This first section of the Kintyre Way climbs out of Tarbert, passing the castle, and then passes through forestry and open moorland with views over the sea. The descent to Skipness goes through old oak and birch woodland. From Skipness there is an infrequent bus service back to Tarbert.
Summary
Waymarked paths and tracks, boggy in places.
Terrain
Start
Maps
Users'
rating
1. From the centre of Tarbert walk along Harbour Road on the south side of the quay. Turn right up a path signed for the Kintyre Way and Tarbert Castle and climb a series of stone steps. At the top go through a gate and continue climbing to Tarbert Castle. Here there are good views down over the harbour. The castle dates back to the 13th century although it has been added to over the centuries. After exploring the castle continue on the main route passing through another gate and climbing uphill. The Kintyre Way is marked by a series of blue marker posts with the distinctive logo carved on them - each mile is also marked. Where a path branches off to the right keep straight on heading for the next marker post.
2. The path continues on a raised track, keep left again at another junction, and at the next junction you can make a short detour for a viewpoint over the entrance to Tarbert harbour, otherwise continue on the main path. Pass through a wooden motorcycle barrier and continue climbing. A bench is soon reached with excellent views over the Rubha Badan, the headland the other side of East Loch Tarbert. The well made path now heads inland, crossing a number of small streams on footbridges and climbing to eventually reach a large cairn erected to celebrate the millenium.
3. Soon the path reaches a wide forestry track, turn left here and soon enter forestry with some views over Loch Fyne below. Ignore a small path which descends from the track to the left. Pass a picnic table with a great view and keep following the track. Eventually the track emerges from the trees and crosses an area of open moorland with heather. Hen Harriers and Black Grouse are both known to frequent this area.
4. Eventually the highest point of the walk is reached and the end of the track where there is a picnic table. The Kintyre Way continues straight ahead on a grassy path following a line of fence posts across the moor. This section can be very wet underfoot. When the path curves to the left the first view of Arran can be seen looming ahead.
5. Soon after the 5 mile marker the path enters forestry again although gaps in the trees allow more open views. Keep following the path which crosses a couple of wooden footbridges and descends to a track where the bright green turning circle with picnic table almost resembles a golf tee in the middle of an area of brown heather. Turn right and follow the track downhill, passing through a gate. The mountains of Arran look prominent straight ahead. Follow the track past a large stone built sheep fank and then through another gate.
6. The woodland here is part of the Skipness Caledonian Forest Reserve and further down includes the beautiful Atlantic oakwood. Continue past the stone ruins to follow the Skipness River downhill. The track runs alongside the river through the trees for some distance, until the river channels through a narrow gorge and the track bears to the right passing through another gate. Follow the main track downhill with the houses of Skipness becoming visible ahead. Pass to the left of the large house at Coalfin and after the corner follow the dead straight track to the road at Skipness. The bus stop is opposite the Post Office just to the right; there is an occasional service back to Tarbert. The Kintyre Way continues along the road towards Claonaig, or you can walk to the left to explore the impressive Skipness Castle.
Have you found an error or is any information wrong or missing?
Please let us know by using the error report form.
Route profile
