©freefoto.com
Those who discover it will be well rewarded as the area is a super place to stay to explore the sheer scenic beauty and rich historic heritage of this part of the country.
There are 5 excellent golf courses including the magnificent championship course at Machrihanish which was once the home to the Scottish Amateur Championship.
There are many opportunities for sailing, walking, cycling, fishing and golf, and for bird watchers the region is especially attractive.
Just 20 miles from Tarbert is Kilmartin Glen - one of the richest archaeological areas in the country. Many prehistoric and medieval monuments can be found including burial cairns, stone circles, cup-and-ring engravings and carved gravestones. There are also plenty of castles around here. Visit the excellent centre at Kilmartin House for more information.
You can also take a trip to Inveraray with its Castle and award-winning Jail Museum which is less than 40 miles from Tarbert.
Kintyre boasts some of the best sailing waters in Britain, over 200 species of birds and an enormous variety of wild flowers. Rich in history and unspoilt scenery, the area was frequented by kings such as Robert the Bruce and saints such as Columba. The wealth of places to visit here includes:
- Saddell Abbey - burial place of Somerled, progenitor of the clan Donald and dynasty of the Lord of the Isles.
- Skipness Castle - once the stronghold of the clan Campbell.
- St. Columba's Footprints - carved into the rock at Southend
to commemorate where he landed from Ireland in 563 AD
- Historic churchyards and carved crosses and slabs.
- Standing stones, cairns, forts and duns.
- Disused farming townships.
- The Mull of Kintyre - made famous by the Paul McCartney song.
There are many ferry trips to be taken in the area. The map on the left
hand side shows the surrounding area, including the islands.