Scotland is home to a wide range of cities and towns, from the very large to the very small. One of the best ways to have an authentic Scottish experience is to spend time in a rural village, and you need look no further than Tarbet. This is a lovely small village located in Argyll and Bute, surrounded by some of the most rugged and stunning landscapes in all of Scotland.
Tarbet is located on an isthmus of land between Loch Long and Loch Lomond, although the village itself is situated on Loch Lomond. Although it is small, you will find plenty to see and do in and around Tarbet. A good place to start is on Loch Lomond, one of the most famous and most popular freshwater lochs in Scotland. It is about 39 kilometres long and has the largest surface area of any lake in Great Britain. Take a scenic cruise on Loch Lomond to behold the fabulous mountains and landscapes all around. It's best to dress in layers and take along a sweater or jacket, though, because even in summer it can get quite cool out on the water.
Outdoor activities abound for holiday travellers to Tarbet, due in part to its location within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. Check out one of the many terrific hiking trails and walking paths; don't worry, there are a variety of difficulty levels to choose from so you will easily find one suited to your own needs. Fishing is another popular activity in Tarbet; you can hire a boat on your own, fish from the shore, or hire an expert guide to take you straight to the best spots for catching fish.
You might not think of this one right away, but Tarbet's location on Loch Lomond makes it one of the best and most popular places in Scotland for scuba diving. Although the water is cold, with the proper gear you can enjoy a spellbinding adventure below the surface of the loch. Be sure to take along your scuba certification documents if you plan to rent scuba gear on site.
The history of Tarbet is quite interesting and dates back many centuries. From the Battle of Tarbet Glen where the Clan MacFarlane defended their holdings from invading Norse warriors to the Ballyhennan Burial Ground where visitors can trace the story of those who lived and died in the area, the sense of tradition and proud Scottish heritage is clearly evident. To get a feel for what it was like living in the area hundreds of years ago, venture up beyond Morelaggan Cottage to the ruins located on High Morelaggan. You can still see the remains of the buildings that once stood there, and there is an active preservation effort underway to map and document the site's layout and history.
One of the best things about Tarbet is the great selection of charming inns, bed and breakfasts, and self catering accommodations serving the needs of vacation travellers. While they are certainly not the luxury facilities you will find in the large cities, they are clean, comfortable, and provide a unique opportunity to interact with the local residents. A number of restaurants and eateries cater to both visitors and locals alike, making them wonderful places to enjoy a meal and get to know some new friends along the way.
Although Tarbet is very small, it is surprisingly easy to get there from either Glasgow (about 45 minutes away) or Edinburgh (about 90 minutes away) by hiring a car. If you prefer, catch one of several trains that travel along the West Highland Railway and stop at the local train station. Regardless of how you get there, be sure to take along your camera so you can capture every single memory of your stay!