- Overview
- Day-by-day itinerary
- Photos
- Best for
- Kintyre beaches, Tarbert and Campbeltown
- Driving
- Long peninsula transfers
- When to go
- Spring–autumn; confirm seasonal touring dates
- Ferries
- Mainland roads; no vehicle ferry
Why this trip: Small A83 stages lead to Tarbert and two different Kintyre coast experiences.
The trade-off: The peninsula has a long return approach; the fifth day moves back north rather than adding more beach stops.
Your trip at a glance
6 hire days · 5 nights · approximately 320–400 miles
| Day | Drive & overnight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Renfrew → Inveraray Argyll Caravan Park, Inveraray Approx. 65–75 miles | 1.5–2 h |
| 2 | Argyll Caravan Park, Inveraray → Lochgilphead Lochgilphead Caravan Park, Lochgilphead Approx. 35–45 miles | 1–1.5 h |
| 3 | Lochgilphead Caravan Park, Lochgilphead → Tarbert Tarbert Holiday Park, Tarbert Approx. 20–35 miles | 45–75 min |
| 4 | Tarbert Holiday Park, Tarbert → Campbeltown Machrihanish Holiday Park, Machrihanish Approx. 45–60 miles | 1.5–2 h |
| 5 | Machrihanish Holiday Park, Machrihanish → Machrihanish Argyll Caravan Park, Inveraray Approx. 90–110 miles | 2.5–3 h |
| 6 | Argyll Caravan Park, Inveraray → Return to Renfrew Renfrew Approx. 65–75 miles | 1.5–2 h |
Rounded planning allowances, not live navigation. Driving excludes walks, food stops, traffic and ferry sailing/check-in. Use each day’s directions for current routing. First-day travel starts after the 14:00 Renfrew handover; the final day is reserved for the noon return.
Map & stops
Pink: overnight · Green: sights · Orange: food · Blue: useful stops
Choose a day to see its road journey. Tap a shared overnight pin for all its nights.
Daily directions
- Day 1 · Inveraray Directions ↗
- Day 2 · Lochgilphead Directions ↗
- Day 3 · Tarbert Directions ↗
- Day 4 · Campbeltown Directions ↗
- Day 5 · Machrihanish Directions ↗
- Day 6 · Return to Renfrew Directions ↗
Get to know the places on this route
Open a day for its drive, food stop and overnight pitch. Mileage and times are estimates; ferry time is additional.
Your day-by-day plan
Day 1
Inveraray
Day 1 · Inveraray65–75 miles · 1.5–2 h driving
Renfrew → Argyll Caravan Park, Inveraray
Approx. 65–75 miles · allow 1.5–2 h driving
Day 2
Lochgilphead
Day 2 · Lochgilphead35–45 miles · 1–1.5 h driving
Argyll Caravan Park, Inveraray → Lochgilphead Caravan Park, Lochgilphead
Approx. 35–45 miles · allow 1–1.5 h driving
Day 3
Tarbert
Day 3 · Tarbert20–35 miles · 45–75 min driving
Lochgilphead Caravan Park, Lochgilphead → Tarbert Holiday Park, Tarbert
Approx. 20–35 miles · allow 45–75 min driving
Day 4
Campbeltown
Day 4 · Campbeltown45–60 miles · 1.5–2 h driving
Tarbert Holiday Park, Tarbert → Machrihanish Holiday Park, Machrihanish
Approx. 45–60 miles · allow 1.5–2 h driving
Day 5
Machrihanish
Day 5 · Machrihanish90–110 miles · 2.5–3 h driving
Machrihanish Holiday Park, Machrihanish → Argyll Caravan Park, Inveraray
Approx. 90–110 miles · allow 2.5–3 h driving
Things to do
Use the beach as a proper stop before turning north up Kintyre. This is the place to slow down, so consider an extra night if you want both the southern peninsula and a relaxed return.
Eat & drink
The Ugadale’s dining options — near the beach; confirm public access and meal times.
Sleep
Argyll Caravan Park — Inveraray.
An Inveraray base for the Loch Fyne stage, before continuing south towards Kilmartin.
Facilities: Gravel vehicle pitches, two toilet/shower blocks, washing-up and laundry. The chemical disposal point accepts eco products; blue chemicals are prohibited.
Pitch booking: Published pitch arrival is from 13:00, departure by noon. Arrange arrivals after 17:00 with the operator.
Alternative: Lochgilphead Caravan Park. Farther down the A83, so adjust the following stage.
Day 6
Return to Renfrew
Day 6 · Return to Renfrew65–75 miles · 1.5–2 h driving
Argyll Caravan Park, Inveraray → Renfrew
Approx. 65–75 miles · allow 1.5–2 h driving
More Wee Coo routes
Loch Lomond first weekend
One lochside night, a gentle walk and time to learn the van. Luss gives this first weekend a clear base close enough for an easy return to Renfrew.
3-day Scottish Borders history loop
Trade the busiest Highland roads for Melrose’s abbey, the Eildon Hills and Border towns. Pick one proper walk and leave time for a bakery stop and a riverside pitch.
4-day Argyll & Oban coast
Follow the A83 from Inveraray into Kilmartin’s ancient landscape, then finish with Oban’s harbour food. This mainland trip puts archaeology and small-town stops ahead of ferry logistics.