Discover
Tarbet
With daily cruises setting sail from Tarbet and the Waterbus linking Inversnaid with Tarbet, it’s easy to book your ticket and enjoy a full day exploring this beautiful part of Loch Lomond.
A village between two lochs
The name Tarbet comes from the Gaelic word for an “isthmus” – a narrow strip of land between two lochs. Here, that strip of land separates Loch Lomond from Loch Long, linking Tarbet with neighbouring Arrochar.
It was across this very strip that Viking raiders once hauled their longboats. In 1263, the Norsemen famously dragged their ships from Arrochar over to Loch Lomond, before sailing south to raid settlements along the lochside. It’s hard to imagine as you look out across the peaceful waters today, but Tarbet has always been a place of movement and connection.
The West Highland train line
Arriving in Tarbet – by train, car, bike or on foot
Getting to Tarbet couldn’t be easier by car but the the village is also served by the West Highland Railway Line, with Arrochar & Tarbet station just a short walk away. Regular services connect Glasgow with Mallaig, and this route is often voted one of the most spectacular train journeys in the world. A bus service from Glasgow Queen Street drops you ouside the Tarbet Hotel.
From the station, it’s around a 10-minute walk to Tarbet Pier, where you can join our cruises. If you fancy stretching your legs, you can also follow the forest paths towards Arrochar, with wonderful hillside views along the way.
Tarbet Pier - your launch point to adventure
Tarbet Pier is at the heart of village life, and it’s where you’ll find our boats ready to set sail. From here, you can:
- Take a 1 hour Circular Cruise to enjoy the loch at its most scenic.
- Join an Explorer Cruise to Inversnaid or Rowardennan – ideal if you’re heading for a walk on the West Highland Way.
- Hop on the Loch Lomond Waterbus, linking Tarbet with other lochside villages and attractions.
And here’s a fun fact – Tarbet Pier even made its way onto the big screen. It features in the opening scene of The Last King of Scotland, with a young James McAvoy running down the hill and diving into the loch.
Go by bike
Cyclists are spoiled for choice too. The West Loch Lomond Cycle Path runs all the way from Tarbet down to Balloch, following the A82 main road and cycle path. Or, head west to Arrochar and Loch Long, where a network of forestry tracks gives you plenty of off-road exploring opportunities.
Bonnie and Ben
A warm welcome – Bonnie & Ben Café
Before or after your cruise, why not stop in at our own Bonnie & Ben Takeaway Café, located in Tarbet car park. It’s the perfect place to grab a hot drink, a snack for your walk, visit the toilets or simply ask us for local tips and recommendations
Worth considering
Inversnaid - Tarbet Waterbus
Tarbet Circular
Discover the northern end of fjord-like Loch Lomond on a 1 hour cruise and sail over the deepest part of the Loch in the shadow of Ben Lomond.
