Is Scotland = Edinburgh + Glasgow + Inverness?
Hmmm……No! You need to add several + + + to make the equation balance.
Here’s one of those pluses – Oban and surrounds – a less-traveled part of Western Scotland.
Oban is a large seaside town (population about 8,500) with a few nice attractions, but more than this it has charm and some of the pleasures of life – fresh seafood, good whisky and a bustling seafront. It is an ideal hub for several enjoyable day-trips and the perfect place to put your feet up and enjoy a bit of what you fancy after a great day out.
We based ourselves in the picturesque village of Connel which is 5 miles from Oban.
On Day 1, we drove to Oban and checked out a couple of its ‘must-see’s.
1. McCaig’s Tower
This 650 foot tower has a viewing platform, seats and a well-kept garden. Its 100 lancet arches on two levels make it look a bit like the Colosseum in Rome. Climbing up the rather steep battery hill is worth the effort because of the spectacular all-round view which awaits you at the top.
This unfinished tower dominating the Oban skyline actually looks quite impressive!
2. Oban Distillery
Another “must-see” is Oban Distillery. It has a very informative tour around the place, generously fortified by a 14 years old single malt with some crystallized ginger – quite a taste sensation! The tour also includes a give-away memento for your mantelpiece.
3. Carnasserie Castle
Carnasserie Castle is a late 16th-century fortress-cum-residence, with some excellent architectural details, located in Kilmartin. There is a 10-minute steep walk up the hill to the castle which has no demarcated entrance. You could also climb up to the tower for some good views of the surrounding area.
Day 2: Check out what this little town of Connel has to offer.
1) Connel Bridge and the Falls of Lora
This cantilever steel bridge spans a narrow channel, partly blocked by an underwater rock ledge, which connects Loch Etive to the Firth of Lorn. As the tide changes seawater pours over the ledge, changing direction every time and creating a spectacular white-water tidal rapid called the falls of Lora. The strong current produces a torrent of water that is a boon for kayakers and divers as well as a lovely sight for photographers and visitors. One of the best views of the falls is from the car park viewpoint in Connel village.
We were lucky to be in a B&B cottage that had a sun deck overlooking them!
2) Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel
Dunstaffnage Castle is a partially ruined castle in Argyll and Bute, western Scotland. Built in the 13th century, when Scotland and Norway were fighting for control of the Hebrides, this fortress has seen many battles, sieges, famous prisoners and intrigue. Its formidable stone curtain still has the power to inspire awe while Dunstaffnage Chapel, concealed amongst the trees, is a classic example of 13th century architecture.
3) Inveraray Castle
Not to be missed is the famous Inveraray Castle, just about an hour’s drive from Oban. It is an iconic 18th century Scottish castle (or you could call it a magnificent chateau) featuring striking symmetry and conical roofed towers, plus extensive and very lovely gardens. The interior is worth a visit as well, albeit at a bit of expense.
Yes, this was the location for the Downton Abbey Christmas 2012 episode – portrayed as ‘Duneagle Castle’.
To round off your Oban visit, try an adventurous drive to the most westerly part of Scotland – Fort William to Mallaig and Ardnamurchan.
This is just the tip of the iceberg! Western Scotland has many more gems to explore.
I wonder if a whole tourism trail has sprouted up around Downton Abbey locations? It’s good to get people touring castles and stately home -helps to pay for the upkeep. You certainly encountered your fair share.
This is a dream come true trip – I have been wanting to see places like this for the longest time. I want to rent a car and just drive around Scotland 🙂
I talked to my husband about your trips, and he is not so into doing a road trip to Oban – so thank you for the inspiration! 😀
Wonderful reading Jan. I’m a serious lover of history and Scotland has been on my radar. You’ve certainly showcased some of Western Scotland’s history that has captured my attention. Thank you.
If I would have known about this place, we would have included it on our recent Scotland trip itinerary! But now you’ve given us a reason to go back. I appreciate that there is plenty to do even though the town is smaller
Indeed, Oban is the less travelled part of Scotland – one I shall be visiting this spring. Your photos are so lovely that it draws me in and with your account of its history has just inspired me even more.
Your images have me craving a visit to Oban and surrounds, especially the distillery topped off with a visit to Inveraray Castle. The area seems rather unspoiled by tourism and full of so many treasures.
Oh wow! I love learning about lessor known places and cities. And Oban looks like it is filled with history. Scotland is definitely on my list of places to visit.
I absolutely love Scotland and your pictures make me miss it. I can’t wait to be back there this fall. I’ll be adding Oban to one of my stops!
We’ll be in Scotland this summer, and Oban and the surrounding area looks like it might have to be an addition to our trip! I’m a huge Downton Abbey fan, so I’d love to see Inveraray Castle especially. Thanks so much for bringing this area to my attention 😀
It’s refreshing to hear more about lesser know destinations in Scotland—plus I love seaside towns—especially those with beautiful castles! I’m fascinated by Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel as it relates to the Hebrides skirmishes. My Scottish ancestors took up residence on the Isle of Skye at one point; not sure before or after the wars. #bucketlist
We used to have friends who lived at the back of Oban and have had many excellent times there. A beautiful part of the world
I did my first open water dive off the shores of Oban many moons ago so it’s a special place for me. There used to be a great little cafè in the harbour too that served great fish and chips! Thank you for the memories, I think I’m due another visit!
Scotland is on my bucket list of places to visit! Thanks for sharing these lesser-known areas of Scotland. I would love to visit some Scottish castles! – Briana @ Next Destination Unknown | https://www.nextdestinationunknown.com/
Our family visited Oban several years ago and loved it! We had a chance to go to the distillery and even wandered around in St. Columba’s Cathedral. I wish we would have had time to see Inveraray Castle, although we were there before Downton Abbey was even created. I was particularly impressed by the change in the tides in the harbor. Thanks for sharing about this lovely town. It brought back wonderful memories.
Great to read this. I was in Oban for 2 nights last month but didn’t get to any of these places as we spent our time on day 1 driving there through the Trossachs & the 2nd day on Mull. Clearly there is loads more to see in Oban itself. Plenty of reasons to go back, so thank you! Loved the seafood there though & wondered what the Colosseum looking building on top of the hill was!
Sounds so magic, love this medieval feel and castles around..
Oban looks like a beautiful hidden gem in Scotland…I’m ashamed to say that I hadn’t heard of it before reading your post! It looks like a lovely hidden gem! It looks like there are so many wonderful things to do in the area. I’d definitely make the trip to Inveraray Castle too, it looks beautiful! Thanks for the great guide!
This is great timing as I’m hoping to plan a trip up to Oban this autumn! I didn’t know there were so many historic attractions in the city and around the surrounding area as well. Thanks for the great information!
Our plans for a road trip around Scotland is getting bigger with the addition of places like Oban. We love to tour the historic spots and enjoy outdoor spots like the falls of Lora. But would not pass on the Oban Distillery. The single malt scotch sounds yummy.
Oban looks so charming and with a lot of historic places to see! Anywhere that has castles I immediately love! I’d want to visit the castles obviously, the Oban distillery and the falls of Lora. I can’t wait to include this on a road trip on my visit back!
After reading this, I regret not making a trip to Scotland when I was in the UK a few years ago. The castles definitely seem like attractions that I would be interested in on my first visit. Thanks for sharing!