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Oban and surrounding area
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Hotels - B&Bs - Self Catering |
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Oban is the ideal base for visiting Dunstaffnage Castle, Barcaldine Castle,
Ardchattan Priory, Inveraray and many west coast islands.
How to get to Oban
By road Oban is:
95 miles north of Glasgow (2 hours)
125 miles from Edinburgh (3 hours)
50 miles south of Fort William
115 miles south of Inverness (3 hours)
By coach:
Citylink services operate from Glasgow and Fort William with connections for other places.
The West Highland Flyer is a 16-seater minibus service which leaves from Station Square in Oban and goes to Mallaig (via Fort William) in time for the CalMac ferry to Skye. Tickets are available on the bus or from tourist offices in Mallaig, Fort William and Oban. Tel: 07780 724248.
West Coast Motors operate buses on numerous local routes and you can view their timetables on their web site.
By train:
Oban station is at the end of the line which branches off from the main Glasgow to Fort William railway.
thetrainline.com is the official way to check timetables and book train tickets online.
Seaplane
You can now travel from Glasgow to Oban on a 9-seat Cessna seaplane. This service is operated by Loch Lomond Seaplanes. 3 flights daily between March and November. Tel: 0870 2421457.
Travellers Tips
You can take lots of day trips from Oban by ferry to the neighbouring islands. See below for ferry day trip details.
Weather forecasts for Oban are provided by Yahoo and
Online Weather.
Also check out the Oban webcam.
Scotland Made Easy can plan a customised itinerary for a self-drive tour to suit your interests, budget and time available. Perhaps you would like to go island hopping? They will book you into recommended accommodation where you are assured of quality, comfort and hospitality - usually in 4 star B&Bs in Scottish homes. Optional 'specials' include a night in a castle, church, lighthouse, country mansion, etc.
Whether you have already decided which places you want to visit
or if you haven't a clue where to start,
Scotland Made Easy
will advise and take care of all the planning for you.
For something special, check out Gran Turismo based in Edinburgh. They have a range of sports cars, classic cars and 4x4 vehicles for hire. Ideal for romantic breaks. Self-drive tours can be customised. Accommodation in friendly country mansions. Stay at Barcaldine House, a famous Campbell stronghold built by 'Red Patrick' in 1709. From here you can explore the region in style!
Highland Dimensions, run by Robert & Megan Dera, is a small language school offering English tuition in Oban. Visit their web site (in German and English) for more info.
Northern Light Charters has 4 small ships which offer a variety of private charter, wildlife cruises, bird-watching and whale-watching cruises, dive charter, island cruising, and research and survey services. Based in Oban.
Aberfoyle Coaches will be running daily day trips this summer from Glasgow city centre to Oban via Inveraray Castle, as well as to Fort William via Glencoe.
Tour Guides:
- Kathleen Cameron is a professional Scottish tour guide living in Inveraray (tel: 01499 30 2361, fax: 01499 30 2435 or mobile phone: 07777 5691641). For walking or driving tours in cities, towns, or countryside, she can accompany groups of any size, from independent travellers (up to 7 in her own vehicle) to coach parties. Tours can be started from any destination including Edinburgh or Glasgow. Fluent in Spanish.
- Private tour guides in this area can be found via the Argyll Islands Tourist Guides Association.
Car hire:
Car hire in Oban is available from Hazelbank Motors (tel: 01631 566476), Flit Van & Car Hire (tel: 01631 566553) and Munro's Garage (tel: 01631 567439) which is the local Avis agent.
My travellers' tips file may also be useful if you are planning a trip to Scotland. It covers airlines, national car hire, train information, accommodation web sites, etc.
For detailed and searchable maps, visit Streetmap.co.uk and UK Multimap.com
The town of Oban
Oban harbour overlooked by McCaig's Tower
Thanks to the ferry and railway, this is a busy town with many shops, banks, supermarkets, garages, a cinema and post office. It is the ideal place to stay and explore the surrounding area or to stop overnight if you are on your way to the Isle of Mull. Known as the Gateway to the Isles, it has a population of some 8,500.
Ferries leave Oban for the following islands: Islay, Colonsay, Coll, Tiree, Mull, Lismore, Barra and South Uist.
Many day excursions are possible from Oban by car. Visitors without transport will need to check out the local bus timetables (see West Coast Motors). You can also take advantage of the Citylink coach services which operate on the road north to Fort William, on the road south to Lochgilphead in Argyll and Kintyre, and also inland to Inveraray (see below).
Open top bus tours operate from Oban to Easdale Island daily from the end of May to the end of September. There are also trips over the Easter weekend. Tel: 01586 552319.
The ferry sailing into Oban harbour, past Kerrera with Mull in the background
Boats advertised around the harbour make regular trips over
to Duart Castle on the Isle of Mull. It is also possible to visit Mull, Iona and Staffa on combined ferry and coach day-trips from Oban. See below for details.
There are also seal trips you can take on a little boat from the railway pier (tel: 01631 565059).
Visit the local tourist office for dates and times of all the boat trips available from Oban. It is located in an old church just around the corner from the railway station by the pier.
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There are lots of shops, pubs and restaurants in Oban including major chains such as Woolworths, Boots, Waterstones, Tesco and the Co-op. For eating out click here. Right by the railway, on the pier is a modern centre aimed at tourists with souvenir shops, cafes and the ferry office. The Oban War & Peace Museum is near the Regent Hotel and the North Pier. Open daily from March to end September. Tel: 01631 570007. How about a trip to the Oban Chocolate Factory? They have a new cafe, shop and factory down on the seafront - tel: 01631 566099. From April to September they are open Monday - Saturday (10am - 5pm), also Sunday afternoons in July and August (12.30pm - 4pm). In winter, February - October, they are open Tuesday - Saturday (10am - 5pm). |
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The Oban Distillery Visitor Centre in Stafford Street (near the North Pier) is open Monday to Friday from March to November (plus some weekends in summer) for guided tours. There's an audio visual exhibition and gift shop. Telephone 01631 572 004. |
The bay is dominated by McCaig's Tower, a replica of the Colosseum of Rome. A banker called John McCaig had it built between 1897 and 1900 as a memorial to his family and to provide employment for the townsmen. It's quite a steep climb to the top of the hill, but there are a couple of benches where you can sit and get your breath back. On a clear day you can see over to Mull. Some books call it McCaig's Folly. He was born on the nearby island of Lismore (see below).
View from Pulpit Hill with the ferry leaving Oban harbour for Mull
Photo courtesy of Feorlin B&B whose owner Lorna Campbell
is a relative of the late John Stuart McCaig (who founded the McCaig Tower).
You can also visit the cathedral which is located on The Esplanade.The Atlantis leisure centre in Oban includes swimming pool, sauna and gymnasium.
Nearby there are tennis and squash courts and a bowling green.
Just on the outskirts of town is Glencruitten Golf Course (18 holes).
Internet access is available at Oban Library (closed Tuesdays & Sundays) and at the Tourist Information Centre.
Ganavan Sands just 1.75 miles north of the centre of Oban. Picturesque sandy beach with toilets & car park.The Oban Times has a useful tourist map of Oban which you can download for free.
Annual Events in/around Oban for 2008 include:
- 1 - 4 May: Highlands and Islands Music & Dance Festival
- 22 July: Inveraray Highland Games
- early August: Lorn Agricultural Show, Oban
- 28 August: Argyllshire Highland Gathering at Oban
- September: Oban Mod
Day Trips from Oban to Mull, Iona, Staffa and the Treshnish Isles:
There are lots of different daily tours usually from April to October. For example, you can take the ferry to Mull and then board a coach with driver-guide. There are various combinations to choose from - short or long - some include a boat trip to Staffa, some give you a couple of hours on Iona. Check out all the options when you get there - pick up leaflets from the tourist office or at the pier. If you wish to enquire in advance, the main day-tour operators for these trips are:
- Bowmans Coaches Tours at 3 Stafford Street, Oban (tel: 01631 563221 or 566809). Full day to Mull & Iona or full day on the Mull Circular Tour or the Full Day Mull, Iona & Staffa Tour.
- Gordon Grant Tours opposite Oban railway station on the pier (tel: 01681 700338 / 01631 571112 / 01631 562842). Email: fingal@staffatours.com. Variety of coach & boat trips departing from Oban: Mull, Iona, Staffa and Treshnish Isles. Also cruises from Mull to Staffa and Treshnish Isles. Online booking available.
- Turus Mara boat trips from Mull to Staffa/Iona. Get the ferry from Oban to Craignure and then board their courtesy (advance booking required). Telephone 01688 400 242 or freephone 08000 85 87 86. Alternatively, book through the Turus Mara office at 1 Waterfront (The Restaurant), Railway Pier, Oban (Tel: 01631 566999) or through the Oban Tourist Information Centre.
- The Duart Coach Package enables you to travel by ferry from Oban and board the bus to visit Duart Castle without taking your own car. Tel: 01680 812309. You can get your tickets from the Caledonian Macbrayne ferry office in Oban.
Alternatively, boat trips on The Duchess run from Oban directly to the castle jetty in the summer.- The CalMac ferry web site has more details about these. Day sails and dinner cruises also available.
- CalMac operates a day cruise to Tiree in association with Kennedy Coaches & the Glassary Restaurant. Includes 6 hours ashore on Tiree. Thusdays only from 7 June to 20 September 2007. Visit the CalMac ferry web site for details. Non-landing cruises and evening dinner cruises are also available.
- CalMac operates a day cruise to Coll plus a guided tour of the island by Coll Taxis. Visit the CalMac ferry web site for details. Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays from April until 20 September 2007.
- The tsmv GANNET can offer day charters from Oban including scenic cruises, sea angling and scuba diving for 10 people. Tel: 01631 720262.
What to see around Oban
Here are some of the sights to the NORTH of Oban. (Details on places SOUTH of the town are given further down the page.)
ISLE OF LISMORE
From Oban, a small Cal Mac ferry takes you over to Lismore (10 miles long and 1.5 miles wide) in 50 minutes. If you want a short sea-cruise, why not just go there and back. No Sunday service. A small passenger ferry also sails to the island from Port Appin.The island is home to nearly 300 types of plant and 130 species of birds. For a peaceful 'get away from it all' destination it is ideal. There are several ruined castles, brochs and duns. Read more and see photos on the Isle of Lismore page.
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DUNOLLIE CASTLE (just on the northern outskirts of Oban) You can climb a small, but steep hill to reach these ruins (no entrance fee), however do take extreme care. The castle has an excellent view overlooking the northern entrance of Oban harbour. This was the seat of the MacDougalls, the Lords of Lorne, who once owned a third of Scotland. This image is copyright Colin Palmer stock photo library (prints and posters available for purchase). To see additional photos, visit the photos page by Phil Wright. |
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DUNSTAFFNAGE CASTLE (5 miles north of Oban)
Once the capital of Dalriada, the original Kingdom of the Scots, it was to here that The Stone of Destiny was originally brought over from Ireland via Iona. This huge, ruined castle is now in the care of Historic Scotland. Open all year (reduced opening hours in winter).
Click here for full details, history and photos on the Chatelaine's Scottish Castles web site.At nearby Dunstaffnage Marina there are facilities for yachts, plus the popular Wide Mouthed Frog restaurant. Also home to Oban Sea Fishing.
ARDCHATTAN PRIORY RUINS AND GARDEN (7 miles east of Oban)
It is one of three Valliscaulian houses and was founded in 1231 by Duncan MacDougall, Lord of Lorne. It is said that the last Parliament meeting to be conducted in Gaelic was held here by Robert the Bruce in 1308 or 1309 (depending on which history books you read). The history books also say that it was burned by Cromwell's soldiers in 1654. The house is apparently the second oldest inhabited house in Scotland. Honesty box for access to the gardens and priory ruins which are open 9am-6pm from 1 April (or Good Friday if earlier) - 31 October. Web site.KINTALINE PLANT AND POULTRY CENTRE (north of Oban)
The Kintaline Farm Plant and Poultry Centre at Benderloch includes poultry and waterfowl breeding park & plant nursery full of interesting perennials, herbs and alpines. 4 Public Internet Access Points. Fresh Eggs for sale always. Owners Tim and Jill Bowis are also organising the 6th annual Model & Vintage Transport Show on 1st June 2003 (includes the permanent garden railway). Phone 01631 720223. Email home@obanfarmpark.co.ukCONNEL (north of Oban)
The village has several hotels and bars. From here you have views of the famous tidal Falls of Lora. The bridge crosses Loch Etive. Connel Airfield is nearby.SEALIFE & MARINE CENTRE (10 miles north of Oban)
Near Barcaldine about 20 minutes north of Oban by bus or car. Displays of various fish and seals. Restaurant, gift shop, nature trail and adventure playground. Open February to December (reduced opening hours from October - March when not all facilities may be available). Admission is quite expensive but tickets are valid all day. Tel: 01631 720 386. Visit their web site for full details.... Hourly bus service available from Oban.BARCALDINE CASTLE (left turn several miles before you reach Barcaldine)
Sitting just a few hundred metres from the shore of Loch Creran, the castle can be found to the south-west of Barcaldine. Not open to the public. Please respect the owners' privacy. The castle used to offer B&B accommodation but is closed for refurbishment until the end of 2009.
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PORT APPIN
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APPIN
Famous for the murder dramatised by Robert Louis Stevenson in his novel "Kidnapped". The incident occurred in 1752 when Colin Campbell of Glenure ("The Red Fox") was shot and fatally wounded. His assailant escaped and an innocent man was tried, then hung some months later. If you want to see where James Stewart was hanged, then look for the white stone on a rock plinth just above the road at the Ballachulish Bridge. It is said that the name of the true murderer, possibly the convicted man's son, has been passed down through the centuries by word of mouth and Campbell's ghost is reported to have been seen on more than one occasion.Kinlochlaich Gardens and Nursery
Near the Appin Police Station you can visit Kinlochlaich House which has the largest Nursery Garden Centre in Scotland. It is open every day (except Sundays from mid-October to March). Also see the Glorious Gardens of Argyll web site.CASTLE STALKER (25 miles north of Oban)
Built around 1540 by Duncan Stewart of Appin, this much-photographed castle was gifted by him to James IV for use as a hunting lodge. Can be visited during the summer by appointment only. Tel: 01631 730 234
Click here for full details, history and photos on the Chatelaine's Scottish Castles web site.
Castle Stalker View Cafe & Gift Shop is open all year except January. A good place for snacks and gifts. Stretch your legs by taking the path through the gate so you can take a photo of the castle. Located on the main A828 overlooking Loch Linnhe.
For other places a little further away to the north, check my page on Fort William
Places to visit SOUTH of Oban
ISLAND OF KERRERA
Just south of the centre of Oban, you can cross over to Kerrera. At one end of this 4-mile long island stands the monument to David Hutcheson, the first man to start a regular ferry service over to the Hebrides.At the other end is the recently restored Gylen Castle, known as the castle of fountains, which was once a stronghold of the MacDougalls.
The island's other claim to fame is that Alexander II died in Horseshoe Bay in 1249 whilst attempting to recover the Hebrides from King Haakon IV of Norway.
Kerrera is home to wild goats, Soay sheep, otters and seals. Some of which you might see if you're lucky. The tea garden is open Wednesdays - Sundays from Easter to September. A bunkhouse is also available (Tel: 01631 570 223).To reach the island, you need to take the small ferry about 2 miles south of Oban on the Gallanach Road. Ferry crossings at 8.45am, then every 30 minutes from 10.30am - 12.30pm and from 2pm - 6pm in summer (less frequently in winter). Rotate the ferry board to black to attract the ferryman's attention.
Kerrera is also home to Oban Yachts & Marine Services Ltd. They offer moorings, repairs, chandlery, storage, toilets/showers/laundry, fuel, etc. Tel: 01631 565 333.
For info about the island - click hereTHE BRIDGE OVER THE ATLANTIC (12 miles south of Oban)
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This links Seil Island to the mainland. Designed by Telford in
1792, it has a very high back and is host to a rare species of
fairy foxglove. After the Jacobite rising of 1745, the wearing
of kilts carried the death penalty and so it was here that the
Highlanders changed their clothes when venturing across to the
mainland.
Next to the bridge, you'll find petrol pumps and a kiosk where you can buy local photos, plus an inn called Tigh an Truish (House of the Trousers) where they serve excellent pub food including vegetarian options. |
 Photo copyright 2006 The Internet Guide to Scotland |
 Photo copyright 2006 The Internet Guide to Scotland |
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ISLANDS OF SEIL - EASDALE - LUING
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 Photo copyright 2006 The Internet Guide to Scotland |
From April to October you can visit the An Cala gardens on Seil.
In the south-east tip of the island, you can find the Ballachuan Hazel Wood nature reserve which has over 250 different species of lichen.Opposite Ellanabeich is an even smaller island called Easdale (51 inhabitants). Boats go over regularly during the day to take you the 400 metres from Seil to Easdale. The Easdale Folk Museum is open from April to October (the curator, Jean Adams can be contacted on Tel: 01852 300370). Information is available on the Easdale Island Trust web site
Ellanabeich photo copyright 2006
The Internet Guide to ScotlandThe neighbouring Isle of Luing also has its own web site. A regular vehicle ferry operates on the 3 minute crossing from Seil to Luing (phone Argyll & Bute Council on 01631 562125). Once on the island you can hire a bike (phone 01852 314274) or get a trip around with the Postbus at certain times.
Boat trips from Seil Island:
- Based at Balvicar pier, Sealife Adventures offer a variety of trips including the Corryvreckan whirlpool and whale watching. Tel: 01631 571010 / 01852 300203.
- Based in Easdale, Sea-Fari offer local trips in a rigid inflatable boat. Tel: 01852 300003.
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ARMADDY CASTLE GARDENS (12 miles south of Oban)
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 Ardmaddy Castle gardens photo copyright 2006 The Internet Guide to Scotland |
KILMELFORD
Village on the A816 where The Quaich operates as the local cafe, post office, general store and crafts gallery. Kilmelford community web site.
About 1.5 miles from the main road is Melfort Village - a self catering complex which includes the Shower of Herring - a bar/restaurant open to non-residents (tel: 01852 200 345).
Near here is Melfort House - a luxury country house B&B.
The facilities at Melfort Pier & Harbour include a restaurant and luxury self catering. The Melfort Mermaid restaurant includes a Wifi cafe and is 100% disabled friendly (tel: 01852 200 324). Children welcome.ARDUAINE GARDEN (20 miles south of Oban)
Halfway between Oban and Lochgilphead on the main road (A816), look for the brown tourist signs indicating the turn to the gardens and the Loch Melfort Hotel (formerly Arduaine House). Owned by The National Trust for Scotland and a member of the Glorious Gardens of Argyll, Arduaine Garden is open daily all year round. The reception desk is open from April to September (an honesty box operates at other times). There are various routes you can explore depending on the time you have available. Well known for its rhododendrons in particular, there is also mixture of woodland, ponds and a coastal viewpoint. Click here for details. Tel: 01852 200366.
The Loch Melfort Hotel bar and restaurant have a great view of the loch and islands, so it's well worth stopping for a bite to eat even if you are not staying at the hotel.CRAOBH HAVEN
Further down the A816 is the Craobh Haven marina which has plenty of facilities for yachts. The brightly painted houses form a new village which also includes a pub.ARDFERN
Local facilities include the marina at the Ardfern Yacht Centre, boat trips by Craignish Cruises and the Ardfern Riding Centre.
 Carnasserie Castle photo copyright 2006 The Internet Guide to Scotland |
CARNASSERIE CASTLE (28 miles south of Oban)
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KILMARTIN (30 miles south of Oban)
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 Kilmartin stones photo copyright 2006 The Internet Guide to Scotland |
CRINAN
The Crinan Canal takes boats the 9 miles between Crinan on the west coast and Ardrishaig on Loch Fyne. You will probably see lots of yachts at Crinan which has a chandlery and boatyard, as well as various places to eat and stay.
Gemini Cruises & Water Taxi operate from Crinan. In addition to cruises, they can take you over to Jura and show you the famous Corryvreckan whirlpool, or the isle of Colonsay. Tel: 01546 830208 / Mobile 07765813950.KINTYRE
From Lochgilphead you can head further south down to Tarbert on Loch Fyne and the historic sites on the Kintyre Peninsula which has ferries to the Cowal peninsula, Isle of Gigha, Islay and Arran.
EAST of Oban
LOCH ETIVE
12 miles east of Oban is the village of Taynuilt. Go down to the pier and you can have a cruise on this beautiful loch. A 90-minute cruise departs at 10am and 12 noon every day (except Saturday) from May to September. A 3-hour cruise departs at 2pm every day (except Saturday) from April to October. Details on the Loch Etive cruises web page. Telephone: 01866 822 430.
Taynuilt also has a nice tearoom called Robin's Nest. Inverawe Smokehouse (restaurant and tours) is nearby and specialises in smoked salmon and trout.
Part of Loch Etive, seen from the bridge at ConnelLOCH AWE
East of Taynuilt and 2 miles west of Dalmally is Loch Awe with the picturesque ruins of Kilchurn Castle (owned by Historic Scotland). From the pierhead (below the railway station and village) you can have a boat ride during the summer tourist season to see the castle. Telephone: 01838 200 440.
The 5 star award-winning hydro electric power centre on Ben Cruachan (3281 feet) is open to visitors with guided tours, a free exhibition plus a cafe and picnic area.
In the village of Lochawe be sure to stop for a look around St Conan’s Kirk - a magnificent church perched on the shore of the loch.INVERARAY CASTLE
This the pale, baronial castle, hidden amid the dark green trees, appears almost as a vision from a fairy-tale. Seat of the Duke of Argyll, chief of the clan Campbell, the original castle was rebuilt, together with the town in the mid-eighteenth century.
The castle is open to visitors daily during the summer season (April - October) but only for afternoons on Sundays. For costs and opening times, visit the official web site: www.inveraray-castle.com.
The Connect Music Festival will take place in the grounds from 29 - 31 August 2008.
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INVERARAY (38 miles south of Oban)
Go down to the pier and you can visit a three masted vessel called the Arctic Penguin where you can look around the engine room and watch film of old sailing boats and steamships. There are exhibitions below decks (not suitable for disabled access), plus a small coffee shop and gift shop. Open 7 days a week 10am - 5pm (6pm in summer). Site of the Inveraray webcam. You can sometimes see the Vital Spark there too. |
 Photo Copyright © 1994 Corel, The Internet Guide to Scotland and its licensors. All rights reserved. Not to be downloaded or reproduced. |
Inveraray saw much wartime activity in the 1940s. The Inveraray local history society has more details about this. Tigh-an-Ruadh (now the Loch Fyne Hotel) was turned into the HQ for Combined Operations Training. A plaque at the hotel commemorates those who visited at that time - including King George VI, de Gaulle, Eisenhower and Winston Churchill (who held some of the War Cabinets here).
Just a short walk from Inveraray is a self catering cottage called The Muir of Auchnabreac overlooking Loch Fyne.INVERARAY JAIL MUSEUM
This award-winning museum is well worth a visit. It includes a torture and punishment exhibition, the old courtroom which is set out as it would have been in the 1800s, the Old Prison built in 1820 and the New Prison which dates from 1848 from where convicts were sent to Australia. You will meet warders and prisoners walking about in costume.
Since these are old buildings, disabled access is limited to the shop, information room, toilet, courtyard and the ground floor corridor of the Old Prison.
Open every day April - October 9.30 am - 6 pm. Winter 10 am - 5 pm. Telephone: 01499 302 381 / Fax: 01499 302 195.
Full details on the Inveraray Jail Museum web site - also includes interactive tour and information about prisoners who were transported to the Colonies.
Featured Accommodation
Self Catering
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Contact: Jenifer Moffat
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Airdeny Chalets
Choice of 7 timber chalets (with 2 or 3 bedrooms)
Scottish Tourist Board 3 and 4 Stars.
The 3-bedroom chalets have:
The 2-bedroom chalets have 1 double bedroom, 1 twin
Rental prices from £265 - £685 per week per chalet.
Residential leisure courses on watercolour painting,
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Esplanade Court Holiday Apartments Corran Esplanade Oban PA34 5PW Booking Hotline: 0870 336 2827 |
Esplanade Court Apartments
A choice of apartments with panoramic views
Each apartment includes:
Prices from £563.50 per week
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Seil Cottages Kilninver by Oban Booking Hotline: 0870 336 2827 |
Seil Cottages
Choice of 2 stone cottages set in a courtyard
3 star quality
Prices from £229.50 per week
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Loch Shuna Lodges Eilean Buidhe Craobh Haven by Lochgilphead Argyll PA31 8UA |
Loch Shuna Lodges
A choice of 3 Scandinavian log lodges set on the Island of Buidhe.
A luxury 1-bedroom lodge with kingsize 4 poster
Choice of two luxury 2-bedroom lodges each with:
Facilities in each lodge include:
Prices from £327 per week
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Flora Macneil Duror Appin Argyll PA38 4DA Tel: +44 (0)1631 740 317 Email: flora.macneil@ecosse.net |
Mingulay
House (sleeps 6) set beside the River Duror.
Situated off the main road between Oban (26 miles)
1 double bedroom & 1 twin bedroom.
Prices from £300 - £450 per week.
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Sheila Wallace The Muir of Auchnabreac Inveraray Argyll Tel: +44 (0)1360 770266 Email: stay@themuir.co.uk |
The Muir of Auchnabreac
Traditionally built house located above Loch Fyne.
3 bedrooms: 1 triple, 1 double and 1 with bunks.
Prices from £350 - £500 per week
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Hotels in Oban |
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Oban Bay Hotel
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Oban Bay Hotel
Situated on the edge of Dunollie Wood and the Esplanade
Bar and restaurant with excellent reputation especially for seafood.
80 ensuite bedrooms with TV, tea/coffee, etc.
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Caledonian Hotel
Traditional Highland hotel built around 1880 when the railway came to Oban.
Special 'Ranger Service' offers advice and guidance on sightseeing/activities.
Choice of 59 bedrooms: twin, double, single and family.
B&B prices from £40 per person.
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Regent Hotel
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Regent Hotel
Located on the Esplanade in Oban close to the pier.
Choice of 82 ensuite bedrooms
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Columba Hotel
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Columba Hotel
Situated right on the seafront
Choice of 50 ensuite bedrooms
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Royal Hotel
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Royal Hotel
Situated in the centre of town
Restaurant and lounge bar.
Choice of 91 ensuite bedrooms (single, twin, double).
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Queens Hotel
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Queens Hotel
Victorian villa situated on the Esplanade in Oban
Choice of 43 ensuite bedrooms all with TV, tea/coffee, etc.
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Hotels near Oban |
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Loch Fyne Hotel
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Loch Fyne Hotel & Leisure Club
Set in Inveraray overlooking Loch Fyne.
Leisure suite with swimming pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi,
Choice of 74 spacious bedrooms and mini-suites
Historic house commandeered during WWII
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Argyll Hotel
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Argyll Hotel
Originally built as a coaching inn in 1750
Conservatory restaurant with stunning views over Loch Fyne
Choice of 36 ensuite bedrooms
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Taychreggan
One of Scotland's top country house hotels.
Private guided tours and airport transfers can be arranged.
Voted 'One of Britain's Most Romantic Hotels' by the AA Inspectors.
18 lavishly-draped ensuite bedrooms many overlooking the loch.
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Portsonachan Hotel
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Portsonachan Hotel
Former Victorian hunting lodge set on the side of Loch Awe
Ideal location for relaxing or as a base for touring.
Breakfast is served in the conservatory with spectacular views of Ben Cruachan.
Choice of 60 double bedrooms, suites (sleeping 4)
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B&Bs in Oban |
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Gramarvin Guest House
Scottish Tourist Board 3 Star Guest House.
Choice of 4 individually designed bedrooms:
B&B prices from £25 - £30 per person.
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Raniven Guest House
Well established guest house in a
Choice of 6 ensuite bedrooms:
B&B prices from £22 - £25 per person.
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Feorlin B&B
Less than 8 minutes walk to Oban town centre.
B&B prices from £22.50 - £25 per person.
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SCOTLAND'S BEST B&Bs
Scotland's Best B&Bs is an organisation
To see members of Scotland's Best B&Bs
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B&Bs / Guest Houses in Argyll & Area |
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Bealach Country House
Luxury accommodation and excellent food.
Ideal for a 'get away from it all' break or as a touring base.
Relax in the conservatory or lounge by the wood burning stove.
3 ensuite bedrooms all individually designed:
B&B prices from £35 - £45 per person per night.
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Lichen Burn B&B
A newly-built house in the Glen Nant woodland nature reserve.
2 spacious bedrooms overlooking the garden & river.
B&B prices from £37.50 per night (based on 2 sharing).
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White Rock Bed and Breakfast
Converted 18th century hilltop croft house
Vegetarians & vegans welcome. All organic produce where possible.
1 double room £22.50 - £35 per person.
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Springside B&B
Traditional cottage overlooking Tarbert harbour
4 bedrooms: double/twin/family. Ensuite available.
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There are lots of guest houses and hotels in and around Oban, some are advertised on the Oban and Lorn Tourism Association web site.
Bed and Breakfast / Hotels:
- Briarbank Guest House in Oban offers ensuite accommodation including 4-poster bedrooms. Scottish Tourist Board 3 Stars. Contact Julie Grove. Tel: 01631 566549.
- Collaig House is a luxury B&B at Kilchrenan near Loch Awe (20 minutes from Taynuilt, 35 minutes from Oban). Contact Jamie & Julie Beamish. Tel: 01866 833202.
- Dunheanish Guest House is a large detached villa in Oban with 6 ensuite bedrooms. Instant online booking available. Tel: 01631 566556.
- Dun na mara guesthouse offers stylish B&B accommodation in 7 bedrooms in a large Edwardian house by the sea in Benderloch, 8 miles north of Oban. Tel: 01631 720233.
- Fernpoint Hotel in Inveraray is a Georgian house overlooking Loch Fyne. 2 minutes walk from the main street. Extensively refurbished in 2007. Suites available with king-size bed, Jacuzzi or Whirlpool bath. Excellent seafood restaurant. Tel: 01499 302 170.
- Glenorchy Lodge Hotel in Dalmally - a former hunting lodge - is a 3 star small hotel. Tel: 01838 200312.
- Gramarvin Guest House in Oban has 3 ensuite double bedrooms and 1 twin/triple with private facilities. Centrally situated. Scottish Tourist Board 3 Stars. Contact Mary Hill. Tel: 01631 564622.
- Loch Melfort Hotel and Restaurant - spectacular views across the Sound of Jura to the islands. Situated adjacent to Arduaine Garden, 19 miles south of Oban. Award-winning food. B&B rates or Dinner, B&B packages.
- Rosebank B&B is located in the historic village of Kilmartin. Contact Isobel McLaughlin. Tel: 01546 510 370.
- Taynuilt Hotel - a traditional coaching inn - with 3 star accommodation and restaurant in Taynuilt.
- The Old Manse Guest House is a 4 star guest house in Dalriach Road, Oban, overlooking the bay. Choice of ensuite double/twin rooms, family suite or kingsize luxury rooms. Set in secluded grounds. 2 minutes walk from the town centre. Contact Anna and Simon - tel: 01631 564886.
- Tigh Bhan at Duror (halfway between Oban & Fort William) offers B&B in 3 ensuite bedrooms. Evening meals by arrangement. Contact Andy & Hynal Collins. Tel: 01631 740 214.
- Tyndrum Lodge (by Crianlarich) has 22 bedrooms, plus a popular bar and grill. Tel: 01838 400219.
Miscellaneous self catering listings:
- Apartment in Argyll Mansions directly overlooking Oban harbour. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, large lounge/dining room.
- Braes of Ganavan near Oban is a luxury house with 4 bedrooms, sleeping up to 8 people.
- Burnside Cottage in the village of Furnace, 8 miles south of Inveraray, sleeps 5 people. Self catering available per night or per week.
- Caddleton Farmhouse set within the 3,000-acre Ardmaddy Castle Estate. 12 miles from Oban. Sleeps 10 - 12. Large games room, living room, open fires, kitchen, utility room, 5 bedrooms, conservatory overlooking the garden and sea. Fully equipped to 4 star quality.
- Craigdhu on Barbreck Farm near Ardfern is a farmhouse with 5 bedrooms sleeping up to 9. Lochgilphead 16 miles. Oban 23 miles.
- Cnocaruan Self Catering at Connel is a 4 star property overlooking the famous Falls of Lora. Sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms. Contact Gabriella & George McKenzie. Tel: 01631 710378.
- Creagard Country House is available to rent for self-catering holidays on the Isle of Luing. Four 19th century stone quarriers cottages have been combined into this house which sleeps 7 people.
- Darroch Beag is a traditional 19th century cottage at St Catherines (opposite Inveraray) on Loch Fyne. Sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms. Scottish Tourist Board 4 Stars.
- Easdale Island self-catering cottages.
- Gardener’s Cottage is a detached cottage (sleeping 2) in Benderloch, 8 miles north of Oban.
- Loch Awe Log Cabins offer a variety of self catering properties at Dalavich.
- Rhunacairn is a self catering cottage on the shore of Loch Etive, 9 miles from Oban. Living room with open fire, large kitchen/dining-room, utility room, 4 bedrooms. Sleeps 7- 8.
- Seabank is a large 5-bedroom farmhouse (sleeping up to 10) on the shore of Loch Creran. Situated in Benderloch, near Barcaldine, 20 minutes north of Oban.
- Tralee Bay Holidays offer self-catering lodges and caravans to rent all year round just north of Oban.
Hostel Accommodation:
- Oban Backpackers in Breadalbane Street has a choice of dorm accommodation from £12 per person. Online booking. Tel: 01631 562107
- Jeremy Inglis' Hostel - 21 Airds Crescent, Oban. It is a sort of hostel-style place (linen and duvets provided) with about 7 rooms, just 200 yards from the station. Prices £8.50 / £16 per person. Tel: 01631 565 065 / fax: 01631 565 933.
- The Esplanade, Oban. 4 star SYHA hostel. 88 beds. Tel: 01631 562025.
- Ballachulish, Glencoe. 3 star SYHA hostel. 62 beds. Tel: 01855 811219.
- Inveraray Hostel, Dalmally Road, Inveraray. 3 star SYHA hostel. 28 beds. Online booking.
Camping / Caravanning:
- Argyll Caravan Park overlooking Loch Fyne near Inveraray. Serviced pitches for touring caravans, plus static holiday homes for hire. 5 star holiday park with bar, diner, playpark and indoor recreation area. Tel: 01499 302285.
- Caravan for hire and pitches for 5 touring caravans at Highfield Croft near Benderloch (9 miles from Oban). Tel/fax 01631 720262. Email elaine@clsite.co.uk
- Oban Caravan and Camping Park is at Gallanachmore Farm (tel: 01631 562425 / fax: 01631 566624).
- Oban Divers Caravan & Camping Park, Glen Shallach Road - tel: 01631 562755.
- Strathlachlan Caravan Park is on the east shore of Loch Fyne, 6 miles from Strachur. Tel: 01369 860300.
- Sunnybrae Caravan Park has 6 mobile homes to rent on the Isle of Luing. Tel: 01852 314274.
Where to eat in Oban
There are lots of places to eat in Oban, including many of the hotels.
McTavish's Kitchens on High Street has a café and restaurant where Scottish evenings with dancers and pipers are given in the summer. It is well advertised, so you can't miss it.The Gallery Restaurant in Argyll Square is highly recommended. The Waterfront Restaurant (by the main ferry pier) is renowned for its seafood, as is Ee-usk on the North pier.
Coast is a contemporary restaurant in George Street
Cuan Mor is a new gastro pub overlooking the harbour at 60 George Street.For vegetarian and health foods, try Millstone Wholefoods shop at 15 High Street. Also visit The Kitchen Garden at 14 George Street (tel 01631 566332) which has delicatessen and includes a coffee shop with views over the bay.
Books & Maps
For suggested hiking routes, get the book called Walk Oban, Mull and Lochaber. Written by Richard Hallewell it is a handy 64-page spiral bound book printed by Collins Cartographic.
If you are touring by car, a useful map indicating all the places to visit for sightseeing is the
Oban and Mull Tourist Map.
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Easdale, Belnahua, Luing & Seil
The Islands that Roofed the World This book contains a comprehensive history of the slate industry in the west of Scotland, complete with a detailed and vivid account of the communities on the Atlantic bound islands of Easdale, Seil, Luing and Belnahua. The author Mary Withall is the Easdale Island Folk Museum archivist. Paperback. 128 pages. Second edition published in April 2001. Available from Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com |
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Argyll and the Western Isles
Part of the Exploring Scotland's Heritage series and is a very useful guide to these parts of the country. This 192-page paperback is about 15 US dollars. To order your copy, click here |
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Oban, Mull and Kintyre
Another useful colour guide book especially for walking in this area. By Brian Conduit and John Brooks. To order your copy, click here |
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Oban and the Land of Lorn
Collection of old photographs from the days when pleasure steamers filled Oban Bay and McCaig's Folly had yet to be built. Section One features Inveraray to Port Appin - including Dalmally, Lochawe, Taynuilt, Bonawe, Ardchattan Priory, Lochnell Castle, Eriska, Barcaldine Castle, Castle Stalker and Lismore. Section Two covers the town of Oban and its maritime and commercial activities. Also includes Dunollie Castle, Ganavan Sands, Dunstaffnage, Connel, etc. Section Three is entitled 'Oban to Dunadd' and begins with pictures of Oban's South Pier and Lighthouse Pier, before continuing southwards to the Slate Islands of Kerrera, Seil, Easdale and Luing. To order your copy, click here |
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Scottish Highlands and Islands
Latest edition of the popular Rough Guide series exclusively devoted to the Highlands & Islands. Published: April 2002. One of the top best-selling guide books on Scotland. 568 pages. Order your copy from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk |
There are numerous Books about Mull and Iona
Don't forget you can browse my selection of Scottish books online.
Tourist Information Centres
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Argyll Square, Oban PA34 4AN
Telephone: 01631 563122 / Fax: 01631 564273 Open all year |
Front Street, Inveraray
Telephone: 01499 302063 Open all year |
Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling & Trossachs (official Tourist Board web site) includes brochure request
Explore Oban & Mull downloadable PDF leaflet
Useful Links:
The Oban and Lorn Tourism Association (official guide)
Oban.ws (Oban, Lorn & North Argyll web directory)
Oban Times (local newspaper) - includes downloadable town map of Oban
Guide to Benderloch
Oban Hotels
More places to visit: Fort William (North of Oban)
and Argyll (South of Oban)
Nearby Islands: Lismore
- Mull
- Iona
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Index
Contact
The Internet Guide to Scotland is produced
by Joanne Mackenzie-Winters © 1996-2008
Not to be reproduced without permission
www.scotland-info.co.uk and www.scotland-inverness.co.uk
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Last update: May 2008