Dunultach - Local Area

Kintyre, Argyll and the Western Highlands are rich in heritage and scenic beauty. Add to this the splendour of the islands just a short ferry trip away and you can see why Dunultach is in an ideal location for those wishing to explore.

The Kintyre Peninsula.

Starting at the seaside town of Tarbert, the 40 mile long “mainland island” runs south to Campbeltown and then on down to the Mull of Kintyre itself.

Sir Paul McCartney was so captivated by the view from the cliffs on the “Mull” that he wrote the best selling song of the same name. Looking over the rough moorland and across the sea to Northern Ireland just 11 miles away is bracing to say the least.

Boasting 5 golf courses, miles of sandy beaches, lochs, hills, history, wildlife and of course fabulous seafood, you can see why this unspoilt part of Scotland is an idyllic place to visit.

The Kintyre trail gives you a choice of two routes, following either the east or west coast initially. Either one will give you the chance of seeing the following attractions.

Saddell Abbey – Burial place of Somerled, Lord of the Isles.

Skipness Castle – Stronghold of the Campbells.

St. Columba’s footprints – when he landed from Ireland in 563 AD, they were carved into the rock near Southend.

The Mull of Kintyre itself.

Birdlife – up to 200 species, including maybe a Golden Eagle.

Sealife – Seals bask on the rocks, on the west coast particularly.

Wildlife – including deer. (please drive carefully)

Historic churches, standing stones, forts etc. etc.

We have a selection of leaflets to give you more information and to help you plan your days.

Local Events 2008

All Year			Walk the Kintyre Way.
21^st to 23^rd	March	-	Cantilina Easter Festival - Islay
12^th to 20^th	April	-	Islay Walk Week - Islay
2^nd to 4^th	May	-	Scottish Country Dance Weekend - Bowmore - Islay
10^th	May	-	Kintyre Way Relay Race - Tarbert
18^th to 24^th	May	-	Machrihanish Golf Festival - Machrihanish
23^rd to 26^th	May	-	Scottish Series Sailing Series - Tarbert
24^th May to	1^st June	-	Islay Malt & Music Festival - Islay
28^th June to	5^th July	-	Cantilina Summer Festival - Islay
5^th& 6^th	July	-	Tarbert Seafood Festival - Tarbert
26^th& 27^th	July	-	Tarbert Fair - Tarbert
21^st to 24^th	August	-	Mull of Kintyre Music Festival - Campbeltown
5^th& 6^th	September	-	Gigha Music Festival - Gigha
6^th& 7^th	September	-	Port Ellen Book Festival - Islay
12^th to 14^th	September	-	Black Bottle Jazz Festival - Islay
19^th to 21^st	September	-	Tarbert Music Festival - Tarbert
26^th to 28^th	September	-	Jura Music Festival - Jura

Please note that not all dates are 100% confirmed, so please check before you travel

VISITING BY FERRY

From Dunultach, all the four ferry terminals on the Kintyre Peninsula are within easy reach. They are all operated by Caledonian McBrayne and schedules can be found in their brochure or by visiting their web site at www.calmac.co.uk. It is advisable to book as the islands are popular with visitors.

TARBERT TO COWAL AND BUTE

Just a short crossing from Tarbert to Portavadie will put you on the Cowal Peninsula, where you can visit places such as Dunoon and Tighnabruich or just admire the scenery. You can also cross to the Island of Bute where there are attractions such as Mount Stuart, Kames Castle and the town of Rothesay.

TAYINLOAN TO GIGHA

A short crossing of 20 minutes brings you to Gigha, which as you may know, has recently been purchased by its’ inhabitants. Called ‘Gods Island’ it has numerous historic sites, although the wild flowers are worth the trip on their own.

KENNACRAIG TO ISLAY

With a journey time of just over two hours to Port Ellen, visitors to Islay need to plan their journey carefully so as to make the best use of the time available. Many people spend more than one day on this island but it is also possible to see the main attractions in one day, by travelling north from Port Ellen and catching the last ferry back to Kennacraig from Port Askaig.

In the peak season there are organised guided tours of Islay run by the ferry company, but whatever you choose, the visit is well worthwhile.

The 7 operating whisky distilleries are popular destinations but Islay is also famous for its wildlife, unspoilt beaches and historic sites.

For those with some time to spare, a short crossing from Port Askaig brings you to the Island of Jura. Dominated by the Paps of Jura, the island is said to have more deer than people.

On Wednesdays, (check to confirm) there is a ferry from Port Askaig to Colonsay, a journey of about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Wild life is the theme here and you can normally view seals, porpoises etc.

Note. You can also catch this ferry from Kennacraig and route via Port Askaig.

CLAONAIG TO ARRAN

30 minutes on the ferry to Lochranza brings you to Arran. Known as ‘Scotland in minature’ visitors can spend the day driving round the island taking in the superb views and seeing such sights as Brodick Castle and the standing stones on Machrie Moor. Lochranza itself boasts its own castle and whisky distillery.

JUST CRUISING

There is also the opportunity to spend most of the day cruising. On Wednesdays there is a cruise to Oban from Kennacraig, which passes Islay, Jura, Colonsay, Mull and Kerrara, plus a host of smaller islands. You have time to explore Oban before commencing the return journey.