Our most northerly holiday park, Loch Awe is perfectly positioned for exploring the southern Scottish Highlands. One of the must-see places if you’re staying with us at Loch Awe is Oban.
A Victorian resort and the largest port in northwest Scotland, Oban is often known as “Gateway to the Isles” given that you can catch a ferry from here to many Hebridean islands. Even if you’re not planning any island hopping, Oban itself has a rich history and many fascinating places to visit in its own right.
Iconic Landmarks and Rewarding Walks
You can’t help but notice the distinctive McCaig’s Tower when you’re in Oban. Also known as McCaig’s Folly, it’s a two-tiered replica of Rome’s Colosseum – though unfinished. It was built by wealthy banker John Stuart McCaig in 1897 to both create a lasting monument to his family and to provide work for local stonemasons.
If you’ve strong leg muscles, take the steep walk up to be rewarded by a spectacular view of the town, harbour and across the water to Kerrera and Mull. If you’re not up to the climb there is a handy free car park so you needn’t miss out!
For a longer walk with a no less breathtaking view at the end, follow the trail to Pulpit Hill – it’s signposted from the centre of town. It’s wonderfully tranquil at the top.
Oban Distillery and Visitor Centre is well worth a visit – especially if you fancy sampling a wee dram of their 14-year-old West Highland Malt! it’s both one of the oldest and smallest distilleries in Scotland, even predating the town of Oban itself. Having just two copper pot stills to this day, the distillery has changed very little over the years, offering a fascinating insight into the traditional craftsmanship of making whisky.
If the whisky goes to your head, blow away the cobwebs with a stroll along the prom aka Corran Esplanade. Here you’ll experience Oban at its romantic best, with sweeping views of the harbour, marina and all Oban’s charming shops and restaurants. Along the way make sure you stop to take a good look at St. Columba’s Cathedral and Oban War Memorial.
Crumbling Clan Castles
25 miles north of Oban lies Castle Stalker. Well worth tagging on to your Oban adventure, it’s one of the most romantic and fairytale looking castles in Scotland, set on its own tiny islet surrounded by the waters of Loch Laich. It’s privately owned but there is one guided tour per day which takes you out across the waters to the castle. However, it’s a fantastic experience even without the tour – you won’t be able to resist taking photos. We recommend grabbing a brew and a bite to eat at The Castle Stalker View café with its panoramic views of Castle Stalker and Loch Linnhe.
As the ancestral home of the Clan MacDougall, Dunollie Castle holds over 1000 years of Highland history. It’s one of the best-known attractions in Oban, with expansive grounds plus a museum and café. Walk up to the ancient castle ruins and come upon breathtaking views across Oban Bay and the Isles beyond. Wander around Dunollie’s enchanting woodland and visit the 1745 House Museum.
Argyll Holidays customers get 10% off entry – simply flash your accommodation key or quote ‘Argyll Customer’ when booking via email or over the phone.
The Isles Await
The port of Oban is the starting point for many a ferry trip out to the western isles of Scotland. Three of the easiest jaunts from Oban are Kerrera, Lismore and Mull. Mull is quite a bit larger and you may feel that a day isn’t long enough – or prefer to take a car. It’s a fantastic ferry ride though, offering unforgettable views of Lismore lighthouse and Ben Mor. Kerrera and Lismore on the other hand are both pretty doable in a day.
If you’re finding it hard to pick an island and you’ve only time for the one, we’d recommend Kerrera. It’s incredibly unspoiled and underdeveloped – the perfect place to escape the crowds and get away from it all. The breathtaking circular walk around the whole island is a day wonderfully well spent. Slatrach Bay is a stunning sandy beach while the clifftop ruin of Gylen Castle has atmosphere in spades.
Get out on – or into – the water
If you want to get out on the water, you’ve many more options than the ferry. Take a wildlife spotting boat trip for the chance to see whales, dolphins, otters and more, or try your hand at sea kayaking – the conditions around Oban are perfect so you can get stuck right in even if you’re a beginner. Book one of the day trips or expeditions through Sea Kayak Oban to get the most out of the experience.
To get up close and personal with some of the more unusual water life, head to Basking Shark Scotland and let their fantastic team of marine biologists show you the best of what they have to offer. Swim, snorkel and kayak with sharks, seals and other amazing native marine life or simply spot from the boat. Use code ARGHOL22 at checkout to enjoy an Argyll Holidays exclusive 10% discount!
If you’re looking to hone your diving skills the good folks at the popular Puffin Dive Centre have a great range of training sessions, while beginners might prefer stand-up paddleboarding or one of their taster scuba dives.
What to eat
Well, when you’re in the seafood capital of Scotland it simply has to be seafood doesn’t it? Sourced from the bay itself, it doesn’t get much fresher than this.
If you’re looking for a stylish setting, we recommend Etive, Ee-Usk or The Waterfront Fishhouse. For more casual dining, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to fish and chip shops, many offering dine-in options. For a really authentic experience, don’t miss a visit to the Oban Seafood Hut, also known as ‘The Green Shack.’ From oysters to lobster and langoustines, everything is super fresh and fuss-free.
