Oban Things to Do

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McCaig's Tower is on Battery Hill overlooking Oban. It is a steep walk up the hill and takes 20–30 minutes, or you may take a taxi from the train station. The tower was being built by wealthy banker John Stuart McCaig between 1897 and 1902, based on the architecture of the Colosseum in Rome. However, he died when only the outer walls were completed and it was never finished. From the tower, you can see the whole harbor, the Isle of Mull, the Isle of Kerrera and down the Firth of Lorn.

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We only passed through Oban to go to Glencoe. If you like seaside towns this is for you. If I am in this area again might check it out!
See my transport tips for ferries from Oban uc new photos & soon some text on our return to Oban

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This construction is very similar to The Colosseum of Rome (Italy), and was built on a hill overlooking Oban bay; fantastic views from there (see next tip). It was a dream of philanthropic banker John Stuart McCaig.

The hill above Oban is dominated by a small replica of the Roman Colyseum. The walk up the hill to visit this monument built to fight against unemployment at the end of the 19th century is a pleasant moment on a lovely day. The tower (or Folly) is free and is located in a sort of a garden. Apart from the architectural curiosity, you have to climb up there to enjoy the view on the islands.

Walking on the waterfront on a beautiful day is a must, as you can enjoy the view on all the Isles, close or far away.
You can walk up to St Columba's Cathedral. It is a beautiful neo-gothic building, very square, very tall and - though catholic - very sober inside.
The main interest is the painting of St Columba hung on top of the door. It represents the saint being chased out of Ireland and put into a boat...pre-raphaelite style.
You're then ready to go back to town and climb the hill to McCaig's Folly.

On a fair evening , it is definitely worth taking an hour or so just to walk along the Esplanade and watch the world go by.

There are some beautiful sunsets from Oban Bay looking out over Kererra, and down the sound of Mull. As the sun goes down and turns the sky pink and orange, you will see gulls bathing, and swans swimming, and sometimes even little turnstones flipping pebbles. The slow pace of the wildlife, combined with the fresh sea air leaves you with a feeling of tranquility.

A hop over to Isle of Iona passing lovely shorelines to arrive in Craignure on the Isle of Mull. Then, we took a coach from Craignure to Fionnphort pier. Along the way, we enjoyed beautiful views like majestic mountains, villages with picturesque cottages, green land everywhere….

Dunstaffnage Castle is located 5 miles north of Oban and was the original Kingdom of the Scots. Built upon an immense rock , the shape of the wall was altered to accommodate the odd shape.

The castle was a MacDougall fortress until 1309 when Robert the Bruce seized it in the name of the crown and appointed the Campbell clan as its innate keepers. The castle is now looked after by Historic Scotland who is responsible for more than 30 historic properties. There is said that there is a ghost that haunts the castle wearing in a green dress.