We will be driving from Glasgow to Oban to visit Iona and then from Oban to Inverness for one day at Aigas Field Centre in Beauly.
Are there one or two castles along the way that we shouldn't miss? We will visit Edinburgh Castle before flying back to Washington, but thought it might be good to see another castle or two if possible since we'll never get back to Scotland.
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
5787 posts
It's not a tourist attraction castle, but if you're wanting to stay in a castle, this one is near Oban.
Posted by
Delaware
1716 posts
Hi, smarmayor,
First of all, I hope that this is not your last trip to Scotland!
Secondly, there are a few castles which you can visit on your way from Glasgow to Oban. Some will be slightly out of the way, but well worth the detour.
The one which would take you farthest out of the way would be Doune Castle, although you could combine that with a visit to Stirling Castle. From Doune/Stirling, it's an easy drive to Oban.
One that's right on your way is Dumbarton Castle. If you take the most direct route to Oban, you'll be going right by it.
Inverary Castle is a little bit out of the way. You could take the A82/A83 to Inverary, then once you've visited the castle, take the A819/A85 to Oban.
If you're taking the tourist route from Oban to Inverness, you'll be going right by Urquhart Castle.
Finally, Dunstaffnage Castle is very close to Oban.
Hope that's enough info for now.
Happy castle hunting!
Best wishes,
Mike (Auchterless)
p.s.: As you're going to be on Mull anyway, Duart Castle is a really good one.
Posted by
Chicagoland
2212 posts
I agree with Allen that Barcaldine Castle is great if you need a B&B in the area.
If you're driving to Oban via the west side of Loch Lomond, Inveraray Castle on Loch Fyne is a perfect stop, both lovely interior and beautiful gardens. They have a tearoom is you need a break. You'll also pass by the ruins of Kilchurn Castle.
What is your route from Inverness to Edinburgh?
Posted by
OP
Washington DC
32 posts
Thank you all for your castle advice. I wish we could return to Scotland. I know one week is not enough. But we are in our mid 80's and there is still a lot of the world to see. Thanks to your recommendations we will visit both Urquhart and Inverary. We leave in two days and now I am just worried about the ferries to get to Iona.
Posted by
OP
Washington DC
32 posts
Just discovered that Inverary Castle is closed on Tuesday, the day we will be driving between Glasgow and Oban. If the castle is closed, is it still worthwhile to see it or is there another castle on this stretch of our trip that is worth stopping to visit?
Thanks for your help. We leave tomorrow, but a week in Ireland first.
Posted by
Lake District, England
11608 posts
As of today (5 April) CalMac do not know what ferry timetable will be running between Oban and Craignure from 17 April onwards- in terms of if it will be a one or two ship service; or whether it will be big or small ships.
It depends as to how the diminished fleet can be split between the islands.
It also depends on how much freight needs to be moved on and off Mull as to how much car capacity remains, if it is a one ship service.
There is a broad assumption of a 2 ship service, but TBC.
Posted by
Chicagoland
2212 posts
I can't think of another castle with tours of interior rooms on your route from Glasgow to Oban. If you have an interest in neolithic and bronze age sites you could drive through Kilmartin Glen after stopping in Inveraray town for lunch. It's a lovely drive along Loch Fyne and then up to the Kilmartin Museum and stops for the ancient Cairns, Stones and Circles on your way to Oban.
Perhaps on your drive from Inverness to Edinburgh you could do a castle visit.
A slight detour to Glamis Castle, in Angus, offers a wonderful tour, has royal ties (the childhood home of the late Queen Mother Elizabeth) and an intriguing history. Glamis is a much more interesting interior visit than the interior of Edinburgh Castle.