Outdoor Activities - Sightseeing and Day Tours

Oban is renowned for its glorious gardens, its fabulous views, the ocean promenade, islands all around, ancient monuments and castles, and outdoor activities such as diving, hiking, fishing, bird-watching – even whale spotting.

Oban is a great place for family holidays and you will enjoy recalling the memories of your visits for years to to come.

Child friendly things to do in Argyllshire include touring inside a hollow mountain at Cruachan Power Station and watching the fish, seals and otters at the Sea Life Centre. Other firm favourites is sailing over to Balamory (Tobermory), visiting Ganavan or one of the other lovely beaches and of course swimming at the local Atlantis Leisure Centre.

Take a day tour, do some island hopping or explore the local sightseeing attractions.

Island Hopping

Renowned as 'the gateway to Argyll and The Isles', Oban is an ideal base for Island hopping and Island tours. With no less than ten islands within easy reach for a day trip you can visit:

Mull - with beaches, castles and a host of attractions

Iona - the birthplace of British christianity and burial place of Kings

Staffa - famous for Fingal’s Cave and the inspiration for Mendelssohn’s celebrated Hebrides overture

Lismore - rich in historical sites and wildlife and the perfect island for a day’s cycling

Sail by ferry or choose from the host of private boat trips which depart from the harbour each day.

More far flung destinations include the Western Isles, Colonsay, Islay and even St Kilda. We recommend that you take several days on these islands and stay at The Oban Caledonian at either side of your journey.
 

Boat Trips

From sailing trips, day tours and island trips on the Calmac ferry there is something for everyone.

Favourite trips and destinations include the Mull, Iona and the Western Isles. And with a day tour, you will discover why holidays in Scotland are renowned for their diversity and beauty.

Scottish Yacht Charter - for information on the cruise of a lifetime aboard the powerful Shingleback click here. Experience luxury cruises reaching the remote islands of the West Coast of Scotland in unbelievable comfort. Enjoy the splendour of the West Coast with family, friends and an experienced welcoming crew.

 

Day Tours

Follow in the footsteps of generations of travellers by touring the Scottish Highlands.

Go as quickly or as slowly as you wish and spend your days sightseeing and experiencing the best of Oban and the West Highlands.

Here are just a few ideas of day tours and trips:

Mull
Mull is an island full of variety and a day doesn’t really do it justice. We’d recommend that you do Iona on a separate day. Take the Calmac Ferry from the pier. When you arrive on the island one touring option is to take the A849 to Salen. Take a left here on the B8035 before picking up the costal B8073 to take you anti-clockwise round the Island. Favourite stops are Ulva, Calgary Bay and Tobermory/Balamory, Duart Castle , Torosay Castle and The Mull Railway.

Iona and Staffa
Take a whole day for this long but worthwhile journey to the cradle of British Christianity. Visit the Abbey and explore the colourful rocky and sandy beaches of this lovely Island. Take the Mull Ferry, then follow signs to Fionnphort where you take the passenger ferry. Alternatively take an organised tour from the Pier and combine a visit to Staffa. This world famous Island is now in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. When you arrive you will instantly understand why Staffa has long been an inspiration for many musicians and artists.

The Bridge Over the Atlantic
Take the A816 to Kilninver then head off at the Easdale signs to explore this honeypot area. Try Ardmaddy Castle and Gardens, Easdale, the An Cala Gardens, The Isle of Luing and of course the remarkable Clachan Bridge itself. Lunch at Clachan or Easdale, there’s more than a day’s worth here!

Glencoe
Travel north on the A828 and then A82 towards Glasgow. Glencoe speaks for itself and is famous all over the world. Try the old road through Glencoe village, the fascinating Folk Museum, National Trust Visitor Centre and viewpoint lay-bys in the upper Glen. Drive back through to see new and exciting views or continue to Tyndrum, join the A85 and follow the road back to Oban.

Around Loch Awe
You have a choice of ways to get to know this long and lovely loch. Head to Taynuilt on the A85 then to right to Kilchrenan through beautiful Glen Nant on the B845, then 18 miles of quiet unclassified roads between forest and loch with many walking opportunities. When you reach Ford at the other end you can loop back up the other side of the Loch or pick up the A816 back into Oban from the south.

Oban & Lorne Angling Club - the club has leases to twenty-four lochs and nine boats on seven lochs with a further access to one side of the River Awe below the weir on the Taynuilt side.


Click here to view our 'Unmissable on your Doorstep' guide which is packed with local tourist information.

Click here to find out more from Oban and Lorn Tourism Association to help plan a fantastic break in the area.