Oban as a Tourist Destination
Oban, the unofficial capital of the west highlands of Scotland, is a popular tourist destination, and for good reason too. Your first views as you arrive might be of the bustling port from the top of the Bealach-an-Righ, as you go down the hill towards the bay however, the views open up, and you can really appreciate why Oban has become such a popular holiday town.
Oban means ‘Little Bay’ in Gaelic, and outside the bay, lie the islands of the inner Hebrides. There’s Kerrera, Linsmore, Mull and Iona amongst others. Ferries leave here for many of the islands on a regular basis, making this an ideal place to stay if you want to explore the islands. Mull is one of the preferred destinations of many, and excursions by ferry are readily available.
In Oban itself, there is plenty to do and see. There is McCaig’s Tower. This prominent folly on the side of Battery hill overlooking Oban has a circumference of about 200 metres and is built of granite from the quarries across Airds Bay. It was built between 1897 and 1902 by John Stewart McCaig as a monument to his family. His original plan was to commission statues of himself and his family to stand inside the central tower, but sadly his death in 1902 brought an end to construction with just the outer walls completed.
The Oban Distillery visitor centre is in Stafford street near the north pier, and is open Monday to Friday all year round, and on Saturdays as well through the summer. You can take a guided tour, as well as visiting the exhibitions and gift shop here. Nearby, on the north pier, is the Oban War and Peace Museum which is also worth a visit.
The panoramic views of the lochs, mountains and islands around Oban have captivated artists and poets for centuries and when you see them, you can truly see why. These views are as stunning now as they’ve ever been, and taking a walk with your camera really is a must here.
Dunollie Castle, a ruined keep that stands sentinel over the narrow entrance to the bay can be found about a mile to the north of Oban. There have been fortifications on this site since the 7th Century, but this castle, was built around six hundred years ago, and was the seat of the MacDougall Clan, Lords of Lorn, who at one point owned about a third of Scotland. The hill to get to the castle, is a bit of a steep climb, but the views from the top are stunning.
If you are looking for a romantic getaway to this fantastic base in the west coast of Scotland then why not visit Luxury Hotel Barcaldine house who do weekend deals as well as have a selection of luxury holiday cottages too.
Category: UK
