Kintyre Way

Review by a walker in 2023

I walked the route in April 2023 using the fourth edition of the guidebook. I found the new format to be a big improvement to the old one. It fitted into the side pocket of my walking shorts with no problem, and it was lighter as well as less bulky, than the third edition.

The guidebook is very good: it gives lots of detail about the area and great stories about its incredible history and wildlife. Its directions were easy to follow and the instructions very accurate – and the people that I met were all friendly and helpful. I liked the fact that mileages are given both on the book mapping and cited in the text, though as the authors point out they don’t always coincide with the Kintyre Way stone mileage posts.

The authors offer some good practical ideas such as crossing by ferry to Lochranza (on Arran) at the end of day one, so as to get around the lack of places to stay or have an evening meal in Claonaig. It also commends the side-trip to Gigha which can be fitted into the short section from Clachan to Tayinloan.

I have contacted the Kintyre Way website to alert them that on the section from Claonaig to Clachan some of the stiles are dangerous and need replacing and the path needs some attention because it’s a bog. Also, even in April the vegetation was starting to need strimming in places.

John Jack, Milnathort, Perth & Kinross

Comment from a Kintyre resident

I am really enjoying “every step” of the Way; it’s an excellent book with so much intricate detail … The photographs are unique, and would make a good Argyll calendar. For me, the book evokes many memories, for I’ve lived in these parts all my life, and they beckon me back.

Mrs M Johnson, Lochgilphead

From a review by Neil Rawlins in the journal of the LDWA

This fourth edition, with its enticing photography and easy mapping, is enough to whet the appetite of both armchair reader and those contemplating walking just over 100 miles of a landscape rich in history … along stunning beaches, over hill and moor, yet within easy reach of civilisation where there is a warm bed and a hot meal after a long day’s walking.

… The waterproof book breaks the walk down into more manageable sections for day walks, and a helpful summary provides the essential information – distance, terrain, gradient, any interesting side trips and the all-important refreshment opportunities.

Strider August 2023 page 55

From a reader in Gig Harbour, Washington

Congratulations on such an informative book. It is a wonderful tribute to the peninsula. It should be a smashing success to say the least. It’s a must before undertaking the walk.

Email from Kenneth McAlpine, Washington, USA

Comment from a customer

The Kintyre Way book I bought recently is marvellous. It brought back such splendid memories of last May and our very successful completion of it. Many thanks.

Mrs A.C. of Churt, Surrey

Excerpt from a review at Amazon.co.uk

The route is clearly described, lest any marker posts have disappeared, and there are references to features of interest such as archaeological sites along the route. This description, and the photos, will be particularly helpful for newcomers to Kintyre, because they will know what to expect. On the other hand, walkers on the sections Claonaig to Clachan and Machrihanish to Dunaverty should also carry an Ordnance Survey map, because the maps in this book are useful for planning purposes but not for navigation on the ground.

And the book isn’t merely practical. It’s beautifully illustrated with colour photos that will surely tempt strollers and island-hoppers as well as serious hikers to visit Kintyre. The historical background, economic activity and the making of Scotch whisky are all described in clear language that makes it a pleasure to read.

Peter Stott "Stottie", Chesterfield, England