An Unforgettable Drive to Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse

Mull of Kintyre is a still operational lighthouse located at the tip of the Kintyre Peninsula, on the west coast of Scotland.

What is Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse famous for?

Immortalised in song by Paul McCartney, it was the second lighthouse commissioned in Scotland. Built by Thomas Smith in 1788, near the lighthouse is a memorial monument. In 1994 a Chinook helicopter carrying security personnel from Northern Ireland flew straight into the cliffs killing all 29 people on board. Located 9 miles (14 km) southwest of Campbeltown in Argyll and Bute, the building was set 240 feet above the sea near the rocks known as "The Merchants of Three Pedlars".

Is the road to Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse challenging?

The road to the lighthouse is not easy. It’s a challenging single track not for the faint- hearted. The road is totally paved but very steep, hitting a brutal 20.4% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. The gradients are obscene and regular. It is a long narrow twisty road but the views on the way up and around of the moors and valleys are amazing and gave another perspective on the wonderful Scottish landscape. It is a rickety road to get there, if you don't like heights stay away. Not advisable for very large vehicles, and caravans are an absolute no.

Can you drive to Kintyre Lighthouse?

Starting at Campbeltown, the road to the lighthouse is 11.26km (7.0 miles) long, but the last 1.93km (1.2 miles) are closed to private vehicles (with the exception of a few events), ending on a parking lot (room for about 10-15 cars). It’s a private road.