2 minute read
Oban & Lorn
ObAn
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bonny Oban Bay was referred to as “one of the fi nest spots we have seen” by Qu een Victoria, when she visited by steamer in the 1800. Centuries on, the step-ashore pontoons at North Pier – one of three piers in town – ensure that Oban remains a top West Coast Waters destination for sailors.
Th e Argyll Kayak Trail begins at Oban’s Ganavan beach, and kayaking and scuba diving are popular sports here. CalMac ferries transport cars and foot passengers from Oban to the islands, adding to the constant movement of ships.
Th e Isle of Kerrera protects the town from the worse of the Atlantic storms and it’s a great island for walking, with a notable ruined MacDougall castle at Gylen.
On the mainland, there are independent shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs, and of course the famous seafood and shellfi sh which has earned Oban the title ‘Seafood Capital of Scotland’. It is easy to explore on foot, but you need a good pair of lungs to enjoy the spectacular views from McCaig’s Tower. Th is circular stone replica of Roman Colosseum is Oban’s crowning glory - but the tower was never fi nished. Th e planned roof would have been a welcome addition, as spring showers are frequent in the West. Today’s rain is tomorrow’s whisky though, and Oban Malt Whisky McCaig’s Tower, the Colosseumdistillery (the second smallest in Scotland) produces sublime spirit like structure where the land meets at the east end the sea. Enjoy a postof the town is tour dram or head for one of Oban’s many a good starting pubs. You can also pick point. up local craft beers in the Beer Seller shop just opposite the distillery.
Th ere are trained local walking guides ready to share the stories, history and heritage of the town. You can enjoy a stroll along the graceful seaside esplanade, eat, drink and be merry in one of
Th ere are trained local walking guides Oban’s fabulous restaurants, get active Oban’s fabulous restaurants, get active on the sea or explore beneath the waves and take a dive with a basking shark! Th ere is plenty to do in town and inland, in the ancient lands of Lorn.
