Tarbert

Fishing boats bob in the harbour while gulls wheel overhead - this is proper West Highland Scotland at its most authentic. Tarbert sits at the narrow neck of the Kintyre Peninsula, where Loch Fyne meets West Loch Tarbert, creating a natural crossroads that's been important for centuries.

The town itself is compact but characterful. Stone cottages line the waterfront, and the harbour remains genuinely working rather than prettified for tourists. You'll often see fishing boats unloading their catch alongside visiting yachts.

Walkers are spoilt for choice here. The surrounding hills offer serious hiking, with peaks like Cnoc an Sgolaidh and Cruach an Locha providing cracking views over the sea lochs. For something less demanding, the shores of Loch a'Chaoruinn make for a peaceful afternoon stroll. History buffs should seek out the Giant's Grave archaeological site and the ancient Standing Stone - remnants of the area's deep past.

Getting here requires commitment. Tarbert sits roughly 50 miles from Glasgow via the A83, a journey that takes you through some of Scotland's most dramatic scenery but also some of its most winding roads. The nearest railway is at Arrochar, still a good drive away.

Staying at one of the local holiday parks makes perfect sense. You're positioned to explore both sides of the peninsula - the calmer Loch Fyne shore and the wilder Atlantic coast. Tarbert Holiday Park puts you right in the heart of things, while The Gather offers a different perspective. Either way, you'll wake up to mountain views and the sound of the sea.