I am afraid I find this a sad and bleak 1980s pastiche of a Scottish fishing village. Just to embellish the awful architectural mish mash, the houses are set too far back from the sea from which they are separated by a car park which makes matters even worse. Even sadder when one reads Cowper who in the late 19th century described the pre-marina anchorage as "a perfect little port". And in 1923 the first Clyde Cruising Club directions called it a 'snug anchorage'. Alas no more. There seems nothing to commend Craobh as a place, although the marina is fine I am told, and well used  (ph 01852 500 222).

The Lord of the Isles pub is large and open plan, not exactly cosy (ph 01852 500 658). However, it has now opened a shop which sounds good. There was a general store in the village itself until it closed down in December 2010 (unsurprising as hardly anyone actually lives there, although I am told that those that do are really trying to make the place work). There is a small craft shop - the Giving Tree.

Riding stables are close by for those that way inclined (ph 01852 500 632).

Betjeman's "Come friendly bombs and fall on Slough to get it ready for the plough" comes to mind. I really must go back on a warm summer's day and try again to like this place, I know it does have its fans. If you must park yourself in a marina then Ardfern has far more on offer although it is further in from the open sea if you are just passing by - both Ardfern and Kilmelford Yacht Haven also have boat yard facilities.

Loch Melfort and Loch Shuna

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The "village"

The car park