12-05-2025
Remote Scots town 100 miles away from closest train station was once world's whiskey capital
Currently, three distilleries operate in Campbeltown, though at one point, the town was home to 34 whisky distilleries
Often overlooked in favour of more accessible destinations, one of the UK's most remote towns, Campbeltown in Scotland, offers visitors a stunning escape despite its challenging location 100 miles from the nearest train station. While the UK boasts numerous picturesque seaside towns, this captivating spot on the Kintyre Peninsula stands out for its unique charm and breathtaking scenery.
Located in the west of Scotland on the shores of Campbeltown Loch, Campbeltown functions as a working fishing port and remains a significant hub for Scottish whisky.
Surrounded by dramatic landscapes, it is widely considered one of the most beautiful places on the island of Britain, providing an ideal base for those who enjoy hiking or simply driving through scenic vistas, Express reports.
Campbeltown sits directly across the water from the stunning Isle of Arran, another must visit destination in Scotland known for its natural beauty.
Though modest in size today, Campbeltown once held the prestigious title of the whiskey capital of the world.
While only three distilleries, Glen Scotia, Glengyle and Springbank, currently operate within the town, historically, a remarkable 34 distilleries were producing whisky here.
Springbank Distillery, founded in 1828 by the Mitchell family, still uses traditional methods to produce Longrow whisky and offers tours by appointment, according to VisitScotland.
Whisky enthusiasts will find the town a compelling visit, with guided tours available at the operational distilleries. Even for those new to whisky, these tours offer a fascinating insight into the cultural significance of the drink and the heritage of the local area.
Campbeltown whiskies are known for their distinctive character, which sets them apart from other Scotch whisky regions like Speyside, Islay, and the Highlands, according to Master of Malt.
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These whiskies typically have a robust and complex profile, with a balance of sweet, fruity, and maritime flavours.
Beyond its whisky connections, Campbeltown serves as an excellent starting point for exploring this magnificent corner of Scotland.
As mentioned, it is conveniently close to the Isle of Arran, frequently cited as one of the UK's most naturally stunning islands.
Furthermore, visitors can easily access nearby attractions such as Davaar Island, Westport Beach, An Ceardach Garden, and the imposing Dunaverty Rock.
The exploration opportunities extend even further, with ferry services running between Campbeltown and Northern Ireland. This connection allows travellers staying in the area to easily visit famous sites like the Giant's Causeway.
While undeniably remote, reaching Campbeltown is achievable through various means. West Coast Motors provides four coaches a day travelling to and from Glasgow, a journey taking approximately 4.5 hours, Explore Campbeltown says.
Alternatively, access is possible by boat from Ballycastle in Northern Ireland, or from Ardrossan, which is easily accessible from Glasgow.
For a quicker option, Loganair operates two flights per day from Glasgow to Campbeltown every weekday, with the flight lasting just 30 minutes.
