Tarbet

Tarbet is a small Village on the west side of Loch Lomond in Scotland, 42 miles northwest of Glasgow, 8 miles north of Luss.

The Village is popular for Boat Trips on Loch Lomond, or across the Loch to the Trossachs area, and Walk / Cycle Lane south.

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Camping & Touring Parks in area

The image top is of the Tarbet Hotel with the road right leading to Fort William 97 miles, road left leading to Arrochar 2 miles, Rest and be Thankful 8 miles, and Inveraray 23 miles. Both roads lead to Oban about 57 miles.

The company named Cruise Loch Lomond offers a number of Cruises including Cruise only, Drop off and Pick Up for Walking and Cycling, Drop of and Pick Up for visiting Hotels on the remote east side of the Loch, and Drop Off and Pick Up for Hiking the 3,200ft Ben Lomond MMountain on the east side of Loch Lomond. Website cruiselochlomond.co.uk

The Tea Room, Church Restaurant, and Railway Station are round to the left of the Tarbet Hotel.

Tarbet Area Attractions, Links & History:

Loch Long at Arrochar is a Sea Loch only one and a half miles west of Tarbet. This has led to many Boats being transferred to Loch Lomond from Arrochar.

793 - the first Viking raids are recorded in Scotland with Vikings starting to take control of many Western and Northern Islands.

1200s - the McFarlane Clan are in control of much of the land around Tarbet and Arrochar.

In 1263 - Viking raiders dragged their Longships between Loch Long and Tarbet at Loch Lomond so they could Plunder Settlements around Loch Lomond.

It is thought a Battle took place between the Vikings and the MacFarlanes at that time.

There is a Burial Ground between Arrochar and Tarbet that may be the Grave of a Viking leader.

After three days of Looting, Destruction, and Mass Killings, the Vikings exited Loch Lomond by sailing south down the River Leven to the Clyde.

The Vikings then sailed west to rejoin the main Viking Fleet in Rothesay Bay at the Isle of Bute.

While leaving Rothesay, a strong southwesterly wind drove the Viking Fleet ashore at Largs on the Scottish Mainland.

The Vikings were attacked at Largs by Alexander III of Scotland and his Troops.

The Battle of Largs was not decisive, with many Vikings escaping back to sea. This was however their last major Raid in Scotland, they began withdrawing from the Western Islands from that time on.

1468 - the Orkney and Shetland Islands off the north coast of Scotland were acquired by King James III of Scotland after he married Margaret, the King of Denmark’s daughter, this ending Viking rule in any area of Scotland.

1707 - the Act of the Union sees Scotland and England merge as Great Britain.

1745 - the Battle of Culloden by Inverness in north Scotland is the last Battle on the British mainland. Kings of Britain then build Military Roads to connect Castles and Forts around Scotland so Law and Order could be maintained.

Britain soon becomes a safer place, leading to the firsts Tourists visiting Scotland.

1749 - the Military Road between Tarbet and Inverary is completed.

1750s - the Tarbet Inn is built in the Scottish Baronial style.

1785 - last of the McFarlane lands are sold, ending 500 years of owning land in the Tarbet area.

1787 - Robert Burns stayed at the Tarbet Inn and wrote a Poem to the Landlord's Daughter.

1818 - Pleasure Steamers began operating on Loch Lomond with Tarbet becoming a popular Attraction.

1846 - Tarbet Pier is completed so the Steamers could stop at the Village.

1894 - the Railway opened at Tarbet, linking the Village to Glasgow in the south, and Fort William in the north.

1978 - Cruise Loch Lomond are based at Tarbet to offer a wide range of Boat Trips on the Loch.

2000s - Tarbet Church is converted to the Ben Lomond Cafe and Craft Shop, later used as a Restaurant.