Oban

For an extended day trip, follow all directions for Inveraray with a choice of route thereafter to Oban: either continue on the A83 via Lochgilphead, Kilmartin Glen and the west coast - approaching Oban from the south; or the A819 to Loch Awe and the A85 via Cruachan Power Station, Pass of Brander and the Falls of Lora - approaching Oban from the north and east. Oban itself is an attractive, bustling port town with good shopping and general amenities, as well as vital transport connections by train and by coach to link with sailings to the western islands. (Travel on the glorious West Highland Line from Helensburgh Upper Railway station leaving at 9.25 hours arriving in Oban at 11.40 hours. Depart Oban at 18.10 hours and arrive back at Helensburgh Upper at 20.32 hours). (Times may vary - please check!)

In-town attractions include the  Sea Life Centre and spectacular views from McCaig's Folly. Alternatively, a popular choice is to take the ferry to the Isle of Mull, where one can visit ruined Duart Castle, or Torosay Castle & Gardens with its Miniature Gauge Railway. Many visitors continue across the western arm of Mull to take the passenger ferry to the island of Iona and its ancient Abbey, whose origins (dating back to 565AD) are closely entwined with St. Columba, and the coming of Christianity to Scotland. Time permitting, return from Oban southward on the A816 by the coast to Kilmartin Glen, famed for its abundance of stone circles and burial cairns dating back to the Bronze Age, and the Moine Mhor or Great Moss dominated by the Dark Age hill fort of Dunadd. This rocky outcrop is widely reputed to be the location of the capital of the ancient Scots of Dalriada, placing its origins around 500 AD.