Mull of KintyreAbout Mull of Kintyre
The Mull of Kintyre is the southernmost headland of the Kintyre peninsula in southwest Scotland, extending into the North Channel and facing County Antrim across the water. It is a rugged coastal promontory known for its sea cliffs and sweeping coastal views.
A working lighthouse sits on the tip of the headland and the site is a popular viewpoint for visitors and birdwatchers. The area is accessible by road that leads to car parks and short walks to the cliffs and lighthouse precincts.
The Mull of Kintyre is frequently referenced in modern culture and has long been a maritime landmark for shipping entering the Firth of Clyde and crossing toward Northern Ireland. The coastal environment supports seabird colonies and marine scenery.
Geographically it lies on the southwest coast of Scotland in Argyll and Bute, with the nearest towns along the Kintyre peninsula providing visitor services; the headland projects into the North Channel opposite the Antrim coast.
- Prominent headland: Forms the southwestern extremity of the Kintyre peninsula and is a prominent coastal headland visible from sea and nearby ferries.
- Cultural reference: Became widely known in popular culture due to the 1977 song by Paul McCartney and Wings, which is named after the headland.
What to See#
- Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse: A functioning lighthouse at the extreme tip of the headland that marks the entry to nearby sea channels and serves as a local navigation aid.
Best Time to Visit Mull of Kintyre
Best in summer for road access and viewpoints; anywhere else the weather can be changeable and dramatic.
Weather & Climate near Mull of Kintyre
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 17°C. Abundant rainfall (1224 mm/year), wettest in January.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 3° - 8° | 0° | 142 mm | overcast | 86% | 8.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.6h |
| February | Poor | 2° - 7° | 0° | 95 mm | overcast | 86% | 8.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.4h |
| March | Poor | 3° - 8° | 1° | 109 mm | overcast | 86% | 7.5 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 4° - 10° | 3° | 68 mm | overcast | 85% | 6.2 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.0h |
| May | Acceptable | 6° - 13° | 7° | 59 mm | overcast | 84% | 5.7 m/s | 1.0 high | 16.0h |
| June | Acceptable | 9° - 15° | 12° | 65 mm | overcast | 85% | 5.3 m/s | 1.2 high | 17.1h |
| July | Good | 10° - 17° | 13° | 80 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.1 m/s | 1.1 high | 16.6h |
| August | Good | 11° - 17° | 14° | 92 mm | overcast | 86% | 5.2 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 14.8h |
| September | Acceptable | 9° - 15° | 12° | 111 mm | overcast | 86% | 6.1 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 12.6h |
| October | Poor | 7° - 12° | 7° | 134 mm | overcast | 85% | 7.1 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.3h |
| November | Poor | 5° - 10° | 3° | 136 mm | overcast | 85% | 7.5 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.1h |
| December | Poor | 3° - 8° | 1° | 133 mm | overcast | 86% | 7.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.9h |
How to Get to Mull of Kintyre
Drive from Campbeltown along the A83 and B842 to the Mull of Kintyre. The road is single-track in places; public buses run from Campbeltown at limited intervals. The headland and lighthouse are accessible by a short walk from the parking area.
Tips for Visiting Mull of Kintyre
- Drive the A83 then B842 and park at the designated viewpoint near the lighthouse for the classic McCartney-era photo.
- If time allows, stop at Campbeltown for seafood and to get a sense of the peninsula's slow pace before heading to the headland.
- Avoid high winds-the tip is exposed and the coastal road can be slippery in wet or icy conditions.