October 2017
Tarbet is a lovely little fishing cove on the north-west coast that we first came across in October 2016. We were making our way from one lovely cottage on the Kyle of Tongue to another at Stoer, and were just south of Laxford Bridge, when I spotted the sign for Tarbet and Handa Island nature reserve. I do love a detour, so off we went.
Ducks on Loch Dubh
It’s a single-track road down to the harbour, peppered with pretty little lochs and lochans. Once you get to the end, there’s not a huge amount of parking, so I can’t imagine what a bun-fight it is during tourist season. Side note: We only ever take holidays between September & April and only go on day trips mid-week when it’s not the school holidays. We’re not terribly keen on Other People, you see 😂
The jetty
Fishing ‘n’ eaterie
One day I’ll make the effort to go there in late May, when the ferry to Handa is running – apparently the island is crammed with puffins through late spring & early summer. But even out of season, if you scamper up the hill at the left side of the beach, the views are lovely so it’s a totally worthwhile detour.
Whippet Snippet: Although the Shorehouse has been closed both times we’ve visited, it is dog friendly 🐾🐾
Looking west, October 2017
Looking south towards the Old Man of Stoer
My friend, Mark, taking advantage of the little picnic table & views towards Handa
LOCATION INFO
Getting there: From Durness on the north coast, take the main A838 south (NC500 route), which becomes the A894 at Laxford Bridge. Tarbet is around 3 miles off the main A894, about halfway between Laxford Bridge and Scourie.
Sat Nav: IV27 4SS
OS Landranger map: 9 CAPE WRATH Durness & Scourie
Terrain: Sturdy shoes/walking boots
Nearest facilities: Shorehouse Seafood Restaurant
All maps in the blog are from Google Maps