Tourist Information & Hotels in Oban & Argyll
Oban – the "Gateway to the Isles" is one of the West Highlands main resorts, and has been a popular destination for centuries. Oban boasts one of the most picturesque settings, dominated by McCaigs Tower, a coliseum-style arena, erected in 1897. There are houses clinging to steep hillsides, overlooking the busy harbour, calm bay and looking out towards the Hebridean Isles. All Classics Oban hotels have seafront locations, so you can sit in the lounges and watch the world go by, see the ferries plying their trade and the many smaller yachts and pleasure boats enjoying the fabulous cruising opportunities the Argyll coastline provides.
Its not just Oban which is worth a visit. The islands you can reach from Oban are full of history and intrigue and recommend whilst staying in Oban you take one of the ferries operated by Caledonian McBrayne. The most popular is the 45 minute sailing to the Isle of Mull. From here you can see the colourful capital Tobermory, visit Torosay Castle and its gardens, or travel over to the small island of Iona, the resting place of over 100 Scottish Kings and a mecca for thousands of visitors from every corner of the globe.
Heading south the Isle of Easdale is a tranquil island, and you access the island by driving over the "Bridge over the Atlantic". On the island there are many local craft shops, a micro brewery and the scenery is second to none. Turquioise waters now fill the old slate quarries, & there are many islands dotting the landscape. Impressive Cliffs rise from the sea. The island was made famous in the film "Ring of Bright Water".
To get to the Kintyre peninsula you have to drive through Inveraray, some 30 miles from Oban. Inveraray is a small town, population around 500, and is well known for its old jail, where thousands of prisoners were transported to the colonies ( USA and Australia) in the 17th,18th and 19th centuries. The drive south to Tarbert on Loch Fyne, hugs the coastline, and every corner you turn unfolds another highland vista. It is from near Tarbert the Caledonian McBrayne ferries depart on their cruises to Isles of Jura and Islay. Islay is well worth the 90 minute cruise. An island which has been described as one of the most beautiful islands in the world, and home to 8 whisky distilleries and 30,000 barnacle geese, so a must for those who are keen on bird watching.
To the north of Oban, the main road crosses Connel Bridge over Loch Awe and continues up to Fort William which is only 40 miles away. To the east of Oban, the road twists and turns round Loch Awe, and through the pass of Brander. Here at Ben Cruachan , ther is a dam half way up a mountain providing power. You can explore the visitor centre and the power station, built inside the mountain and known as the "Hollow Mountain"
Most visitors to Oban and Argyll come for the scenery and peace and quiet. Although the area is also well known for other activities:
There’s something special about islands, about the romance the island atmosphere attracts, about the sense of adventure travelling by sea and Argylls Atlantic islands are in abundance, many of which are now uninhabited. Most of the island cruises depart from Oban although there are ferry services from the lively fishing village of Tarbert. The islands bring together a wealth of interest for the visitor. Ancient castles, over 3000 archaeological sites, 44 sites of special Scientific interest, over 30% of Scotlands Marine Conservations area, the cradle of Christianity on Iona. In addition there is the array of plants, birds and animals, many are rarely found outwith Argyll. Islay and Colonsay being the most well known.
Glorious Gardens
Warmed by the gulf stream, Argyll has a number of well known and attractively laid out gardens. Arduaine, Ardmaddy, Barguillean and Ardanaiseig.
Wildlife
There are many shoreside walks. Wildlife abounds and you can glimpse rare seabirds, spot a minky whale or dolphins, or if youre lucky an otter or 2. There are 2 excellent centres prove a rewarding day out. The Rare Breeds Park, 6 miles east of Oban and the Sealife and Marine sanctuary on Loch Etive, on the road to Fort William.
Golf
The Kintyre Peninsula has one of the most dramatic holes in the world. Golfers from all over the world come to play the world famous 1st hole at Machrihanish . Oban golf course is a challenging links course, in a fantastic setting.
Fishing
There is a varied amount of fishing available and boats can be chartered for sea angling off Oban. Loch Awe is renowned for Brown Trout and there are many piers, inlets, coves and beaches where you can fish. Trout and salmon fishing permits can be obtained for the River Laggan near Lochgilphead.
Walking
Generally gentler than the more rugged terrain further north. Argyll is a good area for family rambling. There are plenty forest trails, coastline walks, sweeping beaches, and island strolls.
Sailing and Watersports
The west coast is renowned as amongst the best waters in the world, with islands large and small. A paradise for yachts and pleasure cruises. The famed Crinan Canal is an attractive spot. Kayaking, windsurfing and water skiing are also popular in this area. There are specialist watersport and cruising Operators available, and the local tourist information centre in Oban will be able to assist you.
Cycling
Argyll and Kintyre combines some of Scotlands finest scenery with some relaxing cycling trails along Loch Awe, or on the Mull of Kintyre, made famous by Paul McCartneys song in 1978. You can cycle the total length of Kintyre on quiter roads leading to picturesque shores. If you are wanting to cycle, then it is possible to hire bicycles and our hotels will be able to provide you with information.
Top Things to "See & Do" in Dunoon & Bute
The Cowal Peninsula, is easily accessed by taking the Western Isles ferry from Gourock over to Hunters Quay, on the outskirts of Dunoon. Once there, it is hard to believe you are less than 1 hour away from Glasgow. The city landscape of Glasgow transforms to lochs, sea, mountains, forests and castles. Dunoon is the main town in the area with a prominent seaboard , and has been a popular holiday spot since the 1800's.
Fancy some nostalgia, the last seagoing paddle steamer the Waverley, still calls in at Dunnoon, Blairmore and Tignabruaich throughout the summer months.
In the area there are plenty things to see and do. Benmore Botanical Gardens is one of Cowal's major attractions, with 150 acres including the spectacular avenue of Redwoods.. Pucks Glen is a popular walking area and if you like salmon or trout fishing then fishing permits can be obtained. The River Massen is probably the best know. From Dunoon, some of the best sea angling is available in an area known as the Gantocks.
The most popular place to visit in Cowal is the Castle House Museum , detailing the history of the area from ancient times to the present day.
Dunoon and Cowal offers plenty wide open spaces on land and sea. It is an area for both the outdoor enthusiast as well as those who would like to try an active pursuit.
Quadbiking, fishing, kayaking, dolphin watching are all organised events and Classic's hotels will be happy to assist you with more information. There are many cycle routes on the many quiet country roads or on the many forest trails.
Walking
The Cowal Peninsula, presents breathtaking vistas of lochs, sea, mountains, glens, rivers and forests. If you like fresh air and walking in glorious surroundings, then Cowal offers a wide variety of routes and hiking trails, to suit all grades of walker.
The number of trails is overwhelming - The Cowal Way is one example, 47 miles long. Or for the more challenging, there are some great peaks in the Arrochar Alps .
Golf
Cowal Golf Club is an excellent 18 hole, 6063 yards course. Par 70.Designed in 1924 by James Baird the legendary Scottish golfer, who also created the Kings Course at Gleneagles. Green fess between £25 - £35 per round. Tel 01369 705673 to book.
There are also 2 nine hole courses which you can book, Blairmore & Strone Golf Club , with exceptional views of the Clyde estuary and Drimsynie Golf Club , a scenic lohside course, in good condition for all standards of golfer for under £10 a round.
