Driving and Cycling in Argyll, Scotland

The scenery surrounding Oban is so spectacular it could probably only be seen to be believed. Make your way along the “high road” or “the low road” towards the many “bonny, bonny banks”.

Scenic Drives

3 hours+ C3	Lismore – By ferry or foot from Oban pier (visit the ticket office, 01631 566688 or www.calmac.co.uk). On Lismore hire a bike or just walk this quiet green Island. A great day out. Alternatively drive north to Port Appin on A828 where the road ends and the passenger ferry takes 5 minutes to cross to lovely Lismore. Last crossing 8pm. Fit in a visit to the Pier House Restaurant at the ferry slipway.
3 hours+ C2-D1	Around Loch Awe – you have a choice of ways to get to know this long and lovely loch. Head to Taynuilt on the A85 then go right to Kilchrenan through beautiful Glen Nant on the B845, then 18 miles of quiet unclassified roads between forest and loch with many walking opportunities. When you reach Ford at the other end you can loop back up the other side of the Loch or pick up the A816 back into Oban from the south.
3 hours+ from C2	The Crinan Canal – a charming small old-time canal with little automation. Its fun watching the yachtties push their way through and its in a very picturesque setting close to historic Kilmartin. Head south on the A816 then follow the signs for Crinan just south of Kilmartin. You can extend by taking the lovely minor road south to Tayvallich. Lunch Stops at Crafty Kitchen, Ardfern, The Crinan Hotel, Tayvallich, the Cairn in Kilmartin.
2 hours+ C3	Appin – head North to Kidnapped country and take in classic views such as Castle Stalker. Take the A828 then pickup the first left sign for Appin and follow the loop of unclassified road around the coast. Great lunch stop at The Pierhouse, Port Appin and trips to Lismore. The best view of Castle Stalker is from further along the A828 where it takes a sharp right hand turn at the top of a steep hill. A new visitor centre is under construction here.
6 hours+ A2-B3	Around Mull - Mull is an Island full of variety and a day doesn’t really do it justice. We’d recommend that you do Iona on a separate day. Take the Calmac Ferry from the pier (visit the ticket office, 01631 566688 or www.calmac.co.uk) then take the A849 to Salen. Take a left here on the B8035 before picking up the coastal B8073 to take you anti-clockwise around the Island. Favourite stops are Ulva, Calgary Bay and Tobermory.
Day 2	Iona – take a whole day for this long but worthwhile journey to the cradle of British Christianity. Visit the Abbey and explore the colourful rocky and sandy beaches of this lovely Island. Take the Mull Ferry (visit the ticket office, 01631 566688 or www.calmac.co.uk) then follow signs to Fionnphort where you take the passenger ferry to Iona. Alternatively take an organised tour from the Pier.
3 hours + D1	Inveraray - a day out to Inverary offer the opportunity not just for some great views but the chance to visit Inveraray Castle, the famous Loch Fyne Oysters and other attractions. Take the A85 to Dalmally then A819 to Inveraray. Its possible to make a circuit by returning on the A83 to Lochgilphead then back to Oban on the A816.
3 hours + C3	Loch Etive – take the A85 and then A828 over the Connel Bridge. When over take first right and follow the road to historic and scenic Bonawe. On the way you can stop at Ardchattan Priory and return via the B845 and Barcaldine.
3 hours + B2-B1	The Bridge over the Atlantic - Take the A816 south to Kilninver then head off at the Easdale signs to explore this honeypot area. Try Ardmaddy Castle & Gardens, Easdale, the An Cala Gardens, The Isle of Luing and of course the remarkable Clachan Bridge itself. Lunch at Clachan or Easdale. There’s more than a days worth here!
3 hours + D3	Glencoe – Travel north on the A828 and then A82 to Glasgow. Glencoe speaks for itself and famous all over the world. Try the the old road through Glencoe Village, the folk museum, National Trust Visitor Centre and lay-bys in upper Glen. Drive back through to see new and exciting views or continue to Tyndrum, join the A85 and follow the road back to Oban.
3 hours + C1	Ardfern - another charming single-track road peninsula. Lots of sailing boats, quiet corners and castles. Head south on the A816 then pick up the B8002 – its worth following to the bitter end and all the side roads too. Lunch stops at The Crafty Kitchen, Ardfern.

Bicycle hire

Cycling

3 hours + C3	Lismore – By ferry or foot from Oban pier (visit the ticket office, 01631 566688 or www.calmac.co.uk). On Lismore hire a bike or just walk this quiet green Island. A great day out. Alternatively drive north to Port Appin on A828 (3.4) where the road ends and the passenger ferry takes 5 minutes to cross to lovely Lismore. Last crossing 8pm. Fit in a visit to the Pier House Restaurant at the ferry slipway.
30 mins C1	Around The Craignish Peninsula (8 miles) – this is a varied and rugged low level coastal walk with great views to the inner Hebrides and lovely Loch Craignish. Park in Ardfern Village and take the minor road which branches past the school and walk over to Lunga House. Close to the house road-end a rough farm track heads left and south. Where the path splits take the higher inland route for the best views eventually a series of gates leads to Gartcharran Farm and from here turn left onto the minor road to walk back to your car.
30 mins C2	Kilchrenan Circle (9 miles) - Start in the village of Kilchrenan (signposted right off A85 at Taynuilt) and walk East on the minor road to Ardanaseig. Take the only left turn before the Hotel. After about a mile the road turns to path as it swings back inland with a cottage and sheep fold on the left before rejoining a Landrover track at Ballimore. Great views of Ben Cruachan.
30 mins B2	Degnish Peninsula and the Wishing Tree (9 miles) – Park where the road takes a sharp right hand turn to Ardmaddy Castle at The Lodge. From here a landrover track takes you 2 miles past the historic wishing tree (jammed with coins). At its summit you can clamber off to nearby hillocks with great views of all the surrounding area. The walk can be extended to 9 miles by either carrying onto the shores of Loch Melfort or by heading right to the peak of Dun Crutagain which has magnificent views.
5 mins C2	Around Kerrera (6 miles)- Take the Ferry to Kerrera and turn left when you disembark to follow the coast southwards. After you pass cottages at the bay and the track climbs inland fork left before the white cottage (Upper Gylen) going through a gate to climb the hill – now head for the ruined 1587 castle and follow the cliffs west and the path eventually rejoins the track which circles around the Island and back to the ferry point. If you miss the coastal path section of this walk you will still get around Kerrera but miss the castle . Oddly there’s rather a nice Tea Garden on the southern section of this walk.
30 mins C3	Sutherland's Grove - 30 minutes drive on A828, near Barcaldine. Variety of well marked forestry walks including dramatic gorge and pleasant resevoir.