Family Friendly Activities on the Kintyre66

Exploring Kintyre has been on my to-do list for a very long time. With the Kintyre 66 route as my guide, it was finally time to right that wrong and discover what family-friendly activities this 66-mile route around the peninsula had to offer!

Day 1 – Saddell Abbey, Campbeltown & Torrisdale Castle Estate

When most people hear Kintyre, they’ll immediately hear Paul McCartney singing in their head. Fans of Mull of Kintyre might recognise Saddell Bay as the sandy beach where that music video was filmed. Anybody else might be more interested in the Antony Gormley sculpture “Grip” who stands on the rocks, silently watching over the water.

Nearby, there isn’t much left of the 900-year-old Saddell Abbey, but an incredible collection of West Highland effigies is inside a shelter. These rows of mail-clad warriors holding swords and spears are perfect for letting kids' imaginations run wild!

Kintyre's history stretches back even further with a visit to the ancient Kildonan Dun. This fort was inhabited around 2000 years ago, and these early inhabitants knew how to pick a good location with spectacular coastal views.

Exploring Campbeltown

The main hub along the Kintyre 66 is Campbeltown, but I had to refuel at the Ardshiel Hotel with a cheese and haggis toastie before exploring. You’ll need your energy because there’s a lot to discover around the town.

You won't be bored from the fascinating Heritage Centre to peaceful spots like the Linda McCartney Memorial Garden! If you want to get around in style, pick up a pair of wheels from Kintyre E-Bike Hire to explore the town and the wider Kintyre area.

A beneficial attraction for families will be the Campbeltown Picture House, where you can watch a film in Scotland’s oldest running cinema!

Staying at Torrisdale Castle Estate

My first day ended at Torrisdale Castle Estate, in one of their self-catering accommodation options. If you’re early enough, visit the onsite gin distillery or stroll around the estate. It’s the perfect place to rest those legs after a packed day on the Kintyre 66!

Day 2 – Whisky, beaches & coastal villages

My 2^nd day exploring the Kintyre 66 took me back to Campbeltown. Once packed with so many distilleries that it is known as Whiskyopolis, now there are only three left. I was taken through the historic processes of Glen Scotia on a tour that allows children to accompany adults for free!

The Southend of Kintyre: Exploring the Coronation site of ancient kings 

Two historically important sites overlook beautiful golden beaches at the far south of Kintyre. Dunaverty Rock, once an important MacDonald fortress, looms over Southend, and nearby, you’ll find Columba’s footprint carved into a rock. Legend says the saint first arrived in Scotland at this very spot, and Gaelic kings would place their own foot here in an ancient coronation ritual.

It's an unwritten rule that any visit to Southend must include a trip to Muneroy Tearoom to enjoy their irresistible cakes. Then a trip to Machrihanish Bay to spot some wildlife was on the itinerary. Seals were pulled up on the rocks, but the real draw is the Machrihanish Bird Observatory, where dozens of gannets were diving for their dinner.

Making like a gannet, it was time for lunch at Glenbarr Stores before helping to feed the beautiful Beachmore Alpacas. This summer, there will be the chance to meet, greet and walk these friendly animals.

Skipness Castle: The perfect family-friendly activity

Three mysterious standing stones are found in a field just off the road at Ballochroy. We don’t know much about them, but they align roughly with the Paps of Jura.

Coming almost full circle around the Kintyre 66, I had two contrasting castles to finish my adventure. The first at Tarbert is a complete ruin, standing on a low hill overlooking the harbour. Second, Skipness Castle feels more substantial, as if it were designed for kids to run around the grass and play as knights, kings, or queens.

As a bonus, just next door to the castle, Skipness Seafood Cabin serves up fresh fish dishes with Arran as a backdrop.

Fully stuffed, I was left to ponder one important question. Why on earth did it take me so long to visit Kintyre?