Oban is known as the gateway to the isles, and the days out from here make the most of it. Ferries leave the harbour for Mull, Kerrera and beyond, so you can be on an island for lunch and back for dinner. On the mainland there are castles on rocky headlands, quiet sea lochs, and some of the freshest seafood you'll ever eat, often straight from the boat by the pier.
Each day is planned stop by stop, with the drive or the crossing between each place, where to eat, and the ferries and boat trips that need booking ahead. Some are easy without a car, as the ferries are a short walk from the station. Choose an island, a castle or simply a long seafood lunch, and we'll handle the rest.
Your best match · In ObanSunset at McCaig's Tower and supper at the Waterfront FishouseOn foot, about three hours.See the day
In ObanOban War and Peace Museum and lunch at CoastOn foot, about three hours
In ObanA boat trip from Oban's North Pier and lunch at Ee-UskOn foot, about four hours
In ObanA day in ObanA day on foot, about 3 miles
In ObanDunollie Wood, the Dog Stone and Dunollie Castle walkBy car, about an hour on foot from the station and back; less from Corran Halls
In ObanThe Dog Stone with the dog and the Oban Chocolate CompanyOn foot, about an hour and a half
In ObanDunollie and Ganavan Sands with the childrenBy car, about five and a half hours
In ObanA wood-fired sauna on Ganavan Sands, ObanBy car, about two and a half hours
In ObanGanavan Sands and lunch at Cuan MorBy car, about three hours
In ObanRound the south of Kerrera by Gylen CastleOn foot, about five hours from Gallanach, with both crossings
In ObanWalking on KerreraA day on foot, about 8 miles
In ObanGylen Castle on Kerrera and lunch at the Oban InnOn foot, about four hours
About 3 miles awayHistoric Kilbride and lunch at the Barn at CologinBy car, about two hours
About 3 miles awayThe Ocean Explorer Centre and lunch at the Beach CafeBy car, about three hours
About 3 miles awayA wet day in ObanA day by bus and on foot
About 4 miles awayThe Falls of Lora and lunch at the Oyster InnBy car, about two hours
In ObanA Day on the Isle of LismoreA day by car, about 14 milesMembers
About 6 miles awayA walk up Beinn Lora above BenderlochBy car, about an hour and a half to the Eagle's Eyrie and back, 3.3 km; up to three hours with the summit
About 7 miles awayAngus's Garden at Barguillean, in Glen LonanBy car, about an hour and a half
About 8 miles awayDuart Castle and lunch in its tearoomBy car, about three and a half hours
About 8 miles awayA Day Exploring Mid-ArgyllA day by car, about 52 milesMembers
About 8 miles awayClachan Bridge and a pint at Tigh an TruishBy car, about two hours
About 10 miles awayRound the Appin Rocks to Clach Thoull at Port AppinOn foot, about three hours, with lunch
About 10 miles awayThe Coalers Trail walk in Glen NantBy car, about an hour and a half
About 11 miles awayA wildlife boat to the Gulf of CorryvreckanOn foot, about three and a half hours
About 11 miles awayThe Jubilee Bridge and Castle Stalker shore walkBy car, about an hour and a half
About 11 miles awayA Daytrip to Glen Coe from ObanA day by car, about 61 miles
About 13 miles awayArduaine Garden on Loch MelfortBy car, about two and a half hours
About 14 miles awayA walk up to the Cruachan Dam above Loch AweBy car, about three hours by the steep path, or four by the dam road
About 14 miles awayA walk along Loch Aline to Kinlochaline CastleBy car, about two hours
About 16 miles awayA walk round Lochbuie to Moy Castle and Laggan SandsBy car, about two and a half hours
About 16 miles awayA walk to the Fairy Bridge in Glen CreranBy car, an hour to an hour and a half for the 4 km loop by the bridge; about an hour for the 2.2 km Pine Marten Trail
About 16 miles awaySt Conan's Kirk and afternoon tea at the Oban Bay HotelBy car, about three hours
About 17 miles awayFollowing the Quiet Road Around Loch AweA day by car, about 40 milesMembers
About 18 miles awayA walk to the cleared township of Aoineadh MorBy car, about an hour and three quarters
About 19 miles awayA Day Exploring North Mull and UlvaA day by car, about 60 miles
About 19 miles awayKilmartin Glen and DunaddA day by car, about 76 miles
About 19 miles awayA walk up Dun na Cuaiche above Inveraray CastleBy car, about two hours
About 20 miles awayA walk on the Kilmartin Coach Road to Carnasserie CastleBy car, about two and a half hours
About 21 miles awayA walk through Ariundle OakwoodBy car, about an hour and a half
About 21 miles awayThe seals of Garbh Eilean on Loch SunartBy car, about an hour and a half
About 22 miles awaySegway, archery and nine holes at Woodlands GlencoeBy car, about five and a half hours
About 22 miles awayA hilltop sauna at Woodlands Glencoe and Glencoe LochanBy car, about four hours
About 23 miles awayA walk up through Crinan Wood to Castle DounieBy car, about two and a half hours
About 23 miles awayGlencoe Visitor Centre and tea at the Isles of GlencoeBy car, about three hours
About 23 miles awayA walk to Inchree Falls and Wade's Road in Glen RighBy car, about an hour, or two and a half hours with both trails
About 23 miles awaySignal Rock and a pint in the Boots Bar at the Clachaig InnOn foot, about three hours
About 23 miles awayThe Pap of Glencoe and lunch at the Clachaig InnBy car, about six hours
About 24 miles awayGlencoe Lochan and a hot chocolate at the visitor centreBy car, about two and a half hours
About 24 miles awayA walk to the cup and ring rocks at AchnabreckBy car, about 45 minutes; a quarter of an hour by the short trail
About 25 miles awayThe beaver loch walk at Barnluasgan in KnapdaleBy car, about half an hour round the loch, 1.5 km; an hour more for the 2.6 km Oakwood Trail
About 25 miles awayRound Loch Coille-Bharr to the lost village of Kilmory OibBy car, about two hours
About 25 miles awayA walk to the cleared village of Arichonan in KnapdaleBy car, about an hour
About 25 miles awayThe walks of GlencoeA day by car, about 12 miles
About 25 miles awayThe Allt Robuic waterfalls walk at GlenbranterBy car, about an hour and a half
About 26 miles awayAros Park's play area, disc golf and waterfalls in TobermoryBy car, about five hours
About 26 miles awayThe farm walk on Ulva and lunch at the BoathouseOn foot, about three hours
About 26 miles awayThe Treshnish Isles and Staffa by boatBy car, about six and a half hours
About 27 miles awayA walk to Eas Fors waterfall on Loch TuathBy car, about an hour and a half
About 27 miles awayTobermory Distillery tour and lunch at MacGochansOn foot, about two and a half hours
About 27 miles awayMull Museum and lunch at the GalleonOn foot, about two and a half hours
About 27 miles awayThe Hebridean Whale Centre in TobermoryOn foot, about two hours
About 27 miles awayA Day Exploring the Isle of MullA day by car, about 43 miles
About 27 miles awayA walk down to Camas nan Geall on ArdnamurchanBy car, half an hour for the bay, or about two and a half hours with the shore
About 27 miles awayIsle of Mull Cheese farm and lunch in the Glass BarnBy car, about three and a half hours
About 27 miles awayRubha nan Gall lighthouse and a pint at the MishnishOn foot, about two and a half hours
About 28 miles awayLip na Cloiche garden above Loch TuathBy car, about an hour
About 28 miles awayThe via ferrata above KinlochlevenBy car, about three and a half hours
About 28 miles awayA walk to the Grey Mare's Tail waterfall in KinlochlevenBy car, about an hour, or up to three hours with the longer round
About 29 miles awayA walk to Castle Tioram and the Silver WalkBy car, about three and a half hours with the Silver Walk; an hour for the castle alone
About 29 miles awayThe old road at Kingshouse and a pint in the Climbers BarOn foot, about two and a half hours
About 30 miles awayA walk to the Falls of Falloch and lunch at the Drovers InnBy car, about two hours
About 31 miles awaySteall Falls and lunch at the WildcatBy car, about three and a half hours
About 31 miles awayBen Nevis and Glen NevisA day by car, about 14 miles
About 31 miles awayA Seal Island cruise and lunch at the Highland CinemaOn foot, about three and a half hours
About 31 miles awayThe West Highland Museum and lunch at CrannogOn foot, about three hours
About 31 miles awayA film at the Highland Cinema and a pizza in its restaurantOn foot, about three and a half hours
About 31 miles awayBreakfast at the Wildcat and the end of the West Highland WayOn foot, about an hour and a half
About 31 miles awayCow Hill with the dog and lunch at the Black Isle BarOn foot, about four and a half hours
About 31 miles awayThe Old Fort, the Town Pier and a pint at the Ben Nevis BarOn foot, about two and a half hours
About 31 miles awayA walk up to Dun Deardail above Glen NevisBy car, about three and a half hours
About 31 miles awayA walk on the Glenfinnan Viaduct TrailBy car, about an hour and a half
About 32 miles awayThe Old Boat of Caol and lunch at An Cafaidh MaraBy car, about two hours
About 32 miles awayTreasures of the Earth and lunch at the Highland CinemaBy car, about three hours
About 33 miles awayA tour at Ben Nevis Distillery and lunch at the Larder CaféBy car, about three and a half hours
About 33 miles awayCalgary Bay, the sculpture woods and lunch at CalgaryOn foot, about three hours
About 33 miles awayThe Laird's Trail walk at Ardentinny beachBy car, about an hour
About 33 miles awayA wet day in Fort William and GlencoeA day by car, about 50 miles
About 35 miles awayA walk to St Columba's Bay at Iona's south endOn foot, about six hours from Fionnphort, with both crossings
About 35 miles awayA walk to Iona's north end and up Dùn ÌOn foot, about four hours from Fionnphort, with both crossings
About 35 miles awayThe Nevis Range gondola and lunch at the Larder CaféBy car, about three and a half hours
About 36 miles awayA Full-Day Itinerary for Exploring Iona on FootA day on foot, about 8 miles
About 37 miles awayA walk to Port nam Murrach from the Rhu road end at ArisaigBy car, about an hour and a half, plus time on the beachNot every day out needs to be a big one. A castle and a café, a walk and lunch, a museum when it rains: one place, somewhere good to eat close by, and the time between worked out.

By car, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about an hour and a half.

On foot, about three and a half hours.

By train and on foot, about two hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about two hours.

By car, about three and a half hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

By car, about three hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about two hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

By car, about four and a half hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

By car, about five hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about three hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

By Subway and on foot, about four hours.

By car, about two hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about three and a half hours.

On foot, about three hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about three and a half hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

By bus and on foot, about three hours.

On foot, about two hours.

By car, about an hour and a half.

On foot, about an hour and a half.

On foot, about three hours.

By Subway and on foot, about three hours.

On foot, about three hours.

On foot, about three hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

By car, about three hours.

By Subway and on foot, about three hours.

On foot, about three and a half hours.

By car, about three hours.

On foot, about an hour and a half.

By car, about three and a half hours.

By car, about three hours.

By train and on foot, about three hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about three and a half hours.

By car, about two hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

By car, about three hours.

On foot, about two hours.

By car, about three hours.

By car, about two hours with lunch.

On foot, about three and a half hours.

On foot, about three and a half hours.

By car, about two hours.

On foot, about three hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

By car, about three hours.

By Subway and train and on foot, about five hours.

On foot, about three and a half hours.

By car, about three hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

By car, about three hours.

By boat and on foot, about four hours.

On foot, about an hour and a half.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about two hours.

On foot, about three hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about an hour.

On foot, about an hour and a half.

On foot, about three hours.

On foot, about three hours.

By car, about four hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about three hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about an hour and a half.

By car, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about four and a half hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

By bus and on foot, about five hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about three and a half hours.

On foot, about three hours.

By car, about four and a half hours.

By car, about two hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

By car, about four hours.

On foot, about two hours.

On foot, about three and a half hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about three hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

By train and on foot, about three hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

By tram and on foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about four hours.

By car, about four hours.

By car, about four and a half hours.

On foot, about three hours.

On foot, about an hour and a half.

On foot, about three hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

By car, about five and a half hours.

On foot, about two hours.

On foot, about three hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

By bike, about three and a half hours.

On foot, about three and a half hours.

By car, about three hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

By car, about three hours.

By car, about three hours with Nardini's.

On foot, about three and a half hours.

By car, about three hours.

By car, about three and a half hours.

By car, about three hours.

On foot, about three hours.

By car, about three and a half hours.

By car, about three and a half hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about four hours.

By car, about three hours.

On foot, about four hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

By car, about two hours.

By car, about three hours.

On foot, about four hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

By car, about three and a half hours.

By Subway and on foot, about four hours.

By car, about three and a half hours.

On foot, about two hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about three hours.

By car, about an hour and a half.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

By car, about two hours.

By car, about five hours.

On foot, about an hour and a half.

By train and on foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about three and a half hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.
By car, about two hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about three and a half hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

By car, about three and a half hours.

By car, about three hours.

On foot, about four hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about two hours.

By car, about two hours.

By car, about two hours.

On foot, about three hours.

By car, about two hours.

By car, about three hours.

By car, about two hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

By car, about three hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about three and a half hours.

By car, about four hours.

By car, about two hours.

On foot, about three hours.

By car, about two hours.

On foot, about an hour and a half.

On foot, about three hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about three hours.

On foot, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about four hours.

On foot, about three hours.

By car, about two and a half hours.

On foot, about an hour and a half.

By car, about four hours.

On foot, about three and a half hours.

By car, about two hours.

By car, about an hour and a half.

By car, about two hours.

By car, about an hour and a half.

By car, about six hours.

By car, about two hours.

By car, about two hours.

By car, about an hour and a half.

On foot, about three hours.

On foot, about three hours.

On foot, about three hours, with lunch.

By car, about an hour and a half.

On foot, about two hours.

On foot, about three hours.

By car, about three hours.

By car, about four hours.
Days out within an hour of where you are staying, nearest first.
Our writers’ own days out, from the places they know best.

A day by car, about 26 miles.

A day by car, about 110 miles.
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A few hours by car.
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A day by car, about 58 miles.
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A day on foot, about 3 miles.
The people we have met along the way, the makers, owners and writers, on the places they love most, in their own words.

“…stroll up to The Birks of Aberfeldy from The Memorial Arch, soaking up the woods and waterfalls that once inspired Rabbie Burns.”
Zanna Wilson, artist and gallerist who runs The Watermill Gallery in Aberfeldy, Perthshire

“My absolute favourite café with the best coffee in town.”
Lorna Freytag, artist and illustrator based in Oban, with a studio overlooking Oban Bay

“The best veggie and vegan breakfast around. Epic cakes and great coffee.”
Shelley Richmond, freelance photographer and creative based in Dervaig, Isle of Mull, who publishes The Isle of Mull Journal

“The breakfasts here are incredible.”
Karen Harvey, owner of Hoos and InHoos, two homeware shops on Great Western Road in Glasgow's West End

“We particularly love doing sections of the Fife Coastal Path, especially through the East Neuk villages of Crail, Anstruther, Pittenweem, St Monans and Elie.”
Joy and Nick, own Airdit, a woodland treehouse stay above St Andrews, Fife

“A visit to the Falls of Foyers is a must.”
Anna Low, co-owns and runs Foyers Lodge, a small boutique hotel overlooking Loch Ness

“I’m a big fan of the Isle of Raasay Distillery.”
Katy Fennema, whisky Ambassador at the Fife Arms Hotel in Braemar, and runs Braemar Highland Experience with her husband Julian

“…amazing panoramas all the way up to the Old Man of Storr.”
Calum Gillies and Leonie, artist Calum Gillies and his wife Leonie run The Exchange, a gallery and coffee spot in the old telephone exchange at Clachan, Isle of Raasay

“The Nethy House Café is a regular spot for lunch or coffee.”
Sarah and Phil, run The Lazy Duck, an off-grid eco-holiday site with cabins, a bunkhouse and a campsite in Nethybridge, Cairngorms National Park

“I would definitely recommend Arthur’s seat in Holyrood Park.”
Kirsty Campbell, knitwear designer from Banchory, Deeside, behind RYVOAN, who knits in her Edinburgh studio

“…the Old Man of Storr, Quiraing and Fairy Pools etc are all incredible natural wonders to see.”
Jennifer Pearson, jewellery designer and founder of ÒR, two creative retail stores in Portree, Isle of Skye

“Exploring the incredible beaches of Oldshoremore, Polin, Achmelvich, Sandwood Bay all within 30-40 minutes drive, all with their unique character.”
Catherine Sinclair, textile designer behind Cove*, who also runs Kylesku Lodges on the north-west coast

“Both are incredible ruined castles on the coastal cliffs and have such interesting history alongside spectacular views.”
Laura (Fernweh), designer and maker of waxed-canvas bags and accessories at Fernweh UK, with a studio at Deemouth Artist Studios in Aberdeen

“Leith hall, Drum Castle and Crathes Castle gardens are all personal favourites.”
Hollie Berries, sustainable florist running Hollie Berries Flower Studio and Cutting Garden in Aberdeenshire

“Blackford Hill is my very favourite spot in Edinburgh.”
Emily Hogarth, papercut artist and illustrator who lives in East Lothian and works for Edinburgh clients, including Hidden Scotland's folklore illustrations

“…head down to the Harbour for Lobster & chips at either ‘The Rocketeer’ or ‘The Lobster Shack’.”
Stephanie Lothian, co-owns The Barn at Williamstone Farm Steadings, a holiday cottage in North Berwick
Two days and more: the days joined up, with somewhere to sleep between.








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Every day out has a Customise button: give it your own name and date, say where you are staying, move or drop a stop, and keep it in your account to share with whoever is coming.