Oban is a picturesque fishing town on the West Coast of Scotland. Built around a natural bay, it is hard to escape the sight of the sea. Oban is also surrounded by islands, the nearest, Kerrera being only accessible 5 minutes ferry trip away. Caledonian MacBrayne run ferries from Oban to Mull, Coll and Tiree, Lismore, Barra and South Uist and Colonsay, and due to this, Oban has come to be known as the Gateway to the Isles.
Corriemar is built on the Esplanade with a level walk to the centre of the town. The views of the bay from the guest house are superb, especially in the evening when the sun sets over the hills to the west. Behind us lies Dunollie woods with its paths and walks. Here there are many birds from our native blackbird to our more speedy summer visitors the swift and the swallow. Occasionally that rare but most interesting of sights can be seen; the red squirrel. You can take the woodland walk along to Dunollie Castle, the ancestral home of Clan MacDougall.
Oban itself has a great many places to eat and drink, from small cafes and takeaways to top class restaurants. It also has a wide range of shops and supermarkets. There is a pleasant sandy beach about 2 miles from Corriemar with parking facilities. Atlantis Leisure in Oban comprises a large swimming pool with flume as well as tennis, badminton and squash courts along with fitness classes and a gym. There is also our community cinema, Oban Phoenix a short walk from Corriemar and many of the local pubs have a variety of live entertainment on offer. If you want to learn a new skill, diving, sailing and kayaking is available locally around Oban bay.
For those visitors who are interested in the abundance of birds and wildlife in the surrounding area, there are boat trips to local islands where puffins, kittiwakes, fulmars and much, much more can be seen. There are several tours available, including trips to the Treshnish Isles and the Isle of Staffa where Fingals cave can be visited. You can visit the infamous Corryvreckan Whirlpool which is closer to Oban and on the mainland is the Oban Seal Sanctuary where visitors can watch the rescued seals and seal pups being fed as well as the otters and various types of fish in their pools and tanks.
Local Guide
Being in Oban and the vast area of Argyll and the Isles, you are never short of something to do. Here are some useful websites for planning your trip.