Oban Gateway to the Isles

Leave Dalmally/Lochawe area heading on the A85 to Oban. Approaching the Inveraray road end you will see Dalmally Golf Course on your right and just after passing Inveraray road end, on the left, there is a view of Kilchurn Castle. This castle was built in 1440 by Sir Colin Campbell of Glenorchy. It was extended in 1693 by Ian, Earl of Breadalbane.

Continue through Lochawe village – Hotel on left, Tight Line Pub on right just before the Post Office and Shop - (across the road from the Post Office is the access to the pier and railway station) – and continue up the hill with Loch Awe still on your left. You will see St Conan’s Kirk, again on your left, well worth a visit perhaps some other day. The road continues alongside the Loch passing Cruachan Reservoir where they welcome visitors at a centre with displays and literature explaining the workings of the Power Station. Trips down into the ‘Hollow Mountain’ can be arranged and there is also a little tea-room/restaurant where all sorts of refreshments are served.

Follow the Oban road, through the Pass of Brander, past the Hydro-Electric barrage where the Loch meets the River Awe (and if you are lucky you can sometimes see salmon leaping on the river side of the barrage) through Taynuilt then Connel until you reach Oban.

This is a popular resort and the port serving the islands of Mull, Coll, Tiree, Lismore, Colonsay, Barra and South Uist. Of interest around the town is McCaig’s Tower, and, a mile to the northwest, the ruins of l3th-century Dunollie Castle. The tourist board office is situated on the North Pier overlooking the bay, and you will find many shops throughout the town, including some of the larger supermarkets, a leisure centre with swimming pool and other sports facilities, and a cinema. Why not watch the ferries come and go or catch one to the Isle of Mull and from there to Iona, the home of Christianity, where you can visit the abbey?

You can take the A816 through Kilmartin Glen, visit Kilmartin Church and see Pictish standing stones and ancient burial cairns.

On a clear day it is worthwhile going up to Pulpit Hill to view Mull and the hills of Morvern – unforgettable scenery! If you happen to be in Oban or at Connel on your way home at a time when the sun is setting look out to the west to see the glorious sunset – you will definitely want to capture that scene on film!

Return to the Lochawe/Dalmally area by the A85. After 3 miles the road to the left leads to ruined Dunstaffnage Castle. This castle guards the entrance to Loch Etive and dates from the 13th century. It has a 17th century tower-house. The Campbells of Dunstaffnage are buried in the adjacent ruined chapel.

Later, on the approach to Connel, the Falls of Lora can be seen below Connel Bridge. Continue beside the loch to Taynuilt from where you can see twin-peaked Ben Cruachan (3,695ft) to the left of the road.

Not far now until you are back from where you started again!