This stunning waymarked walk climbs the slopes on the south side of the attractive fishing village of Tarbert to visit the medieval castle. It then loops higher up the hill for stunning views.
Bog Factor
Clear waymarked paths with a fair amount of ascent; can be slippy in places when wet.
Tarbert.
Tarbert is served by a good bus service.
NR866687
There is parking on the south side of the harbour at the beautiful fishing village of Tarbert. Begin the walk by continuing along Harbour Road. Turn right up a ramp and take the path up steps on the right - it is signed for the Kintyre Way and Tarbert Castle. At the top of the steps go through a kissing gate shelter and continue climbing to reach a picnic table and information boards for Tarbert Castle. There are great views back over the harbour.
To visit the castle, head up the wooden steps on your left and continue across the old grassy ramparts towards the crumbling keep. The castle dates back to the 13th century although it has been added to over the centuries. After exploring the castle descend the wooden steps on the right, then bear right along the boardwalk. Pass through a gate and then follow the path to the right through the community woodland - ignoring paths off left. After another gate the path leads back to the Kintyre Way, which is marked by a series of blue marker posts; this walk is waymarked in blue. Pass through a gate and continue along the path. When a fork is reached take the left hand branch.
The raised grassy path continues, climbing gently through scattered and varied trees. When another junction is reached turn left with the blue marker (a right turn here follows the red route for a much shorter loop). At the next junction you can make a short detour for a viewpoint over the entrance to Tarbert harbour and the beach of the White Shores; return to cotinue on the main path, which climbs a series of wide zig-zags. Ignore a path off left and continue uphill, with further excellent views over Rubha Badan and across to the Cowal peninsula. The path crosses a number of small streams on footbridges and climbing to eventually reach a large cairn erected to celebrate the millennium.
Just beyond the cairn the path reaches a wide forestry track. The Kintyre Way heads left here, but for the circular walk you should turn right. The track winds across country; after 0.5km turn off it onto a path on the right. The well-constructed path descends steeply at first and then winds between the hillocks.
Ignore a lesser path heading off left. Soon there are stunning views over the coastline ahead, and eventually of Tarbert itself, showing why this is one of the best natural harbours in the west of Scotland.
When the path reaches a junction with the short red waymarked trail, turn left, and then keep left again at the next junction where the outward route is rejoined. This soon leads back to the information boards close by the Castle; continue ahead to go back down the steps into Tarbert.
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