Tarbert: A Stunning Seaside Village Well Worth A Visit

Tarbert (Loch Fyne)

The stunning village of Tarbert, located on Loch Fyne, is a historic fishing village known for its beautiful sights and historical landmarks. An integral part of this charming settlement is Tarbert Castle, the ruins of a medieval castle that offers panoramic views of the village and harbor. This vantage point allows visitors to appreciate the picturesque nature of the Scottish highlands and waterways.

Tarbert Castle

Walk around the two different walks dedicated in the forest by the castle.

The Things We Like

Tarbert is a beautiful village with coffee shops, an Indian restaurant come coffee shop, fish & chips, coop, toilets and a stunning harbour. A pub with beer right on the seafront. Walks to the Castle and dedicated walks nearby.

There is also a campground within walking distance going out of Tarbert towards Campbeltown on the right side. It is also a nice place to stop for a coffee.

The Things We Dont Like

Parking can be very hard to find when there is an event going on in Tarbert and the weather is sunny. People flock there for a day out. Dont bother going down to West Tarbert Port. It is a dead end and there is nothing to see apart from a few fishing boats. Do NOT think of parking there overnight believing it will be quiet. It wont, as the fishing boats and small port is in use 24 hours.

Places Nearby Worth A Visit

Crinan Canal

One of my favourites. The 9-mile long Crinan canal opened in 1801 connects Loch Fyne to the Sound of Jura. It’s a popular spot for walking, cycling, and watching boats transit the canal’s locks and bridges. It is a great cycle ride from one end to the other and there is a coffee shop at each end, all be it, the one in Crinan is in a far better location than the one in Ardrishaig.

Skipness

The small village of Skipness is about 6 miles south of Tarbert has a ruined 13th-century castle, a fantastic eatery right next to the castle, and beautiful coastal scenery along the Kintyre peninsula.

It also some some breathtaking places to stop with magnificent sea views for those who enjoy wild camping with the sea right in front of them.

Portavadie

The small village of Portavidie is across Loch Fyne from Tarbert has a modern marina with an infinity pool, spa, and is the start of the Loch Lomond & Cowal Way long-distance trail. You can take a ferry from Tarbert to Portavadie.

The Isle of Islay

The famous whisky island of Islay is accessible via a short ferry ride from Kennacraig, just outside Tarbert. It is a 10 minute drive from the centre of Tarbert to the ferry terminal straight down the a83 towards Campbeltown. There is normally a relatively small queue of cars to get on the ferry. You can easily do a day trip from Tarbert to visit Islay’s distilleries.

The Isle of Gigha

This small island in the Inner Hebrides is known for its beautiful beaches and can be reached by ferry from Tayinloan, about 20 miles from Tarbert. It is a straight forward drive down the A83 towards Campbeltown.

The Isle of Arran

The Isle of Arran is a picturesque island located off the west coast of Scotland in the Firth of Clyde, about 31 miles (50 km) from Tarbert as the crow flies. It offers diverse landscapes from mountains to beaches, making it a popular tourist destination nicknamed “Scotland in Miniature”.

From Tarbert take the A83 towards Campbeltown and turn left after around 7 miles and another 3 miles will bring you to the ferry terminal. The ferry from Claonaig to Lochranza is around an hour. no ticket required.

Ferries and Other Tidbits

Ferries

There are a number of ferries that run either from Tarbert direct or going out of Tarbert towards Campbeltown not too far away.

The FERRY to ISLAY & Jura runs out of Kennacraig which is around a 10 minute drive from Tarbert

The FERRY to PORTAVIDIE runs directly out of Tarbert.

Tarbert Loch – Loch Fyne

Loch Fyne is a deep sea loch that extends 65 miles inland, providing breathtaking scenery that is quintessential of Scotland.

The loch is not only a feast for the eyes but also for the palate, as it is renowned for its seafood, particularly its oysters and salmon.

Tarbert, located in Argyll, Scotland, has a rich and significant history dating back to ancient times.

Here are some key points about Tarbert’s historical importance:

Rich Ancient Origins

• Tarbert was part of the ancient Gaelic overkingdom of Dál Riata, which ruled much of western Scotland and northeastern Ireland from the 6th to 9th centuries.
• In 712 and 731, Tarbert was burned during conflicts over the rule of Dál Riata, indicating its strategic importance even then.

Medieval Fortifications

• A fortified structure was built in Tarbert during the 13th century to guard the vital land link between the East and West Lochs.
• Robert the Bruce reinforced and expanded Tarbert Castle in the 1320s, adding an outer bailey, towers, and other buildings like a chapel and mill.
• In 1494, King James IV repaired the castle, built the tower house, and brought artillery to use Tarbert as a base for operations against the Lords of the Isles.

Royal Connections

• Tarbert Castle was considered a royal stronghold during the Middle Ages.
• In 1292, it was granted to John Balliol by Edward I of England as one of Scotland’s royal castles.
• James IV summoned the Scottish Parliament to meet in Tarbert in 1494, underscoring its importance.

Strategic Location

• Tarbert’s position on a narrow isthmus between East and West Loch Tarbert made it a key maritime control point.
• The castle guarded the anchorage in the bay and controlled the land route across the isthmus.
• In 1098, King Magnus Barefoot of Norway had his longship carried across the isthmus at Tarbert to symbolize his possession of the Western Isles.

So in summary, Tarbert’s strategic location and strong fortifications made it a vital royal stronghold and maritime chokepoint throughout Scottish history, from the ancient Gaels to medieval kings like Robert the Bruce and James IV.