Cycling	Sailing	Gardens

Wildlife: Kintyre is a bird lover's paradise, being home to about 400 species of birds many of which can be seen and heard (the Cuckoo) at Dalnaspidal and the surrounding area, including the picturesque Tangy and Lussa Lochs. Majestic birds of prey can also be spotted by the "eagle-eyed" visitor. There is a bird observatory at Usaid Point just past the village of Machrihanish which is the first landfall for many migratory birds. Campbeltown is also home to the Scottish Owl Centre where you can come face-to-face with the largest collection of owls open to the public in Scotland. Please note that no pets (including guide dogs) are allowed at the Centre. Features at the Owl Centre include daily interactive flying displays, having your photo taken holding an owl, children's hands-on education room, information on conservation work in Kintyre and overseas, adventure playground, tea-room and picnic tables, gift shop and car park.

Grey and Common Seals (and even otters) can also be spotted along the rocky Kintyre shoreline and good viewing points for seals are Machrihanish, Bellochantuy/Muasdale and Ronachan Point (Ronachan meaning "place of seals"). Several species of deer roam the Kintyre hillside and some can often be seen wandering on the hills and fields around Dalnaspidal.

Fishing: The varied Kintyre coastline with its shingle and sandy beaches and various rocky outcrops is popular amongst sea anglers. Fishing for brown trout can be arranged as well as sea angling for the more adventurous.

Horse Riding: Kintyre offers some of the most spectacular riding and trekking opportunities to be found in Scotland for both the experienced rider and novice alike. Why not take to the saddle and enjoy the thrill of riding on open hills, ancient woodlands, unspoilt beaches or other places that are very seldom seen. Pony trekking can range from a week to a few days or just a day trip.

Horse and Cart Rides: Why not learn more about the history of Campbeltown with a guided horse and cart ride through the streets of this ancient Burgh. Trotters Horse and Cart Rides leave from the Campbeltown Ferry Terminal.

Cycling: Cycling is an ideal way to explore the surrounding countryside. Kintyre is an area in which relatively relaxed cycling can be combined with some of Scotland's finest scenery. It is possible to cycle the length of the Kintyre Peninsula and there are a number of quieter roads which lead down to its picturesque shores. There are also many forest roads to take you off the beaten track, but should you prefer tarmac - the roads are very quiet and almost traffic free! Bike hire is available in Campbeltown.

Sailing and Water Sports: With a magnificent sea loch-indented coastline, as well as fine inland lochs and rivers, there is plenty of opportunity to indulge in the best of water sports in the Kintyre area. Some of the best sailing waters in the world are in the Firth of Clyde and on the west coast of Scotland... with islands large and small to explore. Both Tarbert and Campbeltown have safe harbours with pontoons and mooring facilities. Carradale has a small harbour with no pontoons and the Island of Gigha is another popular haven for yachtsmen. The Scottish Series, the second largest regatta in the UK with on average 300 boats taking part is held in Tarbert at the end of May each year. Kintyre also offers excellent surfing and windsurfing opportunities in both the summer and winter months with the beach at Westport proving extremely popular.

Music and the Arts: There are several music festivals held annually in Tarbert and Campbeltown with the emphasis on traditional music and piping. Campbeltown has an excellent pipe band, which performs regularly in public during the season and it also has a strong tradition of brass band music, with one of the best school brass bands in the country, again with regular concerts in the town.

Food and Drink: Prawns, lobster, langoustines, salmon, kippers, smoked haddock, venison, cheeses, Springbank whisky, local farm markets!! Need we say more? Kintyre has more 'Taste of Scotland' establishments than any other part of Scotland. Here you are guaranteed the best of Scottish produce, beautifully cooked and presented. Many eating places specialise in local produce like shellfish, venison, beef and lamb. For those requiring simpler fare there is a wide variety of eating places from hotels to cafes. Please note that the nearest McDonald's is 120 miles away.

Crafts: There is a wide diversity of craft industries in Kintyre, with the emphasis very much on quality. There are outstanding examples of organic tanning, knitwear, pottery, silk painting, gold and silver jewellery, basketry and many others.

Indoor Swimming/Gym/Library: Situated on Kinloch Green in Campbeltown, Aqualibrium opened its doors to the public in June 2006. Facilities include a 25 metre six lane swimming pool with floating floor, gymnasium kitted out with state of the art gym equipment, café and restaurant, conference facilities, library and reading room and visitor gallery and dislpay area.

Gardens: Argyll is famous for its magnificent gardens influenced by the warming effects of the Gulf Stream, with strong emphasis on Azaleas and Rhododendrons. Why not explore some of the beautiful gardens right on our doorstep. Kintyre has two gardens open to the public, namely the grounds of Stonefield Castle Hotel at Tarbert and Achamore Gardens on the Island of Gigha. Achamore Gardens on the Isle of Gigha is a walled and woodland garden noted for its beautiful rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and other rare exotic plants. Stonefield Castle Gardens near Tarbert offer an interesting collection of plants from around the world which date back to the 19th century. Lady Linda McCartney Memorial Garden is located within the grounds of Campbeltown Library and offers a peaceful retreat.

Wind Farms: Love them or hate them - why not come and see for yourself and be mesmerised by our graceful neighbours, the elegant turbines of Tangy Wind Farm. Argyll has some of the first commercial wind farms to be constructed in Scotland. Scottish Power, Scottish and Southern Energy, Powergen Renewables, AMEC and National Wind Power all have wind farms in Argyll. Three are based in Kintyre, namely Tangy (22 turbines), Beinn an Tuirc (46 turbines) and Deucheran Hill (9 turbines).