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Availability from October 2023 to April 2024 is not bookable via the website. For enquiries please email Ardtorna

Oban Itineraries

Many guests ask for suggestions on what to do whilst staying at Ardtorna. Here are some ideas for a week's itinerary.

Day 1

Castle StalkerCircular tour stopping off at Stalker View Café and taking in the breathtaking views of Castle Stalker; continue on to atmospheric GLENCOE, notorious for the massacre that took place there in 1692; coming back round through the wild and beautiful Glenorchy stopping at St Conan's Kirk, a lovely old building in Lochawe; Cruachan Hydro Electric Power Station deep within the mountain and Inverawe Smokeries, world renowned smokery where you can watch the fish being smoked and sample the delights too.

Day 2

Ferry to IonaNo stay in Oban is complete without a trip to IONA.  Most of our guests include a trip to the heritage sites of Iona and Staffa by way of the beautiful island of Mull.  Iona, the Holy Island, is the cradle of Christianity in this land and has a peace and tranquility, whether in the Abbey or on its famed silver sands, that is appreciated by pilgrim and tourist alike.  STAFFA, with its basalt columns and Fingal’s Cave, has inspired visitors throughout centuries including Dr Johnson, Queen Victoria and Felix Mendelssohn, who wrote his famous overture after visiting the island.

Day 3

Photo from EllenabeichVisit EASDALE and SEIL ISLAND.  Easdale is situated south of Oban where slate was quarried for many years.  There is a regular ferry to the island where you can visit the museum and walk around to see the sea filled slate quarries devastated by the great storm of November 1881.  Easdale is the base for SEA.FARI ADVENTURES offering high adventure in rigid inflatable and the thrill of close encounters with Scotland’s magnificent bird and sea life.  On route you will cross the bridge over the Atlantic which separates the mainland from the island of Seil.  The nearby pub “TIGH AN TRUISH” - The House of the Trousers - is well worth a visit for lunch or a dram.  This is where the Highlanders would discard the hated trousers they were forced to wear after the ‘45 rebellion and put on their plaid kilts once again. 

Day 4

INVERARAY.  Visit INVERARAY CASTLE which is the home of the Duke of Argyll.  Pop into INVERARAY JAIL which is Scotland’s 19th century Courtroom and Prison.   Go aboard the INVERARAY MARITIME MUSEUM which is a 1911 three masted schooner.    Walk up to the BELL TOWER OF ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH containing Scotland’s finest bells and the 2nd heaviest ring of 10 in the world. 

Day 5

KerreraTake the little ferry over to the delightful island of KERRERA.  For the more energetic person, bikes can be hired in Oban and you can cycle round the island.   The island is great for looking out for sea and golden eagles, hen harriers, peregrines and gannets.  Sea otters and seals abound and you may spot dolphins, porpoise and even the odd whale.  The Tea Garden is open during the season for homemade soups, sandwiches, cakes and scones. 

Day 6

Visit FORT WILLIAM and hop on the STEAM TRAIN that takes you to MALLAIG. This train and the stunning scenery along the way were the inspiration for Harry Potter.  This train journey is in the top 10 train journey’s throughout the world.  Departs from Fort William at 10.20 a.m. and returns at 16.00. Travel effortlessly 2150 feet up the north face of AONACH MHOR  in a cable car and take in the breathtaking views of the Great Glen, Ben Nevis and the surrounding areas.  Take time to visit the TREASURES OF THE EARTH - an award winning collection of priceless gemstones and crystals in an atmospheric display of caves, caverns and mines.

Day 7

Photo of TobermoryTake the ferry across to the island of MULL and take the service bus to TOBERMORY which is a pretty town of colour washed houses, distillery and much more.  Alternatively, hop on the bus which takes you to DUART CASTLE, seat of the Clan McLean.