Stunning Campbeltown’s the gateway to Mull of Kintyre magic on Scottish Citylink 926

Slàinte mhath! Once the whisky capital of the world, Campbeltown is a harbour town tucked at the end of the Kintyre peninsula, where salty sea air, stunning skies and the finest drams delight tourists and locals alike. Whilst it does not draw the same crowds as Scotland’s bigger whisky regions, Islay and Speyside, it’s a characterful cult favourite, earning its place on any west coast itinerary.

The 926 Scottish CityLink coach going from Glasgow to Campbeltown is an easy way to reach this Scottish gem, with the stunning journey being part of the appeal –  the breath-taking coastline view from the window is truly unmatched. What’s more, you can stop off at Inveraray en route, checking out the iconic castle and the town’s plethora of eclectic independent shops and dining options before raising your quaich of whisky at Campbeltown.

Campbeltown has roots going all the way back to the 6^th century, with tradition saying that St Ciarán of Clonmacnoise, a major Irish monastic founder, landed here and established a religious site. After that, Campbeltown’s name was Kilkerran, before evolving to Campbell’s Town when the Campbells gained control of the area. In 1700, it became a royal burgh, formalising it as a trading town and port. By the 18^th and 19^th century, Campbeltown’s economy was driven by the sea, with herrings dominated this. At the height of the boom, the harbour was packed with boats, the waterfront industries growing around this – fishing, gutting and curing yards, barrel-making and shipping. This shaped the entire rhythm of the town long before it rose to fame for its whisky.

When legal distilling became easier to scale in the 19^th century, Campbeltown was the perfect place to capitalise on this. With its busy harbour and shipping routes already in operation, whisky could be made, barrelled and transported straight out of the loch. Campbeltown became home to over 30 distilleries, earning it the nickname ‘Whiskyopolis’, before industry shifts forced many to close. There are three distilleries still operating here, Springbank, Glengyle and Glen Scotia, which are open to visitors and even offer tours – a way of honouring the legacy that defined Campbeltown for who it is today.

As well as some brilliant whisky tours, it’s also worth checking out the various pubs and bars that Campbeltown has to offer for even more of a taste of the town’s story. One local favourite is the charming Black Sheep Pub, nestled at the head of the atmospheric Campbeltown Loch, which offers a multitude of whiskies from local distilleries, as well as their very own Whisky Ambassador on hand to provide the full Campbeltown experience. Conveniently next-door is The Harbourview Grille in the Royal Hotel, serving fresh Scottish seafood against a mesmerising loch backdrop.

For dessert, don’t miss McKellars Confectionary for old-fashioned sweets and delicious ice cream, or Fresh Connection, where you can munch on mouth-watering homemade pastries – for breakfast if you stay the night!

The Argyll Arms Hotel on Main Street is a crowd-pleaser with Campbeltown locals and tourists alike, a central base that keeps everything within an easy stroll and just over 5 minutes from the Scottish Citylink bus stop.

Time your visit to Campbeltown with low tide and you can walk across to Davaar Island, a tidal landmark cradled in Campbeltown Loch. It’s an adventure that’s distinct to Campbeltown, ending at a cave with an eerie Crucifixion painting from 1887. The island is also home to a striking lighthouse, luxury cabins and a resident herd of friendly goats – which is exactly the kind of detail that makes Campbeltown stick in your mind.

If the weather is typically Scottish, Campbeltown is not short on indoor activities that capture the heart of this west-coast highlight. The Campbeltown Picture House on Hall Street is a cosy way to round off the day, built over 100 years ago in 1913.

If you fancy something even more history-led, make time for the Burnet Building’s Campbeltown Museum or the Campbeltown Heritage Centre. For the art lovers, there’s Coastal Design, a cute gallery showcasing local makers and designers.

From the incredible coastal views on the 926 to the first dram enjoyed in a centuries-old pub, Campbeltown is a spot that’s simply unmissable on your west-coast adventure. With its rich history and lively locals, the town is a little corner of Scotland with cult-status for good reason. Come for the uisge-beatha legacy and stay for the harbour charm, hearty pubs and Kintyre calm – it’s no wonder Paul McCartney wrote a song in tribute! Campbeltown is a place where you’ll want to linger. Slàinte!

To find out more and plan your action-packed scenic sojourn to Campbeltown by Scottish Citylink, check out https://www.citylink.co.uk/