Visitor Attractions north of Oban in Argyll

Castle Stalker, located on a small islet in Loch Laich, was a superb defensive location. It also offered safe anchorage for the Chieftain’s boats. Built in 1540, it was the ancient home of the Stewarts of Appin. Today it is one of the most photographed settings in Scotland. The Castle can be viewed from A828 just north of Appin or from the road to Port Appin.
 

Ardchattan Priory. The priory was founded in 1230 by the Valliscaulian monks, their mother house being in Val de Choux near Lugny in Burgundy, France. The carved gravestones date from the 10th century. Historic Scotland provides explanatory plaques detailing the site. Open all year, free admission. Right turn off A828, 100m on north side of Connel Bridge, drive for 5mls; beside Ardchattan Gardens.
 

Memorial to Lord Nelson. Bonawe Iron Furnace produced the canon balls that were fired by the Royal Navy at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. We know that in 1781 the furnace produced some 42,000 canon balls for the Ordanance at Woolwich. The furnace men upon hearing of Lord Nelson’s death in 1805, erected a standing stone to his memory. The first of many such memorials in Britain. Monument located at the top of the lane that runs beside the village grocers in Taynult.
 

Falls of Lora. An extremely unusual phenomenon, a two directional sea waterfall, which reverses direction with each tide. The mass of water from Loch Etive is connected to the open sea by the narrow channel below Connel Bridge. Most impressive at mid-ebb spring tide, when outflow is over 20knots and whirlpools form. 10 mins north of Oban on A85 below Connel Bridge.
 

Saint Conan’s Kirk. The architecture and design of this church are unique. Visited by people from all over the world.The Robert the Bruce chapel has a fragment of bone believed to be from Robert the Bruce’s tomb in Dunfermline Abbey. Well worth a visit. 25 minutes east of Oban on the A85, in the village of Lochawe on the banks of Loch Awe.
 

Kilchurn Castle. Home of the Campbell’s of Glenorchy. The initial building was erected circa 1460. The last alterations were made as a result of the 1689 Jacobite rising to accommodate three companies of troops. Possibly the oldest surviving barracks-block in mainland Britain. It was abandoned in the 1760s. There is a small unofficial car park beside the road between the turning to Dunoon and the bridge towards Loch Awe village.
 

Saulmore Farm Shop. Renowned for its top quality local produce, Highland Beef, Lamb from the farm and wild venison. Delicious home made cakes, bread, pies and pastries baked daily on the premises. Ready made meals. A wide range of Scottish Cheeses, preserves, oatcakes, confectionary, fresh vegetables and free-range eggs. Hot drinks and snacks to takeaway. Open 9am to 5pm Mon to Sat, closed Sun.  www.saulmore.com for Mail Order. Tel: 01631 710247  3 miles north of Oban.

The Wide Mouthed Frog - award winning seafood restaurant. A well deserved reputation for quality, creative cuisine. Dine formally or informally, or stop by for a drink and enjoy the stunning view across Dunstaffnage Bay to the castle. ‘The Frog’ appeals to locals, sailors and holidaymakers alike. New chandlery and fine food shop now open. Boat dealership, storage and moorings. Open 9am-late. Tel: 01631 567005. Enquiries@widemouthedfrog.co.uk  www.widemouthedfrog.co.uk  3 miles north of Oban

Duncan Ban’s monument - Carragh - Cuimhne Dhonnchaidh Bhain. To the Glenorchay Gaelic poet, "Burns of the Highlands" born in 1724 near Inveroran. Large granite monument with 360 degree panoramic view of the spectacular scenery of this lovely area. 200m climb from road. Situated 1.4mls from A85 taking turn in Dalmally village, clearly sign posted from village centre .
 

Glencoe is synonymous with the massacre of the Macdonald’s of Glencoe by Government soldiers on 13th February 1692. The Campbells were held to be responsible and are blamed to this day. The Glen itself is spectacularly beautiful and visited by hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. You will find a museum and memorial in the village.
 

Taynuilt. The village’s principle claim to fame is the Iron Foundry that was established here in 1752 due to the abundant supply of timber. It is said that all the canon balls fired by the Royal Navy at the Battle of Trafalgar came from the foundry. The work men erected the earliest of all monuments to Lord Nelson to commemorate his victory at the battle of the Nile. The cottages and houses of Taynuilt lie just off the A85.
 

Bonawe Iron Furnace produced up to 700 tonnes of iron per year from 1753 to 1876. The industrial heritage of the area is brought to life through a series of fascinating displays. An idyllic location close to the banks of Loch Etive. Founded by a Lake District partnership, this is the most complete charcoal fuelled ironworks in Britain. Displays illustrate how iron was made here in a beautiful lochside setting. Open to the public April to September. 2 mins from Taynuilt (12 miles north of Oban)

Dunstaffnage Castle. A fine 13th Century castle built on a rock with nearby ruins of a chapel of exceptional architectural refinement. Flora MacDonald was imprisoned here in 1746. Most of the grounds and gardens are suitable for visitors using wheelchairs or with limited mobility. Relax in the large grassed areas and take in the wonderful views. 3 miles from Oban, heading north. Follow signs at Dunbeg.

Visitor attractions / In Oban / North of Oban / Easdale & south Oban / Kilmartin Glen

The many attractions to visit north of Oban in Argyll