926 Glasgow – Campbletown

Journey Overview

This is a journey that’s worthy of spreading over a few days. There’s plenty of places to visit en route, stopping off and maybe staying overnight 

Glasgow 

There’s so much to see and do in Glasgow, from museums to parks, nightlife to sport. The Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery is Scotland’s Scotland’s oldest public museum and a splendid temple to the wonders of art, science, and history. Then, there’s the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum with its 8,000 exhibits from dinosaurs to World War 2. If it’s natural serenity and relaxations, then visits to Glasgow Botanic Gardens and the Pollock Country Park with its highland cattle, woodland and glades as well as the Burrell Collection, are ‘must visit’ locations.   

Inveraray 

This is a quaint town alongside the serene waters of Loch Fyne with lovely views over the Scottish Highlands. There’s the famous Inveraray Castle and jail, as well as ice-cream on the picturesque seafront and a range of classic, boutique shops. The Castle is featured in the TV series Downton Abbey and the home of the Duke of Argyll, with traditional Gothic Revival architecture. It also has fabulous gardens.

Tarbert

Tarbert is a pretty village on Loch Fyne, set in front of rugged hills and with an attractive natural harbour. It’s a popular destination for yachts, particularly so in May during the heats for the Scottish Series which are staged in Loch Fyne. There’s also a renowned seafood festival in July and all-year-round short and longer walks, including a small distance to the far end of Pier Road and the small, but delightful shell beach. The remaining ruins of Tarbert Castle are also worth a visit, including its lovely walks further up the hillside and great spot for picnics. The views from the castle over Tarbert Harbour and Loch Fyne are magnificent. There are also a flock of Hebridean black sheep in the locality of the Castle ruins from the era of Robert the Bruce King of Scotland.

Campbeltown

There can be few more beautiful journey ends or starts than the peaceful, quaint town of Campbeltown, situated on the spectacular peninsula of Kintyre. On a deep bay, sheltered by Davaar Island and surrounding hills, it’s the gateway for exploring southern Kintyre with many blissful walks. Campbeltown was once nicknamed ‘the whisky capital of the world’ with 34 distilleries, though only three are active today – Glen Scotia, Glengyle and Springbank. Guided tours are available at all three, where the mystique and secret of whisky is unlocked.

Campbeltown museum is also a delight, telling the story of Kintyre, with a mix of archaeology, natural sciences, social history and fine art.