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Scenic Drive Oban to Glasgow

Posted by (California) on

In the RS Book, I read with interest, the drive between Glasgow and Oban.
For my trip, I'll leave from Oban, which is the opposite direction from the recommended route, because, well, that's what I do :) I am not finding a time estimate for the itinerary in the RS Book. We have a rental car. With use of Google Maps, the drive itself without stops seems about 3.5 hours. Does this seem right?

Generally, we enjoy both natural and human history. So, thus far, our draft route includes: Kilmartin Glen, Invararay, Loch Fyne, and Loch Lomond. Maybe some of these are just a drive-by and others are worth a stop to look around, including a lunch stop (either picnic or cafe). I don't think a long hike is in our time frame.

Am I missing something or are any a must-see sight?

We can make a full day of it, by leaving Oban early, as I prefer to arrive in Glasgow by 5:00 pm.

thanks in advance, Chris

Posted by
1683 posts

Inveraray area would make a great stop. We stayed in a Manor House B&B. We ate at a cafe on the Loch. We did laundry at nearby Campground. We visited Inveraray Castle, the home of the Duke of Argyle and Clan Campbell. They have a spectacular Armory display. I would take more time to tour this history rich area. We went to Oban, also, but did not linger, as we were not taking the Ferry.

Posted by
1459 posts

We drove from just outside Glasgow to Benderloch near Oban 2 years ago. It took us about 6 hours with stops at Luss on Loch Lomond and a couple other viewpoints, an inside visit to Invarary Castle with a walk in the gardens and a walk around Kilchurn Castle on Lake Awe.

We had lunch in the Tearoom at Invarary Castle.

Posted by
145 posts

Your time estimate is about right , without stops, if you plan that longer route via Lochgilphead to Glasgow.So much to see and enjoy, it will easily take you all day.

Is this a spring/ summer trip? If so, I’m a fan of the lovely Loch Melfort Hotel but it’s a bit too soon on your journey to stop.However, if you are love beautiful gardens, the adjacent Arduaine , run by the `National Trust , is glorious and in a gorgeous location.It is particularly renowned for its rhododendrons.

Carnasserie Castle is a ruin just before Kilmartin Glen.Haven't been in to the new Museum since it opened, great area for early history including Temple Wood and various standing stones and burial cairns.Also consider a short walk up to Dunadd, the crowning stone of the ancient Scottish kings.

Crarae Gardens are on Loch Fyne though mainly a woodland garden albeit with some nice rhododendrons and magnolias in season.There is a Neolithic burial cairn near the visitor centre.

Inveraray is an attractive place - the castle in a stunner set in beautiful grounds. Brambles Cafe has quite an extensive menu although another 10 mins or so south lie two choices for lunch or cake etc - the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar (has quite a wide menu - may have to book) and the cheaper, small Tree Shop Cafe for home made soups and good cakes.Nice gift shop too.

If time allows, the best way to see Loch Lomond is on one of the short boat trips from Tarbet though in peak season you will probably need to book ahead.

Firkin Point has parking and you can do a short walk right by the loch from there, as far as you want.Lovely views.

Luss is a pretty Conservation village in a lovely setting, with the Coachhouse Coffee Shop for light lunches and cakes (excellent home made meringues!) There is a short walking loop through the tiny village (always busy and paid parking) - the church is delightful.

Duck Bay Marina also offers food.It’s a fairly ‘bling’ interior but has an unbeatable outdoor terrace right on the loch.Fab on a sunny warm day. Great ice cream there too.Big menu and a coffee shop too.

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