Campbeltown

The visitors guide to Campbeltown in Argyll will guide you with information on and around the place, including getting to Campbektown, things to see snd do, self catering cottages, accommodation and Hotels In Campbeltown.

At the southern end of the Kintyre Peninsula is the "metropolis" of Campbeltown, originally called Kinlochkilkerran (Ceann Loch Cille Ciaran) but renamed in the 17th century by the Earl of Argyll, who was, of course, a Campbell. This may be the largest town by far in this part of Argyll, but it has a real end-of-the-line feel, due in part to its geographical isolation, but also because the town has long since lost its raison d'être – whisky.

Phone code: +44 (0)1586 Population: 6,500

Festivals

If you're around at the end of Aug, don't miss the Mull of Kintyre Music Festival, 3 days of the best in traditional Celtic music, held in various venues throughout the town, with numerous impromptu pub sessions.

Region

Argyll

Travel Directions to Campbeltown

There are flights from Glasgow to Machrihanish. There are 2 flights daily (35 mins), all year round from Glasgow to Machrihanish airport. For times and reservations, contact British Airways Express, Tel. 08457-733377.

Buses run to and from the airport from Campbeltown (2 daily Mon-Fri; 10 mins). There are several daily buses to and from Glasgow; also to Machrihanish, Carradale, Saddell and Southend. BusThere are several daily buses from Glasgow to Campbeltown (4€ hrs), via Inveraray, Lochgilphead, Kennacraig and Tarbert. For details: Tel. 01586-552319 or Tel. 0141-3329191, or Scottish Citylink (Tel. 08705-505050). There are buses from Campbeltown to Machrihanish (hourly Mon-Sat, 3 on Sun; 15 mins), to Carradale (45 mins) and Saddell (4 daily Mon-Sat, 2 on Sun; 25 mins), to Southend (several daily; 25 mins).

It's about a 3-hr drive from Glasgow to Campbeltown. The most direct route is by the A82 to Tarbert on Loch Lomond, then the A83 via Inveraray and Lochgilphead. If you want to hire a car, there's Campbeltown Motor Company, Tel. 01586-552030, or Fona taxis & minibuses, Tel. 01586-554001.

Tourist Information Centre, on the Old Quay, Tel. 552056. Open Apr Mon-Fri 0900-1730; May-Sep Mon-Fri 0900-1730, Sat-Sun 1100-1700; Oct Mon-Fri 0930-1730, Sat-Sun 1000-1600; Nov-Mar Mon-Fri 1000-1600.

Roads

A82 Glasgow to Inverness | A83 - The OId Military Road

Local Sights & Activities for Campbeltown

Campbeltown's whisky production was such that the town even has its own particular regional subgroup of single malt named after it, but of the 34 distilleries once in production, only one remains, the Springbank distillery. This family-run distillery is in Well Close, off Longrow, and guided tours are by appointment only, Tel. 552085. Whisky aficionados should also pay a visit to Eaglesome on Longrow South, where you can choose from over 400 single malts. To find out more on the town's history, you can visit the Campbeltown Heritage Centre, on the Southend road, housed in the former Lorne Street church, or "Tartan Kirk" as it is known locally, due to its distinctive façade of alternating stone and red brick. Apr-Oct Mon-Sat 1100-1700, Sun 1400-1700.

The most interesting sight in town is the wonderfully evocative "Wee Picture House" on Hall Street, first opened in May 1913. This rare art deco treasure was closed in 1983, but such was the storm of local protest that it was lovingly refurbished and reopened in 1989. No visit to Campbeltown would be complete without witnessing the glories of a bygone era in the oldest surviving cinema in Scotland. Films are shown six nights a week (Friday night is bingo night).

Sanda Island Self Catering Cottages are located near the Southern Tip of Mull of kintyre is an ideal location for a quiet break or venue for a Party or Wedding. more details about Sanda Island Self Catering Cottages

Around Campbeltown

If the weather's good, it's worth taking a walk up to Beinn Ghulean, which overlooks the town and loch. Follow the signs for the A83 to Machrihanish until you reach Witchburn Road. After passing the creamery on your left, turn left into Tomaig Road and continue till you come to a wooden gate. Cross over the stile and follow the track through the fields, crossing two more stiles, before you reach the Forest Enterprise sign which marks the start of the walk. It's about four miles there and back from the end of Tomaig Road.

One of the most popular day trips is to the uninhabited Davaar Island, connected to the peninsula by a tidal breakwater. Here you can see the cave painting of the Crucifixion, completed in secret by a local artist in 1877. The island can be visited at low tide from Kildalloig Point, a couple of miles east of town. Check tide times at the tourist office before setting out.

Nearby Distilleries

Springbank Whisky Distillery

Springbank is one of the few remaining family owned distilleries that produce single malt whisky in the traditional methods handed down the generations.
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Campbeltown Hotels & Accommodation

There's plenty of accommodation in town. Pick of the bunch is Craigard House, Low Askomil, Tel. 554242, Fax. 551137, 8 en suite rooms, with great views over the loch. There's the comfortable Ardshiel Hotel, Tel. 552133, Fax. 551422, on Kilkerran Rd or the White Hart Hotel, Tel. 552440, Fax. 554972, on Main St. There are also several cheap B&Bs. Aside from the aforementioned hotels, the culinary scene is not worth mentioning.

Self Catering Cottages in Campbeltown

Island Cottage Sleeps 4
The Lookout Sleeps 2
Otter Cottage Sleeps 2 - 4

Self Catering Cottages Near Campbeltown

Fisherman's Cottage Sleeps 2