Kintyre 66

From Glasgow and central Scotland, follow the A82 to Tarbet on Loch Lomond, then take the A83 through Inveraray and Lochgilphead towards Tarbert in Kintyre. Take care when planning your journey: Tarbet and Tarbert are different places!

From Oban, follow the A816 south to join the A83 at Lochgilphead.

You can also arrive by ferry from Portavadie to Tarbert, or travel via Arran using the Lochranza connection. Check CalMac’s current timetables for departure ports, seasonal arrangements and service updates. Please note, the direct Ardrossan–Campbeltown ferry will not operate in summer 2027.

Loganair also operates flights between Glasgow and Campbeltown. Check available dates and arrange onward transport before travelling.

No, you don't need to complete the route in one day; in fact, we encourage you not to, for the sake of your own enjoyment and experience. If done in one continuous loop, it’s only 66 miles, but the joy of Kintyre is that there are many trails, coastlines, walks, places to visit, and of course, stay.

Detours add to the 66-mile distance, and a visit to Gigha needs to fit around ferry times. We recommend choosing a few places you’d love to explore, then leave room for whatever catches your eye along the way! 

Of course. You can join the loop wherever suits your trip and travel in either direction. 

Tarbert is a convenient starting point if you’re arriving by road from the north, while Campbeltown works well if you’re staying in southern Kintyre. Let your accommodation, opening times and planned activities help shape the day.

The road is accessible by car for the entire loop, but it can also be enjoyed as a cycle route and on e-bikes. Cycling is the ideal way to stop off at any point and explore the many side roads or head inland to join The Kintyre Way.

Please note that this route is intended for experienced cyclists only and is not suitable for children.

Our detailed map includes all the places where you can refuel yourself, as well as your car, and, of course, charge your e-bikes if needed. Make food and fuel stops part of your planning, particularly before longer detours or when travelling outside the main season. 

Yes, there are and its best to plan toilet stops around the towns and villages you intend to visit. 

You can find charging stations on our map. Check car and e-bike charging locations, connector types and availability before setting out, and allow enough charge for any detours you might take along the way. 

We'd love you to stay a little longer! There’s a great choice of self-catering accommodations, hotels, and B&Bs throughout the year, catering to all budgets. All will be detailed on our map or on our website here.

Come prepared for changing coastal weather - it is Scotland after all! Layers, waterproofs and comfortable footwear will help you make the most of your trip, whatever the season. 

If you plan to head out on walks, bring equipment suited to the route and terrain. Also pack sun protection for brighter days and be sure to check the forecast before heading out. 

Kintyre is never overly busy, as it’s a hidden gem on the west coast with many unspoiled places to discover.

Spring and summer bring longer daylight hours for exploring, while autumn and winter can be lovely for a quieter coastal escape. Tarbert and Campbeltown have more buzz as they are the main towns, with the busiest season being between April and October.

Check seasonal opening times, ferry timetables and local events before booking as some businesses and attractions may have reduced hours outside the main season. 

There is one main road (A83 on the west side and B842 on the east), but the Kintyre 66 is much more than that! With various spurs off the main road, you can explore the south of the peninsula out to Machrihanish and down to Southend, and up to the north to Skipness. The route can also include a ferry trip across the water to the picturesque island of Gigha, which can be easily explored on foot or by bike.

Yes, these are well signposted for all road users. Just a gentle reminder that ‘passing places’ are only for letting passing traffic by, not for parking. Please use the dedicated parking places.

Yes, you can, but towing is not well-suited to single-track roads. There are dedicated motorhome spaces at Muasdale and at West Loch Shores. We ask that you be respectful of other road users and the local communities when choosing places to stop or park. If in doubt, ask a local where it is best to stop over.

There’s plenty and it's clearly signposted. If you decide to enjoy some al fresco dining on the beach or at any other spot, we kindly remind you to take away all your rubbish and dispose of it in a dedicated bin or recycling point. Our landscape and wildlife are precious, so we encourage you to leave no traces behind.

We have a great mix of wildlife for you to spot in its natural habitat, from free-roaming deer, otters, seals, birds, pheasants, sheep, and so much more. Sometimes they can wander onto the roads, so take your time and drive at a speed that allows you to stop safely. And don’t forget to take care of farmland too - give animals plenty of space, keep dogs under close control around livestock and leave gates as you find them.

Yes, you won’t see ‘Kintyre 66’ branded signs, but you’ll easily spot all the places on our map by name and road name. It's worth downloading an offline map before travelling so you can find your way without relying entirely on mobile reception.