Oban is known as the “gateway to the isles” as the main ferry terminal to the Scottish Highland islands of Lismore, Mull, Coll, Tiree, Barra, South Uist, Colonsay, Islay, Luing and Easdale.
Is Oban part of the Highlands?
Capital of West Highlands
Oban today has a resident population of 8,500 and is the unofficial capital of the West Highlands – the “Gateway to the Isles” – however it has recently become better known as “The Seafood Capital of Scotland”.
What is Oban Scotland known for?
Oban is best known as the ‘Gateway to the Isles‘, thanks to its role as a hub for tourists departing to the islands of the Inner and Outer Hebrides.
Where does the Oban ferry go?
Oban is the ‘Gateway to the Isles’, and it’s just a ferry ride away to enchanting isles such as Kerrera, Lismore, Mull, Iona, Coll.
Is Oban worth visiting Scotland?
Tourists and Scots alike often make a trip to Oban before continuing on to the Scottish Highlands. The town itself is quite picturesque, there are many fun things to do in Oban, and you can also visit some of the surrounding islands quite easily from here.
What city is the gateway to the Highlands?
Straddling the mighty River Ness and rubbing shoulders with world-famous Loch Ness, the vibrant Scottish city of Inverness has a whole lot to offer.
What city is closest to the Scottish Highlands?
Inverness. Inverness is the main city of the Scottish Highlands and the most well-connected in terms of transportation. Not only do main highways A9 and A82 run through Inverness, but plenty of trains and buses as well.
Is Oban Highland or Lowland?
Oban distillery is owned by Diageo. It has only two pot stills, making it one of the smallest in Scotland, producing a whisky that has been described as having a “West Highland” flavour that falls between the dry, smoky style of the Scottish islands and the lighter, sweeter malts of the Highlands.
Is Oban nicer than Fort William?
Oban has a fine and breezy coastal setting but Fort William is nearer more rugged scenery. Helpful facts for itinerary planning for you to make your own choice – but we tend towards Oban. In planning a tour of the West Highland seaboard of Scotland, most visitors are faced with the Oban or Fort William question.
Can you see the northern lights in Oban?
Oban. Along with Skye, this is one of the best places to spot the Northern Lights on the west coast but it’s best to stay from the main town and the light pollution there.
Can you day trip to Mull from Oban?
For many visitors to Oban, a trip to the Isle of Mull is a holiday highlight, and the 45 minute ferry makes it an ideal choice for a day trip. Mull attracts visitors throughout the year, with its stunning scenery, fascinating history and wonderful wildlife.
What is the island across from Oban?
Kerrera
Kerrera is the island which is visible directly from Oban Bay, although it’s merely the northern tip that can be seen. Kerrera is in fact quite a large island and can be compared with Scarba, Seil and Luing, is scarcely populated and provides excellent shelter for the Oban harbour.
Can you get to Iona from Oban?
The most direct route for Iona is via the Oban to Craignure Ferry (see above). It is then a 1 hour drive from Craignure to Fionnphort. There is also a bus service which connects with the ferry at Craignure. The bus journey from Craignure takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
Are midges a problem in Oban?
I have lived in Oban for 10 years with my family and we have never seen or been bitten by ‘midges’. If you are in the town or by the coast then it really is no difference from being anywhere else in Britain.
What is the most scenic part of Scotland?
20 Most Beautiful Places In Scotland
- 01 Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeenshire.
- 02 Bow Fiddle Rock, Moray.
- 03 Isle of Iona.
- 04 Traigh Hornais Clachan Sands, North Uist.
- 05 Bealach Na Ba, Wester Ross.
- 06 Loch Ken, Galloway Forest Park.
- 07 Glenfinnan, Fort William.
- 08 Eoligarry Beach, Isle of Barra.
Is Oban pretty?
Even though it is not exactly off the beaten track, Oban is a little out of the way for many Scotland visitors. However, the pretty seaside town is well worth the slight detour from the main tourist route between Glasgow and the Central Highlands!
What is the only city in the Highlands of Scotland?
Inverness
Inverness is known as the ‘Capital of the Highlands’, as the region’s largest settlement and only city.
Where do the Highlands in Scotland start?
The Highlands stretches from Fort William in the west, right up the coast by Skye, around the North Coast 500 to Durness and John O’ Groats in the far north. It also runs up to Inverness and east out to Elgin, taking in Aviemore and some of the Cairngorms National Park.
What towns are considered the Highlands of Scotland?
This covers a wider area than just the Highland council area.
- Aberfeldy, Perth and Kinross.
- Aboyne, Aberdeenshire.
- Achfary, Highland.
- Alness, Highland.
- Altnaharra, Highland.
- Applecross, Highland.
- Arisaig, Highland.
- Ardlui, Argyll and Bute, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
What is the most beautiful part of the Scottish Highlands?
10 Awesomely Beautiful Places to See in the Scottish Highlands
- Ben Nevis.
- Glen Coe. Glen Coe is Scotland’s most famous, and most romantic glen.
- Cairngorms.
- Loch Ness.
- Isle of Skye.
- Loch Sunart.
- The Trossachs.
- Ullapool.
What is the largest town in the Highlands of Scotland?
Fort William is the largest town in the highlands of Scotland only being exceeded in size by the City of Inverness.