Oban, Scotland

Article about Oban for senior couples and mature solo travellers on an escorted small group tour to Scotland and the Scottish isles. Learn about Scottish history, whisky and the landscapes complete with standing stones.

5 Feb 20 · 3 mins read

Oban, Scotland

Oban, Scotland
Oban, Scotland

The seafood capital of Scotland and the gateway to the Hebridean Islands, Oban is a beautiful waterfront town on a near perfect horseshoe bay. Located within the Argyll and Bute council area, Oban is surrounded by dramatic shores and spectacular country wilderness, making it a great place for exploring the coast and the Highlands. It is a great place for a holiday and there is nothing quite as relaxing as enjoying the country’s freshest seafood while watching the sun set over the dark blue waters of the Firth of Lorn.

What to See in Oban

The ruins of Dunnollie Castle
The ruins of Dunnollie Castle

Oban’s town centre is compact and it is easy to walk to most landmarks. You can wander along the seafront to Dunnollie Castle, built by the MacDougalls of Lorn in the 13th century. The castle is ruined, after being abandoned by the MacDougalls in 1746. Today, it is open to the public as part of the Dunnollie Museum, Castle and Grounds, which features exhibitions about the history of the castle, the MacDougall family and life on the west coast of Scotland. From the site of the castle, you can see the island of Kerrera and enjoy amazing views over the town, its harbour and nearby isles.

Oban Distillery
Oban Distillery

Oban Distillery has been in operation since 1794 and is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, and actually older than the town of Oban itself. The distillery has proudly never moved or expanded and there are currently seven employees and every drop of whisky is made by their hands.

McCaig’s Tower, overlooking Oban Bay
McCaig’s Tower, overlooking Oban Bay

McCaig’s Tower was built in 1897, commissioned by local banker John Stuart McCaig, as a way of providing work to local stonemasons and creating a monument to the McCaig family. You will find well-maintained gardens inside the tower and its location atop a hill above the town means there a spectacular views over Oban Bay.

Dunstaffnage Castle, Argyll and Bute
Dunstaffnage Castle, Argyll and Bute

Just over three miles north from Oban is Dunstaffnage Castle, built by the MacDougal Clan around 1220 on a huge rock above the Firth of Lorn. Since 1470, it has been in the possession of the Campbell Clan, the most powerful family in the area. Today, it is partially ruined but is considered one of Scotland’s oldest castles. It is open to the public, with the exception of the 16th century gatehouse, which is private property.

The Falls of Lora
The Falls of Lora

A short drive from the castle are the Falls of Lora, a tidal race at the mouth of Loch Etive. Loch Etive is an Atlantic fjord which means it has a slightly different tidal regime to the open ocean so at times water rushes in or out the loch at breakneck speed. Watching this spectacular force of nature against the backdrop of verdant scenery is a unique Highland scenery.

For lovers of the outdoors, Oban is considered to be one of Scotland’s best sea kayaking destinations. The waters around Oban offer both sheltered shores and wild rapids which means beginner and expert kayakers can enjoy an adventurous experience. The great thing about kayaking around Oban is the chance to see some incredible wildlife including otters, whales, seals, basking sharks and sea eagles.

Of course, Oban is known for being one of the best points to access the Inner Hebrides. The port is the key mainland ferry terminal for ferry crossings to Mull, Kerrera, Lismore and Iona. If you’re interested in visiting Oban, please take a look at our Prehistoric Britain tour, which spends two nights in Oban. On our Tracing 5000 Years of Scottish History tour, we spend two nights in Oban and use it as a base to visit the Isle of Mull. On the History of the Jacobites tour we visit Dunstaffnage Castle and stay overnight in Oban.

Oban Scotland

Articles about Scotland published by Odyssey Traveller.

The following list of articles published by odyssey Traveller for mature aged and senior travellers to maximise their knowledge and enjoyment of Scotland when visiting;

For all the articles published on Scotland by Odyssey Traveller, please click through on this link to view.

External articles about the City of Edinburgh and Scotland for travellers.

We also publish articles to give more information to our loyal and prospective clients. You can start by reading our our country spotlight on Scotland.

Updated August 2021.

Related Tours

Jacobites, Scottish History small group mature travellers tour

17 days

Aug, Jul

Jacobites, Scottish History small group mature travellers tour

Visiting Scotland

Small group tour on the Jacobites commences in Edinburgh. During the 19 days you visit 19 locations including the Culloden battlefield as you travel from Edinburgh as far north as Inverness to finish in Glasgow. Learn from 10 specialist guides about the Jacobites.

From A$13,250 AUD

View Tour
tours of scotland

22 days

Jul, Sep

Scotland small group tour | Tracing 5,000 years of history

Visiting Scotland

This guided tour of Scotland with a tour leader and local guides includes the isle of Skye, Orkney islands, the Scottish highlands with breathtaking scenery. Edinburgh including the royal mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Fort William, Urquhart castle, Stirling castle, loch lomond, Hadrians wall and New Lanark also a UNESCO World heritage site.

From A$13,995 AUD

View Tour
Prehistoric Britain small group history tour

21 days

Aug

Prehistoric Britain small group history tour including standing stones

Visiting England, Scotland

This guided tour invites you to explore UNESCO World heritage sites at Skara Brae in the Orkneys, Isle of Skye, and Stonehenge in a prehistoric tour. This escorted tour has trips to key sites in Scotland, and the Irish sea in Wales such as Gower Peninsula and National Museum in Cardiff and England. Each day tour is supported by local guides.

From A$14,750 AUD

View Tour
Guaranteed
Portree, Isle of Skye, Scotland

20 days

May, Jul, Sep

Scottish Islands and Shetland small group tours for seniors

Visiting Scotland

An escorted small group tour for couples and solo travellers of the Scottish isles including the isle of Skye draws on local guides to share their knowledge of the destinations in this unique part of Scotland. UNESCO world heritage site are visited as breathtaking scenery and authentic experiences are shared in a group of like minded people on this guided tour of remote Scotland.

From A$14,450 AUD

View Tour

Related Articles

Articles about Scotland

Join 22,383 like-minded travellers receiving our weekly newsletter.

Special offers and promotions
A$350 AUD first trip travel voucher
The latest tours and articles