Hillwalking in the Oban Area

Hillwalking in Scotland attracts visitors from all over the world. While many prefer to walk in popular areas such as Glencoe, the Grampians or Arrocher Alps, some discerning hillwalkers will tell you that the Oban and Argyll area offers some classic climbs with equally classic views. Situated on Scotland's West Coast and a two hour drive from Glasgow, climbing here is not only exciting and varied, but much less quiet than the more popular climbs.

All of the hills and mountains here lie close to the sea so summit views are spectacular and varied. In one direction lies the island-dotted Firth of Lorne and Sound of Jura with the Atlantic beyond. Turn around and the rolling Scottish Highlands stretch into the distance, peppered with mountain peaks. The short list below describes some celebrated walks in the area.

Ben Lora

A few miles north of Oban at the village of Benderloch is Ben Lora. At only 308m, this hill may not be tall, but the views from the top are among one of the best in Scotland. Take the forest path from the carpark just south of the petrol station in Benderloch. The waymarked path splits in a couple of places with one (the left) giving a gentler start to the walk which becomes steeper further up. Most of the route is through deciduous then coniferous forest where the path is steep but solid underfoot. As it nears the top it becomes boggier, but with perseverance, the walker is rewarded with a magnificent vista over sandy-beached Tralee Bay, past Connel Bridge, all the way to Oban with the Firth of Lorne and Mull in the distance. Turning around there is another fine view up Loch Etive to the Ben Cruachan range. There are wooden benches at key points on the route to rest tired legs or admire the view. Walking time is 1.5 to 2.5 hours and the distance is 3.75 miles.

Pulpit Hill and Gallanach

This varied walk starts in Oban's town centre and ends on a moorland hill behind the town. From Albany Road follow the sign marked "Gallanach and the Kerrera ferry." After the library, a sign "Pulpit Hill" points up the steep Haggart's Brae. Take this path to the top, all the while following the Scottish Rights of Way Society signs. At the top is a fine viewpoint overlooking Oban and its harbour as well as the "Priest's Stone" which once served as a pulpit. Take the lane out of the carpark and follow the road to a signed "Kerrera Ferry." Continue along this muddy woodland path past the mill pond, some deciduous woodland and on into open moorland. After some boggy ground, the path clears, so continue on to reach the viewpoint. From here, the track meets a minor road. At this fork, turning right leads back to Oban while turning left leads to Gallanach. This is a good 4 mile walk and should take around 2 hours.

Beinn Fhionnlaidh (Ben Fee-on-lay)

This mountain is the closest Munro to Oban and its summit views give interesting views of Glencoe and Glen Etive. Start at the end of the public road in Glen Creran. Following the signs for Glen Etive and Glenure Lodge continue on past the bridge, turning left towards the white cottage. Take a left turn immediately after the farm and follow the rough track behind the second cottage. This leads through ancient pine forest and when it splits, take the right fork which leads onto the Fhionnlaidh ridge. The ridge undulates for a while and although the summit is not visible there are good views of Beinn Sgulaird across Glen Ure. Where the ridge levels out there are a few lochans. Continue eastwards up the steepening ridge to the summit which has a large cairn and trig point. From here, there are fine views of Loch Etive stretching down to the Firth of Lorne and Glen Coe. At 9 miles, this is for the more serious walker and should take around 5-6 hours.

Many routes have been signposted by the Scottish Rights of Way Society and the Argyll Forestry Commission which makes navigation easy. In addition, a good local hotel or shop, or the Tourist Information Centre in Oban's Albany Street can provide leaflets on walks and routes.