Kintyre Way Stage 6: Campbeltown to Southend

Summary

The sixth stage of the Kintyre Way follows the minor road around the southeastern end of the peninsula for much of its distance, with views to the offshore islands of Davaar and Sanda. From Polliwilline Bay there is a section along the shoreline, taking in some wonderful sandy beaches.

Grade

Bog Factor

3.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Tarmac minor road for much of the way; grassy tracks and paths on the shoreline section.

Getting there

Start

Campbeltown.

Public Transport

This stage follows the bus route between Campbeltown and Machrihanish.

Start Grid Ref

NR719203

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 25.25km / 15.75 miles
Time: 6 - 7 hours
Ascent: 421m (Profile)

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Explorer 356 - Kintyre South

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

From the centre of Campbeltown head down the main street to the seafront and harbour. Here turn right along the front, passing the entrace to the ferry terminal. Follow the walkway beside the coastline through the parkland, passing a childrens' play area. Eventually the seafront path merges with the minor road, heading out past Glenramskill and a rusting pier - part of an MOD site.

Stage 2

Eventually the seafront path merges with the minor road, heading out past Glenramskill and a rusting pier. Further on is a parking area overlooking the shapely Davaar Island offshore. The island is tidal and, with its crucifixion cave makes a fascinating place to visit. However it is only accessible for around 3 hours either side of low tide, so careful planning is needed to avoid being stranded - or worse, caught out during the crossing.

Stage 3

The Kintyre Way continues following the minor road, keeping close by the shore as it rounds Kildalloig Bay. After Ballimenach it climbs before descending again at Achinhoan; the switch-back course continuing as it crosses the steep ravine of Balnabraid Glen.

Stage 4

Continue along the road, passing Feochaig and crossing Glen Hervie. Finally a t-junction is reached at Polliwilline. Turn left here, passing the farmhouse. Go through the gate and turn right onto a track beyond. Soon this bends left, and eventually leads to another gate. Turn right immediately before this gate to follow a faint grassy track down through the field.

Stage 5

Go through the gate at the bottom to reach an area of informal caravans at the back of Polliwilline Bay. Go down to the coastline, heading to the right along the sandy beach. Looking back there are great views of the cliffs at Gartnagerach Point. At the far end of the bay Kintyre Way markers indicate the grassy path as it leads through a kissing gate.

Stage 6

Keep to the left of further caravans before the path leads down onto an even finer sandy beach - Macharioch Bay. Cross the back of this, going straight across a track at the next lot of caravans. The path now leads to a prominent memorial to the 8th Duke of Argyll, inscribed in four languages.

Stage 7

Continue through another kissing gate, passing an idyllically situated picnic bench. The Way now leads down onto yet another fine sandy beach, crossing it until the caravans at Kilmanshenachan at the far end. The route leaves the beach here by passing through a gate next to a picnic table. Bear right at first across the caravan area to pick up a track, then follow this to the left, keeping left at a fork.

Stage 8

Pass the farmhouse, and keep left at a junction to follow the track up to the public road. At the road turn left, then follow it right at the next junction. Pass Dunglass, keeping straight ahead to cross the Conieglen Water. At the main road turn left, passing the school and finally reaching the village of Southend.

Next stage: Southend to Machrihanish

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