The Kintyre 66: Scotland’s ‘Hidden Gem’ Coastal Road Trip
7 days / 6 nights Island-Hopping ItineraryThe Kintyre 66 is one of Scotland’s most rewarding - yet lesser-known - coastal drives. Follow the 66-mile loop along winding coastal paths to hidden beaches, vibrant fishing villages and mesmerising coastal landscapes. Paired with a night on the tranquil Isle of Gigha, this itinerary combines wild scenery with coastal adventures. Perfect for those seeking an off-the-path adventure!
Once you're in Kintyre, you can either stay centrally at one accommodation throughout your holiday, driving to the locations mentioned below as day trips, or book multiple accommodations along the way. There are also plenty of campsites and caravan sites along the way if that's your preferred type of stay!
Why not leave your car behind? The Kintyre 66 also makes for a great cycling adventure!
Getting to Kintyre
from land and seaThere are many ways to get to Kintyre. This itinerary is designed for those driving. However, it can also be used for cyclists and those coming for a bit further afield.
The main way to travel to and from Kintyre is by car via the A82 – turning off at Tarbet on Loch Lomondside - and continuing on the A83 through Inveraray and Lochgilphead, then south to Tarbert.
From the north of Scotland, come via Oban and south on the A816 to pick up the A83 at Lochgilphead.
Or if you are travelling from Southern Scotland, why not sail from Ayrshire to Campbeltown using the CalMac ferry link? Or cross by ferry via Arran or Cowal to Kintyre – allowing you to explore much more of the west coast.
There is also scope to fly into the airport at Machrihanish with Loganair. Twice daily flights and then scope to pick up a hire car for your Kintyre 66 adventure. Once here, you could hire E-Bikes or Bikes from Kintyre E-Bike Hire.
Starting Your Road Trip
Day 1 – Glasgow to CarradaleDriving Distance: Approx. 130 miles | Journey Time: 3-4 hours
Start your adventure heading west from Glasgow, through Loch Lomond & the Trossachs, then on to Tarbert, a picturesque fishing village. Stretch your legs with a short walk up to Tarbert Castle for sweeping views, before continuing to Skipness Castle, where medieval walls gaze out across the Kilbrannan Sound to Arran. In summer, feast on langoustines and crab at the Skipness Seafood Cabin, or stock up at the Skipness village shop for a picnic.
Continue your journey along the quiet B842 towards Carradale, your final stop for the day. Check in at Carradale Hotel before spending your evening exploring the charming fishing port.
Alternatively, stay at Torrisdale Castle for a unique eco-friendly stay with stunning sea views - and the optional morning swim in the sea! Torrisdale Castle is also home to the award-winning Beinn an Tuirc Distillery, which is well worth a visit!
Beach Strolling & Whisky Tasting
Day 2 – Carradale to CampbeltownDriving Distance: Approx. 15 miles | Journey Time: 30 minutes
Today, continue your road trip 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 along the beach to Saddell Bay, passing Saddell Castle. Look out for the sculpture by Anthony Gormley standing on the rocks in front of the castle.
Head further south into Campbeltown, once the whisky capital of the world. Take a distillery tour at Glen Scotia or if whisky isn’t your thing, stroll the harbour and catch a movie at the Victorian Campbeltown Picture House.
Off to the Mull of Kintyre
Day 3 – Campbeltown to Kintyre SouthendDriving Distance: Approx. 15 miles | Journey Time: 30 minutes
Begin your day with a walk across the causeway to Davaar Island during low tide to see its famous cave painting. In the afternoon, continue to Southend, where Dunaverty Bay offers golden sands and St Columba’s Chapel tells stories of Scotland’s earliest saints.
Looking for a truly unique experience? Book a horse-riding afternoon with Wilder Ways to ride along Kintyre’s southern beaches.
Optional add-on: take the winding road to the Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse for dramatic clifftop views.
Download the Kintyre 66 Brochure
Plan your adventure to Kintyre with out detailed Kintyre 66 brochure, including places to stop, recommendations and distances.
Kintyre's Wild West Coast
Day 4 – Kintyre South End to TayinloanDriving Distance: Approx. 27 miles | Journey Time: 45 minutes
Today you loop up Kintyre’s west coast, one of the most scenic stretches of the peninsula. Stop at Machrihanish Beach, famous for its vast sands and seabird colonies, then continue to Westport Beach, where you can join a surf lesson with Pete’s Surf School or simply stroll the dunes. Alternatively, visit Bellochantuy Bay for a quiet, hidden beach!
Pause at Glenbarr Stores & Café for some souvenir shopping and excellent coffee – or stay the night! Alternatively, book a night at Killean Estate to watch the sun set over your next day’s destination: the Isle of Gigha.
Hopping over to Gigha
Day 5 – Tayinloan to Isle of GighaFrom Tayinloan, take the short ferry to Gigha. This small island is perfect for slowing down: wander through Achamore Gardens, explore Twin Beaches with its Caribbean-blue waters, or hire bikes for a gentle island loop. Wildlife lovers may spot seals, otters, or even dolphins offshore.
Drop by Gigha's Activity Centre to hire bikes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and learn about the island's fascinating history.
Dine at the Boathouse overlooking Ardminish Bay, serving the freshest seafood in classic Scottish atmosphere. In the evening, watch the sun set over Islay and Jura from the beach and enjoy the mesmerising dark skies of Gigha, a magical end to your island day.
A Slow Journey Home
Day 6 – Driving HomeDriving Distance: 120 miles | Journey Time: 3-4 hours
Catch the morning ferry back to Tayinloan, then drive north along the Kintyre 66. Head back towards Tarbert for a final harbour stroll and coffee before continuing your journey back to Glasgow.
Optional stop: Stop for another night in Inveraray to break up the long drive home. Visit the famous castle, explore the historic high street or take a walk along the shores of Loch Fyne.
Good to Know!
Plan Your Visit to Kintyre- We advise booking your ferry to Gigha in advance, especially in summer.
- Always confirm sailing times ahead of your day of travel via the Calmac website, as these can change due to weather conditions.
- Bikes travel free on CalMac ferries, but space is limited. Reserve ahead.
- Bring binoculars for bird and marine wildlife watching along Kintyre's coastline.
- Be mindful of traffic! Although a tourist route, locals and farmers use the Kintyre 66 to go about their day-to-day. So, be midnful of them when stopping for pictures or parking your car.
Where to Stay
Driving Along the Kintyre 66The accommodations below are in great central locations, providing a great base for your Kintyre 66 trip. Alternatively, book multiple stays for your trip!
- Torrisdale Castle Estate – From cosy bothies for two to larger self-catering quarters for the whole family, Torrisdale Castle is a unique stay along the K66.
- The Carradale Hotel – A great central location in Carradale, providing you with good access to the rest of Kintyre whilst staying in a bustling village.
- Glenbarr Stores & Accommodation – located in the charming village of Glenbarr, enjoy cosy bedrooms and breakfast at the Glenbarr cafe. Close to the Gigha ferry port in Tayinloan.
- Killean Estate – Ideally located on the West Coast of the Kintyre peninsula, the self-catering cottages are a great base for your road trip. Close access to the Gigha ferry and
- The Machrihanish Dunes – Located near the southern tip of the Kintyre peninsula, this iconic seaside resort provides a brilliant blend of luxury, golf & exceptional cuisine.
Discover more campsites & caravan sites on our blog.
Your Kintyre trip planned for you.
Discover McKinnlay Kidd's tailor-made 'Journey to the Mull of Kintyre', a self-drive tour featuring some of Kintyre's most stunning scenery, hidden gems and authentic accommodations.
Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information, including full directions, recommended routes, and suggestions on places to visit depending on your interests and local knowledge to help you get the most from your holiday.
Download the Kintyre 66 Brochure
Plan your adventure to Kintyre with out detailed Kintyre 66 brochure, including places to stop, recommendations and distances.
The Kintyre 66 and Isle of Gigha take you away from the crowds and to some of Scotland's most captivating coastal landscapes. Whether you're travelling with a partner, friends or your family, you will never tire of Kintyre!
Discover a range of fantastic places to eat & drink in Kintyre & Gigha. Why not bring the taste of Argyll home with you? Purchase from one of our many local producers and experience Scotland's natural larder at home.
Find your place to stay from luxury hotels for a relaxing retreat to holiday parks and self catering options for adventure seekers, and everything in-between.
