My husband and traveling partner will be playing golf at Machrahanish and we plan to travel to Sterling the next day. Other than staying overnite in Tarbert after golf, is there another unique town between to the golf course and Sterling to stay. I am currently booked into a B&B in Tarbert, with few options to entertain myself with during their golfing.
Thank you!
Posted by
Lake District, England
8131 posts
If this had been said originally the advice would have been to turn left off the Islay ferry, rather than right to Tarbert, and to stay in Campbeltown for two nights. Macrihanish golf course is much closer to Campbeltown than to Tarbert.
Really the south end of Kintyre is one of the great undiscovered parts of Scotland- simply because it is a long way from anywhere. But if you are going there anyway it makes sense to stay and explore there.
Apart from anything else there are the 3 distilleries in the town to explore.
Could you use the car during the day when they are on the golf course, to explore the area? If the tides are right the walk to Davaar Island springs to mind, or the drive right to the end of the road at the Mull of Kintyre lighthouse.
You have told us nothing about what you want like to do, but I assume the suggestions of Gigha, Arran and Inveraray on your Tarbert post were not suitable options for you.
Another suggestion from Campbeltown is to take the flight from Campbeltown Airport (more or less on the way to Macrihanish Golf Course) to Glasgow with Loganair.
Normally there is a morning flight out and an evening flight out. So DH and partner could drop you off and pick you back up at the airport.
It is a flight which is totally worth the money just for the scenery on the way- it really is one of Loganair's unknown gems of a route- lots of people talk about the flight to Barra. Except for landing on a beach IMO this flight is equally as good.
Posted by
Duluth 🛶
8157 posts
Debbie, it would really help to know more details about your trip. First, are you driving or using public transportation?
Second, what are you interested in seeing? Castles? Scenic areas? Hiking opportunities? It's hard to give recommendations without some idea of your interests. For example, Inveraray Castle would be on the route to Stirling (note the spelling - Stirling has an "i").
Another idea might be just to go straight to Stirling as there is a lot for you to do there. The castle, of course, is wonderful but there is also the town, which is a gem that should be seen. And the Falkirk Wheel is not that far, as well as the Kelpies.
With regards to Tarbert, there are places to visit there. Again, I don't know if you have a car but you might want to check out these sites: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/tarbet-p235011 and https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g551949-Activities-Tarbet_Loch_Lomond_and_The_Trossachs_National_Park_Scotland.html
Posted by
Lake District, England
8131 posts
Both of Mardee's links refer to Tarbet on Loch Lomond, as opposed to Tarbert on Loch Fyne, where you are staying.
Most driving routes from Islay to Stirling pass through both Tarbert (Loch Fyne) and Tarbet (Loch Lomond)- delightfully confusing.
There are apparently 11 places in Scotland called Tarbert and several called Tarbet!!
Posted by
19 posts
We loved our stay in Stirling at Castlecroft B&B in September 2023. We would definitely stay there again if we found ourselves anywhere near there. Fabulous location, rooms, food, and hostess.