Where To Start?

West Loch Shores Log Cabins From The Loch

I am sitting here, gazing out over the West Loch wondering where to start!

What is there to see and do in Tarbert?

We have fine dining, beautiful, historical hotels, pubs, diners, numerous festivals, golf,beautiful walks, pony treks, running and cycling events, boating, sailing, including the Scottish Series, fishing, wind surfing, kayaking, canoeing, artists and galleries, crafts of all kinds.

Ancient ruins, standing stones and all of this among breathtaking scenery and beautiful wildlife.

As this site builds I will cover it all, but it is going to take some time!

Tarbert Golf Club

For now, I'm sitting here watching a butterfly fluttering over the long grass by the loch, some birds too far for me to identify, wading in the tidal water, watching sheep grazing over the other side on the hills of Kintyre, today I can see them, but it really does depend on the weather.

Every now and then I am lucky enough to see an Otter dash out, Deer grazing, and I am entertained by the social interactions between the many birds that live here.

Another thing I love, the weather, it can change every 5 minutes, I love the low clouds that rest on the hills or sit quietly on the lochs.

The rain that brings the burns alive from trickle to roar as the water gushes down the hills and into the loch.

If you love the great outdoors, you really are spoilt for choice here, there is so much to see and do. Be prepared, you will get wet.

If you enjoy hiking, you can walk all the way from Tarbert to Cambeltown along the Kintyre way, taking you along stunning woodland and coastal paths, the route is signposted, do wear high visibility clothing as some of the route is along the A83.

There are more details on the Kintyre Way Website.

Kintyre

I'm not quite that adventurous, but I do enjoy a walk, there are numerous routes you can take that don't lead you too far from your base.

Up at Tarbert castle there is the Community Woodland with the recent addition of the Artistic Sculptures....

If you are staying at West Loch Shores self catering log cabins or West Loch Hotel there is a beautiful long walk you can do from Corranbuie up to the village then back down to West Loch.

You can either stay on the forestry track or walk up through the pathway in the woods.

There are some very boggy places along the way in the forest so wear good boots. It's lush and green with various mosses, liverworts and lichens living on the trees and the rocks, if you have time to stop and sit, do.

If you are still and quiet you are sure to see plenty of wildlife.

As you continue through the woods you end up back on the forestry track and leave the Oak, Hawthorn, Birch and more behind as you head through the Pine.

Don't turn right where the path heads off in another direction if you are wanting to get to the village, the right turn takes you through more pine until it comes to an abrupt end by a massive water fall! There is a narrow steel bridge to take you over the head towards Kennacraig farm, but I wouldn't attempt to cross it, it's a huge drop onto rocks. I'm clumsy at the best of times, so it's a U turn there for me! :)

Back on the original path, just keep going up the hills, stay on the track and you will eventually come to Tarbert.

Spectacular views!

Stop for a breather at the picnic bench by the Millennium Cairn and take in the beautiful views before you, once down and back in the village there are plenty of places for you to stop for refreshments.