Oban: Where to next?

WHERE TO NEXT?

You’ve just arrived in Oban and checked in to your accommodation, what now? The sunsets on the west coast of Scotland truly are a spectacle to behold and for the best vantage point in the town, a walk up to McCaig’s Tower is a must! Either that or a walk along the esplanade to look out across the pontoons over to Kerrera and Mull will highlight the spectacular vista across Oban Bay. Oban is a foodies paradise! From the most fresh seafood around to the best local produce – available to purchase and cook up a storm in your own kitchen, or sample in the amazing array of cafes and restaurants that allow Oban to rank highly in the provenance stakes.

From breakfast to dinner and snacks in between, there are plenty of places for you to try local dishes. You can often see the seafood being landed on the town’s south pier, safe in the knowledge that it will be on a plate within minutes. The seafood shack and McGillivrays are a great spot for you to sample a number of delicacies, perhaps even for the fi rst time! Lunch in the town is a busy aff air too. With numerous takeaways as well as dine-in options (with or without alcohol!) there’s defi nitely something for everyone. Let’s not forget about the town’s famous chip shops – at least one of your meals should come from one of these fi ne establishments.

Locals have their favourites but let us know who you choose as having the crispiest batter and the fl uffi est chips. You can probably ask a handful of locals for advice and they’ll all give you diff erent tips. For luscious local produce and Scottish fare, Oban is a must.

A lively pub scene awaits you should you wish to experience live music and dance the night away. Many of Oban’s bars and pubs off er a beer garden for extra space on a nice. Markie Dans, The Oban Inn, The Lorne and the Whisky Vaults are among the many bars with regular live acts of a weekend. The View boasts a balcony with magnifi cent seaward views as well as an extensive cocktail menu. It also wouldn’t be a trip to Oban without a tour of Oban Distillery or at the very least a nip of Scotland’s fi nest whisky. On a similar note, The Oban Beer Seller, conveniently located directly across from the distillery, can cater for all your craft beer needs. Oban is also for adventure-seekers! For novice or keen kayakers, yachtsmen and divers, the seas around Oban off er some of the best sport in Europe, whilst the surrounding hills and glens are magnifi cent for walking and cycling, at any pace that takes your fancy. Ganavan Sands provides the perfect setting for a calmer paddle – be it kayak or paddleboard – or you could pop in for a swim! This is also the setting for the Oban Parkrun where you can keep to your running schedule whilst taking in the amazing backdrop of Lismore, Mull and the Morvern Peninsula. Bring the whole family for a day at the beach. Oban Cycles can provide you with any gear you need for a 2-wheeled adventure. Outside Edge and Oban Sports Shop are well stocked with any other equipment and for rental you can head to Sea Kayak Oban or keep an eye out on Facebook for Adventure Oban and their new Adventure Library. If tours are more your thing then Basking Shark Scotland, Coastal Connection, Allan’s Boat Trips, Argyll Sea Tours and Oban Sea Tours will transport you from the beauty of the bay to further explore the stunning coastline and islands surrounding Oban and Lorn.

This of course only scratches the surface of what Oban has to off er. Head over to www. oban.org.uk for more tips and don’t forget to tag the Love Oban social accounts in all of your travel snaps and videos. FB - @loveoban | Instagram - @loveoban_ | Twitter - @loveoban_