Areas

Oban is a compact town built around its bay, and easy to explore. Its character shifts from the busy harbour to the commercial town centre and up to the peaceful hillsides that offer spectacular views.

The Harbour & Esplanade This is the undeniable heart of Oban. CalMac ferries, fishing boats and local tour boats come and go from the harbour all day. The main ferry terminal is beside the train station, so changing from one to the other is easy. From here, the Corran Esplanade sweeps north in a gentle curve, offering a beautiful walk along the seafront with fine views of the island of Kerrera and beyond.

The Town Centre Just behind the harbour lies the town centre, a cluster of streets filled with a mix of independent shops, pubs, restaurants, and galleries. George Street is the main thoroughfare, running parallel to the bay. Close by are the Oban Distillery, a historic stone building that predates most of the town, and the Oban War & Peace Museum, which tells the story of this resilient community.

The Hillsides Oban is built on a series of small, steep hills that rise up from the bay. The most prominent of these is Battery Hill, topped by the unmissable McCaig’s Tower. The short, steep walk up to the tower gives a view over the town, the bay, and the islands. It’s the best place to get your bearings.