Short answer: The Kintyre 66 is a 66 mile loop around the Kintyre peninsula in Argyll, on the A83 down the west coast and the B842 up the east, between Kennacraig and Tarbert in the north and Campbeltown in the south. It is ideal for a long weekend in a campervan. The east side is narrow and partly single track, towing is not well suited, and motorhome spaces exist at Muasdale and West Loch Shores.
The Kintyre 66 at a glance
Kintyre is the long peninsula that hangs down towards Northern Ireland, and the K66 loops all the way round it. Wild About Argyll describes it as "a 66-mile loop on the A83 and B842", with six spurs for going further. It is a short route, which makes it one of the best Scottish trips for a long weekend in a van.
| Detail | Kintyre 66 |
|---|---|
| Length | 66 miles, plus spurs and the Gigha ferry |
| Days | 2 to 4 |
| Start and finish | Join anywhere. Tarbert or Kennacraig from the north, Campbeltown in the south |
| Direction | Either way |
| Best for | A long weekend, beaches, distilleries, island hopping |
| Van-size watch-outs | Single track to Skipness and on some spurs; towing not well suited to single track |
Stops in order
Wild About Argyll's suggested order, from Tarbert down the east coast and back up the west.
| # | Stop | Why stop |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tarbert | Castle viewpoint and harbour |
| 2 | Skipness | Castle, via a single-track road |
| 3 | Carradale | Sandy bay; a good overnight |
| 4 | Saddell Bay | Abbey, castle and beach |
| 5 | Campbeltown | Glen Scotia Distillery and the Campbeltown Picture House |
| 6 | Davaar Island | Tidal shingle causeway: check tide times first |
| 7 | Southend and Mull of Kintyre (spurs) | St Columba's Footprints, Dunaverty Rock, Keil Caves |
| 8 | Machrihanish and Westport Beach | Long west-coast beaches |
| 9 | Killean, Clachan, Ballochroy | Old churches and standing stones |
| 10 | Tayinloan | Ferry to Gigha, about 20 minutes |
Where to sleep
Wild About Argyll lists motorhome spaces at Muasdale and West Loch Shores and suggests overnight stops at Carradale, Machrihanish and Gigha. Under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, sleeping in a vehicle is not covered by access rights (Highland Council and Aberdeenshire Council both say so), so use campsites and designated motorhome spaces. Passing places are for passing, never for parking. If in doubt, Wild About Argyll suggests asking a local. More in our wild camping guide.
Fuel, water and van-size notes
- Campbeltown is the main town for fuel and supplies; fill up there or before you arrive.
- Wild About Argyll says caravans and campervans are welcome, but towing is "not well-suited to single-track roads". The east side (B842) is narrower than the A83.
- Check CalMac timetables for the Gigha ferry and for Portavadie to Tarbert. Wild About Argyll notes the direct Ardrossan to Campbeltown ferry will not run in summer 2027.
- Water and waste at campsites. See our water and waste guide.
The Kintyre 66 is on the list for Roam's ready-made routes, which are coming (NC500 first). Join the waitlist.
Related routes
More Scottish loops: the NC500, the South West Coastal 300, or all UK campervan routes. Short on time? See weekend campervan trips.
Questions
How long is the Kintyre 66?
66 miles for the loop, on the A83 and B842. The spurs and the Gigha ferry add more.
Where does the Kintyre 66 start?
Anywhere you like. It runs from Kennacraig and Tarbert at the top to Campbeltown at the bottom, and you can go either way round.
Can you tow a caravan on the Kintyre 66?
Caravans are allowed, but Wild About Argyll says towing is not well suited to the single-track sections. Stick to the A83 and main loop if towing.
How many days do you need?
A long weekend covers the loop. Add a day for Gigha or the Mull of Kintyre.