Oban and North Lorn

Oban is the unofficial capital of the Western Highlands, and the gateway to the Isles. The town is hugely popular with visitors, set around a fabulous natural harbour, sheltered from the westerlies by the Isle of Kerrera. The familiar white-and-red liveried Calmac ferries constantly plying to and fro from islands far and wide gives the town a special atmosphere.

Just a short distance from the hustle and bustle is the quiet, beautiful countryside. The coastline around is dotted with castles and pebbly beaches and repays exploration on foot. A little further north is the district of Lorn, where the high mountains of the Highlands come right down to the seaboard. Offshore is Lismore, a fertile island known as the Big Garden.