Travelling Scotland: Around Oban

This blog follows Travelling Scotland: The Town of Oban 

Whilst staying in Oban, Laura and I spent a couple of days exploring the area around the town - a drive south to Kilmartin and Crinan and walking around the island of Kererra.

Kilmartin & Crinan 

Kilmartin Glen is one of the most important archeological sites in Europe with evidence of humans moving there after the last ice age. There are over 800 ancient monuments within 6 miles of Kilmartin. 

We visited the site of some stone circles which are believed to be 5000 years old and connected people to the heavens. 

Closeby, we visited some standing stones, believed to be 3,200 years old. The stones line up with he rising and setting of the moon and sun and certain times of the year.

Further south is the tiny picturesque village of Crinan, complete with locks as it sits at the end of the Crinan Canal. 

Kererra

Located directly in front of Oban, Kererra is an island that is often overlooked by visitors but is highly rated as a great destination to hike by those who do manage to get across on the ferry. I can also agree that Kerrera is well worth a visit. It is stunning. 

There are a two main routes to walk on the island, a circular walk and the northern walk which takes you to Hutcheson's Monument. 

While many visitors will head to Gylen Castle and then the tea room (1 hour each way from ferry), we decided to walk the circular path anti-clockwise (3 hours). A friendly local also suggested this was the better way to go as the inclines are easier that way. It also meant that the tea room would be toward the end of our hike...and when we would need it most.

The walk around Kerrera was fantastic.

Next up... The Isle of Mull

Travelling Scotland: The Town of Oban

Oban, on the west coast of Scotland was the first stop on our three week journey around Scotland and a perfect place to start. 

It's a big town in comparison to those nearby with plenty to do in the town and in the surrounding area.

 















Oban is overlooked by what looks like a Roman amphitheatre, it is instead McCaig's Tower commissioned by John McCaig and built between 1897 & 1902 when McCaig himself died. Only the outer walls were finished. It houses gardens and is well worth a walk up the hill to visit. The tower offers wonderful views of Oban's harbour. 

There are many boat trips available from Oban which visit islands or wildlife. Laura decided to do the full day "swim with basking sharks" which we believe is only available from Oban (www.baskingsharkscotland.co.uk). 

Sadly, this was the only day that week that they didn't find any sharks (in 2013 75% of trips out saw the sharks). Despite the disappointment, the group swam with seals and saw sea eagles in addition to experiencing beautiful scenery, white sand beaches and clear blue water. 

While Laura was living it up with seals, I took the short drive to Oban airport and had my first flying lesson (http://www.borderair.co.uk)It was amazing. It also counts towards a pilots licence if I wish to pursue that.

Two more top tips of must-do's in Oban are a visit to the distillery to see how the famous single malt whisky is made and a night at Skipinnish Ceiledh. At the distillery for the entry fee of £7.50 you get a whisky glass and £3 off a bottle of Oban. The distillery is right on the harbour and impossible to miss. 

Finally if you fancy a night of music, dancing and Scottish culture The Skipinnish Ceiledh bar is definitely worth a visit. I would also advise getting there early to get a table. Doors open at 8.30pm and entry is £9.50.  

And finally - don't miss the sunsets.  

Next Blog: Around Oban