Kintyre offers a wealth of activities and attractions, particularly for those who love nature, history, and outdoor adventures. Here’s an overview of things to do, including details on its beaches:
Explore the Beaches
Kintyre is known for its stunning, often secluded beaches, perfect for walking, picnicking, or just relaxing. The peninsula boasts several beautiful beaches, with the most notable including:
- Westport Beach: A long stretch of sandy beach, popular with surfers due to its strong Atlantic waves. It’s also great for beachcombing and walks.
- Machrihanish Beach: Famous for its expansive sands and the Machrihanish Golf Club, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Southend Beach: Located near the Mull of Kintyre, this beach offers picturesque views and is a great spot for spotting seals.
- Carradale Bay: A more sheltered beach, perfect for families, with calm waters and beautiful surroundings.
- Peninver Beach: A quieter beach close to Campbeltown, ideal for a peaceful stroll.
Visit Historic Sites
- Saddell Abbey: Ruins of a 12th-century Cistercian abbey with beautifully preserved medieval grave slabs.
- Skipness Castle: A well-preserved 13th-century castle offering stunning views over to the Isle of Arran.
- Dunaverty Castle: Located near Southend, this site offers historical significance and incredible views, though the castle itself is now a ruin.
Outdoor Activities
- Golf: Kintyre is home to some of Scotland's finest golf courses, including Machrihanish Golf Club, known for its challenging links course with breathtaking views.
- Walking & Hiking: The Kintyre Way is a long-distance walking route that covers 100 miles from Tarbert to Southend, passing through diverse landscapes of hills, forests, and coastline.
- Cycling: The quiet roads and scenic trails make Kintyre a fantastic destination for cycling enthusiasts. You can cycle parts of the Kintyre Way or explore the quieter coastal roads.
Wildlife Watching
- Bird Watching: The peninsula is rich in birdlife, with opportunities to see a variety of species, including golden eagles, puffins, and ospreys.
- Seal and Whale Watching: Especially around the Mull of Kintyre and Southend, where you can often spot seals, and if you're lucky, dolphins or even whales.
Whisky Tasting
- Campbeltown Distilleries: Campbeltown was once known as the "whisky capital of the world," and it still has three active distilleries: Springbank, Glen Scotia, and Glengyle. Take a tour and taste some of the finest whiskies in Scotland.
Gin Tasting Experiences
- Beinn an Tuirc Distillery: Located in the scenic village of Carradale, Beinn an Tuirc Distillery produces the award-winning Kintyre Gin. The distillery offers tours where you can learn about the gin-making process, from the selection of botanicals to distillation. After the tour, enjoy a tasting session where you can sample their range of gins, including their signature Kintyre Gin and various seasonal and special editions. The distillery also prides itself on sustainability, using renewable energy to power its operations.
Boat Trips
- Isle of Gigha: Take a short ferry ride from Tayinloan to this small island, known for its gardens and sandy beaches.
- Fishing and Sailing: The waters around Kintyre are ideal for fishing, sailing, and other marine activities.