Island Trips Oban
No trip to the Western Highlands is complete without sampling the unique atmosphere of one of the islands.
Island Trips Oban
Mull
Many peoples’ first choice with a wealth of day trips to chose from.
On foot-Take the ferry to Craignure then either:
- take a bus trip to Duart castle
- take the local bus to Tobermory and spend a lazy day in one of Scotland’s prettiest ports
- visit Iona and its Abbey burial place of Kings and birthplace of Christianity in Scotland.
By car – Any of the above are possible but include a loop round the western coast of Mull for the superb scenery.
Coach tour-There are various coach and boat tours that take in Mull, details are available in Oban.Glengorm Castle and at sunset
Kerrera
Delightful little island just out from Oban, no cars on the island, but a lovely tearoom and ruined castle at the southern end. The tearoom is a two mile walk/cycle from the ferry or part of a 6 mile circular walk around the south of the island. The southern coast line is particularly interesting with rock beaches and headlands.
Easdale
Perhaps the easiest of the islands to get to and for many one of their favourite places on the west coast. A small ferry crosses from Seil island, itself reached by the famous bridge over the Atlantic.
Lismore
Lovely island in Loch Linnhe, ferry from Oban (occasionally) and Port Appin (regularly). The heritage museum has a lovely tea room. Some lovely ruined buildings to see, a huge broch, and old castles.
Luing
Accessible from Seil island, great wildlife. You can hire bikes from Sunnybrae caravan park, including electric bikes. The most affordable bike hire we’ve seen anywhere.
Staffa
One of those special places you’ll never forget, situated off the west coast of Mull. Unless you have your own boat you need to take a boat trip there and visit Fingal’s Cave, one of the great sights of the world and inspiration for Mendelsons composition. Also if time permits take a walk to the north end of the island and be dive bombed by skies full of puffins. There are tours that combine Iona, Staffa and Mull in a day trip.
Ferries to Islands
Most are run by Caledonian MacBrayne or Calmac 01631 566 688
By car you have to check in at least 30 mins before departure, even when you book (they won’t let you on otherwise!). If you are leaving your car in Oban, there is no where to park it by the ferry terminal.
There is a connecting bus service from Craignure to Tobermory Please ring to check the times.
- Mull
- Lismore
- Tiree day cruise – Wednesdays only . Ring ‘n ride bus service on Tiree 01879 220 419. Also you can hire a bike from the pier for the day (see bike hire section). If you like white sandy beaches, this is heaven. Rarely any midges, as it’s too windy. Tiree is where we go on holiday ourselves in July.
- Luing Island – from Seil. Just a short crossing, leaving you to explore Luing, where you can hire bikes at Sunnybrae caravan park.
- There are also many non-landing cruises to Colonsay, Tiree and Barra, South Uist and Barra, Coll & Tiree.
Other Boat Journeys
- Kerrera – Leaves from Galanach Road, south of Oban. This service is now part of CalMac.
- Lismore – from port Appin
- Easedale, from Seil Island
Organised Trips from Oban
- The Mull Experience – tickets from Caledonian MacBrayne office in Oban – 01631 562 244 Includes return ferry, Torosay castle, Duart Castle, the Mull Railway & coach travel in between.
- Mull & Iona bus/boat tour on ever decreasing boat sizes. Two options per day. Can include Treshnish isles – ornithologists paradise.
- Turusmara Tours 08000 858 786. The Treshnish isles offer birdwatching for the beginner during the spring. From April to July there are hundreds of Puffins here, that are very photogenic from very close up. Amazing to just sit and be surrounded by puffins, little clowns, our kids favourite birds.
- Sealife Surveys 01688 302 916 – prior bookings only. Whale, dolphin, shark, seal, puffin watching. All from Tobermory, Mull. Maximum 12 on the boat.
