Oban & Lorn, Argyll, Scotland
Lerags Glen is only three miles from Oban, the unofficial capital of the West Highlands. Oban means "little bay" in the old Gaelic tongue. This picturesque harbour town with its many attractions, shopping facilities and fine eating establishments is ideal for those wishing to relax and explore. The town was first made popular in the time of Queen Victoria. She called it "one of the finest spots we have seen" and from the early 1800's visitors flocked to the place aboard the Comet steamship which linked Glasgow and Oban.
The Isles
The Inner Hebrides consist of Kerrera, Lismore, Mull (with the small town of Tobermory which has recently become famous as Balamory) and the granite mountains of the Morvern peninsula and beyond them are Coll, Colonsay, Tiree and Iona, the island from which Columba spread Christianity to Britain and Europe. Lunga and Staffa are highly recommended, Lunga for the tame puffins between mid April and the beginning of August, and Staffa for the incredible basalt rock formations. All are accessible to visitors through organised trips. Book ferries/tours to the islands via Caledonian Macbrayne.
Activities
There are activities for all the family, ranging from an exciting boat trip courtesy of Sea.fari, a visit to Oban Distillery or any one of thirty spectacular gardens, to the Atlantis Leisure Centre with its water slides, the intriguing Oban War & Peace Museum, and the Oban Seal Sanctuary with 30 close encounter glass displays, the seal pup nursery, and touch pools.
Discovering the surrounding countryside is fun, horse riding with one of Oban's many riding schools or perhaps take in a round of golf at Oban's 18 hole golf course. Oban's Tourist Information Centre in Argyll Square is a great place to find out what's going on in the area during your stay. Take to the clear waters around Oban and Lorn for sailing, sub-aqua diving, canoeing and sea angling or cruise to the head of Loch Etive for a unique experience.
A Forestry Commission walk from Lerags Glen is featured on the Forestry Commission website »