Places to visit in Fort William Scotland

The hectic town of Oban lies by a sheltered bay into the lee of this area of Kerrera, 49 mi south of Fort William. Since Victorian times the town was one of Scotland's preferred hotels, and a significant harbor for solutions to your western Highlands and the Hebrides. Perhaps one of the most popular ship trips from Oban takes in the little countries of Staffa and Iona with views en route regarding the stunning east coast of Mull. Oban additionally tends to make a great base for sightseeing excursions into the Highland mountains and lochs, while Ganavan Sands behind Dunollie Castle provides opportunities for bathing.

1 McCaig's Tower

McCaig's Tower makes a beneficial vantage point for viewing Oban in addition to surrounding location. A delightful replica of this Colosseum in Rome, the imposing framework ended up being built at Battery Hill at the conclusion of the 19th century by wealthy banker, John Stuart McCaig. He reported the job would gainfully employ numerous townsfolk; however, it did not take long prior to the locals realized this folly was meant as a memorial to McCaig along with his family members. After taking in the breathtaking views, make sure you stroll along Oban's pleasant Corran Esplanade using its stores, accommodations and restaurants. Another highlight is the Oban War and Peace Museum along with its presentation around town's wartime past.

Hours: start every day

Admission: Free

2 Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel

Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel

Dunstaffnage Castle, simply 4 mi north of Oban, stands shield on a rock overlooking the entry to beautiful Loch Etive. The 3 round towers therefore the wall space, in locations 10 ft dense, day from the fifteenth century when the castle belonged toward Campbell clan. The residential tower had been integrated the seventeenth century. Cannon regarding the ramparts had been salvaged from a Spanish galleon that sank in Tobermory Bay.

A few yards further on, the ruins of a 13th century chapel deserve special attention as a number of very early Scottish monarchs tend to be reported to be buried right here alongside members of the Campbell household. Near by could be the Oban water lifetime Centre on Loch Creran, an underwater globe featuring sharks, rays, squid, seals alongside animals inside their normal habitat, also an impressive playing field.

Hours: constant, 9:30am-5:30pm

Admission: Adults, £4.50; Kids, £2.70

Address: Dunstaffnage Castle Dunbeg, Oban

3 Castle Stalker and Kerrera Gylen Castle

Castle Stalker (25 mi north of Oban) consumes an enchanting environment on a tiny area in Loch Linnhe. Started in 14th century due to the fact house associated with the Stewarts of Appin, it absolutely was used by James IV as a hunting lodge and ended up being restored in the sixties. The destination opens for tours five days each summertime, and tours must certanly be booked beforehand. Another old castle worth a trip could be the abandoned fortifications in the area of Kerrera. Started in 1582 for the MacDougall clan, it may be reached via a mile-long footpath through the jetty where the traveler ferry lands.

4 Bonawe Iron Furnace

This charcoal-fired ironworks on the shores of Loch Etive was in service between 1753 and 1876 has-been faithfully restored with specific emphasis on the furnace and adjoining buildings. Many years before it closed the foundry made cannonballs which were utilized in the Battle of Trafalgar - and today Taynuilt has actually a monument to Lord Nelson.

Hours: open up everyday, 9:30am-5:30pm (Apr-Sept)

Loch Etive and Ardchattan Priory Gardens

Loch Etive and Ardchattan Priory Gardens

The north tip of Loch Etive, just obtainable by a little road or by-boat, marks the start of the remote Glen Etive in which magnificent golden eagles (their particular wingspans can attain 8 ft) can often be seen searching. The Ardchattan Priory Gardens, founded in 1230 by Valliscaulian monks from Burgundian Val diverses Choux, is situated on the north lender of Loch Etive. Aside from the stays associated with the transept, Cromwell's soldiers left small else associated with the buildings, although the adjoining garden includes over 200 varieties of bushes, including some fine bush roses.

Hours: open up everyday 9:30am-5:30pm (Apr-Oct)

Admission: Adults, £4; Children (16 and under), free

Address: Ardchattan Priory Outdoors, Oban, Argyll