This seaside town on Scotland's west coast has a 200-year-old whisky distillery and serves as a gateway to the Hebrides islands. Fresh seafood arrives daily at the harbor.
Oban, a coastal town of 8,500 residents on Scotland's western shore, serves as the gateway to the Inner and Outer Hebrides islands. The town curves around a horseshoe-shaped bay, where you'll spot seals lounging on rocks and fishing boats heading out to sea. Walk up to McCaig's Tower for views across the islands, sample single malt at the 1794 distillery, or take a ferry to explore the medieval Dunstaffnage Castle.
Oban's Bay
The horseshoe-shaped bay sits at Oban's center, with the island of Kerrera and Isle of Mull creating a natural barrier. Walk along the Oban Promenade to watch fishing boats and ferries navigate the harbor. Grey seals swim and rest along the rocky shore, while gannets and guillemots dive for fish overhead. The town's streets climb up terraced levels from the waterfront, following the natural rock formations shaped during the last Ice Age.
McCaig's Tower
McCaig's Tower dominates Oban's skyline from Battery Hill. Local stonemasons built this Romanesque structure in 1897 during an employment initiative. A 15-minute uphill walk from the town center leads to the tower's public park and garden. From here, you'll see the bay, surrounding islands, and the peaks of Morvern and Ardgour stretching northward.
Island Hopping from the Harbor
Take a CalMac ferry from Oban to explore the Hebridean islands. The 2005-renovated terminal handles two vessels at once, running regular services to several islands. A 45-minute journey takes you to Craignure on the Isle of Mull, where you can walk along granite cliffs, relax on sandy beaches, or explore castle ruins. Shorter trips reach Kerrera, where hiking trails lead to abandoned settlements and coastal viewpoints.
Food and Whisky
The Oban Distillery began producing whisky in 1794, making it older than most buildings in town. The distillery creates its 14-year-old malt using local loch water and Speyside barley. Throughout the town, restaurants serve fish and shellfish brought in by local boats each morning. The waterfront restaurants range from casual fish and chip shops to formal dining rooms specializing in fresh seafood platters.
Water Activities and Sports
Sailors navigate Oban Bay's protected waters throughout the year, with West Highland Week bringing international racing crews each summer. You can book scuba diving trips to explore local shipwrecks, rent kayaks for coastal paddling, or join wildlife-watching boat tours. The surrounding hills contain marked paths for walking and mountain biking, with routes suitable for different skill levels.
