Hidden Oban: The Best Daytripping Route

So, you want to go to Oban. Fantastic! It’s a beautiful village, with some of the best food and views in Scotland. But…. how to get there? Here I lay out the route I took for a day trip from Glasgow up to Oban. To fit everything in, I’d recommend an early rise in order to ensure you see all the spectacular stops on the way.

This is the route map I took for the journey, and I’d highly recommend it. I went with Keltic Ginger tours(aka student tours Scotland), and it was incredibly affordable-less for the tour than it would have been just to take the bus. We started off in Glasgow, had three main stop off/rest points, and finished up in Oban. It was very comfortable to get there and back for a day trip, but if you want it could easily be spread out to a full weekend.

Stop One: Rest and Be Thankful Viewpoint(1 hr from Glasgow)

Local legend has it that this was where people would stop during the long journey through the highlands to give their horses a break, and it’s understandable why; atop a long, slow incline, it would be the first rest opportunity in a long time. It also has absolutely gorgeous views, and as we arrived early in the morning, we were able to watch the sun peek its face over the mountains.

We stopped for around 15 minutes to stretch our legs, breathe the mountain air, and watch the sunrise spill light into the valley. Watching as the sun rose, you understand the second half of the name. It’s really hard not to reflect on how lucky you are to be here, and to be alive, and to have such a good life. In short, it’s tough not to take a moment to be thankful for everything you have.

Stop Two: The Town of Inveraray (1 hr from Oban)

Inverary is an adorable little lochside town with a spectacular, almost Disney-esque castle a short 15-minute walk from the main street. The perfect stop for some site seeing, a cup of coffee to fuel the rest of your journey, and a little window shopping. If you’re looking for a gift, the plethora of souvenir shops are higher quality and less expensive than those in glasgow, and have a more unique selection. There are also several shops selling whiskey, sweets, and locally made goods. I was highly tempted to buy another cape for my wardrobe, but the price (and the two I have in my closet) talked me out of it.

When you’re tired of shopping, grab a coffee and do the quick10-15 walk to the castle. You have to pay to go closer than the gate, but it’s worth going just to look from afar. If you have the money, budget an extra hour or so to wander the gardens and look in the windows of the castle. If not, enjoy the gorgeous walk (maybe try to sneak through the gate), and call it a day after half an hour or so.

Stop Three: St Conan’s Kirk at Loch Awe(30 mins from Oban)

This little church on the edge of the loch has the sweetest story; built by Walter Douglas-Campbell for his mother, the project began due to his mother’s progressing age and inability to reach the local church. His solution, of course, was to build her the most extravagant, detail intensive church he could right on their property. And my god did he; you can play a little scavenger hunt for all the incredible details while visiting. Gothic flying buttresses? Check. Celtic cross? Check! Saxon tower? Check! Stone circle? Absolutely!

I’m just hoping my mum isn’t reading this, because there’s no way in hell I can live up to what Walter did (sorry)

The combination of the light with the intricate stone carving created the most beautiful contrast and shadows I’ve seen. There were parts where it felt like you were walking through a black and white movie.

Little details! I’m always keeping my eyes open for owls, and St Conan’s was so rich with carvings, I knew I’d find them eventually! They sat over the main entrance, watching over the loch and those who entered.

Final Stop: Arriving at Oban!

Ahhhh, so we’ve finally made it to Oban. Take a moment. Look around, breathe the salty sea air. Feel the sunshine on your face.

Oban is a port city, so there is an incredible number of boats coming in and out of the downtown area. It would be so easy just to sit and watch the boats for hours, but we have sites to see! Food to eat! Places to go!

First step: Lunch. Nories has been long known as one of the top two fish and chips places in Oban(which itself is known for the best fish and chips in the world). It’s cash only, so make sure you bring some with you. If you forgot, there’s an atm less than a 2-minute walk towards the main harbour(not that I know that from personal experience or anything).

I got just the fish(cod) and oh. my. god. My mouth is still watering, just thinking of it. The fish was perfectly cooked, the batter was golden and shattered on touch. And for this portion, it was only 4 pounds, which is not bad for the best meal I’ve had since coming to Scotland.

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I had just the fish, but my travel mates said the chips and curry were phenomenal as well.

Now, if you had no patience (like me) and lack the power to resist the incredible smell escaping the little cardboard box, you can sit on the harbour and eat lunch while watching the boats. It’s a excellent opportunity to really absorb the salty air and marine environment.

However, if you are more controlled than I am, I would recommend doing the walk up to McCaig’s Tower and enjoying your lunch with a view of the city.

The tower began as a monument to the McCaig family but the McCaig spearheading the whole thing passed before completing the structure. Today, it hosts a beautiful public garden and possibly the best view of the city you’ll find.

With a couple different paths and benches at every turn, it’s the perfect place to enjoy your lunch. Just don’t forget the napkins!

As I said, the view is hard to beat; the observatory can be a little crowded, but it’s still worth it to see the city from above.

Next, we started walking towards the mini hike to the Victorian baths. That’s right. Wait… you’ve never heard of the Victorian baths at Oban? Well….there’s a reason. They’re not really on any maps in the city. Honestly, I probably shouldnt even be tell you about it, but I’m sure you can keep the secret. In order to find the ruins, you have to do a short hike, beginning at the junction of Rockfield, Ardconnel, and Longsdale road. It’s about 10/15 minutes down the path, but it is so worth it.

During the walk, I saw my first wild thistle! I was obsessed-for those who don’t know, the thistle is the Scottish national flower. They’re not super common, so it was exciting to actually see one.

When we actually arrived at the ruins, it took my breath away. Its as though you have walked into the scene in Prince Caspian during Lucy’s rediscovery of Cair Paravel.

You genuinely feel like you’re being transported into a new world-one of magic and myth and legend.

It’s a little rocky, a little overgrown, but visiting and allowing your imagination to run wild as you wander the ruins it wholly fulfilling. Let go for a moment, and let yourself think like a kid again.

It’s truly mindbendingto see such beauty in something so broken.

If given the time, I’d highly recommend checking out the shops along the main drag of Oban, a tour of the whiskey distillery, the chocolate shop, and Dunstaffnage Castle. I’m hoping I’ll be able to visit for a weekend to investigate all of the above, but when forced to prioritize, I’d hold fast to my decisions.

So that’s all I can say about planning a day trip to Oban! What do you prioritize when you go on a day trip? I love good food and historical sites, but let me know in the comments below!

Thank you for sticking around to the end!

To book this same tour visit Keltic Ginger tours, and to see my other trip with them visit my post about Loch Ness