Loch Lomond, Oban, & Loch Ness - Lakes & Islands

Scotland, much like Ireland, is known for its nature scenes, castles, picturesque islands, and a national liquor that is world renown. While Ireland and England may overshadow this nearby country, Scotland is a great spot for a vacation built around nature, castles, and scotch. The following is the second part of a three-part 9 Day Scotland Castles, Nature, and Scotch Itinerary. This part of the itinerary picks up in Stirling, Scotland and focuses on the natural beauty of the country. This itinerary goes through Loch Lomond (a large Scottish Lake) and Trossachs National Park and finishes in Oban, Loch Ness, and the Scottish Isles.

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Day 4 – Loch Lomond/Oban

Loch Lomond Cruise

The first stop on the journey out of Stirling is Loch Lomond. Loch Lomond is the largest freshwater lake in Scotland. The lake is located in the beautiful Trossachs National Park, about 20 miles northwest of Glasgow. The loch is 24 miles long and up to 5 miles wide with a depth of up to 600 feet. It is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and is a popular destination for tourists and locals engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and wildlife watching. While this itinerary doesn’t afford the opportunity to experience much of Trossachs, make sure to enjoy the drive to Loch Lomond as it will take visitors through a nice portion of the national park.

In addition to its natural beauty, the loch is steeped in history and legend with stories of Viking raids, Jacobite uprisings, and Bonnie Prince Charlie’s escape from the English army in 1746. It has also inspired poets and musicians, including the famous Scottish song “The Bonnie Banks O’ Loch Lomond“. The loch is home to a variety of wildlife, including otters, seals, and over 200 species of birds.

While Loch Lomond is easy to drive around (especially the West side), the best way to appreciate the loch is from the water. There are a few different Loch Lomond cruises offered from the town of Balloch. All of them provide an informative ride around the southern section of Loch Lomond to give visitors a feel for the lake.

Balloch Castle Country Park

Located just next to the Loch Lomond cruise piers is Balloch Castle Country Park. This 200-acre public park is located on the southern shore of Loch Lomond. The park’s centerpiece is Balloch Castle, a 19th-century building that has been converted into a visitor center and a wedding venue. The castle’s grounds are home to a variety of gardens, including a walled garden, a rose garden, and a sensory garden. The park also has a network of walking and cycling trails that lead through the woodland, along the shore of the loch, and up into the hills for stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Other attractions include a children’s play area, a barbecue and picnic area, and a wildlife garden.

While there isn’t much time to spend at Balloch Castle Country Park, this provides a great opportunity to explore the shores of the loch and some of the natural beauty around Trossachs National Park before getting back into the car. In the summer, be sure to visit the castle and the gardens. These are the stars of the show in this park once you have seen the views of the loch.

Village of Luss

Departing Balloch, travelers will drive up the western shore of Loch Lomond to the picturesque village of Luss. Luss has become a popular tourist destination due to its charming scenery and historic architecture. While charming, Luss is quite a small community. To make the most of your visit to Luss, start by walking around the village. Luss has a beautiful conservation area with traditional cottages, views of the loch, and a variety of small shops and cafés. A leisurely stroll around the village is a great way to take in the scenery and get a feel for the local culture.

If you have additional time in Luss, visit the Luss Parish Church. The Luss Parish Church dates back to the 19th century and is known for its stained-glass windows and beautiful interior. The grounds also have a Viking Hogback Stone (a burial marker of sorts). While the church is not always open to the public during the week, the outside and cemetery make for an interesting look. Finally, if you still have some time, relax at the local cafés or go for a stroll along the pier.

St. Conan’s Kirk

Departing Loch Lomond and Luss, travelers should now journey to the coastal town of Oban. However, we will make one stop along the way at a historical church. St. Conan’s Kirk (a Scottish word for church) is a beautiful, historic church located in the Scottish Highlands, near the village of Lochawe. As it is located right along the road to Oban, travelers should stop to admire the structure. St. Conan’s Kirk is a unique blend of different architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, and Arts and Crafts. Take some time to appreciate the intricate stonework, stained glass windows, and ornate carvings.

The church was built in the early 20th century by Walter Douglas Campbell, a wealthy Scottish philanthropist. Inside, you can find displays about the history of the church and its founder. St. Conan’s Kirk is also located on the shore of Loch Awe, one of Scotland’s largest and most beautiful lochs. Take a stroll around the churchyard to enjoy the views of the water and surrounding hills. Finally, the church has lovely gardens surrounding the area with benches and paths for visitors to enjoy. Take a break from exploring and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

While the church is small, it is definitely worth a visit. Visitors don’t need to spend a lot of time here to take in the full beauty. The church doesn’t have much parking so you may end up parking on the road near the kirk. Don’t pass up on the opportunity to stop here, even if you are late getting to Oban.

McCaig’s Tower and Battery Hill

As you arrive in Oban, the first stop at the top of the city is McCaig’s Tower and Battery Hill. McCaig’s Tower, also known as McCaig’s Folly, is a prominent landmark located in Oban. It is a distinctive and unique structure that was built in the late 19th century by a wealthy banker named John Stuart McCaig. The tower was intended to be a monument to McCaig’s family, and it was also meant to provide work for local stonemasons during a time of economic depression. The tower was designed to resemble a Roman colosseum with two tiers of arches and a central tower. However, it was never completed according to McCaig’s original plans, and the tower remains unfinished to this day.

Today, McCaig’s Tower is a popular tourist attraction in Oban, offering panoramic views of the town, its harbor, and the surrounding islands. Visitors can climb the stairs to the top of the tower for an even more spectacular view. The tower is also a popular spot for photography, particularly at sunset. Since McCaig’s Tower is located on Battery Hill, the ascent to the monument requires going up several flights of stairs. However, those with moderate mobility shouldn’t have any issues getting to the top and experiencing the sights from the viewing platform.

Day 5 – Oban Islands

Three Isles Tour

Oban is known as the gateway to the Scottish Isles. Today will be spent exploring three of these islands: Mull, Iona, and Staffa. These islands are located in the area known as the Inner Hebrides of Scotland.

Mull

Mull is the third-largest island in the Inner Hebrides and is known for its rugged landscapes, dramatic coastline, and abundant wildlife. The island is home to some of the best sand beaches in Scotland, such as Calgary Bay (the water is still very cold though). Visitors can also explore the island’s ancient castles, historic villages, and vibrant culture.

Iona

Iona is a tiny island located just off the coast of Mull and is famous for its spiritual and religious significance. The island is home to the ancient Iona Abbey, a site of pilgrimage for Christians for over a thousand years. The abbey is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Iona is also a popular destination for birdwatching with a wide variety of seabirds.

Staffa

Staffa is a small uninhabited island located off the west coast of Mull and is renowned for its geological formations. The island is home to Fingal’s Cave, a natural wonder with hexagonal basalt columns that create a stunning sound effect when the waves crash against them. For anyone who has visited Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland (see our Ireland Itinerary that visits Giant’s Causeway), Fingal’s Cave and the island of Staffa is the other end of that same geological formation. A boat tour of the island is a great way to explore the caves. Staffa is also home to puffins, seals, and other marine wildlife in their natural habitat.

There are a few different tours that leave from Oban to these three islands. While visitors can build their own tour to Mull and Iona using public ferries/public transportation, there are a lot of logistics involved in this. The trip to Staffa also requires hiring a boat as there aren’t any public transportation options to this island. If you don’t like any of the tours offered, feel free to build you own. However, I think that the all-day tours to these islands are well worth the cost.

Day 6 – Oban to Inverness

Oban Downtown/Waterfront

Day 6 will be spent traveling from Oban to the northernmost city on this itinerary: Inverness. However, as that journey is only a few hours, the morning can start out leisurely with an exploration of the Oban downtown and waterfront. The Oban waterfront is hub of activity and must-see destinations. Some of the highlights in this area include:

The Oban Bay: The bay provides a stunning backdrop to the waterfront. While you were able to explore the surrounding islands yesterday, the view from the waterfront with the sparkling water is completely different.
Waterfront Shops: The waterfront contains a large number of cute shops to explore like Bay, Bath and Body, Mitchells Candies, Highland Soap Company, and Oban Chocolate Company.
The Oban Distillery: This historic distillery is one of the oldest in Scotland and offers tours and tastings of its award-winning single malt whisky.
The Oban War and Peace Museum: The museum tells the story of Oban’s history, from its role as a strategic port during World War II to its development as a popular tourist destination.
The Oban Sea Life Sanctuary: The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of marine life, including seals, otters, and sharks, and provides educational and interactive exhibits for visitors.

Fort Augustus Locks and the Loch Ness Viewpoint

After leaving Oban, head to Fort Augustus. This small town is a great stopping point to become introduced to the most famous loch in Scotland: Loch Ness. Located at the southwest tip of Loch Ness, Fort Augustus is known for the lake and the lock system in town that carries its name.

Fort Augustus Locks

The Fort Augustus Locks, located on the Caledonian Canal, are famous for being one of the most impressive feats of engineering in Scotland. The locks consist of a series of eight interconnected chambers that allow boats to navigate through the canal and overcome a height difference of nearly 64 feet. The locks were constructed in the early 19th century and played an important role in the transportation of goods and people through the Scottish Highlands until boats outgrew their size. They are still a popular attraction for visitors to the area who can watch as boats are raised or lowered through the chambers using a system of gates and valves. The boats using the locks today are mostly recreational craft. The locks also provide a picturesque backdrop for walkers and cyclists who use the canal towpath as a route through the Highlands.

Loch Ness Viewpoint

After seeing the Fort Augustus Locks, visitors should make their way to the Loch Ness viewpoint to get their first view of this famous lake. Loch Ness is a freshwater loch located in the Scottish Highlands, famous for its mythical resident, the Loch Ness Monster, also known as “Nessie”. The loch has a long history dating back to prehistoric times when it was inhabited by the Picts, a Celtic people who left behind many artifacts and ruins in the surrounding area. In the Middle Ages, the loch played a strategic role in the Scottish Wars of Independence.

Cruise Loch Ness

After getting a view of Loch Ness from the viewpoint, make your way to the Loch Ness Cruise Pier to get a view of the loch from the water. There are a couple options for Loch Ness cruises, but the most popular offering by far is Cruise Loch Ness. A cruise on Loch Ness offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the stunning beauty of one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks.

While sightings of Nessie are “rare”, a cruise on the loch provides visitors with the best chance of spotting the mythical creature. Cruises include commentary on the legend of the Loch Ness Monster and the various sightings and theories surrounding it. Visitors will have the opportunity to take in the rugged scenery and rolling hills while learning about the history and culture of the region. Loch Ness and its surrounding area are also home to a variety of wildlife, including otters, seals, and birds. Visitors on a cruise may have the opportunity to spot some of these creatures in their natural habitat.

Cruise Loch Ness operates catamaran boats. These are comfortable and accommodate a number of guests. The best place to sit is the top deck assuming the weather is cooperative. If it is cold/rainy, take a seat in the middle deck near the windows. Here you will be protected from the elements and still be able to enjoy as much of the lake as possible. Most boats have a café and bar on one of the middle levels. In cooler months, it’s nice to grab a warm beverage (like tea or hot chocolate) to enjoy on the ride.

Urquhart Castle

After finishing the cruise on Loch Ness, it’s time to start driving up the coast of Loch Ness towards Inverness. The one stop along the way will be at Urquhart Castle about halfway to Inverness. Urquhart Castle is a historic ruin located on the banks of the Loch Ness. The ruined castle is one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks due to its history and stunning natural setting. Urquhart Castle’s history spans over 1,000 years. The Pictish people first established the castle as a fortress in the 6th century. The Scots later conquered the castle in the 9th century.

Over the centuries, the castle changed hands multiple times and played a key role in the Scottish Wars of Independence, as well as the Jacobite uprisings in the 18th century. Today, Urquhart Castle is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to explore its rich history and take in the stunning views of Loch Ness. Some of the most notable features of the castle include: the tower, the great hall, the gatehouse, and the visitors’ center.

A visit to Urquhart Castle involves traversing several sets of stairs. If you have mobility challenges, take this into account. Also know that this castle is mostly a ruin. There are several parts that are still intact, but visitors will be walking through incomplete structures for the most part. Visits to the castle start in the visitors’ center with an 8-minute introductory film. The rest of the experience is mostly self-directed; although, there are diagrams and signs at various points throughout the castle to point out specific artifacts and areas.

Finish the Evening in Inverness

This journey wraps up with an evening in Inverness. While you won’t be able to explore much of this city tonight, you will be able to experience some local food. Become acquainted with the area around your hotel and prepare for the next couple of days exploring Inverness and the Scottish Highlands.

Loch Lomond, Oban, & Loch Ness – Lakes & Islands