Highlights of Scotland: Gateway to the Isles

Visit the capital of the spectacular West Highlands and sail away
to the majestic Hebridean Isle of Mull.

Oban Bay

Seil Island

Loch na Keal & Ben More

Focus

Click map to enlarge

Tobermory, Isle of Mull

From Stirling take the A84 West via Callander, joining the A85 to Crianlarich then A82 to Tyndrum, before rejoining the A85 to Dalmally.

From Dalmally, follow the narrow Pass of Brander and continue Westwards, via Taynuilt, to Oban.

Hugging the hillside above its busy harbour, Oban is celebrated as the Gateway to the Isles, with major ferries serving the islands of Colonsay, Mull, Coll, Tiree, Barra and South Uist, as well as the shorter trip to nearby Kerrera.

South of Oban follow the A85 to Kilninver, then branch onto the B844 to explore Seil Island, across the famous ‘Bridge over the Atlantic.’

From Oban you can also board the ferry to Craignure on the Isle of Mull. Here imposing Duart Castle is testimony to the former powers of Clan Maclean. Nearby are the Mull Rail and beautiful gardens of Torosay Castle.

Follow the A849 North to Salen, where the B8035 rewards a short diversion with spectacular views over Loch na Keal to Mull’s highest peak, Ben More.

Continue on the B8073 around the island’s wild West coast, passing the beautiful sandy beach at Calgary Bay and the picturesque village of Dervaig, with its miniature theatre. (Alternatively return to Salen and take the A848.)

Tobermory (recently popularised as ‘Balamory’ in the children’s TV series) is the ultimate picture-postcard town, with its colourfully painted houses clustering round the natural harbour.

Returning to Craignure, take the A849 South and West to Bunessan and Fionnphort, on the wild Ross of Mull. A short crossing leads to the island and Abbey of Iona – spiritual home of St. Columba and of Scottish Christianity. Here you can also enjoy a boat trip to the Isle of Staffa, taking in abundant sea life and the spectacular rock formations of Fingal’s Cave.

Return via the Craignure - Oban ferry, then A85 and A82 towards Tyndrum / Crianlarich. Continue via your outward route, or take the A82 South, by Loch Lomondside.

Bonawe Iron Furnace

Duart Castle

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LOOK OUT FOR

OBAN & LORN
Bonawe Historic Iron Furnace, nr Taynuilt
Britain’s most complete surviving charcoal-fuelled ironworks, attractively situated on the shores of beautiful Loch Etive.

Scottish Sealife Sanctuary, Barcaldine, by Connel
Close encounters with sea creatures including seals and otters. Includes live demonstrations and marine hospital.

Dunstaffnage Castle, by Connel
Majestic 13th century castle enjoying a picturesque setting at the mouth of lovely Loch Etive.

Oban Distillery
See how this famous malt is made on a guided tour of the distillery.

Oban Rare Breeds Farm Park
Meet rare farm animals at first hand. Includes pets area, woodland walks and fine views.

Sealife Adventures, Easdale, Isle of Seil
Discover wildlife, whirlpools and whales aboard a comfortable, high-speed boat.

ISLE OF MULL
Duart Castle, by Craignure
Home of the Clan Maclean and one of Scotland’s most complete surviving castles, set in spectacular sea-edged surroundings.

Mull Rail & Torosay Castle, by Craignure
Take the narrow railway to the mansion house at Torosay Castle, famed for its beautiful gardens.

Isle of Mull Wildlife Expeditions, Ulva Ferry
Daily guided tours to see otters, eagles, seals, porpoises and other island wildlife.

Old Byre Heritage Centre, Dervaig
Imaginative portrayal of the story of Mull and the island’s natural history.

Discover Mull, Dervaig
Explorations to see eagles, otters, deer, wildflowers, ancient villages, volcanic dykes and spectacular viewpoints.

An Tobar, Tobermory
Acclaimed gallery and arts centre with changing exhibitions and concerts.

Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust, Tobermory
Research, education and conservation charity with interactive visitor centre.

Columba Centre, Fionnphort
Enter the world of Saint Columba, the great Celtic missionary who brought Christianity to Scotland, from Ireland.

Iona Abbey, Isle of Iona
Revered home of Celtic Christianity in Scotland, on the site where Columba and his followers first established a monastery, in 563AD.

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