or pedal) along. Take the short detour to Carradale where there’s a magnificent sandy bay and a golf course, then continue to the tiny hamlet of Saddell, home to Saddell Abbey. This ruined Cistercian monastery is a fascinating place to explore. The highlight is a collection of late medieval grave slabs, displayed in a shelter. From Saddell you can walk to Saddell Bay, passing Saddell Castle. This wild and remote beach was used in the video for Mull Of Kintyre, the multi-million selling song by Paul McCartney and Wings. Look out for the sculpture by Anthony Gormley standing on the rocks in front of the castle.
