Things To Do In Kintyre | Tarbert, Knapdale & North Kintyre
History/Archaeology
Tarbert Castle
The Castle dominates the village, though only the ruined tower is left. This dates from the1490s. The first royal castle was probably built in the 13th century and in the 1320s King Robert the Bruce strengthened the castle to guard against the MacDonald Lords of the Isles. In 1494, James IV visited the castle, and the tower house was constructed at this time. Subsequently the castle became a stronghold of Clan Campbell.
It is easy to walk up to the castle from the village, but be careful when you are there as the ruin is in a dangerous condition.
Skipness Castle
Little is known about the early history of the castle though it occupies a position of considerable strategic importance and was a major medieval fortress. In 1261, it was held by Dugald McSween on behalf of The Lords of the Isles, reverting to the crown in 1493, when it became another stronghold for Clan Campbell.
The castle is now in the care of Historic Scotland and is open to the public.
“The whole impression is of medieval power and prestige, a massive fortress built in a primitive and remote area.” Norman S. Newton.
Kilbrannan Chapel
This lies very close to Skipness castle and probably dates from the late 13th or early 14th centuries. It is dedicated to St. Brendan and the graveyard contains four late-medieval style tombstones which are now protected by wooden boxes. There are also several interesting 18th century tombstones.
Wild Life
The area between Tarbert and Skipness contain very rare examples of the vegetation of West Maritime Britain. A moist jungle of oak, rowan, hazel, birch, willow, holly, ash and elm protect very rare mosses, liverworts and ferns. The woodland bird life here is very varied, as are the fungal and insect communities.
The ranger service based at the An Tairbeart art centre provides a great introduction to the wildlife of the district. Walks along the shores of scenic West Loch Tarbert may encounter otter, deer, seabirds, waders, and good plant hunting. (The primroses in spring are truly spectacular). The luxuriant gardens about Stonefield Castle offer a never to be forgotten vision of Himalayan and South American plants. Walks in the vicinity of Skipness are often rewarded with sightings of basking shark, otters, deer, red squirrel and a super mixed strand vegetation.
Walking
Within Tarbert village there is a pleasant walk past the ferry terminal to the Shell Beach, and for the more adventurous and fitter walker there is the newly completed scenic forest walk from Tarbert, via Mealdarroch to Skipness.
Golf
There is an attractive 9 hole course just outside Tarbert; For details contact: Tarbert Golf Club, Kilberry Road, Tarbert. Tel: 01880 820 565.
Gardens
Two miles North of Tarbert is Stonefield Castle Hotel, whose gardens are open to the public. Here, more than any other Scottish garden, is a reminder of the Himalayan scene. Many of the plants were established over 100 hundred years ago from seed collected by Sir Joseph Hooker, during his Himalayan expeditions. The climate at Stonefield makes for exceptionally luxuriant growth, evident in the shrubs and trees including Philesia buxifolia , Fuchsia exorticata and Pieris forrestii.
Yachting
Tarbert is one of the paramount yachting centres on the west coast of Scotland, with a safe harbour, pontoons and excellent shore side facilities. It is within easy sailing distance of all the Clyde marinas and is often used by boats heading through the Crinan Canal out to the west coast.
Contact:- The Harbour Master, Tarbert Harbour Authority, Harbour Street, Tarbert.
Tel: 01880 820344.
The Scottish Series (end of May)
This is the second largest regatta in the UK with, on average, 300 boats taking part.
Details from the Clyde Cruising Club: www.clyde.org
Food and drink
Tarbert is a main centre of the Scottish shellfish industry and processes prawns, scallops, smoked salmon, squat lobster etc. most of which are exported or supplied by mail order.
Eating out
There are three Taste of Scotland establishments:
Stonefield Castle Hotel, The Columba Hotel, and The Anchorage Restaurant. There are several other hotels and eating places in or near the village.
Crafts
There is a retail outlet for various craft producers in the area called Earra Gael Craft Shop at The Weigh Bridge in Tarbert.
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