Major city · United Kingdom
Kilcreggan
Go for one night only if you have a car or use the Gourock ferry; without either, skip it and base in Helensburgh or Dunoon.
Kilcreggan is a small village at the tip of the Rosneath peninsula in Argyll and Bute, cut off by land but 15 minutes by foot ferry from Gourock. It grew as a Clyde steamer stop and summer-home village in the 19th century. There is little to see beyond the shore, painted rocks and a short walk to Portkil Battery, so treat it as a quiet one-night stop or a half-day from Gourock, not a base for a Scottish trip.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (short days, many places closed)
- Airports
- GLA · EDI
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Kilcreggan999 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Kilcreggan, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetyVery low crime; the real risks are narrow roads with no pavement, fast-changing coastal weather and patchy phone signal.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers999 or 112 police, fire, ambulance · 111 NHS non-urgent · 101 police non-urgent (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportGLA Glasgow (About 1 h 30 min by road via Helensburgh; train and ferry via Gourock is slower.).
- Getting aroundYou need your own wheels.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or tea in a café£3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Street or quick mealSoup and sandwich lunch£8–14 (≈ US$11–19)
- BeerPint of beer in a bar£4.50–6 (≈ US$6–8)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week£6–12 (≈ US$8–16)
- Budget bedStatic caravan, 2-night minimum, a night, per room£90 (≈ US$120)
- Mid-range bedGuest house double, a night, per room£110 (≈ US$150)
- High-end bedGuest house double, a night, per room£145 (≈ US$200)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £45 (≈ US$60) · Mid £80 (≈ US$110) · High £150 (≈ US$200)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- GLA Glasgow (About 1 h 30 min by road via Helensburgh; train and ferry via Gourock is slower.) · EDI Edinburgh (About 2 h 30 min by road; train to Glasgow then Gourock.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Feb
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Mar
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Apr
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
May
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jun
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jul
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Aug
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Sep
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Oct
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Dec
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (18 rain days), driest Apr (12). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Kilcreggan: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
18 rd
Feb
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
14 rd
Mar
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
15 rd
Apr
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
12 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
12 rd
Jun
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
12 rd
Jul
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
13 rd
Aug
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
14 rd
Sep
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
14 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
16 rd
Nov
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
16 rd
Dec
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
17 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
You need your own wheels. Bus 316 runs hourly Monday–Saturday from Helensburgh via Garelochhead, Rosneath and Kilcreggan to Coulport, with a much reduced Sunday service. The Gourock foot ferry takes about 15 minutes and sails Monday–Saturday hourly, roughly 7AM–6PM.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 30 min
Foot ferry from Kilcreggan pier, about 15 min
Quickest way off the peninsula; trains to Glasgow Central take 40–50 min.
Door to door: About 45 min
Bus 316 via Rhu and Faslane, about 40 min
Hourly Monday–Saturday; much reduced on Sundays.
Door to door: About 1 h 30 min
Ferry from Gourock, then a second ferry or road via Loch Eck
Two ferry legs; check the Gourock–Dunoon timetable first.
Door to door: About 1 h 30 min
Drive to Colintraive, ferry to Rhubodach, then across the island
Needs a car; the short ferry crossing runs frequently.
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min
Drive north via Arrochar and the A83
Castle, jail and Loch Fyne views; a full day with a car.
Door to door: About 2 h 30 min
Drive via Inveraray, or train from Garelochhead via Crianlarich
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep one night.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Kilcreggan village centre
Ferry pier, café, bar and shop within a few minutes' walk; very few beds.
Rosneath
Two miles west; guest house, caravan park and takeaway, but you need a car or the 316 bus.
Cove
Two miles west on Loch Long; country house hotel and community hall.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £45–70 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- £70–110 (≈ US$95–150) excl. bed
- High
- £110 (≈ US$150)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Guest house double1 × 1 night × £110 | £110 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × £80 | £160 |
| Gourock–Kilcreggan foot ferry, one way2 × £4 · check | £8 |
| Bus 316 Helensburgh–Kilcreggan, one way2 × £4 · check | £8 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × £8 | £16 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £30 |
| Trip total≈ £166 per person per day, bed included | £332≈ US$450 |
2026 estimate in pounds; travel to the peninsula excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or tea in a café | £3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Soup and sandwich lunch | £8–14 (≈ US$11–19) |
| Takeaway fish supper | £9–13 (≈ US$12–18) |
| Pint of beer in a bar | £4.50–6 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Guest house double room, B&B | £85–145 (≈ US$120–200) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | £6–12 (≈ US$8–16) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No railway station in the village; the nearest is Garelochhead, with only 3–4 trains a day.
- The Helensburgh–Kilcreggan ferry was axed in 2012; do not plan around it.
- Mobile signal is patchy; O2 has no coverage here.
- Linn Botanic Gardens in Cove is closed except for occasional pre-booked openings.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 999 or 112
- NHS non-urgent
- 111
- Police non-urgent
- 101
Pocket card
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KilcregganKilcreggan
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
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To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance999 or 112
- NHS non-urgent111
- Police non-urgent101
Embassy
No embassies here; the US consulate-general is in Edinburgh and most others are in London. For urgent consular help, call your embassy's 24-hour line.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Kilcreggan → Gourock, foot ferry: about £4 (≈ US$6), 15 min (check)
- Kilcreggan → Helensburgh, bus 316: about £4 (≈ US$6), 40 min (check)
- Gourock → Glasgow Central, train: about £8–10 (≈ US$11–14), 40–50 min (check)
Say or show
- Single ticket, please — Single ticket, please
- Return ticket, please — Return ticket, please
- Does this bus go to Kilcreggan? — Does this bus go to Kilcreggan?
- What time is the next ferry? — What time is the next ferry?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Where is the toilet? — Where is the toilet?
Signal is patchy: save ferry and bus times offline before you travel.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Kilcreggan. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (short days, many places closed) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Ferry and bus timetables field-checked for the Gourock crossing and bus 316, including Sunday gaps.
- Walking notes for the shore path, painted rocks and Portkil Battery with tide and surface warnings.
- Place pages for Cove Burgh Hall, Portkil Battery and the closed Linn Botanic Gardens.
- Eat and drink pages with last orders for the café, takeaway and both bars.
Sources
Ask about Kilcreggan
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