A spectacular portion of Scotland’s west coast stretches from Oban to Fort William.
If desired this 44-mile Great Scottish Journey can also include some island hopping as well as a diversion onto the Ardgour Peninsula. Whatever course is taken, an unforgettable trip is guaranteed.
Oban is a fine place to begin any journey, its bustling environs centred around its harbour, where many ferries leave daily for the likes of Lismore, Mull and Tiree. Nearby a short ferry trip culminates on Kerrera.
The best vantage point to view Oban is from the folly of McCaig’s Tower. Built in 1902 it imparts an incredible spectacle that extends to Mull.
Heading north and Dunstaffnage Castle is well worth exploration. The history of the castle is fascinating as it was here that Robert the Bruce attacked in 1308 after his famous victory over the MacDougall’s at the Pass of Brander.
After passing Dunstaffnage, Connel Bridge spans the dramatic Falls of Lora
From Benderloch the A828 leads into Appin and a superb view of Castle Stalker. Another recommended diversion reaches Port Appin where a short boat trip gains gorgeous Lismore.
From Appin a beautiful section of coast continues through Kentallen and Ballachulish before the A82 passes Corran – again a ferry crossing of a few minutes over the Corran Narrows leads onto the Ardgour Peninsula.
Back on the A82 and the final few miles arrives in Fort William and all the wonderful outdoor opportunities this lively town provides.
- McCaig’s Tower was commissioned by, and subsequently named after, Oban banker John Stuart McCaig. McCaig’s death meant money for its completion was not available and only the outer walls were built.
- Translating from the Gaelic Stalcaire as either Hunter or Falconer, Castle Stalker was a Stewart stronghold for over 200 years. Bizarrely it was lost in 1620 in a drunken wager with the Campbell’s of Airds.
- Lismore’s name derives from the Gaelic lios-mor, meaning the Great Garden.
- The first car ferry linking Corran with Ardgour came into service in 1935 with room for two cars. Today two ferries carry around 250,000 cars each year.
You can read about a whole series of fantastic journeys in our fabulous book from Keith Fergus. To get a copy, go to www.dcthomsonshop.co.uk or telephone 0800 318 846 (Freephone UK). Lines open Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 9am-5pm
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