McCaig's Tower overlooking Oban harbour is made of stone extracted from the quarries at Bonawe, on Loch Etive

Oban is the gateway to many of the Inner and Outer Hebrides, and as one of the larger towns on the west coast, has plenty of attractions itself to explore. With shops (including a supermarket) and restaurants, it’s a great base from which to explore the west coast and the isles and return to ‘city comforts’!

Oban is surrounded by dramatic mountains, wild moors and miles of unspoiled coastline in either direction. The opportunities for outdoor sports – whether you want to go walking or mountaineering, horse riding, wild swimming, sailing, cycling or more, you won’t be disappointed here.

Don’t miss a woodland walk up Glen Crearan where a fascinating ‘Fairy Bridge’ can be found. In spring, the moss floored woodland surrounding the bridge is covered in bluebells and wild garlic. This is a truly magical place!

Oban is situated just south of the mouth of Loch Etive, a long sea loch stretching up towards Glen Coe. This loch is spectacularly beautiful, and what better way to enjoy it than from the water itself? Hop on a boat at Dunstaffnage Marina and sit back and relax as you cruise up this stunning sea loch.

Further inland you can explore a truly unique attraction – a power station set deep in the hillside of Ben Cruachan! Tours allow you do experience the fascinating hydropower station buried in the mountain. And if hillwalking is your thing, a challenging 8-hour walk leads you up the mountain (including a climb up a ladder onto a dam!), along the ridge and back down in a circuit.

If you’re more into relaxing and discovering historic monuments and castles, there’s plenty for you too. Oban is overlooked by Mccaig’s Tower, built in 1897 by a local banker as a means to provide work for local stonemasons. Balcardine Castle, Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel and Gylen Castle are all within easy reach of Oban.

Mull is full of shops and restaurants and so you don’t need to travel for food and supplies. It is particularly famous for its seafood, landed fresh in the harbour.

From Oban, you can hope on a ferry and sail to the Outer Hebrides (Barra or South Uist), the popular Isle of Mull, or the pretty Isle of Coll – from which you can hop over to Tiree. Day trips are possible, particularly to Mull and its neighbouring Iona with its famous abbey.

Oban and its surrounding area are so much more than a stepping stone to the isles – whether it’s fresh seafood, hillwalking, historic castles or just a coastal retreat with easy access to amenities you’re looking for, this area has plenty to fill your holiday.