Things to do in

Oban

Departing from Glasgow you travel northwest along the shores of Loch Lomond. Here you will cross the Highland Boundary Fault Line where the scenery changes quickly and dramatically - the flat fertile plains of the Lowlands giving way to shimmering lochs, rugged mountain tops, and forest-filled glens. It's easy to forget that this was once thought of as a dangerous frontier fought over by the fiercely territorial Highland clans such as the MacGregors, made famous by highland folk hero, Rob Roy MacGregor. You will then take a leisurely drive over the at 'Rest and Be Thankful' mountain pass. It was given its name in 1753 by the weary soldiers who had just finished building the old military road up through Glen Croe (not to be confused with Glencoe which you will visit later in the day). From here you will travel through the steep-sided mountains, known as the Arrochar Alps, to the picturesque harbour town of Inveraray on the shores of Loch Fyne, home of the Duke of Argyll, chief of the Campbell clan. The town is a classic 18th-century planned village with its straight wide streets and dignified Georgian houses, designed by Robert Adam, famous for his architecture in Edinburgh’s New Town. From here you will drive along the shore of Scotland’s longest loch, Loch Awe, where you stop to take your photos of Kilchurn Castle, a magnificent ruin situated in the middle of Loch Awe and former home of the Campbells of Breadalbane. You will then continue to the harbour town of Oban, gateway to the Isles, for lunch of your choice. After lunch you will then travel north along the west coast around Appin, passing the impregnable Castle Stalker, and into Scotland's most famous valley, Glencoe. Stunningly beautiful, with its dramatic cliff faces and steep slopes, Glencoe is infamous as the site of the Glencoe massacre in 1692. Following orders from King William, Scottish soldiers under the leadership of Captain Robert Campbell slaughtered 38 men, women and children of the Macdonald clan. This was especially shocking as the soldiers had been living with the people of Glencoe for two weeks and killed them in their own homes. Nobody was ever punished for this crime, as the King himself had signed the order, but the Highlands would never be the same again. Travelling south, as you pass the majestic peak of Buachaille Etive Mor (meaning 'the great shepherd of Etive'), you descend towards the wild desolation of Rannoch Moor. At an altitude of over 1000ft, covered by heather and peat-bogs and dotted with dozens of lochs, it's a unique landscape. From here you will then travel through Glen Falloch, and then drive south towards Loch Lomond. This is Scotland's largest loch and it takes its name from the mountain Ben Lomond on the eastern shore. From here you return to Glasgow.

On this tour, you will experience the shimmering lochs, scenic mountain views, and romantic and historic castles of the western highlands. From Glasgow cross the Firth of Clyde, passing Dumbarton's famous and imposing rock fortress. The first stop is the pretty conservation village of Luss, on the 'Bonny, Bonny Banks' of Loch Lomond. Here you can walk along the shore or stay to admire the village. Pass several dramatic castles and lochs as the tour climb into the Highlands. Make a stop for lunch at the fishing town of Oban. Journey on a southern route that takes you past the spectacular Kilchurn Castle, majestically situated on Loch Awe. Our final stop is Inveraray, the historic seat of the Duke of Argyll, where you can choose to either visit Inveraray Castle (April-October only) or explore the town’s Georgian houses and wide streets. Return to Glasgow via the Rest and Be Thankful pass.

Marvel at the beautiful waters surrounding Oban and the Firth of Lorn with their plethora of nature and wildlife. Feel the fresh Scottish breeze as you glide over the water and keep a lookout for wild seals, dolphins, whales, and local birds. Leave Dunstaffnage Marina and make your way to pass Madien Island, Dunollie Point, and Oban Harbor. Continue to see Gylen Castle from the water, the Falls of Lora, Connel Bridge, and Dunstaffnage Castle standing proud. Return to Dunstaffnage full of wonder for this wild and wonderful region, having had your fill of history and nature in one go.

Travel across the highlands of Scotland and discover some of the country’s major attractions. On this 5-day excursion you’ll stay in B&B accommodation and travel with an English-speaking guide. Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Through the Trossachs to Oban This wide-ranging tour starts by heading west through the beautiful scenery of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park to Kilmartin Glen. Here you’ll explore Scotland’s ancient past. With over 5,000 years of history laid out before you, you’ll be able to walk in the footsteps of the first Scots at Dunadd Hill Fort and the Temple Wood Stone Circle. Then it’s on to the picturesque seaside town of Oban. Overnight in Oban. Day 2: A Day of high hills and history The second day takes you to the haunting landscape of Glen Coe, which was the scene of the terrible massacre of the MacDonald Clan. You’ll continue on past Ben Nevis, Britain’s tallest peak and stop at Fort William. We will drive part of the route of one of the most fantastic train journeys in the entire world. You will make a stop to view the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films. We will also be able to see Glenfinnan Monument, Loch Shiel - and the gorgeous scenery that surrounds it! Overnight in Skye. Day 3: A whole day to explore Skye You'll have the whole of the third day to explore Skye's mysteries and landscape with your guide. Here the mountains and beaches beckon, so lose yourself in the spectacular scenery of the Cuillin Mountains, the slanting hills of Quiraing, and the incredible Trotternish Peninsula. Overnight in Skye. Day 4: Castles, mountains, and on to Loch Ness Once you leave Skye your first stop will be to visit the stunningly beautiful Eilean Donan Castle (this is an optional extra). You’ll then continue your journey onwards to the fabled shores of Loch Ness. Here you will have the option to Urquhart Castle and take a cruise on the loch (optional extra), before ending the day in the capital of the Highlands: Inverness. Stay overnight in Inverness. Day 5: Historic battlefields and back to Edinburgh You’ll start your journey south and have the chance to visit the battlefield of Culloden (an optional extra), the site of the defeat of the Jacobite forces. Then you’ll pass the stunning Cairngorm Mountains and have time to explore the picturesque town of Pitlochry, before arriving back in Edinburgh.

You’ll depart Edinburgh in the morning and travel through Scotland's bustling central belt, across to Glasgow, the country’s largest city. From Glasgow, it’s on to Loch Lomond, the largest expanse of fresh water in the country. Stop at the conservation village of Luss for coffee and sightseeing. Head deep into the Highlands, traveling through breathtaking scenery, on this full-day tour. You’ll see Loch Awe, the longest of Scotland’s lakes, and countryside with a rich history. You’ll come to haunting Kilchurn Castle, historically a stronghold of the Campbell Clan, and the Pass of Brander, where Robert the Bruce had a notable victory. Enjoy lunch in Oban and then take time to explore this lovely Victorian seaside town. Climb up McCaig's Tower, take in the views of the islands of Mull and Kerrera, and try some of the freshest seafood you’ve ever tasted! On the way back to Edinburgh, you'll visit Inveraray, the seat of the Campbell Clan, with a stop for ice cream, homemade sweets, or cakes. Enjoy a coffee and take in the beauty of Loch Fyne.

Make the most of your time in Scotland with a 5-day tour of the best of Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye. Take an optional ride on the Jacobite Steam Train featured in the Harry Potter movies, sample Scotch whiskey, and sail along the waters of Loch Ness. Accommodation and breakfast are included. Day 1: Leave Edinburgh and head to the iconic Kelpies. Travel north to Stirling and the towering Wallace Monument, taking in stunning views of the Castle along the way. Enter the Highlands heading through wild Rannoch Moor and Glen Coe and on to the fishing port of Oban, where you'll stay overnight. Day 2: Choose to take the steam train from Fort William, crossing the viaduct featured in the Harry Potter movies, where a monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie’s campaign now stands. Take the ferry to Skye where you can explore striking cliffs and mountains, before driving north to your overnight destination. Stay overnight in the Isle of Skye. Day 3: Explore more of the mysterious island that's full of awe-inspiring mountains, myths, and legends before returning to the mainland to view Eilean Donan Castle and wind your way along the Great Glen to the infamous Loch Ness. Stay overnight in Inverness. Day 4: Hunt for the elusive monster with a cruise on Loch Ness before turning northward and the stunning beauty of the northwest Highlands. Take in the beautiful town of Beauly with its Priory dating back to 1230. The day ends with a visit to Culloden Battlefield, where Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites were defeated in 1746. Stay overnight in Inverness. Day 5: Leaving Inverness, visit the Highland Folk Museum to get a real taste of Highland life from the past centuries. Next, head to a local Whisky Tasting of the so-called 'Water of Life'. For the final stop of the tour, visit Dunkeld and take a walk through the quaint village. Stroll along the River Tay and see the cathedral. Return back to Edinburgh in the evening. *Important note - the Jacobite Steam Train is seasonal and subject to availability. Please ensure option is selected at time of booking to avoid disappointment.

Day 1 Leaving Edinburgh behind, you head straight for the Highlands, with your first stop in Trossachs National Park to soak in Scotland's breathtaking scenery and savor local delicacies. Your driver-guide may entertain you with Scottish folklore tales as you journey through the mountainous landscapes of the Western Highlands to Oban. Once a hub for feuding clans, Oban is now renowned for its fresh seafood and 200-year-old whisky perfected at its own distillery. Enjoy a tasting and lunch of delicious local seafood here. Continuing your adventure, you pass through Kilmartin Glen, home to ancient standing stones and strongholds dating back over 1,500 years. At Kennacraig, board the evening ferry to Islay, a two-hour sail where you might catch sight of the Paps of Jura, guiding you to the Queen of the Hebrides, Islay. Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation on the island. Day 2 We know whisky tasting can be hard work, so you begin the day with a little sleep in. After you’ve had an ample amount of breakfast, you enjoy a tour of Bowmore Distillery, one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland. You have time for a tour and a whisky tasting here before you continue exploring the island. Next, your driver-guide takes you to Kilchoman Distillery for a tour and a lunch of local treats. Kilchoman is known as Islay's only Single Farm Single Match Scotch Whisky, reviving traditional farm distilling of barley to bottle, making their whisky 100% Islay. After trying local larder, you travel through the beautiful countryside to the third distillery of the day. On Thursday and Saturday, you visit Bruichladdich, the progressive distillery specialising in unpeated whisky. On Tuesday, you taste the unpeated and salty notes of Bunnahabhain in the most remote distillery on Islay. You head back to Bowmore where you can either stumble back to your room for the night or relax and explore the village. Day 3 Today, you'll explore the southern side of the island, home to Scotland's renowned distilleries: Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg. After breakfast, your first stop is Ardbeg*, where a tour and tasting await. Then, visit Laphroaig*, a 200-year-old favorite of the British royal family, marked by the Prince of Wales's seal. Throughout the day, your driver-guide showcases historical sites like the ruins of Kildalton church and Dunyvaig Castle. Stop at Lagavulin for intensely flavored, rich, and smoky whisky.End your day back in Bowmore. Day 4 This morning, you take the ferry back to the mainland. You travel through coastal scenery to the beautiful village of Inveraray on the banks of Loch Fyne. The town is adorned with historic buildings, old boats, and a great whisky shop. Your trip continues to Loch Lomond where you have a chance to admire Great Britain’s largest body of water by surface area. You arrive in Edinburgh in the early evening. *Itinerary and distillery visits are subject to change.

-This online travel guidebook helps you create a bespoke road trip to help with planning your break before you travel as well as when you are on your break, with 12 months of access. -Therefore, we suggest you don’t wait until your travel date, purchase the guidebook in advance to help you with your planning. Choose an early date and get planning straight away! • The West Coast of Scotland captivates with stunning scenery, diverse history, and abundant activities. • Explore Highland mountains, visit unique Scottish islands, discover Glencoe's beauty, and immerse in historical sites. • Enjoy serene beaches, camping by the coast, and an unforgettable road trip adventure. West Coast of Scotland's Highlights: • Scottish Islands: Discover the islands off Scotland's West Coast, each with its unique allure. • Glencoe: Explore Scotland's raw beauty in Glencoe, where majestic peaks, serene lochs, and rich history create an awe-inspiring experience for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. • Fort William & Ben Nevis: Delve into a remarkable adventure in Fort William, nestled beneath towering Ben Nevis. Engage in hiking, biking, and exploring the stunning Scottish Highlands. • Historical Exploration: Uncover the rich history of Scotland's West Coast. From ancient standing stones to medieval castles like Dunvegan and Eilean Donan, discover the region's intriguing past. • West Coast Beaches: Enjoy picturesque beaches along Scotland's West Coast, where the rhythmic waves and golden sands create a tranquil escape amidst nature's beauty. • West Coast of Scotland driving route: This suggested route aroud the West Coast of Scotland spans approximately 297 miles (479 km), and has a drivetime between 11 hours and 12 hours 30 minutes. • This driving route lends itself to a week or more to enjoy at a pace to spend time outdoors. • Make this West Coast of Scotland road trip your own, by using the flexible itinerary to fit the time you have from 3 days to 2 weeks. • This itinerary covers visitor information for 12 destinations, plus loads of links and references. • This West Coast of Scotland road trip is mapped out on 3 West Coast maps, including a flexible driving route. • Use the Overnight Stay to locate 35 campsites, 20+ motorhome stops, 30+ hotels and 180+ B&Bs, guesthouses and lodges • The Uncover More map pinpoints to 45+ viewpoints, 70+ places of interest, 10+ hidden gems and 20 wild swim spots.

After meeting at the central point in Oban, you will be taken on a tour off the beaten track to local historical sites often not seen by the average tourist and learn about the origins and history of Oban. Visit Dunstaffanage Castle a ruined castle which has a unique local history dating back to the 12th-century. Then will visit the St. Conan's Kirk a uniquely famous and renowned architectural church which holds bones of Robert the Bruce. From there you will go to see Kilchurn Castle which dates to back to the 15th-century and was the original home of the Clan Campbell. You will then be taken through Glen Lonan, a hidden gem of a valley where standing stones and highland cattle can be seen. This glen is hard to find and not normally visited by tourists and is also on the "coffin trail" an ancient burial route of Scottish Kings and Queens on route to their final burial place in Iona. While exploring the glen you will have many opportunities to get up close and personal with the Highland cattle and calves. With your tour coming to an end, enjoy a seafood lunch on the fishing pier in Oban. You will learn about the local fishing economy and get to enjoy delicious local catches. Vegetarian and other dietary options available on request.

Embark on a fully guided tour from Oban to Glenfinan Viaduct, where you are guaranteed the chance to see the famous Jacobite train crossing the bridge, providing a magical and unforgettable experience. Admire the stunning views of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, and explore historic sites such as Castle Stalker, Dunstaffnage Castle, the Glenfinan Monument, and the Appin murder sites, which inspired the novel "Kidnapped" by Robert Louis Stevenson. Personalize your experience with the opportunity to customize the tour for groups of up to 14 people. A stop for lunch at a local restaurant is available upon request, offering a taste of traditional Scottish cuisine. With comfortable transportation and expert guidance, this tour provides a unique and immersive experience of the beauty and history of the Scottish Highlands.