Explore Campbeltown & Kintyre
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to places to eat. Apart from eating at “Carradales”, the immediate region’s seafood and game is appreciated by food lovers around the globe, and there’s some well kept secrets when it comes to serving up delicious locally sourced food.
A Taste Of Scotland.
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to places to eat. Apart from eating at “Carradales”, the immediate region’s seafood and game is appreciated by food lovers around the globe, and there’s some well kept secrets when it comes to serving up delicious locally sourced food. Whether it’s a simple bowl of fresh langoustines at a seafood shack or fine dining at a loch-side eatery, come to Carradale, the perfect base for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Local Establishments
Number 42 – Newly opened Seafood Restaurant.
The Seafood Cabin, Skipness – For those who are prepared to venture off the beaten track just near the castle, the cabin offers tranquillity combined with fresh, well-prepared seafood from the local shores. Closed Saturdays.
Muneroy Tea Room – Award winning family run tea room famed for its home made cakes.
The Boathouse Restaurant Gigha – (Michelin Guide 2018) is set on the small community-owned island.
Drumfearne Tea Room – In their intimate tea room you can have wonderful cakes and sandwiches created by Vitold who is a highly skilled baker and creates the finest hand-crafted cakes to an exceptional standard.
Explore The Local Area.
Carradales is ideally located to explore this stunning part of the Kintyre Peninsula popular with walkers ( We are in The Kintyre Way), cyclists (Caledonia Way) nature lovers, golfers, game shooting, water sports enthusiasts and those looking to relax and enjoy the breath-taking and tranquil scenery.
Explore The Local Area.
Carradales is ideally located to explore this stunning part of the Kintyre Peninsula popular with walkers, nature lovers, golfers, game shooting, water sports enthusiasts and those looking to relax and enjoy the breath-taking and tranquil scenery. The Caledonia Way, National Route 78 of the National Cycle Network, runs from Campbeltown to Inverness via Carradale, and follows Kintyre and the Great Glen, iconic features on any map of Scotland. It offers a variety of cycling, from challenging on-road hills to lengthy sections of traffic-free path through the spectacular scenery of the west coast of Scotland.
Carradale lies a little over half-way down the east coast of the Kintyre peninsula at a point where the Kilbrannan Sound is less than three miles wide. The village offers a gentle pace and a quiet charm that amply reflects that, one of a number of reasons why you shouldn’t overlook this less travelled east coast of the peninsula.
In the village of Carradale you will find a shop and post office, tea room, two hotels, hair salon, a golf club, and the residential focus of the village. Continuing east brings you to a steep descent that emerges beside Carradale’s harbour. Piles of nets, floats, ropes, lobster pots and assorted baskets tumble along the quay side and fishing boats jostle for position on their moorings. This is very much a working harbour.
The village also boasts a 9-hole golf course with stunning panoramas across the Kilbrannan Sound to Arran, Ailsa Craig and on a good day to Ayrshire, our nine hole golf course has something for every ability – and presents enough of a challenge for even the most experienced players. 30 minutes away is the award winning Machrihanish Dunes Golf Resort. The 7,082 yard, 18-hole links course flows effortlessly to, from and along the sea and salmon and trout can be fished on the Carradale River during the summer months. North of Carradale this coast feels increasingly remote, save for the wonderfully named little village of Grogport and the slipway at Claonaig, linked by ferry to Lochranza on Arran.
Locations to visit
Isle of Gigha – take the ferry from Tayinloan
Isle of Arran – take the ferry from Skipness
Isle of Jura – take the ferry from Kennacraig
Isle of Islay – take the ferry from Kennacraig – Port Askaig
Ballycastle, Co Antrim – Ballycastle is a small town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The town is located on the north-easternmost coastal tip of the island of Ireland at the northern mainland limit of the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Take the Kintyre Express from Campbeltown. So close! (Starts 30th March to 30th September)
The Kintyre 66 (K66)
The Kintyre 66 (K66) is an exciting new route that will help you discover one of Scotland’s most scenic regions, and what so inspired Sir Paul McCartney
The Kintyre 66 follows a 66 mile loop around Kintyre on the A83 and B842 public roads, with 6 spurs allowing you to venture even further. Take the Atlantic road south with stunning views to Islay and Jura, and then up the edge of the Kilbrannan Sound overlooking Arran, or why not travel in the other direction, taking time to enjoy all the area has to offer—the choice is yours!
The K66 helps to highlight 6 areas in Kintyre with information on Southend & Machrihanish, Campbeltown, East Kintyre, West Kintyre, Gigha and Tarbert.
Ballochroy Standing Stones, Carn Moor, By Tarbert, Kintyre, PA29 6XW
Ballochroy is considered the most spectacular set of megalithic monuments that cluster around south Argyll. It consists of three vertical stones, side by side, aligned with various land features. Alexander Thom, known for his work on Stonehenge, maintained that the great length between the stones and the features of distant landscape lent precision to pinpointing the midsummer and winter solstices for ancient observers. The flat face of the central stone indicates the mountain of Cora Bheinn, on the island of Jura, which is 19 miles away. The shortest stone also faces across the alignment, and points to Beinn a’ Chaolais, the southernmost of the three Paps of Jura.
GRIP – Antony Gormley Sculpture
GRIP is a sculpture created for Saddell Bay by artist Antony Gormley as part of the LAND installation to mark the Landmark Trust’s 50th anniversary. The abstract human form gazes out over the Kilbrannan Sound to Arran from the rocks below Saddell Castle.
Originally commissioned for just 12 months, the cast-iron sculpture will remain indefinitely thanks to an anonymous private donor.
Fancy A Tipple?
Once proclaimed ‘the whisky capital of the world’ with 34 distilleries, today only three active distilleries remain in the town: Glen Scotia, Glengyle and Springbank.
We are proud to be licensed to serve this renowned local whisky.
Fancy A Tipple?
Once proclaimed ‘the whisky capital of the world’ with 34 distilleries, today only three active distilleries remain in the town: Glen Scotia, Glengyle and Springbank. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the last one and find out the secrets of whisky making in Kintyre. Springbank Distillery was founded in 1828 by the Mitchell family – and still in their hands today. It retains the old distilling methods to make Longrow whisky, and welcomes visitors by prior arrangement.
Local Drinkeries
Ardshiel Hotel Whisky Bar – Offers the Whisky enthusiast over 700 malts to choose from, many of which are rare and exclusive.
Springbank Distillery – Family owned single malt whisky distillery in Campbeltown, the once proclaimed Whisky capital of the world founded in 1828. It is the only distillery in Scotland to carry out 100% of the production process on one site. Tours can also be booked.
Glen Scotia Distillery – Glen Scotia distillery or sometimes affectionately known as The Scotia or Old Scotia is a distillery that is a producer of single malt Scotch whisky. The distillery was founded in 1832 in Campbeltown.
Gintyre April 2021 – Gintyre will be celebration of Scottish gin held over three days in Campbeltown, Kintyre.
Get In Touch With Nature.
Kintyre is a magnet for star gazers and is home to Argyll’s first official Dark Sky Discovery Site. Guests are free to enjoy the use of our magnificent telescope to gaze at the heavens from our stair landing platform.
Get In Touch With Nature.
With miles of sandy beaches, and wildlife galore, Kintyre attracts nature lovers from far and wide. And it’s not just the day-time delights that draw them. Kintyre is a magnet for star gazers and is home to Argyll’s first official Dark Sky Discovery Site.
Discover the dunes of Westport. Stretching for over six miles to the golfing mecca of Machrihanish, Westport Beach is surely one of the finest beaches on the West Coast of Scotland. Often pounded by Atlantic breakers, it’s one of the best surfing areas in the country. Whether you want to play in the Atlantic waves, climb the dunes or simply walk along the miles of unbroken sand, Westport is sure to be a highlight of your visit to Kintyre.
Glorious Gigha. Sitting three miles west of Kintyre, community-owned Gigha is perfect for a day’s walking. Enjoy the peace, quiet and wildlife – and the many white sandy beaches that dot the coastline.
Bike Beinn Ghuilean. This beautiful wooded hill overlooking Campbeltown has some fantastic mountain bike trails and walks for all abilities. The views of Davaar Island are stunning and there are lots of opoportunities to spot wildlife.
Take a walk on the wild side at Largiebaan. This Scottish Wildlife Trust Reserve covers a four-mile strip on the southern tip of Kintyre. With bog and heath, as well as patches of acid grassland and native woodland, it’s a fabulous habitat for wildlife. Breeding seabirds perch precariously on the cliffs, arctic-alpines sprout through the scree and orchids and other wildflowers flourish on the slopes. Enjoy a spectacular panorama of the Atlantic and look out for Golden eagles and feral goats. Turn your eyes to the sky. Kintyre is famous for its star gazing. On a clear night, the canopy of stars will take your breath away. The Kintyre Way is a fabulous means to discover the area’s natural wonders. Stretching from Tarbert in the north to Machrihanish in the south, this 100-mile route takes you to hidden coves, deserted beaches, woods & forests, castles and fishing villages and an abundance of wildlife. From Kintyre, you’re well placed to explore other parts of Argyll, with ferry crossings to Cowal, Islay and Gigha. It’s an easy drive to the natural and historic wonders of KilmartiGlen.
A Slice Of Local History.
Visit ruined castles in impossibly romantic locations, marvel at historic houses and gaze in wonder at Bronze Age standing stones. The landscape of Argyll and the Isles is dotted with signs of the past, including chambered cairns and cup-and-ring marked rocks. Grab a map and take your own journey into the history of this fascinating part of Scotland.
A Slice Of Local History.
Visit ruined castles in impossibly romantic locations, marvel at historic houses and gaze in wonder at Bronze Age standing stones. The landscape of Argyll and the Isles is dotted with signs of the past, including chambered cairns and cup-and-ring marked rocks. Grab a map and take your own journey into the history of this fascinating part of Scotland.
Points of interest
Davaar Island Cave – Painting of The Crucifixion.
Saddell Castle – Historic 16th-century castle on the shore of the Kilbrannan Sound of significant importance. Owned by The Landmark Trust. Also appeared in Paul McCartney’s “Mull of Kintyre” music video.
Saddell Abbey – ruins of a Cistercian Abbey founded in 1160. There are fine examples of carved medieval grave slabs displayed under cover in the grounds.
Skipness Castle – Built in the early 13th century and stands near village of Skipness together with the nearby Kilbrannan Chapel. It is a scheduled ancient monument. The Green Lady of Skipness Castle is said to haunt the location.
Campbeltown Picture House – Campbeltown Picture House, designed by Albert V Gardner of Glasgow in 1913 in Glasgow School Art Nouveau style, is a Category A Listed building and one of the earliest surviving purpose-built cinemas in the UK. It is the only example in Scotland of the first wave of cinema building still in use as a cinema.
Campbeltown Heritage Centre – The Campbeltown Heritage Centre is a museum and heritage centre in Campbeltown, Argyll, Scotland. The centre is the main repository for social history for the Kintyre Peninsula from around 1700 to the present day, and is run by the Kintyre Amenity Trust.
Tarbert Castle – Tarbert Castle is located on the southern shore of East Loch Tarbert, at Tarber at the north end of Kintyre. It was a strategic royal stronghold during the Middle Ages and one of three castles at Tarbert.
Glenbarr Abbey – Glenbarr Abbey, an 18th century residence, built by Col. Matthew Macalister, 1st Laird of Glenbarr. Today it serves as a visitor centre for the history of Clan MacAlister.
St Columba’s Footprints & Keil Caves – series of unusual visitor attractions closely grouped together. Near St Columba’s Chapel is a rocky outcrop on which you find St Columba’s Footprints, while nearby is St Columba’s Well. Two hundred yards to the west are the Keil Caves. Steeped in history!
The Antony Gormley Sculture – We are so lucky to have a unique and famous sculpture right on our doorstep. The abstract human form looks out over the Kilbrannan Sound to Arran from the rocks below Saddell Castle about 10 minutes away.
Go On An Adventure.
Beautiful beaches, historic castles, seaside villages and majestic mountains make Kintyre the perfect place for all kinds of activities. In Argyll, Kintyre and the surrounding area there’s so much to enjoy: great food and drink, music, a rich and vibrant culture, ancient sporting traditions and fantastic wildlife.
Go On An Adventure.
Beautiful beaches, historic castles, seaside villages and majestic mountains make Kintyre the perfect place for all kinds of activities. In Argyll, Kintyre and the surrounding area there’s so much to enjoy: great food and drink, music, a rich and vibrant culture, ancient sporting traditions and fantastic wildlife. There is something for everyone in one of the many events and festivals in this wonderful area.
Activities
Kintyre Way – Established in 2006 and runs for 161km along the length of the Kintyre Peninsula starting at the village of Tarbert and passes through a variety of landscapes, fishing villages, conifer forests, beaches and stretches of fine coastline and open hills and moors.
Bicycle Hire – From the nearby Network Centre.
Carradale Golf Course – A wee gem of a course offering amazing 360 degree views! Stunning views across the Kilbrannan Sound to Arran, Ailsa Craig and Ayrshire.
Machrihanish Dunes Golf Course – “The World’s Most Natural Course” 18-hole links course.
Kintyre Way Ultra 9th May 2020 – The Kintyre Way Ultra is three great races at one great event. Choose from the ULTRA Marathon & ULTRA Relay at 36 miles and the ULTRA CYCLE at 75 miles. The cycle race begins at Corranbuie, South of Tarbert, and ends at a new finishing point in Campbeltown which will be set up to cater for both runners and cyclists. The ‘Ultra village’ will provide food, drink, music, sports massage, workshops, activities, and a kids fun area; catering for runners, riders, their bikes and families.
Caledonia Way – Route 78
The Caledonia Way runs from Campbeltown to Inverness, along 234 miles of spectacular scenery. You begin at Campbeltown, then follow the Kintyre Peninsula to Carradale and across the long and winding road to Tarbert. Along your way to Inverness you’ll see that Route 78 offers a variety of cycling, from challenging on-road hills to lengthy sections of traffic-free path through the magnificent terrain of the west coast of Scotland.
The route is heavily influenced by the iconic geography of Scotland – following both the Kintyre peninsula and the Great Glen for their full lengths. It provides views of famous castles and beautiful west coast islands.
Argyll 190 Motorcycle Route
The Argyll 190 is a hidden gem in that it has a bit of everything. This route will be attractive to those who want to go for a scenic ride and you won’t be disappointed. You will enjoy something different around every bend. Interesting corners, spectacular views, flowing bends and coastal scenery, Argyll 190 has it all. There are numerous places to stop, like the one from Carradale Harbour across to Arran.
Celebrate The Culture.
One of the most important aspects of life in Kintyre is our supportive community. If it wasn’t for local fundraising, we wouldn’t have so many talented musicians, dancers, sports groups and artists.
Celebrate The Culture.
One of the most important aspects of life in Kintyre is our supportive community. If it wasn’t for local fundraising, we wouldn’t have so many talented musicians, dancers, sports groups and artists. We have many charity events throughout the year to raise funds for clubs, charities, schools, hospitals & homes. Join in the fun and celebrate everything that’s great about Kintyre at one of the many events and festivals.
Campbeltown Winter Festival – Dec 1st 11am – 4pm.
This years annual Campbeltown Winter Festival takes place on Dec 1st 2019.
The excellent event including the annual Christmas market run by Explore Campbeltown from 11am – 4pm in the Malt Barns at Springbank Distillery will complete a fun filled weekend which starts on Friday |Nov 30th with the Lights Switch On.
Scottish Comedy film Festival (SCOFF) 15th to 17th Nov 2019 – The inaugural Scottish Comedy Film Festival (SCOFF) will be staged in the restored historic Campbeltown Picture House. SCOFF will draw on the heritage of comedy in film and will include vintage and contemporary comedy, shorts and animation, workshops and live events. The film festival is being programmed in association with Paul Sneddon, aka Vladimir McTavish.
Campbeltown Malts Festival 19th to 22nd May 2020
The Campbeltown Malts Festival is a three-day celebration of Campbeltown’s whiskies – Springbank, Glengyle and Glen Scotia. Expect distillery tours, masterclasses, local craft stalls, live music, special bottlings and much much more in various venues around Campbeltown.
Mull of Kintyre Music Festival – a friendly festival and mix of traditional and contemporary Scottish and Irish music in various venues in Campbeltown, 19th to 23rd August 2020.
Carradale Music Festival Festival – 1oth to 12th April 2020.
Now in it’s third year, The Carradale Music Festival is an exciting two-day music festival will be held in the Carradale Village Hall. There will be music at two different stages – a main stage and an outdoor stage.
Kintyre Songwriters Festival (TBC 2020) May – The Kintyre Songwriters Festival is a real treat for music lovers, with some big names in Scottish music performing alongside local talent in various venues in Campbeltown on the beautiful Kintyre Peninsula
Harbour Day Carradale – July (TBC) A day of fun and frolics with a pirate theme at Carradale Harbour. There will also be a fun dog show, bar, BBQ, craft stalls, home baking and more during month of July.
Kintyre Way Ultra – Saturday 9th May 2020.
The Scottish Series Regatta – May 22nd – 25th in Tarbert
Mull of Kintyre Half Marathon & 10K Race – May (TBC 2020) www.mokrun.com
Midfest – 24th to 25th July 2020
www.facebook.com/festivalmid
Great Carradale Canter – June 14th 2020. www.facebook.com/greatcarradalecanter/
Gigha Music Festival – (TBC June 2020)
1st www.gighamf.org.uk
Tarbert Seafood Festival – 4th – 5th July 2020. Tarbert
MACH 1 Stages Rally at Machrihanish Airbase – (2020 TBC)
Tarbert Traditional Boat Festival – (July 2020 TBC)
Southend Highland Games – (TBC July 2020)
Tarbert Fair – July 2020 TBC
Mull of Kintyre Triathlon – (TBC July 2020)
Kintyre Agricultural Show (TBC August 2020) – Anderston Park, Campbeltown.
Tarbert Music Festival – (TBC Sept 14th – 16th 2020)
MACC Challenge – (TBC Sept 2020)
Springbank Invitational 2020 – (TBC Sept 15th 2020)
Campbeltown Highland Games – (TBC Sept 2020)
Tarbert Book Festival – Oct 25th – 27th 2020
Christmas Lights switch on – Nov 29th 2020.
