Oban in Scotland’s Western Highlands is a special place and one that slowly, almost imperceptibly, cast its spell on me.
Prepared to be seduced by this harbour town with this pick of thebest things to do in Oban. At the end of this article, you’ll find recommendations for places to eat and where to stay in Oban as well as how to get there.
Some articles on this website contain affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read the full disclosure here.
IN THIS ARTICLE
What is Oban Famous for?
As the gateway to the romance of the far-flung Hebridean islands, Oban is both a destination and a starting point. Set in a majestic horseshoe-shaped bay, this Victorian resort is the largest port in northwest Scotland.
Oban is also home to the world-famous Oban Whiskey Distillery and isknown as theseafood capital of Scotland.
The aroma of sea salt blends with that of freshly cooked seafood as you stroll along its breezy promenade. To the horizon, there is a fringe of islands dominated by the mist-capped mountains of Mull.
Oban has stirred the creative juices of artists and composers. The town inspired Mendelsohn to write hisHebrides Overtureand it was one of the locations where Turner set up his canvas.
The Best Things to Do in Oban in 2 Days
Although Oban is a small town, when it comes to things to do, it punches above its weight.
1. Travel to Oban on the West Highland Line from Glasgow
Although not strictly something to do in the town itself, the railway line from Glasgow alone is a good enough reason for visiting Oban.
The West Highland Line is one of the world’s great train journeys, travelling through a landscape of moors, liberally sprinkled with heather, soaring pine forests, lochs and mist-capped mountains. Leaving Glasgow’s suburbs behind you, the train passes the Clyde Estuary on your left.
Continuing north, it skirts around the shore of Loch Lomond and through the Trossachs National Park. At Crianlarich, the line splits.
One branch heads north through the wilderness of Rannoch Moor and onto Fort William and Mallaig. This section of the line between Fort William and Mallaig is also covered by The Jacobite steam train, aka The Harry Potter Train.
For a bucket-list travel experience, book a Club Room on the Caledonian Sleeper train from London.
The western branch passes the mighty Ben Lui, the appropriately named Loch Awe and finally Loch Etive before reaching Oban.
Bag a window seat and enjoy the ride.
READ THIS NEXT: Caledonian Sleeper First Class Review: Is The Club Room Worth It?
2. Refine your whisky palate at the Oban Distillery
Oban is a town that was built around a distillery. How cool is that?
Established in 1794, Oban Distillery is one of the oldest and smallest distilleries in Scotland and produces over a million bottles of Oban single malt whisky each year. If you can’t tell your 14-year-old single malt from your blended whisky, take the excellent one-hourOban Distillery tour, which costs £22 (2022 price).
It’s educational and entertaining in equal measure, and you be able to sample two expressions of their delicious single malt whisky. What’s more, you get to keep the tasting glass!
READ THIS NEXT: Oban Distillery Tour: 7 Things I Learnt About Whisky
3. Visit McCaig’s Tower, Scotland’s Colosseum
Dominating Oban’s skyline is its most famous tourist attraction, a slightly bizarre, unfinished replica of Rome’s Colosseum known as McCaig’s Tower.
I love the story behind this structure.
John Stuart McCaig, a philanthropist, commissioned this as a memorial to his family. His intention was that its construction would provide employment to local stonemasons during lean economic times.
However, his little piece of Italy in Scotland never reached completion.
A planned 95-foot central tower was never started and only the exterior walls were completed before McCaig died. The instruction in his will for bronze statues of his family to fill the structure’s windows was ignored.
Today, McCaig’s Tower, or McCaig’s folly as it is known locally, is a walled garden from where there are panoramic views over the Sound of Kerrera and the islands nearOban bay. Follow the signs for the ten-minute climb from Oban’s George Street to the tower.
Strong calf muscles and a stronger cardiovascular system are mandatory. Entry is free.
4. Walk up to Pulpit Hill
McCaig’s Tower is not the only viewpoint in town.
Follow the signposted walking trail to Pulpit Hill from the centre of Oban, leading you into the countryside south of the town. At Pulpit Hill, there is a fine viewpoint over Oban and its harbour with McCaig’s Tower in the background.
5. Take the ferry to the Isle of Kerrera
If you continue on this walking trail past Pulpit Hill, you will end up at the Kerrera Ferry.
The Isle of Kerrera is the perfect place to escape from the summer crowds in Oban, exploring its hiking trails, checking out the clifftop ruin of Gylen Castle or spending a few hours on Slatrach Bay, the island’s loveliest sandy beach.
The Kerrera ferry operates year-round, although services are less frequent in winter.
6. Stroll along Oban’s promenade to Dunollie Castle
Another fantastic thing to do in Oban is to stroll along its broad promenade, breathing in a lungful of salty air whilst taking in the view of Oban Bay and its islands in the distance.
Walk north along the promenade toward another of the town’s landmarks, St. Columba’s Cathedral, built between 1932 and 1959. Then stop at the Oban War Memorial before reaching Dunollie Castle.
Home to Clan MacDougall, who ruled over most of Argyll and the Island, these ruins date from the 15thCentury. An exhibition at the 1745 House Museum tells the history of Clan MacDougall and the castle.
VISITING DUNOLLIE CASTLE
Dunollie Castle is located at Oban, PA34 5TT. From Oban’s harbour to Dunollie Castle, it’s a pleasant and easy one-mile walk.
7. Indulge your sweet tooth at the Oban Chocolate Company
For a first-class cocoa hit, stop by the Oban Chocolate Company (I bought a few chocolate treats for those back home which were very much appreciated).
The chocolates are all handmade in their small factory in Oban and they also have a cafe.
8. Visit the Oban War and Peace Museum
To find out more about the town’s history, visit the Oban War and Peace Museum, housed in the old Oban Times building, next to the Art Deco Regent Hotel. Although the museum’s collection has a strong local focus, it is also home to some not-so-local exhibits, including a piece of the Berlin Wall.
One of the best things to do in Oban on a rainy day.
VISITING THE OBAN WAR & PEACE MUSEUM
The Oban War and Peace Museum is located at the Old Oban Times Building, Corran Esplanade
It is open daily from March until November, 10 am to 4 pm.
Admission is free but donations are welcome
9. Take a day trip to Mull
Taking the ferry to the island of Mull is one of the best things to do in Oban. This is a day trip where the journey is almost as good as the destination, with close-up views of Lismore lighthouse and Ben More (Ben Mor).
Mull is the ultimate Hebridean island fantasy fulfilment.
Catch the bus from the ferry terminal at Craignure to Tobermory, easily one of the most attractive harbour towns in Scotland, if not the UK. Photograph the row of candy-coloured houses, reflected in the still water of the bay, against the backdrop of a steep cliff.
Take the cliffside walk to the lighthouse for sensational views across the bay. And if you’re in the mood for more whisky tasting, visit Tobermory Distillery.
READ THIS NEXT: 8 Amazing Things to do in Tobermory, Mull
10. Take a boat trip to Staffa, Iona and Mull (or Treshnish)
To see three islands in one day, join a boat trip from Iona, operated by Staffa Tours.
33 miles west of Oban, uninhabited Staffa is one of Scotland’s most romantic islands.
It is best known for the basalt columns on its southern side, which the sea has carved into dramatic caverns. The most famous of these is Fingal’s Cave.
Lying barely a mile off the southwest tip of Mull, the sacred isle of Iona has been a mecca for Christian pilgrims for several centuries.
Staffa Tours also operates a day tour to Treshnish, Tobermory and Staffa. The Treshnish Isles are known for their rich wildlife, particularly seabirds, puffins and seals.
11. Go on a sea safari
If wildlife spotting is more your thing, Oban is a great base for boat trips to view whales, porpoises, seals, dolphins, basking sharks, otters, golden and white-tailed sea eagles and more.
Look out for boards advertising boat trips around the harbour or pop into the friendly tourist information office.
12. Try sea kayaking
If you are feeling more adventurous, why not try your hand at sea kayaking?
The waters around Oban are perfect for sea kayaking, even if you are a complete beginner. Sea Kayak Oban offers day trips and two and five-day courses.
Most of their trips launch from the beach in Oban, 50m from their base on Argyll Street. Check their website for further information and prices.
13. Explore Oban Harbour
There are few better things to do in Oban than to stroll around its harbour.
By day, boats and ferries go about their business. By night, the illuminated McCaig’s Tower provides a dramatic backdrop.
Any time of day, locals and visitors alike walk along the waterfront, stopping to eat eating their fish & chips or ice cream on one of the benches
14. Eat the best seafood in Scotland
For all you foodies out there, Oban is seafood paradise. In addition to a few highly-rated fish and chip shops, there are some excellent seafood restaurants and stalls alongside the harbour.
Recommended Places to Eat in Oban
Here are a few eating places that I tried and can recommend.
MacGillivray’s Seafood
Operating out of a van parked by the harbour, McGillivray’s serve melt-in-the-mouth fresh seafood and fish.
Order at the counter, take a seat at one of the wooden benches and they’ll call you when your order is ready. I feasted on a pile of langoustines with chips and salad which came to £10. They don’t have an alcohol licence but do serve soft drinks.
Waterfront Fishouse Restaurant
For great service, harbour views and an early-evening bargain menu, head to theWaterfront Fishousenext to the CalMac ferry terminal.
They offer lunchtime and early-bird two-course set menu for under £20. Their mussels were the sweetest and freshest that I have ever had, and the entrée of rainbow trout served on a pesto risotto was simply sublime.
Julie’s Coffee House
If you need to satisfy a sweet tooth, here’s a bonus eating recommendation.
Julie’s Coffee House, opposite the Oban Distillery, serves deliciously decadent white chocolate and raspberry scones as well as many other calorie-busting goodies.
Where to Stay in Oban
As a tourist hub, Oban is not short of places to stay. However, these do get booked up quickly during the peak summer season.
When I booked, availability was limited and I ended up at theRoyal Hotel, one of the town’s Victorian hotels. This is the epitome of (very) faded grandeur. However, it has friendly, helpful staff and offers a free, generous buffet breakfast.
>>> CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES & BOOK
Here are some other places that I have found that are good choices if you are visiting Oban:
Mid-range
Premier Inn– I love a good Premier Inn and, in all honesty, if I had known that one had opened in Oban I would have chosen to stay there. For me, this chain strikes just the right balance between price point and product and its breakfasts are one of the best out there.
Oban’s Premier Inn is adjacent to the train station.
>>> CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES & BOOK
Splurge
Glenbervie Guest House– In an excellent location on Oban’s seafront, this guesthouse has excellent reviews.
>>> CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES & BOOK
Budget
Oban Youth Hostel– Budget accommodation is hard to come by in Oban but this hostel is a great option. Located on the seafront, it has laundry, kitchen and lounge facilities.
>>> CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES & BOOK
>>> None of these places take your fancy? Click here for other great places to stay in Oban.
How to Get to Oban
I travelled to Oban by train.
From London to Glasgow Central on the line formally operated by Virgin Trains (nowAvanti West Coast), and then taking the West Highland Line from Glasgow Queen Street.The journey from Glasgow takes just over three hours and costs from £20 one-way.
Book train tickets in advance for the cheapest tickets.
Services do not run frequently and can be busy. Neglect to reserve a seat at the time of buying your ticket at your peril.
If you aredriving, the quickest route will take you around 2.5 hours from Glasgow. Of course, longer and more scenic routes are available.
Solo Travelin Scotland
In my view, Scotland is not only one of Europe’s best places to travel alone but is also one of the best solo travel destinations in the world.
Fromits lush rolling hillsandmirror-like lakes to its blindingly white beaches, Scotland is home to some of the most striking anddiverse landscapesto be found anywhere. It’s a walker’s and photographer’s paradise.
Scotland is relativelysafe, thelocals are very friendly and speak English. There is awide variety of accommodation, from a thriving hostel scene and cosy bed & breakfasts to boutique and castle hotels.
It’s easy to get around. Whilst driving is the easiest way to explore Scotland, this is not for the faint-hearted.Some roads in the Highlands and islands are single lanes punctuated with passing places that you can pull into if necessary.
I travelled in Scotlandwithout a carand managed just fine using buses, trains and day tours.
Scotland’s major towns and cities are linked by train and bus (Scottish Citylink runs long-distance express coach services).
I also joined day trips with the localRabbie’s Tourswho were excellent. Group sizes are small and the knowledge and humour of their drivers/guides are first-rate.
Is Oban Worth Visiting?
Although Oban is not exactly a well-kept secret, it manages to retain an air of tranquillity, which is all too rare nowadays.
Despite its size, there are enough things to do in Oban to occupy the most restless soul for two days. As a bonus, the town is home to some of the best seafood to be found anywhere.
Oban is perfect for a long weekend break, as a base to explore the western coast of Scotland and the islands or as part of a longer Scotland itinerary.
TRAVELLING TO SCOTLAND? CHECK OUT THESE OTHER ARTICLES
- Riding the Magical Harry Potter Train in Scotland
- The Best Things to Do in Inveraray, Scotland
- 5 Amazing Things to do in Tobermory, Mull
- A Perfect 3 Days in Inverness: Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
- 10 Best Day Trips from Inverness Without a Car
- 15 Easy Day Trips from Edinburgh by Train or Bus
FAQs
How many days do you need in Oban? ›
While there are lots of things to do in Oban, you can also use Oban as a base to explore the region. We visited Oban after Loch Lomond and before heading to Glencoe. Many people spend at least a full day or two in Oban, depending on how much of the surrounding area they plan to visit.
Is Oban Scotland worth visiting? ›Oban is a great little getaway on the Scottish west coast. You could spend an entire week using it as a home base, just visit for a long weekend or incorporate the town into a longer Scotland itinerary taking in Argyll and the Isles.
Why is Oban famous? ›Oban is often referred to as the seafood capital of Scotland and with the famous Oban Whiskey Distillery right at the heart of the town. Oban has earned its reputation as a holiday resort town because of its spectacular views of the port. The popular bay view shops along the bustling road run right through the town.
What is a fun fact about Oban? ›1 – The Scottish Gaelic name for Oban is An t-Òban, which means The Little Bay. Oban's bay is a perfect horseshoe shape that offers spectacular sunsets. 2 – The site of Oban has been occupied since the Mesolithic times, and the sites around Oban Bay are noted for having a distinct Oban culture.
Which month is best for Oban? ›Summer (June, July, August)
June is traditionally the best time to visit the West Coast of Scotland – the days are at their longest, the temperatures have usually warmed up and it's still before the school holidays so you can find some good accommodation bargains.
You do not have to do it, but I recommend it - especially the Oban tour is really nice. The best DIAGEO tour.
What is the prettiest part of Scotland to visit? ›- Islay and Colonsay, Southern Hebrides. ...
- Ben Nevis and the Caledonian Canal, Highlands. ...
- Great train journeys, Highlands. ...
- The Cairngorms, Highlands and Aberdeenshire. ...
- Big Tree Country, Perthshire. ...
- The Neuk of Fife, Fife. ...
- Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, Argyll/Stirling. ...
- Edinburgh, Lothian.
If you plan on exploring Oban and the West Coast of Scotland, the best to do it is by walking! Oban walks are some of the most popular activities when visiting the area. There are plenty of hidden walking trails, local hotspots, as well as hikes near Oban.
What is the round thing in Oban? ›The crowning glory of Oban, McCaig's Tower, is a monument designed by eccentric Victorian millionaire John Stuart McCaig. At first glance, visitors might think it looks like the Roman Colosseum, but a closer look reveals that it is circular, and has Gothic and Roman touches.
What does Oban mean in Scottish? ›Oban (/ˈoʊbən/ ( listen) OH-bən; Scottish Gaelic: An t-Òban [ən̪ˠ ˈt̪ɔːpan] meaning The Little Bay) is a resort town within the Argyll and Bute council area of Scotland. Despite its small size, it is the largest town between Helensburgh and Fort William.
What does Oban mean in Gaelic? ›
The name 'Oban' means 'little bay', from Scots Gaelic ob or Norse hop, meaning 'little', and the Scots Gaelic diminutive suffix an. According to George Mackay, author of Scottish Place Names (2000), the name derives from the larger Gaelic name An t-Oban Latharnach, or 'little bay of Lorn'.
What prehistoric site is near Oban? ›Kilmartin Glen is located between Oban and Lochgilphead, surrounding the village of Kilmartin, on the west of Scotland. The area spans 5,000 years with a multitude of cairns, standing stones, carved rock, stone circles, forts and castles.
Is Oban Catholic or protestant? ›The Cathedral Church of St Columba in Oban is the seat of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Argyll and the Isles and mother church of the Diocese of Argyll and the Isles.
Does Oban have a Colosseum? ›This looks like a refurbished version of the coliseum when viewed from the Oban sea front. It was only built at the end of the 19th century by out of work stone masons sponsored by Mr McCaig, a successful local man.
Can you see sea eagles in Oban? ›Rich feeding grounds make this area a hot spot for sightings of whales, dolphins, porpoise, basking sharks and an amazing number and variety of seabirds. Sea Eagles, Golden Eagles, Peregrine falcons and Buzzards are resident and are frequently seen.
Does it rain a lot in Oban? ›Rainfall in Oban is high, totalling 1678 mm in a typical year. Precipitation tends to fall more in the winter, falling over about 198 days per year. Oban has average sunshine totals, with 1212 hours of sunshine recorded in a typical year.
Which isle to visit from Oban? ›Isle of Kerrera
Kerrera is Oban's closest neighbour, and can be seen from most parts of the seaside town. Just a few minutes away on the ferry, Kerrera is a paradise for keen walkers and cyclists with its magnificent scenery and quiet coastal roads.
The recommended attire to visit the distillery is casual and comfortable. No vulgar or profane attire allowed. Be aware that during the spring and summer months, the distillery may be very hot with temperatures exceeding 90 degrees.
Does Johnny Walker own Oban? ›Diageo. Diageo is the giant of the industry, owning 27 malt distilleries, and 2 grain distilleries. It built its name as a producer of blended whisky, notably Bells, and now owns Johnnie Walker. Its best-known single malts are Lagavulin, Oban and Talisker.
Can you take tours of the Jack Daniels distillery? ›Tours Daily: 9am-4:30pm CST
Your safety and the safety of our staff and employees is our primary concern.
What is the most beautiful street in Scotland? ›
Circus Lane in Edinburgh - Scotland's 'most beautiful street' Recently named one of the most beautiful in the world and the most attractive in the UK.
What is the happiest town in Scotland? ›Galashiels has been named the “happiest place to live” in Scotland, as part of a UK wide survey. The Scottish Borders town, which ranked number two in the UK, was joined in the top 10 with Perth being ranked number five and Stirling at number nine.
What is the most walkable city in Scotland? ›Edinburgh, Scotland
Split into two distinct halves, Edinburgh is one of the most walkable cities around.
Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh
It takes the title of Scotland's most-visited paid-for attraction, and is, of course, one of the top must-see places in Scotland.
Scotland is a year-round destination, but the summer months, from June until August, attract the most visitors. This high season coincides with summer's better weather, more daylight hours, and plenty of activities and festivals happening around the country.
What time of year is Scotland most beautiful? ›The best time to visit Scotland is during spring (late March to May) and fall (September to November).
How do you get around Oban without a car? ›Take the bus or train to Oban in the morning, then walk south to Gallanach (or take a bus). Take the ferry across to the island Kerrera, where you can walk all round the island or just to Gylen castle, the exquisite tea graden, and back. Keep a good eye on the time.
Is it better to stay in Oban or Fort William? ›Which town, Oban or Fort William, makes the better base for exploring the West Highlands? Oban has a fine and breezy coastal setting but Fort William is nearer more rugged scenery. Helpful facts for itinerary planning for you to make your own choice – but we tend towards Oban.
How do you get around Oban? ›While you're in the town your best option for getting around is to either use a car or the local bus service. West Coast Motors operate bus routes around Oban and the surrounding villages north and south of the town, although Oban itself is compact enough that you can easily walk it.
What is the Colosseum building in Oban? ›At age 72 in 1885, he commissioned what would become McCaig's Tower, and work continued until his death at 78 in 1902. After his death, however, the work stopped, leaving the folly as we know it now, bearing an odd resemblance to the Colosseum in Rome.
What is the small island off Oban? ›
Beautiful Kerrera is Oban's closest island neighbour and can be seen from most parts of the town. The ferry journey from Oban to Kerrera takes just a few minutes. Just 7 km long and around 2 km wide, the island is a walkers' and cyclists' paradise, with quiet roads and stunning scenery.
What is the Colosseum like building in Oban? ›Why, you might ask, does the fishing port of Oban boast a structure that resembles the Colosseum of Rome, standing conspicuously on a hill looking over the town? The structure, a prominent landmark for visitors arriving by train or ferry, is called McCaig's Tower, and it dominates the locality.
What do Scots call friends? ›What is the Scottish word for friend? Charaid, or Mo Charaid for my friend, is the official answer, but colloquially the terms I have heard most seem to be chum and pal!
What do the Scots call whisky? ›Uisge Beatha - (Pronounced 'Ooshka Ba') this means 'water of life' in Gaelic and is used as a formal way to describe whisky.
What are Scottish highlanders called? ›Teuchter (Scots pronunciation: [tʲuːxtər]) is a Lowland Scots word commonly used to describe a Scottish Highlander, in particular a Gaelic-speaking Highlander.
What clan was from Oban? ›Oban – MacDougall
The countryside surrounding Oban were once the lands of Clan MacDougall. Having the motto “Victory or Death”, it shows the intense and fearless way in which they lived and were able to conquer much of the Hebrides.
By the end of the 15th century, English/Scots speakers referred to Gaelic instead as 'Yrisch' or 'Erse', i.e. Irish and their own language as 'Scottis'.
What is the oldest archaeological site in Scotland? ›1. Knock Farril Pictish hill fort, Blackmuir Wood near Strathpeffer. Historical in more ways than one – this is the site of one of the first archaeological excavations in Scotland.
Where is the oldest Stone Age site in? ›The earliest documented stone tools have been found in eastern Africa, manufacturers unknown, at the 3.3 million year old site of Lomekwi 3 in Kenya. Better known are the later tools belonging to an industry known as Oldowan, after the type site of Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania.
Who lived in Scotland 5000 years ago? ›Early Historic Scotland was a melting pot of different groups – the Britons, the Picts, the Angles, the Gaels (Scots) and the Norse – and you can see this mixture reflected in place-names around the country, from Ben Macdui (Gaelic) to Stornoway (Norse) via Aberdeen (Pictish).
Who are the notable residents of Oban? ›
- Robert MacIntyre. Robert MacIntyre is a Scottish professional golfer who plays on the European Tour. ...
- Susie Wolff MBE. ...
- Susan Partridge. ...
- John McPhee.
| Larkhall Scottish Gaelic: Taigh na h-Uiseig Scots: Larkhauch | |
|---|---|
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | LARKHALL |
| Postcode district | ML9 |
Ironically, Barra, the most Scottish place in Scotland is overwhelmingly Catholic compared to Coatbridge's slight majority.
What is Oban known for? ›Oban is often referred to as the seafood capital of Scotland and with the famous Oban Whiskey Distillery right at the heart of the town. Oban has earned its reputation as a holiday resort town because of its spectacular views of the port. The popular bay view shops along the bustling road run right through the town.
What is the amphitheatre in Oban? ›Built between 1897 and 1900, this striking tower is a fanciful copy of the Colosseum in Rome. McCaig's Tower is perched on a hill overlooking Oban, and a public garden is located inside the hollow shell. Steep steps climb to the top of the hill.
Where is the oldest Colosseum in the world? ›The Colosseum (/ˌkɒləˈsiːəm/ KOL-ə-SEE-əm; Italian: Colosseo [kolosˈsɛːo]) is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy, just east of the Roman Forum. It is the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built, and is still the largest standing amphitheatre in the world, despite its age.
How many days should I spend in the Isle of Mull? ›Since Mull is such a large island, 4 days is really the minimum amount of time you will want to spend here. The longer the better. In the summer, it's light until about 11:30pm. However, most of the shops and restaurants close early (shops around 6, restaurants a bit later).
How many days should you spend in Scottish Highlands? ›We recommend you allow 9 - 10 days in Scotland for a satisfying tour of the country's diverse scenery and history. A 10 day itinerary, such as the Best of Scotland tour plan, would let you spend: 2 days in Edinburgh walking the historical streets and enjoying the cosmopolitan buzz.
How many days do you need in Glencoe? ›A day and a half is a good amount of time to spend in Glencoe if you would like to see the main highlights and leave half a day to do some walking. Many visitors travel to the area to climb to the top of one of Glencoe's rugged mountains.
How long do you need to visit the Outer Hebrides? ›We would recommend spending at least a week in the Outer Hebrides if you plan on island hopping. Four to five days were the perfect amount of time for exploring Lewis and Harris, but this same road trip itinerary could easily be spread over five, six or seven days.
Is Skye or Mull better? ›
So Skye has some quite spectacular and unusual landscapes to offer. Mull, on the other hand, has a softer, less forbidding landscape. The east coast of Mull has areas of pleasant woodlands and sheltered inlets. The west coast is more rugged with cliffs and moorland.
How long is the ferry ride from Oban to Mull? ›The most direct route to Mull is by ferry from Oban, which drops you at Craignure. The journey takes 46 minutes. Vehicle reservations are recommended.
What food is the Isle of Mull famous for? ›The local produce on Mull and Iona represents the best of what the Hebrides can offer: free-range lamb, pork and beef, venison from the hill, lobster, langoustines, mussels, oysters, crab and many varieties of fish from the waters surrounding the islands, hand caught by local fisherman.
What is the best base in Scotland? ›Stirling is Scotland's most historic city and offers so much. As a location, it provides a gateway to the Scottish Highlands and gives easy access to Edinburgh, Glasgow and the rest of the lovely lowlands, making it the best and most efficient base for exploring Scotland.
Is oban nicer than Fort William? ›Which town, Oban or Fort William, makes the better base for exploring the West Highlands? Oban has a fine and breezy coastal setting but Fort William is nearer more rugged scenery. Helpful facts for itinerary planning for you to make your own choice – but we tend towards Oban.
Why is Glencoe famous? ›Glencoe is the site of an infamous massacre in 1692, still remembered for the treachery with which the soldiers of the Campbell clan, acting as government militia, treated their hosts, the MacDonalds. According to Highland code, a clansman should give shelter to anyone, even to his sworn enemy.
Why is Glencoe Scotland famous? ›Glencoe is world renown as a centre for mountaineering and hillwalking, but it is also the ideal location in which to relax or to use as a convenient base to tour the western highlands of Scotland. The village of Glencoe lies to the western edge of the glen, and then a mile further west of this is Ballachulish.
Can you see the northern lights from the Hebrides? ›With little light pollution, the Outer Hebrides are one of the best places to catch the Northern Lights! You can take your pick from Lewis, Harris, Uist or Barra. With the right weather conditions, each island will treat you to a mesmerizing dancing display of the Aurora Borealis.
Which is the best island to visit on the Outer Hebrides? ›Barra is often referred to as the jewel of the Outer Hebrides and certainly has a delightful blend of rugged hills, rocky coves and flower covered machair. Vatersay is the full stop at the south of the chain and is a beautiful little island dominated by machair and wonderful shell sand beaches.
What is the best Scottish island to visit without a car? ›The stunning scenery Skye has to offer makes it one of the best Scottish islands you can visit without a car. The Isle of Skye is one of the most photogenic places in the world.