Things to do and see in Oban, Argyll, Scotland

Discover the amazing sights, fun activities and beautiful scenery that can be found in and around Oban, Scotland. Our guests are never short of something to do!

Discover Scotland

Kinlochleven Walk and Ice Walladd

Walking - Scotland
Walking - Scotland

The village of Kinlochleven is surrounded by stunning mountains and scenery. The West Highland Way passes through Kinlochleven from the renowned Devils Staircase from Glencoe and the village is a popular stop off point for walkers and brings a steady stream of visitors looking for accommodation before setting off the following morning to Fort William. The walks in Kinlochleven have a character of their own. Many walks are of historical and scientific interest. Other activities include climbing, kayaking, sailing and fishing.

As well as being the biggest indoor ice climbing facility in the world, The Ice Factor features the UK’s largest articulated rock climbing wall and a competition-standard bouldering hall, making it the perfect place to practise, train and learn every conceivable mountaineering skill.

Opening Hours

Mon: 0900-1900

Tues – Thur: 0900-2200

Fri – Sun: 0900-1900

Call 01855 831100 for details!

website www.ice-factor.co.uk

Waterfalls - Kinlochleven - Scotland
Waterfalls - Kinlochleven - Scotland

River Walks - Highfield Holidays - Scotland
River Walks - Highfield Holidays - Scotland

Highfield Holidays - Oban - Scotland
Highfield Holidays - Oban - Scotland

Cycling & Mountain Bikingadd

Mountain Biking - Argyll - Scotland
Mountain Biking - Argyll - Scotland

Whether you bring your own bike or hire when you get here, cycling is great fun and allows you to really get to know the area. Mountain Biking is becoming increasingly popular allowing you to get off the beaten track away from all the traffic.

Bike Hire

Delivery and collection available from RCS Cycles. Mountain bikes, hybrids, tandems, trailers and various accessories available. Daily rate from £14 and weekly rate from £35.

Telephone 01866 822736 or 07791 974152 or email nick@rcscycles.co.uk

Cycling in the Forests

Race at Sutherland’s Grove

Cycling in the forests of North Argyll you will find dramatic scenery, interesting archaeological features and abundant wildlife. For more information visit www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland where you can also download the Forestry Commision leaflet containing routes (also available at our reception)

Cycle paths

Ganavan to Dunbeg Cycle route

As part of the National Cycle Network, Sustrans are currently developing the Oban to Fort William cycle route. Nearby completed sections include Ganavan to Dunbeg and Sea Life Centre to Creagan. For more information visiit www.sustrans.org.uk or www.argyll-bute.gov.uk

Mountain Biking

Wheely Good Bike Guides offer a mountain bike guiding service, mountain bike hire and mountain biking instruction in Fort William, venue for the Mountain Bike World Cup and 2007 World Championships. They can cater for all of your mountain biking needs from gentle forest tracks catching stunning views of the beautiful West Coast mountain scenery, guided trips around the World Championship trails to the adrenaline pumping action of the World Cup Downhill track. Visit www.wheely-good.co.uk for more information.

Nevis Range, Fort William also offers bike hire, bike school and gondola uplift for downhill tracks. Visit www.nevisrange.co.uk for more details and prices.

Cycling - Oban - Scotland
Cycling - Oban - Scotland

Cycle Paths - Argyll - Scotland
Cycle Paths - Argyll - Scotland

Bike Rides - Oban - Argyll
Bike Rides - Oban - Argyll

Mountain Biking - Sutherland - Scotland
Mountain Biking - Sutherland - Scotland

Ben Nevis Mountain Walkadd

Hiking - Fort William - Scotland
Hiking - Fort William - Scotland

Ben Nevis Mountain Walk

If you ever get the courage to walk up Ben Nevis do it. For the athletic among us it’s a 3 hour run. Normal people 5-6 hours of hard work is waiting for you, for the rest of us allow 7-9 hours and a early start. You will be amazed at all the different ages and condition of the people thoroughly enjoying the climb. Take plenty of water and clothing its cold at the top. Late June to September are the best months, expect snow at the top any other month.

Use this link for Ben Nevis weather watch

Nature Walks - Lochaber - Scotland
Nature Walks - Lochaber - Scotland

Mountain Walks - Scotland
Mountain Walks - Scotland

Ben Nevis Walks - Lochaber - Scotland
Ben Nevis Walks - Lochaber - Scotland

Ben Nevis Hike - Scotland
Ben Nevis Hike - Scotland

Shian Wildlife Walkadd
Wildlife Walks - Oban - Argyll - Scotland
Only a mile from the park. A small walk and very peaceful.
Shian Wood is a fine example of the ancient semi-natural woodlands typical of the Atlantic coast of Scotland. The wood stands above the surrounding land on a low, flattened ridge of land which juts out from the southern shore of Loch Creran. Dominated by fine mature oaks festooned in mosses and lichens the canopy in spring covers a carpet of primrose, wood sorrel and bluebell and is home to many species of woodland bird.Best time to visit:

Spring for flowers and breeding birds

Visit for:

  • Birdwatching
  • Woodlands
  • Wildflowers
  • Coasts
  • Scenery
  • Mammals
  • Archaeology

For more information vist Scottish Wildlife Trust’s website www.swt.org.uk

• Access Information

The reserve is directly adjacent to the parking area. Go through the gate, and follow the track up the hill. Waymarkers indicate the footpaths.

• Directions

Shian Wood lies on the south shore of Loch Creran, on a minor road off the A828(T) north of Benderloch. On the north side of Benderloch, leave the A828 and take the minor road sign posted to South Shian. After about 1.5 miles, at a crossroads, turn left for the Island of Eriska. The parking area for the reserve is on the right about 3/4 mile from the crossroads, before you reach Balure Farm.

The above access and directions – Courtesy “Scottish Wildlife Trust”

Download the walk map (pdf)

Bienn Lora Forest Walkadd
Forrest Walks - Benderloch - Oban
Forrest Walks - Benderloch - Oban

A mixed conifer and broadleaf wood on the steep sides of Beinn Lora, with a trail leading to the summit, providing exhilarating views over the Firth of Lorne to Mull and beyond. For your own safety, please observe all warning and prohibition signs.

Bienn Lora forestry walk

A mixed conifer and broadleaf wood on the steep sides of Beinn Lora, with a trail leading to the summit, providing exhilarating views over the Firth of Lorne to Mull and beyond.

There is a route diversion at Beinn Lora.

A section of the Lower Loop – Coastal Climb walk and the Eagle’s Eyrie and Summit walk will be closed until further notice. This is due to tree damage caused by recent gales. A diversion is in place – please follow the diversion signs.

For your own safety, please observe all warning and prohibition signs.

Forestry commission website