66-mile route launches in Kintyre in time for staycation season

A 66 mile route is launching in Kintyre for people considering staycations.

Kintyre 66 has taken inspiration from Route 66 - and is encouraging visitors to slow down and spend a few days travelling through the area.

It's a 66-mile circular loop around the peninsula, from the top at Kennacraig to the bottom at Campbeltown.

Those behind the route are encouraging visitors to not limit themselves to taking it by car, and say it can be done by bike, foot or car.

Niall Macalister Hall, Chair of the Kintyre and Gigha Marketing Group, said: "Kintyre is a hidden gem on the west coast, with beaches that would rival the Caribbean on a good day, a pristine marine environment helped by the warmth of the Gulf Stream, and so many unspoiled places to discover.

"With a record staycation summer expected this year, K66 has been developed to encourage visitors to explore the whole of Kintyre – slowly and at their leisure – with plenty of open spaces and places of interest branching off the main route.

"There’s also the option of taking a short Calmac ferry to the beautiful islands of Gigha, Islay and Jura to the west and Arran to the east and turning the trip into a longer break.

"After a long and stressful 12-months for everyone, it’s a good feeling to be able to launch the route, and we look forward to welcoming travellers to our friendly community in the months to come."

Liz Scott, owner of The Steading at Barmore in Tarbert, said: "I think the main selling point of Kintyre is you don't have to see anybody else.

"It's remote, you can just be on your own if you want to do that.

"You can find a beach for yourself, a hilltop for yourself, a path for yourself.

"For so long, the visitors who have come to stay with me have only come to stay one night, and I can't tell you how many time in the visitor book it says 'wish we were staying longer'.

"Busy crowds are not for everybody, so you can come to Kintyre and see lovely things and just take your time."

Highlights on the route include Ballochroy Standing Stones, Saddell Castles, Keil Caves, golf courses, beautiful harbours, Beinn An Tuirc Distillery and beaches including Westport.

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