Oban, known as the “The Seafood capital of Scotland” is a beautiful harbour town located on the West coast of Scotland in the Argyll and Bute region. Oban, “the little bay” translated in Scottish Gaelic. This brilliant little town is one of our favourite places in Scotland to visit.
Oban is also known as the “Gateway to the Isles” with services from Oban going regularly to the Inner and Outer Hebrides.
Seafood being a specialty in Oban, with fresh catches available at local restaurants. From its brilliant seafood, the stunning architecture of McCaig’s Tower, magical sunsets across the bay and its lively atmosphere in the local bars and restaurants you will find plenty to do in Oban.
There are so many things to do in Oban, it can be overwhelming. See our guide for the top things to do in and around Oban along with how to get to this beautiful town.
One of the main attractions in Oban is its historical landmarks, visitors can explore the iconic McCaig's Tower, a prominent landmark that offers breath-taking views of the town, out over to Lismore and towards the Isle of Mull, lose yourself watching the boats come and go from Oban Bay.
McCaig’s Tower was built by John Stuart McCaig in the late 19th century.
McCaig’s Tower is a circular structure that looks like a mini colosseum. You can walk up the steps to the top and enjoy the panoramic views. It's a great place to take some photos and just relax. There's also a small garden area where you can sit and enjoy the view.
To access McCaig’s tower you can drive to the visitor car park through the winding Oban roads, this should only take five minutes from the town centre or you can walk, which will take around 30 minutes as you are climbing an extremely steep hill. Well worth it for the views at the end.
Located right in the heart of the town and only a stones throw away from the sea, Oban Distillery produces a range of single malt whisky. Visitors to the town can tour the distillery, which offers a great insight into the whisky-making process and history of the famous Oban Whisky whilst getting to try it.
Oban Bay is a beautiful place to relax and take in the stunning views. You can sit on the beach and watch the boats come and go, or take a walk along the promenade. There are plenty of bits of the coastline, where you can sit and enjoy the magic of Oban Bay. If you're lucky, you might even spot some seals! You would eventually reach the War Memorial if you continued walking along the promenade.
Visitors should not miss the chance to try Oban's famous seafood. There are many restaurants and cafes in the town that serve fresh seafood dishes, such as the Seafoof Hut located on the pier beside the ferry terminal. Some of the most popular seafood dishes include Cullen Skink, a hearty smoked haddock soup, and Argyll oysters, which are renowned for their sweet and delicate flavour. Other fish restaurants in Oban of note are Coast, or Ee-Usk which has a stunning location on the pier overlooking the bay.
Oban is also renowned for its award winning fish and chips, worth trying if you are in town!
Oban is also known as the gateway to the Isles and has this name as you can travel to both the inner and outer Hebrides from Oban.
Here is a list of the Islands you can reach from Oban,
• Castlebay (Barra)
• Coll
• Colonsay
• Kennacraig
• Lismore
• Lochboisdale
• Mallaig
• Tiree
The Oban to the Isle of Mull sailing can be done as a day trip, with the journey taking around 45 minutes. Once arriving on the Isle of Mull public transport is available in the form of a buses, however please remember you are on an island in Scotland. From Mull, you get to Iona and see the majestic Iona Abbey, or stay on Mull and head to see Tobermory.
The Island of Kerrera is the closest island to Oban and the island you look directly at from Oban Bay. The island is roughly 7km long and 2km wide and it is possible to walk around the island.
To get to Kerrera you do the short crossing at a small port down Gallanach in Oban which is around 2.5 miles from the town centre. Kerrera is the home to Gylen Castle which you can only get to on foot.
Ganavan Sands is a lovely beach just outside of Oban, around 10 minutes from the town centre. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the sunshine. The beach is a nice size so there's plenty of space to spread out although it can get busy at times. You can take a walk along the beach, sit and watch the waves or enjoy a walk along the coastline. There's a car park and toilets, so it's easy to get access to the beach.
Dunollie Castle
Dunollie Castle is a ruined castle that dates back to the 13th century. The castle was once the seat of the MacDougall clan and played an important role in the history of the region. Visitors can explore the castle ruins, and enjoy views of Oban Bay from the cliff top. There is also a museum on site that showcases the history of the castle and the MacDougall clan. The museum is only open seasonally so be sure to check this before travelling to the castle.
Gylen Castle, Kerrera
Located on the southern side of Kerrera Island, Gylen Castle is a magnificent fortress that protrudes dramatically from the tip of the island, providing breathtaking views of the Firth of Lorne. The ferry ride from Oban to Kerrera is short and sweet, and one can easily walk from the ferry terminal on Kerrera to Gylen Castle without the need for a car. Duncan MacDougall of Dunollie built this castle in 1582, and it is still remarkably well-preserved, despite being roofless.
Dunstaffnage Castle
Perched atop a massive rock overlooking the Firth of Lorn near Oban, Dunstaffnage Castle is a historic fortress with a rich past. Its construction dates back to 1220 when Duncan MacDougall built it, and it was once a stronghold of the 'Kings of the Isles'. The castle has witnessed significant events in Scottish history, including a siege by Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Independence and the imprisonment of Flora MacDonald in 1746 for helping Bonnie Prince Charlie escape. The castle's formidable curtain wall, one of the oldest standing castle remains in Scotland, is a sight to behold. It's worth making the climb to the battlements to fully appreciate the castle's exceptional strategic position and stunning views. Well worth a visit if you are in Oban for a few days.
Located on the banks of Loch Awe near Oban, Kilchurn Castle is an impressive castle that was constructed in the mid-15th century. Its position at the head of the loch, with the imposing Ben Cruachan mountain in sight, has made it a popular subject for photographers and visitors alike. The castle was one of many built by the influential Campbells of Glenorchy, who wielded significant power over western Scotland during the late medieval era. From the castle, one can take in the breath-taking view of Loch Awe.
If travelling to or from Oban towards Glasgow or Edinburgh, you pass the castle, which is a nice way to break up the journey. From parking your car, you will have around a 10-minute walk to Kilchurn Castle.
Castle Stalker, located on a tidal islet on Loch Laich, just a few miles beyond Appin North of Oban, is a beautiful four-story tower house with an exciting history. This castle was once known as Castle Aaaaaaargh in the renowned movie The Holy Grail by Monty Python. The Clan MacDougall built a small fort in 1320, which was then owned by the Lords of Lorn. Later, around 1440, the Stewarts rebuilt the castle in its current form. The castle was eventually abandoned in 1840. Although privately owned, a limited number of tours are available each year. If you are looking for something to eat, Castle Stalker View Café is a must-visit. Not only does it offer delicious home-baking and tasty lunches, but it also provides magnificent views of Castle Stalker, Loch Linnhe, and the surrounding islands.
One of the most popular cultural experiences in Oban is the Oban Highland Games. The games are held annually in August and feature traditional Scottish sports, such as caber tossing, tug of war, and hammer throwing. Visitors can also enjoy Highland dancing, pipe bands, and a variety of food and drink stalls. The games provide a great opportunity to experience Scottish culture and traditions. The date for the 2024 Highland Games is the 24th of August 2024.
Oban is surrounded by beautiful hills and mountains, making it an ideal destination for hill walking. Ben Lora is located just a short distance north of Oban and boasts panoramic views of Ardmucknish Bay, Mull, and the surrounding area. It's a relatively easy two-hour hike up and down the hill. For serious mountain climbers interested in Munro bagging (i.e., climbing hills over 3,000ft in height), there are over 20 Munros within a 45-minute drive of Oban. These include Glencoe, Ben Nevis, and the Mamores - all challenging even the most experienced climbers. In summer, the climb to the top can take over 6 hours, while in winter, it can take much longer due to snow levels. Therefore, being well-equipped and having proper mountain navigation skills is important. It's worth noting that the weather in this area can change rapidly, and you could experience all four seasons in a single day. Therefore, it's crucial to be prepared for any weather.
Oban's coastline is perfect for the diving enthusiasts, with Oban being home to Scotland's Premier Scuba Diving Centre. They cover all skill sets from learning to dive, diving training, shore dives or wreck diving.
The Puffin Dive Centre Oban, is around a three mile drive from the town centre, down past Gallanach.
Oban has one golf course in the town, Glencruitten Golf Club, a James Braid designed course. Over recent years Glencruitten Golf Club has risen to fame as European Tour Winner and Ryder Cup Winner Robert (Bob) MacIntyre resides from Oban and is still a member of the Club. The course is a Par 63 and will test your golfing ability.
On our last trip to Oban, we discovered what was an old Primary School in the centre of the town, which has been transformed in to the Rockfield Centre. It has some amazing artwork and history of Oban on display, before we sat and enjoyed a cake in the café. Well worth a visit if you are in Oban.
Fort William
Fort William is around an hour's drive from Oban and is home to the famous Ben Nevis mountain. See page on Fort William for further information on Ben Nevis and Fort William. To get to Fort William you cross Connell Bridge, The Connel Bridge stretches across Loch Etive, connecting two regions of Scotland. Initially constructed 1903 for the railway line, the bridge is now a stunning tourist attraction when travelling through Oban. Beneath the bridge lies the Falls of Lora, a set of rapids that flow towards the sea during high tides. Thrill-seekers often visit this spot for kayaking adventures, while photographers come to capture the natural beauty of this phenomenon with the stunning Benn Lora in the distance. The Connel Bridge is more than just a means of transportation over Loch Etive; it's an attraction in itself. Make sure to include a visit to this remarkable structure on your travel itinerary.
Seil Island
Cross the "Bridge over the Atlantic" to the Slate island of Seil, some 12 miles south of Oban. You can catch a West Coast Motors bus from Oban to Clachan Seil if you fancy leaving the car behind. If you are uncomfortable driving in Scotland, we advise taking the bus. This island makes for a fabulous day trip from Oban. There's a wealth of history to discover as well as stunning scenery and wonderful walking. And there's no need to worry about ferry timetables. It's separated from mainland Argyll by the thinnest of channels, which is spanned by the delightful 'Clachan' humpback bridge. Make sure and visit Easdale and get the boat to Easdale island. You could also take a wildlife-watching boat trip.
Easdale Island
Easdale Island, located in the Inner Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland, is the smallest permanently inhabited island in the area. It covers an area of less than 10 hectares and has a population of around 60 people. Many of the island's visiting residents have ancestral connections that date back several generations, although they live in other parts of Scotland. Easdale Island is known for its slate mining. The island is situated in the Firth of Lorn, around 15 miles south of Oban, Argyll. It is located about 200 meters from the Island of Seil, which is connected to the mainland by the 200-year-old Clachan Bridge, also known as the "Bridge over the Atlantic." Easdale Island has no vehicular access and can only be reached by a small ferry that can carry up to ten passengers. Despite its small size, Easdale Island has much to offer visitors, whether they stay for a short or long period. Visitors can take a stroll around the island and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this unique place.
What is the Easiest Way to get to Oban
The scenery on the journey to Oban is incredible, it isn't the quickest journey you will ever make so accept that, sit back and take in the true beauty of Scotland. Oban is about two hours from Stirling, two and a half hours from Glasgow and three hours from Edinburgh.
Travelling by Train: The only train from the Central Belt leaves Glasgow Queen Street Station and heads for Oban with several stops. The train journey take around three and a half hours.
Travelling by Bus: The easiest way to do this is to get the bus from Buchanan Bus Station in Glasgow and get the bus for Oban. This journey takes around three hours so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
Travelling by Car: From Glasgow you travel up the A82 alongside Loch Lomond, you have a choice at Tarbet where you can join the A83 and head through the "Rest and be Thankful" for Inverary before turning north for Dalmally to join the A85 towards Oban. At Tarbet if you choose to follow the A82 up the banks of Loch Lomond you will come to Tyndrum, home to the famous "Green Welly Stop" where you join the A85 for Oban.
Travelling from Stirling: follow the A84 all the way to Tyndrum, where you again join the A85 for Oban.
Travelling from Fort William: follow the A82 to Ballachulish before joining the A828 towards Oban.
Xplore Scotland love visiting Oban, if you can work it into your itinerary then Oban is well worth the visit. From trying the local seafood to heading up to McCaig's Tower to enjoy the view, Oban has a lot to offer. I would spend at least one night in Oban to give you time to do everything you want to do or longer if you plan to go and see the Islands.
