I am going on the 13 day RS tour and trying to figure out free time in Oban. I am interested in seeing Iona and beaches there. Is there good time spent there while on the tour, or should I try to find a way to go back? Is getting to the ferry walkable? The puffins will probably be gone early September so wasn't thinking of of going Straffa. Thanks for any insights!
Posted by
4 posts
We took a short ferry ride to Kerrera Island where we walked to the tea garden and had lunch before going a bit further to the ruins of Gylen Castle. An easy walk without much elevation change, and nice views with almost no one else on the island! It filled our one day off in Oban.
Posted by
Lake District, England
10231 posts
If it's the standard tour you get to spend 2 hours on Iona. It's a small island so nowhere is more than about 45 minutes walk from the ferry.
But then you would have to choose between beach and historical stuff on the island.
Another idea would be to go to somewhere the tour doesn't go to and that is Calgary Beach on Mull.
Bus to Tobermory, then connecting bus to Calgary. You could come back the same way, or use the Ulva Ferry bus (which you must pre book 24 hours in advance) to return via the back road to Salen where you connect into the Tobermory to Craignure bus.
https://ufct.co.uk
That's the well known one on Mull, but if you're willing to rent a car for the day at Craignure ferry terminal then the next best well known one on Mull is at Lochbuie, but there are half a dozen or so other ones scattered around Mull.
https://mullcarhire.co.uk
Just 2 miles from Oban- so walkable and a regular bus there is Ganavan Sands (and WW2 history there as well).
If you want something more exciting you could fly on Hebridean Air from Oban airport to Tiree (a thrilling wave hopping sightseeing flight) and either rent a car for the day or use the Island dial a ride bus. Tiree is not at all short of stunning beaches.
Posted by
London
612 posts
If I had free time in Oban, I would do one of these:
-three or two island tour to Mull, Iona, and/or Staffa- Staffa is still worth visiting for Fingal's Cave even if no puffins, tho obviously puffins are a highlight. It's easy to do this trip on foot, getting to the ferry is walkable.
-you can also do a boat ride around the harbour and see seals
-if you like whiskey, visit the distillery
Good luck and enjoy your time in Scotland.