More island than mainland, the unexplored Kintyre Peninsula of Argyll and Bute boasts hidden coves, deserted beaches along the wild atlantic coast, tiny fishing communities, and gentle hills.

Launched in late summer 2006 and stretching from Tarbert at the North end of the peninsula to Southend in the South, the waymarked Kintyre Way criss-crosses the peninsula. Information is available on the route’s website and this has route details and maps to download and contacts plus accommodation and transport.

The entire walk is 100 miles and most of the trail is on forestry land with the road making up the connections, plus interesting beach sections.

The bulbous end of Kintyre features some of the most spectacular scenery on the peninsula and includes the famous Mull of Kintyre, just off the route but accessible, the nearest Britain gets to Ireland, just 12 miles away. The east coast is gentler than the west, sheltered from Atlantic winds and in parts strikingly beautiful with stunning views across to Arran. The west coast of the Kintyre peninsula ranks among the most exposed stretches of coastline and has a mixture of rocky shoreline and deserted sandy beaches pounded by Atlantic breakers.

Grading. The Long Distance Walkers Association (LDWA) lists the Kintyre Way as a challenging route, with coastal, forest and moorland sections.