BAIRDS TRAVEL TO OBAN Oban lies at the centre of the northerly part of Argyll, known as Lorn, which stretches north as far as Appin, south to Ardfern and east to the shores of Loch Awe. It also comprises several relatively peaceful islands, including Lismore, Kerrera, Seil and Luing. It's a busy little place: not only is it the largest port in northwest Scotland and the main departure point for ferries to the Hebrides, it is also the main tourist centre in Argyll. Not surprisingly, it gets very crowded in summer, with passing traffic and people using it as a base for exploring the region. It has a wide range of hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, restaurants and shops, and a number of tourist attractions, which is useful to know if you're here in bad weather  . Had Haggis and neeps in McTavish`s [main st Oban]
Oban lies in the beautiful setting of a wide, crescent-shaped bay, backed by steep hills, with the island of Kerrera, just offshore, providing a natural shelter. It has been a favourite with tourists since Victorian times, when Queen Victoria pronounced it as 'one of the finest spots we have ever seen'. More recent royal comments, made by Prince Philip (who else?), in relation to the drinking habits of the local populace, have been less than flattering.
 Gallanachmore campsite covers 340 acres set by the sea with magnificent views to the Island of Kerrera. The site offers all the charm and tranquillity of a truly rural setting - guests may feel they are a million miles away from the bustle of modern life, but just two and a half miles down the road is the delightful centre of Oban with its shops, restaurants and many other twenty first century facilities.
 CHECKING MY WASHING IN TOBERMORY MULL TOOK THE BOAT OVER TO MULL FROM OBAN Most visitors arrive by the main Oban ferry, which runs regularly during the summer and the travel time is about 45 minutes. The ferry is able to be booked in advance, and it certainly advisable to do so during the Summer months, and particularly on Saturdays The Isle of Seil is 12 miles south of the Oban tourism centre and is connected to the mainland of Argyll by the lovely old humpbacked Clachan Bridge
(popularly called 'The Bridge Over The Atlantic Ocean' or 'Atlantic Bridge') Once the travel bug bites there is no known antidote, and I know that I shall be happily infected for the rest of my life |