Day Trips from Oban Without a Car

THE BEST DAY TRIPS FROM OBAN

This post was written as a part of a paid partnership with Wild about Argyll

Oban is famed as the ‘Gateway to the Isles’, but it’s not just a transport hub for ferries. This popular port town sits on the famous West Highland Railway Line and is served by both West Coast Motors and Citylink bus services.

This means that not only is Oban easy to reach on public transport, it is also the perfect base to explore the West Coast and Inner Hebrides on day trips, all without having to drive or rent a car.

As always, I’m here to highlight the benefits of travelling by public transport; it is a sustainable way to travel, it offers a more local experience, and you can just sit back and enjoy the ride!

Blue skies over Oban

Getting to Oban on public transport

Glasgow to Oban by bus

Citylink operate two services from Glasgow Buchanan Street Bus Station to Oban; the 976 which travels via Inveraray and the 975 which travels via Tyndrum. Both journeys are incredibly scenic and take around 3 hours.

  • Advanced fares are available up to 48 hours ahead of travel.
  • Prices start from as little as £23.80 return. View the current timetable here.

Glasgow to Oban by train

ScotRail operate the train service from Glasgow Queen Street Station to Oban on the West Highland Railway Line. This is also a beautiful, relaxing journey which takes around 3 hours. I book and store all my rail tickets in TheTrainLine app.

  • The best priced fares go on sale 12 weeks in advance; sign up for a Ticket Alert to be notified.
  • A standard off-peak return ticket is £44.50.

QUICK TIP: If your departure point is Edinburgh, book your bus or train journey as one ticket from Edinburgh to Oban with a change in Glasgow; the search results will show you the options with the best connection times.

Travelling with West Coast Motors

The best way to plan your journeys, browse timetables and purchase tickets is through the West Coast Motors app. Here you can save money with value tickets such as the Oban/Lorne 24 Hour Local (for Ganavan Sands) and the Tobermory Two Journey Ticket.

All buses accept contactless payments if you’d rather pay on-board.

Some services are reduced or not in operation on Sundays, so be sure to plan your day trips around this.

My favourite day trips from Oban by bus

Ganavan Sands

This is the easiest one of them all, and it doesn’t even require a full day; although if the weather is nice, a day at the beach is an excellent idea. Ganavan Sands is Oban’s local beach, boasting a lovely stretch of golden sand, clear water and views across to Lismore, Mull and Morvern. There are public toilets and a snack van just behind the beach.

From Ganavan Sands, you can follow this circular walking route to the impressive stronghold that is Dunstaffnage Castle. Alternatively, you can take a short walk in the opposite direction to another beach, known to locals as ‘Wee Ganavan’; marked on Google Maps as ‘Greenacre Bay’. There’s a bus stop there too, for the quick journey back to Oban.

  • West Coast Motors service 417 from Oban Station Square
  • Journey time = 10 minutes
  • The last bus back to Oban is before 5pm
  • It’s a 2.3 mile walk from Ganavan to Oban

The Slate Islands

Famed as the ‘islands that roofed the world’, thanks to the once thriving slate industry, these quirky islands are far lesser-known than their neighbours. The Isle of Seil is connected to the mainland by the historic ‘Bridge over the Atlantic’, and from the village of Ellenabeich (the final stop on the bus route), you can join a high-speed, wildlife-watching boat tour with Seafari Adventures to the Corryvreckhan Whirlpool.

In the village itself, The Heritage Centre is well worth a visit for an insight into the slate industry and the way of life on these islands, while The Oyster Bar & Restaurant across the street is a great spot for pub meals and seafood.

Ellenabeich is also where you catch the wee ‘ferry’ (motor boat) for the 3-minute crossing to Easdale Island; one of my favourite islands in Scotland! Take a circular walk around the island, climb the hill for amazing views, visit Easdale Island Folk Museum and finish with a bite to eat at The Puffer Bar & Restaurant – a wee gem of a place (check their social media for up-to-date opening hours).

The sign to the pub on Easdale Island
Lunch at The Puffer Bar & Restaurant, Easdale Island

Inveraray

This charming West Coast town sits on the shores of Loch Fyne; it’s pretty buildings all painted uniquely and uniformly in black and white. The enchanting Inveraray Castle is the ancestral home of Clan Campbell, the Dukes of Argyll, and is the town’s star attraction.

There is an entry fee to go inside the castle and it’s beautiful gardens, or you can simply explore the grounds, visit the tea room, or hike the hill behind the castle, Dùn na Cuaiche, for the best views of the town, castle and loch.

Back in the town centre, visit Inveraray Jail, a former prison and courtroom, to delve into the brutal system of crime and punishment in the 19th century. My go-to lunch spot is Brambles (can you find the Secret Garden?) and Ocho is a lovely brunch/lunch eatery tucked away by the lochside.

Inveraray Castle
The Vital Spark, Inveraray

Kilmartin

Kilmartin Glen has the highest concentration of Bronze Age and Neolithic monuments in the country, and is considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. You’ll find cairns, carvings, cup & ring marks, standing stones and an ancient hill fort.

The village of Kilmartin, where the bus stops, is home to Kilmartin Museum, Glebe Cairn and Kilmartin Churchyard, where the elaborately carved Kilmartin Sculptured Stones are on display. There is a café in the museum for lunch. From the village, you can follow this self-guided trail down into the glen to visit the various monuments.

  • West Coast Motors service 23 from Oban Station Square
  • Journey time = 1 hour 10 minutes
  • The bus times may only allow for around 3 hours in the area, so plan your day accordingly and be sure not to miss the bus back to Oban.
Kilmartin Sculptured Stones

ISLAND DAY TRIPS FROM OBAN

Isle of Kerrera

Kerrera is Oban’s closest island neighbour, just a teasingly short hop away. This day trip is perfect for those who enjoy a good old stretch of the legs, and a tasty reward at the end. From the ferry arrival point on Kerrera, follow a trail of comical teapots and cups to the south, where your island oasis awaits.

Kerrera Tea Garden is a dreamy wee lunch spot for hot and cold drinks, homemade soup, and amazing cakes and bakes. Before returning to the ferry, a visit to the hidden coastal ruin of Gylen Castle is a must.

For a longer walk, you can do a full circuit of the island, following this route; I recommend doing it the opposite way (anti-clockwise) to get the longest walk out of the way before lunch.

  • The ferry to Kerrera leaves from Gallanach, just outside Oban town centre.
  • Walk there, carefully along the road (2 miles) or book a local taxi. This is the route.
  • Catch the 5-minute foot passenger ferry from Gallanach to Kerrera (pay on-board)
Kerrera Tea Garden

Isle of Lismore

Lismore is a wonderful, tranquil island with the friendliest local community. For the perfect introduction, book a private Landrover tour with Explore Lismore; you have the option to add on a Shepherding Experience with local shepherd Arthur and his three clever collies.

Another brilliant way to explore the island is on two wheels from Lismore Bike Hire. Cycling from north to south is mostly downhill; you can cycle one-way, leave your bike at the south (Port Appin ferry port) and book a taxi journey with Explore Lismore to take you back to the Oban ferry port.

A visit to the Lismore Gaelic Heritage Centre and the adjoining Isle of Lismore Café is a must for an insight into Lismore’s fascinating past, followed by delicious, local produce and homemade cakes and ice-cream. 

Finally, look out for the red phoneboxes at each ferry port – they are filled with local crafts and sweet treats from The Dutch Bakery (baked by Iris at Explore Lismore).

Horse in front of Castle Coeffin, Isle of Lismore
Lunch at Isle of Lismore Cafe

Tobermory, Isle of Mull

Spend an afternoon in Mull’s main settlement; the beautiful, colourful port town of Tobermory. Wander along the colourful harbour-front, browsing the independent shops: Tobermory Chocolate, Island Blue Tobermory, Island Crafts and Isle of Mull Soap.

For a scenic stretch of the legs, follow this coastal walk to Rubha Nan Gall Lighthouse or from the other side of the harbour, venture into Aros Park for lush woodland, waterfalls and views of the town’s vibrant facades.

For lunch, book a table at one of the town’s fantastic eateries: The Galleon or Café Fish (advanced booking is essential). Afterwards, head to Isle of Mull Ice Cream or go for a pint by the fire at The Mishnish.

Tobermory, Isle of Mull

Isle of Iona

Iona is a wee island paradise, famed as the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland, following St Columba’s arrival in the 6th century. The evocative Iona Abbey was built in the same location as Columba’s original monastery and is a must-visit attraction. Aside from the abbey, and the nearby ruined Nunnery, Iona is a place to soak up the scenery and serenity.

Climb to the highest point, Dun I; a short and rewarding walk with incredible views. Explore the white sand beaches at the north of the island; White Strand of the Monks is my happy place. For lunch, check out AILIDH for Hebridean-style street food or go to The Rookery and pop into Iona Heritage Centre while you’re there. Don’t leave the island without a visit to Iona Craft Shop for beautiful clothing, crafts and gifts.

This idyllic isle is my favourite place in the world, and while I would recommend more time on the island, it is possible to visit in a day; albeit an early start and long day.

Three Isles Day Tour

This organised tour to Iona and Staffa is great if you’d prefer not to do the multi-leg journey independently; the tour does follow the same route listed above, but you will have a driver/guide on the bus from Craignure to Fionnphort (Mull).

The tour includes a boat trip to the Isle of Staffa from Fionnphort (Mull), where you have time ashore to visit the famous Fingal’s Cave and go in search of the island’s resident puffins (early May – late July). The boat then drops you off on Iona for around 2 hours – which goes very fast.

My first visit to Iona and Staffa was on this tour, and I really enjoyed it and learned a lot along the way. While the time on Iona is limited, I fell in love instantly and knew I needed to go back.

  • Find out more and book the tour here.

If you enjoyed this post, check out my day trips from Edinburgh and Glasgow by bus

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This post is sponsored by Wild About Argyll. As always, all content, opinions & chaotic behaviour are my own.

Happy travels!

Kay 💙