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SCOTLAND, UNITED KINGDOM TRAVEL, HOTEL, HOLIDAY & ACCOMMODATION GUIDE
HOTELS IN OBAN - ARGYLE & BUTE

Harbour and Waterfront, Oban, Argyll, Strathclyde, Scotland, United Kingdom
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SCOTLAND TRAVEL INFORMATION
Argyle & Bute Facts
Ayr - South Ayrshire - Scotland's Main West Coast Resort
Best Places to Visit in Scotland
Dundee Tourist Information
Edinburgh's International Festival is a Must See
Glasgow Travel Guide
Hillwalking in the Oban Area
Inverness: The Ancient Modern City
Perth Scotland Attractions And Tourism
Some Fun Facts About Scotland
The City Of Stirling, Scotland
Things You Never Knew About Aberdeen

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. 

Dunstaffnage Castle, Near Oban, Highlands Region, Scotland, UK, Europe
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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.
Steamer Leaves Oban for the Hebrides
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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.

Fishing Boats and Waterfront, Oban, Argyll, Scotland, United Kingdom
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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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