Kintyre Peninsula

The Kintyre peninsula is situated on the dramatic Atlantic Seaboard of Scotland’s Highlands and Islands. It comprises a long arm of hilly country about 45 miles long and 8 miles wide and is the southernmost point of the county of Argyll. The name Kintyre comes from the Gaelic phrase ‘ceann-tire’ which translates into English as ‘headland’. There are strong connections with Paul and Linda McCartney and the band Wings in the area; Paul purchased High Park Farm in 1966 purportedly as a means to avoid taxes and in time used it as a second home with his wife Linda. Campbeltown is host to the Linda McCartney Memorial garden, and further South the Mull of Kintyre is the inspiration for the popular Wings song of the same name. The local economy has traditionally been powered by farming, whisky, cheese and butter production, and wind power component production, although much of this has declined significantly over the years creating challenges for local populations and their government. It's a beautiful area. I rode down the tiny single track road facing Arran from the ferry terminal at Claonaig to Campbeltown. Views over Arran open up in a number of places. With a few switchbacks on hills, this was an interesting stretch to ride. Amazing how many people are prepared to take fairly large motorhomes down single track lanes, although in fairness most were polite enough to pull over and let a motorbike overtake. Campbeltown had plenty of activity with a harbour and a decent selection of eateries and shops. Refuelling of man and machine took place. Unfortunately the causeway to Davaar Island was covered at the time of my passing through so I was unable to cross to it and explore. The ride up the Western shore was much faster, and stunningly beautiful in the glorious sunshine now illuminating the coastline. Long sweeping curves with new vistas painted in blues and greens appearing around each corner it seemed. Further North up the peninsula afforded clear views over the isles of Gigha, Islay and Jura. Simply stunning landscapes. No photographs can capture the experience of being there. This became a recurring theme for me with the vast mountainous landscapes that awaited me in the rest of the highlands. The human experience which integrates all the senses, not just sight, simply cannot be captured, it has to be experienced.