Visiting The Homeland
Travelling To And Around Kilfinan
In Scotland, we measure distance by time rather than miles as many roads are rural and single track. Give yourself time to travel as you will experience some of the most beautiful scenery and will want to stop and take it all in.
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Airports
Glasgow International (1 ¾ hrs drive away, 2 hrs 6 mins via ferry)
Edinburgh (2 ¾ hrs drive)
Manchester, England (5 hrs drive)
Public Transport
There is little transport in the area. It is possible but requires planning. From Glasgow airport, you can get the train to Gourock, then the Ferry to Dunoon, bus to Tighnabruaich, change bus to Kilfinan. There is a local bus that travels from Tighnabruaich to Otter Ferry via Portavadie that runs twice a day, more on Thursday. There is also a bus that runs from Tighnabruaich to Dunoon.
Cars
Car rental is available from the airports or nearby. Please note, many of the roads in and around Kilfinan are narrow, single track roads with passing places. It is customary to pull into these passing places if you have vehicles behind you to let them pass, or if you have an oncoming vehicle, you may have to reverse into the nearest passing place. You may also experience the odd sheep or two! Verges can be very soft and deceiving, grass may have grown up concealing deep drainage ditches either side of the road, it is often better to continue driving/reversing to a passing place rather than pull onto the verge when passing. Roadside assistance is not convenient in this area! Having said that, you will be rewarded with absolutely beautiful scenery and access to amazing secluded places along the secret coast. Please note, fuel stations are limited, it is advised to fill up in Dumbarton if travelling from Glasgow or in Inveraray if travelling from the West or Dunoon if taking the Ferry. There is a small fuel station in Tighnabruaich but with limited service and availability. Dunoon and Strachur are the nearest other fuel stations.
Caravans
If you are towing a caravan or have a large vehicle, please be aware that the roads can be narrow, winding and single track with strong possibilities of having to reverse. Just take your time and be vigilant. The verges can be soft and deceiving, the grass may have grown up concealing deep drainage ditches either side or the road. Please note the nearest fuel stations above.
Cycling
The Cowal way is a popular cycle and walking route, 57 miles from Loch Lomond to Portavadie taking in amazing scenery, villages and wildlife.
Hiking
We are extremely lucky to have many mapped walks in the area along with the Cowal Way. You will find many castles, ruins, historical sites, ancient marked stones, incredible wildlife and scenery. A fantastic way to truly understand the essence of Scotland and immerse yourself in nature. Scotland is fortunate to have open walking rights, meaning you can walk pretty much anywhere, apart from people’s gardens. Care should be taken around livestock especially if you have dogs, when sheep are nearing lambing time they can be easily scared.
By Boat
The plentiful Lochs and nearby Crinan Canal make Sailing a very popular way to travel here. Portavadie is the nearest marina. There are boat tours of the Kyles in Tighnabruaich with DC Marine to give you a taste of life on the water. There is a ferry from Portavadie to Tarbert on the Kintyre Peninsula, and from Dunoon to Gourock.
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