TraplanzPositioned on the country’s western shores, Oban is the entry point to the archipelago of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides islands. Seafood and whisky are what drive many to make a pilgrimage to this region, while others pass by catching a ferry for one of the nearby island communities. In the heart of summer, Oban’s population swells as tourists seek quiet shelter from the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh or Glasgow. The relaxing feel to the city, and warm smiles from locals, makes Oban a must stop on your Highland journey.
WHAT TO SEE
McCaig’s Tower sits on Battery Hill and overlooks the city and waterways of Oban. Inspired by his love of Roman and Greek architecture, John McCaig had this structure built between 1897 and 1902. It’s free to access and the views from this vantage point are spectacular.
Dunollie Castle is the home of Clan MacDougall. The castle, and guest house turned museum lies just outside the city, along the banks of Oban Bay. The museum and grounds below the castle are the first stop. The museum is an old house loaded with traditional home furnishings and items related to Clan MacDougall. The steep walking path up the hill to the castle ruins is challenging, so take your time going up and coming down. Once at the top, take in the unobstructed view of Oban Bay and you begin to understand why this was the perfect strategic location to build a castle.
Oban Distillery was established in 1794, and their process for making whisky has been the same since inception. The distillery is a top attraction and a main reason why people come to Oban. Their Oban 14 is among one of the best single malts in the country. It’s blend of dry, a bit smoky, while light with sweet undertones, make it a favorite for novice drinkers or whisky aficionados. Tours book up quickly and we advise you book at least two to three weeks in advance of your visit. Before or after the tour, saddle up to a chair in the tasting room and taste a selection of the distillery’s finest, and meet a new friend or two along the way.
Isle of Mull is a popular day trip from Oban. The CalMac ferry delivers passengers from Oban to Craignure. At Craignure, visitors can catch a bus for the picturesque seaside village of Tobermory, perched on the northwest corner of the Isle. Or, visitors can find their way to the ancestral home of Clan McLean, Duart Castle. The castle is open from spring through fall, and is loaded with old relics related to the clan. Being that I am a McLean, and this is where I chose to propose to Shelly,, I’m a bit biased in saying I highly recommend you make the trek to Duart Castle.
WHERE TO STAY
The Whisky Vaults Hotel For a central location in Oban, you cannot beat this place. Located one block behind the main street in Oban, the hotel is a few minutes walk from the train station and ferry terminal. The hotel offers 10 en-suite guest rooms above the whisky bar. The rooms are cozy and well-insulated. Even with a packed whisky bar and people drinking on the patio, the rooms are very quiet. I would recommend going down to the whisky bar and introducing yourself to the wall of single malts stacked behind the bartender. There is a small second bar that is open for guests at certain times. If you want to enjoy a whisky, beer, or cocktail with intimate company, head to the back bar when it is open. Whether you want a common or rare whisky, Whisky Vaults will provide you with a wide spectrum of Scotland’s national beverage.
Heatherfield House is a short 5 minute walk above the main street in Oban. This well maintained bed and breakfast is only a 7 minute walk from McCaig’s Tower, and less than 10 minutes to the train station and ferry terminal. One may enjoy an excellent view of the harbor, bay and inner islands that lie beyond Oban. This tastefully decorated home, coupled with an excellent menu that changes often, gives a weary traveler the feeling they are staying in a luxury hotel. For those coming to Oban by car, they do offer private parking for their guests.
WHERE TO EAT
Oban is the “Seafood Capital of Scotland” and for good reason. Each day, fishermen bring their bounty of fresh ocean delights to the wharf where it is distributed to nearby restaurants. The delightful smell of pots simmering with mussels, crabs, and lobsters fills the air near the docks. In the town, some highly-rated fish and chip shops await.
Oban Fish and Chips is the place in Oban, and maybe the UK, to get fish and chips. If you search out reviews of this place, many travelers have stated this is their choice for the best fish and chips, period. Depending on the time of day, there may be a line to get in. As you stand in line and watch a steady stream of people walking past with take out orders, you begin to understand how good this place is. It is the locals’ choice for fish and chips too. We recommend the Haddock filet and chips. A huge portion of Haddock is delivered with a generous helping of chips. If you are a fan of fish and chips, Oban Fish and Chips will not disappoint.
The Oban Seafood Hut, casually known as the “Green Shack”, is positioned right on the docks between the CalMac ferry terminal and the train station. Literally, this is as fresh as seafood gets, coming right off the boats only a few feet away. The daily menu will change based upon what is caught. We highly recommend ordering the mussels. The day we we were there it was at the low price of ￡4.95 for a plate of mussels. They are cooked in white wine with garlic and onion, and melt in your mouth. Because they are so cheap, you may get back in line and order more. Also worth ordering is a fresh shrimp sandwich, crab claws, or the oyster special of the day. If you are spending more than one day in Oban, my guess is you will come here more than once.
The Fish Box serves up some traditional fish and chips and delicious fresh fish and shrimp tacos. The location has a great view of the bay, with good seating above the kitchen. Fish tacos are why people line up and we understand why. The Haddock is battered in chimayo chili, and served with chipotle purple slaw is mouth-watering. We would also recommend going for the Tiger Prawn tacos. Their fish and chips boxes get overlooked by patrons seeking fish tacos, but we think you should give them a shot.
