Here's a few suggestions for things to see and do in Oban, Mull & Lorn:
Golf
Tee off at the variety of courses throughout the area
and the islands, including the 9-hole course across the
Bridge over the Atlantic, on the Isle of Seil.
Arts
There is a range of entertainment venues throughout the
area, including the world’s smallest professional
theatre at Dervaig, Mull.
Sailing
Moorings and marinas are dotted around the coastlines
providing a sheltered haven for yachts sailing around
the island-speckled triangle of Loch Linnhe, the Firth
of Lorn and the Sound of Mull.
Wildlife
Choose from a sealife cruise around the islands for seal,
seabird or even whale and dolphin spotting, or a wildlife
safari on Mull to spot Golden and Sea Eagles. Your mode
of transport varies from high-speed inflatables to landrovers.
Rainy Day?
Busy yourself with indoor diversions such as swimming,
at the superb Atlantis Leisure Centre or ten-pin bowling
at Pro-bowl, both situated in Oban.
Oban, Mull & Lorn Struan
Beach, Island of Coll
Discover the unique romance of the Hebridean
islands. Each has its own character and atmosphere, from
the grandeur of Mull, to the windswept beaches of Tiree
and the tranquillity of tiny Iona, to the heritage of
Coll - shining gems set in a sea of silver.
As the ferry leaves the harbour in Oban bound for the nearby
islands, a feeling of expectancy, yet at the same time relaxation,
permeates the visitor.
Magical Mull
Mull is the largest of the islands of Argyll and the third
largest in Scotland. It has a rich cultural heritage and some
of the most stunning land and seascapes to be found. The island’s
main town, Tobermory, is famed for the cheerful colours of
its waterfront buildings and the yachts bobbing in the natural
harbour.
Torosay Castle, Mull
Close by is the
attractive lochside village of Dervaig, which boasts the smallest
working theatre in the world, the Mull Little Theatre, with
regular performances throughout the season. The island’s
history and traditions are related in the displays at the nearby
Old Byre Heritage Centre, whilst the picturesque church, with
its pencil steeple, has superb stained-glass windows by Stephen
Adam. Marvel at the beauty of the collection of rare birds of
prey, found at Wings Over Mull Birds of Prey Conservation Centre
at Craignure.
Fingals Cave, Staffa
A
Rich Heritage
Beautifully restored Duart Castle, ancient seat of the Clan
MacLean, proudly guards the Sound of Mull, while further up
the coast the gardens and stately home of Torosay Castle present
a more refined and elegant view of island history. The Castle
is an enjoyable steam train ride away from Craignure, on the
Mull Little Railway.
Off the rocky Ross of Mull lies the little island of Iona, steeped
in history as the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland. It
was from here that St Columba spread the word across the ancient
kingdom, and the island instils an inner peace in the visitor,
no more so than in the tranquil Iona Abbey. His life is celebrated
at the Columba Centre at Fionnphort.
Elsewhere, the island’s natural beauty
and abundance of wildlife make it a walker’s paradise. Beautiful
beaches and bays abound, from Calgary and Kilninian in the north to
Loch Buie and Carsaig in the south. There are guided wildlife tours
and boat trips to the surrounding islands, including enchanting Staffa,
where the motion of the waves crashing into Fingal’s Cave - formed
from giant basalt columns - inspired Mendelssohn’s beautiful
Hebrides Overture.
The
Smaller Isles
Tiree, known as the sunniest place in Britain, is a haven for
surfers, with wide, golden beaches and rolling waves from the
Atlantic. The island has a strong Gaelic heritage, and the language
can be heard at impromptu ceilidhs in the island’s hostelries.
Despite its remoteness, Tiree is easily accessible, boasting
a small airport with regular flights from Glasgow.
Tiree’s neighbour, Coll, is a low lying peaceful island.
Long, gentle walks can be enjoyed over the machair - coastal
grasslands ablaze with floral colour in season. Overlooking
one of the many glorious sandy beaches is Breacachadh Castle,
the best example of a west coast 15th Century castle, home of
the Clan Maclean until 1750 and now fully restored as a private
home. Nowhere is the spirit of the islands more apparent.
