Oban is one of the biggest towns on the west coast of Scotland. It's a major transport hub but still has a charming and small-town feel that makes it one of the top holiday destinations in Scotland
In Scot's Gaelic, Oban is called An t-Òban, which means The Little Bay. The sheltered harbour is always filled with fishing boats, yachts and ferries.
Known asThe Gateway to the Isles because of its excellent ferry links to the many islands of the Inner Hebrides, Oban is the start of many island-hopping itineraries. It's by far the best-connected town on the west coast with a railway station, multiple ferry routes and major roads heading north, east and south.
As well as being a stepping off point for longer trips to the Hebrides, Oban is a great base for day trips out to the islands.
Although some people pass through Oban quickly on their way out to the islands, it's worth staying and exploring for a day or two. There's plenty to do in Oban all year round and lots of beautiful scenery nearby.
The Tartan Road's headquarters are just outside of town, so we know the local area really well. If you have any questions about Oban or the surrounding area, please feel free to ask us on Twitter or Facebook. If you would like to incorporate Oban into your tour of the west coast of Scotland, just send us an enquiry.
Relive the past at Dunollie Castle
Dunollie Castle (Caisteal Dhùn Ollaigh in Scots Gaelic) was built in the early Middle Ages, when Oban was the centre of the ancient Kingdom of Dál Riata. Some of the earliest written histories about this area record that Dunollie was attacked and burned down three times - in 686, 698, and in 701. It was then rebuilt in 714 by Selbach mac Ferchair, the same King of Dál Riata who burnt it down 13 years earlier!
Later on, the area was part of the Kingdom of the Isles, ruled over by the Viking-Scots King Somerled. His son Dougall founded the Clan MacDougall and ruled over most of what is now Argyll and many of the islands in the mid 12th century.
The castle has been rebuilt many times over the years - the existing ruins are from the 15th century. In 1746, after the Jacobite rebellion, the MacDougalls left the castle and built Dunollie House just down the hill.
These days, the castle is open to visitors and there is an excellent cafe. We recommend the excellent Kingdom of Dalriada tour, where visitors learn about the Vikings and the Jacobites, and even get to try their hand at butter churning before enjoying afternoon tea at the cafe thrown in.
You can find out more about the history of Oban from one of the many knowledgeable guides based in the town.
Sample a dram at Oban Whisky Distillery
Oban Distillery was founded in 1794 - before there was even a big town here. It's one of the oldest and smallest distilleries in Scotland, with only two pot stills.
These days, a small range of single malt whiskies is produced here in a "West Highland" style - with a flavour that's halfway between the smoky style from the Islands and the lighter malts of the Highlands. Our personal favourite is their Little Bay bottling - with a liquorice nose, lots of honey, ginger and salt flavours and a complex dry finish.
The distillery offers an excellent guided whisky tour, where you can see the whole distilling process and try two of their whiskies at the end (take-away samples are available as well, especially useful if you're driving!). We can also organise bespoke distillery tours if you want to go deeper and learn more.
Finally, the distillery has a whisky tasting bar with malts from all around Scotland.
If you want to buy a bottle of whisky, the best whisky shop in Oban is actually just across the road from the distillery at Oban Whisky and Fine Wines - they also sell online and can deliver to your home anywhere in the world.
Climb up to McCaig's Tower
This circular structure dominates the skyline in Oban, but its origins are a bit of a mystery. It was built by John Stuart McCaig but was left unfinished when he died in 1902.
The short walk up to the tower goes past Victorian villas, now mostly converted into hotels and B&Bs, and ends with an amazing view of the town, the harbour and the Isle of Kerrera.
The tower is a focal point for the town and is often lit up in different colours at night to commemorate important causes and events.
Another lovely viewpoint in Oban is from Pulpit Hill on the far side of the harbour.
See the wild Falls of Lora
About 10 minutes' drive north from Oban is the great Falls of Lora. Unlike most waterfalls, this is tidal - it forms twice a day when the water flows out of Loch Etive on the falling tide.
On spring tides it forms a dramatic maelstrom which is a popular destination for kayakers and photographers - and at slack water, it's a popular scuba diving site.
Local Sea Kayak instructor Tony Hammock has produced an excellent guide to the Falls of Lora - including detailed tide tables (the tide through the Falls is always different to the tide out to sea). Check the links above before you go to make sure you see the Falls at their best.
Shop for accessories at Crùbag
About halfway to Connel and the Falls of Lora, you'll pass the small village of Dunstaffnage. If you take the turnoff here and continue through the village, you come to the European Marine Science Centre run by the Scottish Association for Marine Science (aka SAMS). This small university has about 150 students and its campus is also host to a range of local entrepreneurs.
One of our favourite local designers, Crùbag, is based here: Crùbag is an artist-led design studio promoting beautiful ocean-inspired designs and producing sustainable luxury textiles, homeware and accessories inspired by marine science. The quirky brand name brings together the Gaelic word for crab with its founder's South American roots, in a nod to the story of its beginnings.
Just a short walk away is Dunstaffnage Castle, which played a small but interesting part in the Jacobite Rebellion and has wonderful views out over the sea and towards Connel Bridge.
Go to the beach at Ganavan Sands
This picturesque sandy beach is only 1 mile (1.6km) up the road from the centre of Oban - it's a pleasant and easy walk with great views, or a very short drive. There's lots of parking available, as well as a toilet and changing facilities and a van selling ice cream and other refreshments during the summer months.
Ganavan Sands is the location of Oban's parkrun - a friendly and inclusive weekly gathering for a 5km walk or run out and back from the beach. Organised by volunteers, this event takes place every Saturday morning at 9:30am and attracts between 20 and 100 runners, depending on the time of year and the weather!
There are also some really good walks along the coast between Ganavan and Dunstaffnage.
