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Hillwalking
in the Oban Area by Harry Young
Oban
Featured Hotels - Argyle
& Bute Hotels
Hillwalking in Scotland attracts
visitors from all over the world. While many prefer to walk in popular
areas such as Glencoe, the Grampians or Arrocher Alps, some discerning
hillwalkers will tell you that the Oban and Argyll area offers some classic
climbs with equally classic views. Situated on Scotland's West Coast and
a two hour drive from Glasgow, climbing here is not only exciting and varied,
but much less quiet than the more popular climbs.
All of the hills and mountains
here lie close to the sea so summit views are spectacular and varied. In
one direction lies the island-dotted Firth of Lorne and Sound of Jura with
the Atlantic beyond. Turn around and the rolling Scottish Highlands stretch
into the distance, peppered with mountain peaks. The short list below describes
some celebrated walks in the area.
Ben Lora
A few miles north of Oban
at the village of Benderloch is Ben Lora. At only 308m, this hill may not
be tall, but the views from the top are among one of the best in Scotland.
Take the forest path from the carpark just south of the petrol station
in Benderloch. The waymarked path splits in a couple of places with one
(the left) giving a gentler start to the walk which becomes steeper further
up. Most of the route is through deciduous then coniferous forest where
the path is steep but solid underfoot. |
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As it nears the top it becomes
boggier, but with perseverance, the walker is rewarded with a magnificent
vista over sandy-beached Tralee Bay, past Connel Bridge, all the way to
Oban with the Firth of Lorne and Mull in the distance. Turning around there
is another fine view up Loch Etive to the Ben Cruachan range. There are
wooden benches at key points on the route to rest tired legs or admire
the view. Walking time is 1.5 to 2.5 hours and the distance is 3.75 miles.
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Pulpit Hill and Gallanach
This varied walk starts
in Oban's town centre and ends on a moorland hill behind the town. From
Albany Road follow the sign marked "Gallanach and the Kerrera ferry." After
the library, a sign "Pulpit Hill" points up the steep Haggart's Brae. Take
this path to the top, all the while following the Scottish Rights of Way
Society signs. At the top is a fine viewpoint overlooking Oban and its
harbour as well as the "Priest's Stone" which once served as a pulpit.
Take the lane out of the carpark and follow the road to a signed "Kerrera
Ferry." Continue along this muddy woodland path past the mill pond, some
deciduous woodland and on into open moorland. After some boggy ground,
the path clears, so continue on to reach the viewpoint. From here, the
track meets a minor road. |
At this fork, turning right
leads back to Oban while turning left leads to Gallanach. This is a good
4 mile walk and should take around 2 hours.
Beinn Fhionnlaidh (Ben
Fee-on-lay)
This mountain is the closest
Munro to Oban and its summit views give interesting views of Glencoe and
Glen Etive. Start at the end of the public road in Glen Creran. Following
the signs for Glen Etive and Glenure Lodge continue on past the bridge,
turning left towards the white cottage. Take a left turn immediately after
the farm and follow the rough track behind the second cottage. This leads
through ancient pine forest and when it splits, take the right fork which
leads onto the Fhionnlaidh ridge. The ridge undulates for a while and although
the summit is not visible there are good views of Beinn Sgulaird across
Glen Ure. Where the ridge levels out there are a few lochans. Continue
eastwards up the steepening ridge to the summit which has a large cairn
and trig point. From here, there are fine views of Loch Etive stretching
down to the Firth of Lorne and Glen Coe. At 9 miles, this is for the more
serious walker and should take around 5-6 hours.
Many routes have been signposted
by the Scottish Rights of Way Society and the Argyll Forestry Commission
which makes navigation easy. In addition, a good local hotel or shop, or
the Tourist Information Centre in Oban's Albany Street can provide leaflets
on walks and routes. |
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- Oban Featured Hotels -
Argyle
& Bute Hotels
About the Author: Harry Young
works for Toltech Internet Solutions and writes on behalf of Loch
Melfort Hotel. Offering the very best in service, tranquil accommodation,
tasteful decor and a gourmet dining experience made with fresh local seafood
and produce (the restaurant has been awarded two Rosettes by the AA every
year since 2000). |
HOTELS
IN OBAN ARGYLE & BUTE, SCOTLAND
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Loch
Melfort Hotel, Oban
Our family run, comfortable
and friendly 3 star hotel on the romantic coast of Argyll in the Scottish
Highlands with the finest sea views on the west coast. We pride ourselves
on offering the very best in service, tranquil accommodation, tasteful
decor and a gourmet dining experience (our restaurant has been awarded
two Rosettes by the AA every year since 2000) all set amongst the stunning
romantic scenery of the Scottish West Highlands. All our rooms have magnificent
sea views over Asknish Bay towards Jura, Shuna and Scarba which will take
your breath away. |
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Oban
Bay Hotel
Located on the edge of Oban's
picturesque esplanade, Oban Bay Hotel is the perfect spot from which
to discover Scotland's west coast. The sprawling sun lounge stretches the
entire length of the hotel and from here you will enjoy uninterrupted views
of Mull, Kerrera and the Firth of Lorne. Guest rooms have been lovingly
restored to the highest standards with a number enjoying stunning views
west to the islands. The hotel's food is renowned and sourced locally where
possible, the mini-spa offers therapy and beauty treatments and a dip in
the outdoor hot-tub, with its breathtaking sea views, is a must. |
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The
Oban Caledonian Hotel
The Oban Caledonian is Oban’s
landmark building. This luxury 3 star hotel rises from the water’s edge,
commanding breathtaking views over the sheltered bay of Oban to the romantic
hills and islands of Scotland’s magnificent west coast. Gaze seaward as
the sun slips behind Hebridean hills and a friendly Highland hospitality
unfolds. Oban is the perfect gateway for exploring Argyll and the Isles,
discover a castle or two or sail to Mull, Iona and the Inner Hebrides.
The Oban Caledonian is the perfect base for your break in the Highlands
of Scotland and offers wonderful short breaks, midweek and weekend breaks,
B&B and fantastic food in unique and spectacular surroundings. |
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The
Pierhouse Hotel & Restaurant, Port Appin, near Oban
Hidden away in the quiet
village of Port Appin, Argyll, on the shores of Loch Linnhe and surrounded
by the spectacular raw beauty of the magnificent west coast of Scotland,
you will find The Pierhouse Hotel. With breathtaking views to the islands
of Lismore and Mull, our intimate family-run small hotel and renowned Scottish
Seafood Restaurant has won a fast-growing reputation as one of Argyll's
most idyllic and romantic destinations. The Pierhouse has received considerable
recognition for the high standards in the hotel and restaurant but it is
the quality of our service which we believe is the most important. |
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The
Regent Hotel Oban
An Art Deco hotel, The Regent
is located on the esplanade of Oban, opposite the pier. Just a few minutes
walk from the town centre, the dramatic views across the sea to the distant
islands will captivate guests upon arrival. There are 83 rooms in
the hotel offering comfortable accommodation for leisure or business travellers.
An idyllic setting for a wedding, the hotel has capacity for up to 150
guests and the staff are consummate wedding coordinators. There are
three bars within the hotel in which to sample a dram of warming single
malt or enjoy a meal prepared by our skilled in-house chefs. |
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