There are spectacular locations you never knew existed. And when you finally discover them, the dilemma is whether to let others in on the big secret, or to keep it to yourself. We’ll be honest; we didn’t want to tell you about Killegruer. With its miles of sandy beaches (only feet from your tent), dramatic coastal panoramas, and more wildlife than Edinburgh Zoo (well, almost), Killegruer is truly one of Scotland’s hidden treasures, and we hope will remain that way.
Okay, as there are a million positives, lets get the one slight negative out of the way. Killegruer caters for static and touring caravans. However the statics are permanently located around the site perimeter, leaving the foreshore (and its North Atlantic views) free for caravans and tents. Still with us? Good choice…
As there are only a few tent pitches, it's best to book in advance. When you pull in keep an eye-out for your name on a plaque. Checking-in this way makes the process run smoothly, and you don't get that awkward feeling of driving aimlessly round and round searching for a pitch (we’ve all been there!) In a wee while you may receive a visit from the site's owner Anne, who’s the very embodiment of courtesy, welcoming campers with smiles and ensuring you have everything you need.
Even if you don’t consider yourself a walker, it’s hard (especially on a sky-splittingly blue summer day) to resist the urge to tackle the Kintyre Way. Running along the length of the peninsula, Scotland’s oldest and best-known path snakes its way across white-sand beaches, forgotten moorlands, and magical forestry plantations.
Of course, you may prefer to stay closer to home and explore the sites remarkable wildlife. Who could blame you? In the morning un-zip your canvas, light up the stove (you’ll want a brew for this), and savour the mesmerising sight of otters, seals or dolphins (all three in you're lucky!) frolicking in the nearby shimmering sea. Not a bad way to start your perfect day on the awe-inspiring Kintyre Peninsula.
As Campbeltown is one of Scotland's four recognised whisky-producing regions, it would be rude not to pop into the Springbank Distillery (01586 552009) for a quick tasting and tour. Springbank is the oldest family-owned distillery in Scotland (founded in 1828), and it’s now in the safe hands of the founder’s great, great, great, (still following?) grandson Hedley Wright. Friendly and knowledgeable guides take visitors through the fascinating process of malting to bottling, with tastings and an enjoyable browse of the shops huge selection of historic malts. The superbly presented Machrihanish Golf Club (01586 810213) draws thousands of visitors every year, and rightly so. This championship-standard course follows the natural contours of the dunes running parallel to the Atlantic, and regularly features high on lists for “the worlds greatest golf courses.”
Whether you fancy a meal, light snack, coffee or home-baking, The Watering Can (01583 421200) at Glenbarr Nursery has most things covered. If you’re there in June do try the seasonal strawberry and raspberry tarts, fresh from the nursery's very own garden. The Seafood Cabin (01880 760207) at Skipness is a good drive away, but will have seafood fans salivating. There’s no onsite shop but Glenbarr (an easy 15 minute walk) stocks most things including fresh bread, veg and locally sourced meat. Campbeltown is a 20 minute drive, and has both a Tesco & Co-Operative for that beach BBQ.
