Kintyre Way Stage 4: Tayinloan to Carradale

Summary

The fourth section of the Kintyre Way starts with a lovely coastal section from Tayinloan and then climbs through open countryside and then forestry to Deucheran Hill where there is a windfarm. The second half of the section descends to the open glen at Brackley and then up over another forested hill to emerge with good views over Arran and down to Carradale the end point of this stage.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Sandy shore, clear paths, and forestry tracks.

Getting there

Start

Tayinloan.

Public Transport

Tayinloan is linked by buses between Tarbert and Campbeltown; Carradale has a service to Campbeltown.

Start Grid Ref

NR697458

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 23.75km / 14.75 miles
Time: 5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 502m (Profile)

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

From Tayinloan walk past the former hotel and turn right passing the village hall. Follow the residential road round to the right and then left until you reach some wooden garages on the right. Turn right here to head towards the shore, with Gigha visible in the distance. At a farm gate bear slightly left to head through another farm gate and follow the gorse bushes around the edge of the field looking out for the blue Kintyre Way marker posts. Follow a track through the gorse and go through a pedestrian gate next to farm gate and follow the short section of boardwalk to head through another gate onto the shoreline. Turn left here and follow the shore or beach until you reach a stream just after some stable buildings in the field.

Stage 2

Cross the stream on the beach and go through the gate and head inland on a clear path next to a drainage ditch. Follow the path as it curves right between a fence and trees and then alongside the main road. When the path emerges onto the A83 carefully cross the road and the Kintyre Way continues up a track on the opposite side. If you have time it is worth diverting along the road to the ruined church at Killean which has impressive carved grave slabs inside the church building. Back on the Kintyre Way follow the main track uphill, going straight ahead at an early crossroads and then passing a house and continuing up over moorland always staying on the main track.

Stage 3

When the ruined buildings at Braids can be seen to the right, stay on the main track as it curves to the left, ignore another track to the left and enter the forestry plantation. The track climbs steadily and eventually reaches another area of open moorland. Cross the cattle grid and keep left at a fork, there are good views over to the right and birds of prey, particularly buzzards can often be seen hunting in this area. After passing Loch na Naich on the right, the mountains of Arran can be seen straight ahead with the wind turbines of Deucheran Hill wind farm in front. Follow the track back into the forestry and after curving around a bend and descending then climbing you are soon walking amidst the turbines.

Stage 4

Keep on the main track, ignoring any tracks to the sides. The windfarm has been here since 2001 and consists of 9 turbines which were constructed in Campbeltown. After the windfarm the track descends, always keep straight ahead and eventually a surfaced track is reached. There are good views down the glen with Arran in the background. After the forestry, there is some native woodland and then the farm at Auchenbreck can be seen on the other side of a ford. Keep on the track and cross the river on a bridge and then follow the track as it loops back, keeping right at a fork, and eventually passing the other side of Auchenbreck. Continue straight on where a track leads down to the right to a farmhouse and cemetery at Brackley and pass two cottages before the track climbs to reach the Skipness to Carradale road.

Stage 5

Turn right along the road and follow it gently downhill until the entrance for Grianan car park is reached. Turn into the left here and follow the straight path uphill signed for Kirnashie Walk. Turn right when you reach a track and keep following this. Before the track starts to head downhill, where there are good views of Arran ahead, take the marked track to the right which climbs uphill. Keep straight on when a track joins from the right and then turn off onto a marked path to the right. This eventually climbs high over the slopes Cnoc nan Gabhar and a great viewpoint for both Kintyre and the surrounding islands. A short detour to the left takes you to a picnic table which makes a good rest spot.

Stage 6

The path descends fairly steeply at first and then levels off. Keep left at a small junction and then when a path marked by red waymarkers joins from the right. This is the Deer Hill circular walk from Carradale. Now there are good views down to Carradale and the forestry gives way to sparse mixed woodland and mill pond is passed on the left. At the bottom of the hill turn right along a track, passing behind a recreation field. At the junction the Kintyre Way keeps right and follows the track into the forest; however most walkers will want to end the stage at Carradale by keeping left and after passing the car park the track reaches the road. Turn left to reach the shop and hotel at Carradale.

Next stage: Carradale to Campbeltown

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