Surrounding Area
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Arran Known as 'Scotland in miniature', the island is a wonderful place to visit and the easiest way to get there is via the ferry from Claonaig which is just 10 miles from Tarbert. In just 30 minutes you land in Lochranza with its ruined castle and whisky distillery. From there you can easily tour the island, driving around the coast road to see the Machrie Moor standing stones, Brodick Castle and Gardens and much more!
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Bute and Cowal The short crossing from Tarbert to Portavadie lands you in the middle of the stunning scenery of the Cowal Peninsula where drive through the village of Tighnabruaich and on to Dunoon or take the 5 minute crossing on the little ferry over to the Isle of Bute. Cowal offers a rich plethora of landscapes from the still, mirror like, waters of Loch Fyne, to the lush forests and pleasurable walking trails, among other idilic settings and locations. Every time you think the scenery it the most stunning you have ever seen, you turn the corner and find something just as spectacular. Bute, being the first island of the Highlands, is a stunning place full of memorable contrasts, made by both man and nature. Take the time to discover this island and you will be amazed by what you find. Travel inland, hidden by lush forests and greenery are well stocked trout lochs, further west the panoramic views will take your breath away. Hidden coves and bays dot the coastline, retreat to these areas to find some of the local wildlife basking in the sun.
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Colonsay On Wednesdays you can take a day trip over to Colonsay on the ferry from Kennacraig via Islay. Keep a look out for dolphins, porpoise and other wildlife including the wild goats originally kept for their milk. A local bus tour of the island is available during the summer. This will show you some of the historic sites and spectacular sandy beaches. Remembering that the island is abundant with viking herritage and folk lore. While you wander the rugged landscape keep your eyes peeled for some of the ancient standing stones, also its diverse bird life. At low tide you can take a short walk to the neighbouring island of Oronsay, which is just as spectacular as its counterpart. While on this compact isle it is well worth visiting the 14th centuary priory and celtic cross.
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Gigha Just 20 minutes across the water from Tayinloan, some 18 miles from Tarbert. Gigha is famed for its flowers and is often called 'God's Island', situated in the Gulf Stream, the waters can be surprisingly warm. Gigha attracts visitors for its wide variety of speciality cheeses, the stunning walks and fantastic cycling. The island is a haven for birds, red deer and common seals. Despite its small size, it has a surprising number of historic sites to visit.
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Islay The ferry departs from Kennacraig just 7 miles from Tarbert. Arriving on the island you will realise why is named 'Queen of the Hebrides', its stunning views over the Paps of Jura and the mainland are simply breathtaking. Many visitors go and spend a week or more on Islay to unwind and get away from it all or for the thrill of game hunting. The island is popular with various species of birds and is also famous for being home of world renound whiskys, Laphroaig, Bunnahabhain and Lagavulin to name but a few, a heaven for the whisky connoisseur. As well as the lovely beaches and historic ruins, home to the little Round Church (Bowmore) built so that the'devil would have no corner to hide in'. If you only have a short time to spend in the region, you can catch the early morning ferry to Port Ellen, then get the local bus service across the island to Port Askaig in time for the return ferry back to Kennacraig. During the summer months a 'Grand Tour of Islay', a guided tour of the island will take you round and back to the ferry terminal in time for the mainland crossing. Alternatively, you can go for an morning, afternoon or evening cruise there and back, admiring the spectacular views over towards Rassay and Ireland in clear weather.
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Jura Take the ferry from Port Askaig (Islay), a short 45 minute crossing, over the Sound of Islay, lands you deep in this fantastic untamed isle. This wild island with its rugged coastline is dominated by Paps of Jura, which can be seen from numerous shorelines and hilltops throughout Argyll. Jura, with its mountainous terrain, is abudant in wildlife an unmissable treat for the outdoor enthusiast and walker. Known as 'Deer Isle' due to the large deer population, it is said that the deer out number the islanders and the visitors. A trip to the island would not be complete without going to see the Corryvreckan Whirlpool, a spectacular sight to behold but all the same a deadly situation for any yachtsman.
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Oban For an even longer cruise, you can go all the way to Oban and back in a day (Wednesdays only) passing Islay, Jura, Colonsay, the Garvellachs, Mull and Kerrera. Known as the 'Capital of the West Highlands'. The busy port of Oban is a popular springboard for exploring Mull and Iona or heading further north to Fort William and the Highlands. The thriving port is filled with fishing and leasure crafts alike, wander along through the town centre, savouring the many delightful shops, brimming with tartans, cheeses and many other speciality gifts with the visitor in mind, which go hand in hand with the many plesant eateries to be found locally, or why not take some time out and visit the distillery situated in the heart of the town. By road, the town of Oban it is just an hour's drive from Tarbert.
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