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 Loch
Etive, Ben Starav
The
winding streets of Oban, busy with shoppers and holidaymakers,
lead down to the harbour where ferries leave for the romantic
Hebridean isles.
The
mountains of North Lorn and Benderloch rise above the clear
waters of romantic sealochs as they flex inland like outstretched
fingers to the heart of the West Highlands.
Oban, the unofficial capital of the West Highlands, is a
busy working port, as fishing and pleasure craft rub shoulders
in the harbour. Often described as the ‘Gateway to the
Isles’, Oban is the main port for ferries departing to
the Inner Hebrides.
This thriving community boasts one of the most picturesque
settings to be found, with houses clinging to steep hillsides
surrounding the calm bay. Dominating the skyline is McCaig’s
Tower, a colliseum-style monument which celebrated its centenary
in 1997.
Built by a wealthy banker to help alleviate unemployment in
the area, the climb to the Tower is rewarded with outstanding
views across Oban Bay to the Isles of Kerrera, Mull and Lismore.
Ferry docking in Oban
Castle Stalker near Appin
Capital Interest
Renowned as a popular holiday resort, Oban has a full range
of attractions. Oban Distillery tempts visitors with regular
tastings of its fine malt whisky as well as the excellent exhibition
and tours.
There is also a sandy beach, north of the town, at Ganavan.
Evenings offer entertainment and shows, including the traditional
Scottish show at McTavish’s Kitchens and a varied programme
of films at the Highland Theatre.
Steeped in History
The road north of Oban, by way of the Connel
Bridge, crosses the Falls of Lora, where the strong tidal currents
flowing to and from Loch Etive froth the waters into a white frenzy.
This northern corner of Lorn is steeped
in history, ancient and more recent, as the abundance of castles
and abbeys testify. Magical Castle Stalker, on an islet on Loch
Linnhe, Dunstaffnage Castle near Oban, Barcaldine on the shores
of Loch Creran and the Gardens at Kinlochlaich and Ardchattan Priory
all have their own atmosphere.
Across the Lynn of Lorn on the island of Lismore, a fertile Hebridean
haven, a strong and turbulent history is manifested in the ruined
castles of Achadun and Coeffin. Oban itself is overlooked by 7th
Century Dunollie Castle and opposite, on the little isle of Kerrera,
is brooding Gylen Castle.
Natural
Insights
For those with an interest in wildlife, two excellent centres
will prove a rewarding day out. At the award-winning Rare Breeds
Farm Park east of Oban, visitors can help feed the many varieties
of deer, goats, sheep and others in a natural setting, while
the Scottish Sealife and Marine Sanctuary across Loch Etive
in Barcaldine has a superb range of marine exhibits, from sharks
native to Scottish waters to loveable seals cavorting in their
pool.
Oban Zoological World offers the change to see small mammals
and reptiles up close.
Area Overview
