Tarbert, United Kingdom

A distinctive rocket-like church steeple heralds the fishing village of TARBERT (in Gaelic An Tairbeart, meaning "isthmus"), sheltering an attractive little bay backed by rugged hills. Tarbert's harbourfront is pretty, and is best appreciated from the rubble of Robert the Bruce's fourteenth-century castle above the town to the south.

The Ca'Dora is the caff to head for on the seafront, while The Anchor pub, also overlooking the harbour, is a good option for a seafood lunch. The best food is to be had at the evening-only ACorner House Bistro (Tel:01880/820263), just by the side of the Corner House pub, or at the more expensive, but equally excellent Anchorage (Tel:01880/820881; Oct– March Tues– Sun eve only), on the south side of the harbour.