Lords of the Isles Discover matchless seascapes, historic ruins and picturesque villages in the heart of an ancient sea-kingdom.
Saddell Bay, Kintyre
  Saddell Bay, Kintyre		 Clachan Village, Kintyre
 Clachan Village, Kintyre

 Port Ellen, Isle of Islay
 Port Ellen, Isle of Islay
Focus KINTYRE PENINSULA & THE WHISKY ISLE OF ISLAY
Map
Click map to enlarge		 Tarbert Harbour
Tarbert Harbour

ROUTE DESCRIPTION

Follow the A82 North via Loch Lomond to Tarbet (loch cruises), before branching West on the A83 through Inveraray and Lochgilphead.
1 From Lochgilphead, continue on the A83, to the fishing village of Tarbert – gateway to the tranquil Kintyre Peninsula.
2 Leave the A83 at Kenacraig, taking your time as you follow the narrow B8001 to enjoy views across to the mountains of Arran. Nearby Skipness Castle dates to the 13th century.
3 Follow the B842 South along the shores of the Kilbrannan Sound to the picturesque fishing village of Carradale, with its stunningly beautiful beach. Beyond lie the ancient remains of Saddell Abbey, founded by Somerled, Lord of the Isles.
4 Kintyre’s capital – Campbeltown – has a traditional feel, centred round its working harbour. Follow the tidal causeway to Davaar Island and see the famous crucifixion cave paintings.
5 To the South lies the Mull of Kintyre – celebrated by Paul McCartney’s emotive song. Here Saint Columba made the short crossing from Ireland, bringing Christianity to Scotland.
6 Turn North along the A83, perhaps pausing for the short ferry trip to the quiet Island of Gigha.
7 Next it’s the ferry from West Loch Tarbet to Port Ellen, on the beautiful Isle of Islay. From here the great Clan Donald – descended from heroic Somerled, Lord of the Isles – once ruled their island kingdom, far beyond the power of Scotland’s mainland monarchy. Today Islay’s peaty landscape gives its unique flavours to several world-famous whiskies.
8 The A846 leads North to the main town of Bowmore, with its unusual round church (to stop evil spirits hiding in the corners).
9 Branch West by the A847, around lovely Loch Indaal, to the picture-postcard villages of Port Charlotte and Portnahaven.
10 Back at Bowmore, take the A846 East to Port Askaig, for the short crossing to the neighbouring Isle of Jura. The conical Paps of Jura are one of Scotland’s famous landmarks. Jura is home to large herds of red deer and has its own famous distillery.
Campbeltown
Campbeltown		 Isle of Jura Distillery
Isle of Jura Distillery
 
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LOOK OUT FOR

KINTYRE
Tarbert Castle, Loch Fyne
Imposing ruins of 13th century stronghold, offering superb views across Loch Fyne to the Cowal Peninsula

Network Carradale
Heritage Centre Graphic displays on the history of fishing, farming and forestry in Kintyre, including hands-on children’s activities and craft shop.

Saddell Abbey, by Carradale
Cisterican abbey founded by Somerled, Lord of the Isles, in 1164. Life-sized grave slabs of warriors and clerics.

Springbank Distillery, Campeltown
Enjoy a guided tour of this celebrated malt whisky distillery (tours by arrangement only – call 01586 552085)

Campbeltown Heritage Centre
Experience 19th century life in Kintyre, including fishing, farming, mining and whisky-making. Features a Loch Fyne skiff in full sail, a cooperage and a period kitchen.

Mull of Kintyre, near Southend
Look across to Ireland’s Antrim Coast, just 12 miles away. St. Columba’s footprint, set in a rock near Dunavety, is said to mark the Saint’s arrival in Scotland.

Achamore Gardens, Isle of Gigha
Walled and woodland gardens, celebrated for their rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and rare exotic plants.

ISLE OF ISLAY
Laphroaig, Lagavulin and Ardbeg Distilleries, by Port Ellen
In just three miles running East from Port Ellen you can visit three of the world’s finest malt whisky distilleries, noted for their unique, peaty Islay flavours.

Bowmore Distillery
Islay’s oldest distillery. Recycled heat from the stills warms the local swimming pool.

R.S.P.B. Loch Gruinart, by Bridgend
Superb bird-watching habitat plus working farm demonstrating environmentally sensitive techniques.

Bruichladdich Distillery, by Port Charlotte
Victorian distillery with much of the original equipment still in use.

Museum of Islay Life, Port Charlotte
Fascinating introduction to Islay, including artefacts, old photographs and archives.

Loch Finlaggan, by Ballygrant
Ruins of the medieval centre of the Lordship of the Isles, set on islands in the loch. Trust Visitor Centre.

Bunnahabhain and Caol Isla Distilleries, by Port Askaig
World-renowned malt whisky distilleries, open for guided tours and tastings.

ISLE OF JURA
Jura House Walled Garden, Ardfin
Listed garden with an unusual collection of non-hardy plants.

 

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