Scotland has some of Europe’s most rugged terrain. Scotland boasts a variety of experiences beyond the usual pictures of tartan kilts and rainclouds, from the wild waves smashing the North Sea coastline to the bars and tearooms of the main streets. It features stunning beaches that are well-known for their beauty. There are several coastlines to visit in beautiful Oban, Scotland. The ones closest are listed below. They vary from gold sands to pebbly to black volcanic sand. Most have complimentary auto parking. However, you might have to pay for some, like at Ganavan Sands near Oban. This blog will provide you with the best beaches near Oban on the west coast of Scotland. Bring a flask and enjoy a walk along these Oban beaches in the winter. In the summer, bring a beach towel and sunscreen, and, if you’re courageous enough, go for a swim in the chilly Scottish seas.
Airds Bay
Airds Bay gets on Loch Etive, close to the town of Taynuilt. You can stroll from Taynuilt if you are passing by bus or train. This bay is a quiet place with stunning sights of Loch Etive and the surrounding hills. There are some picturesque strolls from here, and along the road, you can identify such wild animals as basking sharks, otters, osprey, eagles, and deer. There’s a variety of Munros in the area if you enjoy hillwalking. There are mountain bicycle tracks, and additionally, if you like water sports, canoeing, and kayaking on the loch, there is plenty to do if you are the outside type. Likewise, Airds Bay is not far from Oban, where you can discover restaurants, bars, and enjoyment. This lovely quiet spot is 21 minutes away from Oban.
Isle of Kerrera Circular
A fantastic route traverses the southern part of the lovely Isle of Kerrera. It is a place for hiking that provides magnificent views of neighbouring islands and sees the well-preserved and beautifully evocative remains of Gylen Castle. It is easily accessed by a short boat journey from just south of Oban. The Gallanach bus from Oban stops at the jetty for the Kerrera ferry. The ferryboat then takes you across to the start of the trek. It is considered a challenging route; it takes an average of 5 h 8 min to complete. This route is terrific for birding, trekking, and strolling, and it’s not likely you’ll encounter several other people while exploring. This route takes an excellent mix of views and terrains as you make your means round consisting of coastal tracks and inland paths. You can see loose livestock on your path. Take care of the rougher areas of this trail. Ideal shoes are required. Watch for wild animals and sea birds as you travel around the island. You should take a six-mile round trip to the ruins of Gylen Castle, where you can sit near the pebbled coastline and enjoy an outing while breathing in the sea. Kerrera Circular is 30 minutes away from the city of Oban.
Ganavan Sand Beach
Ganavan sand beach is located in Argyll and the Isles, north of Oban. It is one of the best beaches near Oban, Scotland. This gorgeous sandy beach has easy access, plenty of parking, and fantastic views of Mull, Lismore, and Morven. The beach is just next to a great coastal walk. It is overlooked by a new housing complex and a playing field on the outskirts of town. Ganavan Sands is not your average West Highland beach. Looking out to sea, though, there’s a stunning view of the islands of Lismore and Mull, which is especially appealing after sunset on a clear day. The beach is only a few minutes by car or bus (or a longer walk) from Oban, and there aren’t many sandy options nearby, yet it doesn’t tend to become too crowded. An interior cycling path connects to a rough, enjoyable shore trail leading to Dunbeg and Dunstaffnage Castle.
This fantastic circuit begins with a rough but lovely seaside hike with spectacular views. The route continues to the majestic Dunstaffnage Castle before returning along the cycle path. Outward pathways are muddy and unclear, with severe uphill and downward stretches. The return route follows a little road and a cycling path. Oban public transportation will take you to Ganavan.
Loch Linnhe Coastline
A county-by-county exploration journey from Loch Gair to Loch Linnhe, where you can continue your adventure through Scotland. Loch Linnhe is a saltwater loch on Scotland’s west coast. You can land in Fort William after sailing into Loch Linnhe. Hikers, cyclists, climbers, and skiers flock to the town renowned as “Britain’s Outdoor Capital.” You’ll experience spectacular Highland scenery. The town’s whisky distillery offers its take on the national tipple, and a scenic short walk awaits at Glen Nevis. Likewise, you can see Glen Coe, a valley created by volcanic craters, sculpted by glaciers and designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Caol Coastline
Caol village is located along the northern side of Loch Linnhe and makes up a substantial chunk of the Fort William township. It has a stunning coastline in Ft William, which is perfectly fit for a long walk. You can walk along Caol Beach onto the Caledonian Canal embankment to find spectacular views of Fort William and Ben Nevis.
Caol has a beach that gives a sea-level stroll to Corpach, and you can make the return journey along the pathway of the Caledonian Canal. The stroll is possible to appreciate Ben Nevis’s sights and capture a watercraft or navigate the Caledonian Canal. At the Corpach end, you will get stores, bars, and a bus to take you to Fort William.
Kilmory Coastline
Kilmory Bay is a beautiful sandy beach on Rum’s northern shore with an unrivalled view of the Cuillin of Skye across the ocean. The walk is simple along a decent track, but it is long. The location is home to a very long-term study of red deer behaviour. There are good landrover paths except for the final swampy stretch to the shore. The route is graded as grade 2 due to its length and is suited for mountain bikes. From Mallaig, take the ferry to Rum. There will be no transportation on the island.
Luss Pier
Individuals from around Scotland travel to Luss during the summer and spring due to its spectacular panoramic views, excellent beaches, and peaceful lifestyle. It is one of the most famous towns in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and is the perfect destination for a family member’s field trip to the coastlines around Oban. Luss has recently undergone a positive makeover. While the lovely village centre has not changed, there are some wonderful new additions to the community.
Luss is a popular destination in the National Park, located on the western banks of Loch Lomond, with stunning views of Ben Lomond and accessible by the A82. Sweeney’s Cruises and Cruise Loch Lomond offer waterbuses and cruises to and from Luss Pier. The West Loch Lomond Cycle Path runs through the community between Balloch and Tarbet.
Luss is popular, with consistent tourist numbers. A small conservation town cannot accommodate so many automobiles, which has been a primary concern, particularly on bright days. However, there is a parking lot, which will create a new parking lot immediately south of the settlement in 2021. Luss Estates built and managed the car park, accommodating 250 vehicles. The community can now prohibit automobiles from entering the village centre around the pier area, which is reasonable given the high level of demand. Make sure you’ve paid for all of your time in this and other national park parking lots since there are vehicle registration cameras. You will also get Loch Lomond Faerie Trail tickets in the parking lot.
The Luskentyre
Individuals from around Scotland travel to Luss during the summer and spring due to its spectacular panoramic views, excellent beaches, and peaceful lifestyle. It is one of the most popular towns in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and is the perfect destination for a family member’s field trip to the coastlines around Oban. Luss has recently undergone a positive makeover. While the lovely village centre has not changed, there are some wonderful new additions to the community.
Luss is a popular destination in the National Park, located on the western banks of Loch Lomond, with stunning views of Ben Lomond and accessible by the A82. Sweeney’s Cruises and Cruise Loch Lomond offer waterbuses and cruises to and from Luss Pier. The West Loch Lomond Cycle Path runs through the community between Balloch and Tarbet.
Luss is popular, with consistent tourist numbers. A small conservation town cannot accommodate so many automobiles, which has been a primary concern, particularly on bright days. However, there is a parking lot, which will create a new parking lot immediately south of the settlement in 2021. Luss Estates built and managed the car park, accommodating 250 vehicles. The community can now prohibit automobiles from entering the village centre around the pier area, which is reasonable given the high level of demand. Make sure you’ve paid for all of your time in this and other national park parking lots since there are vehicle registration cameras. You will also get Loch Lomond Faerie Trail tickets in the parking lot.
Loch Lomond Shores
Loch Lomond Shores, which was opened in 2002, serves as a focal point for tourists to the southern end of Loch Lomond. At one degree, it’s a curving mall of eye-catching and fairly upmarket shops with views over the lochs. At another level, the Drumkinnon Tower offers a highly different experience. Loch Lomond Shores in Balloch is a fantastic tourist attraction with something for everyone in the family. It is home to distinctive boutique stores, dining businesses, a sea life aquarium, and sensational nature trails. You will also get the option to hire bikes, pedal boats, Segways, and canoes. They are available on the coastline, and a huge parking lot is nearby, making them quickly accessible. The Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre adds to the range of site visitor attractions gathered here, while the Housemaid of the Loch paddle steamer can be seen a brief walk to the northeast. SEA LIFE Loch Lomond aquarium is a great rainy-day choice. However, in clear weather conditions, there are fantastic views north across the water in the direction of the mountainous country.
Lochbuie Coastline
Lochbuie is known for its gorgeous and glittering coastline and spectacular wildlife. You will enjoy its huge car park, great deals of sensational walks, pleasant canine dining establishments, and a location for outdoor camping on the coastline. The town of Lochbuie is situated on the south coast of the Isle of Mull. It’s 14 miles from the ferryboat terminal at Craignure. The location is renowned for its scenic landscape, glittering beaches, and wild animals. Lochbuie is the house of the Clan Maclaine of Lochbuie, who stayed at Moy Castle and afterwards at Lochbuie House. Lochbuie is a pedestrian paradise, and there are several walks from the village to the Standing Rocks, Moy Castle, St. Kilda’s Church, Laggan Sands, Iron Age Fort, and the Mausoleum. For a lot more daring, there is an attractive coast stroll to Carsaig. Lochbuie is a tranquil place simply awaiting your exploration. Experience the lovely landscape, mountains, forest, and spectacular coast and leave behind the stresses of modern life. Lochbuie Estate has created and maintained car parks, walks around the location, and a website for camping.
Helensburgh Coastline
Helensburgh Coastline is situated on the Upper Firth of Clyde, resting just outside the mouth of Gare Loch. It is backed by a boardwalk, from where one can enjoy the views throughout the bay to the uneven Rosneath peninsula. Along the road opposite the coastline, you will find various stores and places to eat. You will find car parking at the ferry terminal at the southeastern end of the beach. Enjoy the popular activities along the coastline consisting of windsurfing and boating trips. Helensburgh is a significant centre for tourist activities such as golf, biking, walking and sailing.
Traigh Seilebost
Beaches are the main attraction of the Harris Islands that excites most visitors. The water’s colour and the sand’s purity are just sensational. The Island of Lewis, likewise, has some exceptional beaches. Beaches on Harris range from the substantial stretches of Traigh Losgaintir (Luskentyre) and also Traigh Sgarastaigh (Scarista) to little protected coves close to the road at Na Buirgh (Borve). You can access this coastline from the A859 road. The beach and Machair location are on a parcel south of Luskintyre beach. You will find a few camping motorhomes and campers. If you are prepared for a brief stroll after that, this coastline is among the best in the Hebrides, and there are often very few visitors.
Morar Beach
From the town of Portnaluchaig in the south to Morar in the north, there is a string of tiny, sandy beaches on the sturdy shoreline. Each beach boasts spectacular views overlooking the islands of Rum, Eigg, Much, and Canna, with crystal clear blue-green waters and magnificent silver grains of sand. It is the ideal setup for beachcombing as well as rock pooling. This place is best visited on a warm day. The Silver Sands of Morar is one of the best beaches near Oban. This coastline is some of the best on the west coast, with fine golden sand that is very clean and an entirely uncontaminated sea. The Silver Sands beaches are created inside natural coves and are well-shielded from the waves, making them perfect for swimming.
Additionally, you can head several miles inland to Loch Morar. Morar Bay is a fantastic location to spend a holiday. The coastline is long, the views are lovely, and the sea is superficial enough to allow the youngsters to go wild without needing to watch them constantly. When the trend heads out, you can also walk to the opposite side, where you’ll find another hardly ever-used coastline. There are no food courts in the area, so you’ll need to bring your food and beverages. The bathrooms are also limited.
Calgary Bay
Calgary Bay is exceptional for an island with few sandy beaches in the Mull. The bay faces Coll and Tiree to the west. The beach is sandy and wide. If you catch it under the perfect weather conditions, the water will be a beautiful blue. And high land arms extend around the bay’s north and south sides, completely framing it. It is located 12 miles west of Tobermory and about 6 miles west of Dervaig. On the hill rising east of Calgary Bay is Calgary Castle, a castellated estate built in 1817. Today, the area around the bay is mainly uninhabited, but the wall surfaces of up to 20 houses can be seen. The beach is surrounded by abundant calcium sand and lovely island views.
Smirisary Coastline
There are various white shorelines near Oban, but the Smirisary Coast is the perfect setting to swim in its beautiful blue-green waters, kick back, and get convenience. At the same time, you will find incredible neighbourhood wildlife like seals, otters, and raptors. There are no roadways to Smirisary, so you will undoubtedly have to park at the end of the minor yellow road from Glenuig and stroll. It is, nonetheless, an excellent short stroll to the isolated town of Smirisary, which was deserted until now.
Samalaman Beach
Samalaman Beach is situated near Glenuig. It has a sandy coastline with fine views of the Tiny Isles. You can visit Samalaman Island at low tides. This is an excellent beach for family members, being a fantastic place for swimming, boating, and coastline safaris, and it is also popular with locals on bright days. The beach at Samalaman is popular with people on hot summer days, but it is also a wildlife haven all year. Travel out to Samalaman Island at low tide, being careful not to be cut off by the oncoming tide, or head west along the coast through oakwoods in search of otters, elephants, and other exotic animals.
Arisaig Beach
It is a classic Highland village with hotels, a lovely church, a few restaurants, a post office, tourist information, a village shop, a village hall, and an outstanding playground for children. Arisaig is a beautiful village on the west coast of Scotland, located on the sheltered coastline of Loch nan Ceall. The area is decorated with white-painted buildings distributed between the port and the road to Morar. You can find small and big campsites on the beaches and the terrain just behind the beaches north of Arisaig. It’s heavenly in the right weather, especially if you’re lucky enough to have a pitch right next to the beach. Make a reservation in advance; campsites might fill up quickly. There are motels, bed and breakfasts, and self-catering cottages for non-campers. This coastline is a spectacular and preferred place to camp, enjoy the sunset, and delight in a barbecue while gaping at the gorgeous sights of Rum, Eigg, and Skye. A must-visit beach while staying in Oban.
Langamull Beach
With an excellent shoreline of glistening white sands, concealed coves, and magnificent views of surrounding islands, this hidden gem on Mull is a gorgeous coastline to visit while staying in Oban. It looks exceptionally splendid on a sunny day. You can park your vehicle in the Forestry Business Car Park, between Dervaig and Calgary Bay.
Fionnphort
Fionnphort Pier is the separation point for boat trips to the Treshnish Isles and Team, where fishermen from around the country most likely capture crabs and lobsters. Its white sands and also sensational setup make it also prominent amongst vacationers. Samalaman Island is reachable at very low tides, but caution is advised to prevent becoming stuck by the approaching trend.
Lunderston Bay
This beautiful coastline is prominent amongst families, pet pedestrians, and barbecue enthusiasts with a mix of sand, pebbles, and rocks. To the beach’s left are a cost-free car park and a large grass area with barbecue tables, making it the best site for visitors. It gets especially active throughout the summertime. The Cloch is among the three lighthouses developed to safeguard the challenging waters ahead of the Firth of Clyde. Kermack and Gall erected the lighthouse, which consists of a minor, circular tower with corbelled walkways and is presently accompanied by two collections of caretakers’ dwellings. The old houses are utilized as shops, and their crowstepped gables conveniently recognize the latter. The light is automated and unmanned. Lunderston Bay is the nearest sandy beach to Glasgow and is also preferred by families, pedestrians, and picnickers. There are picnic areas and a mobility device-accessible playground at the bay’s north end, where a Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park ranger station, toilets, and a parking area are situated. There are lifebuoy stations along the coastline, yet there are no lifeguards.
Ettrick Bay Beach
This bay, which has free parking, public facilities, picnic spots, and a small beach café, boasts fantastic views of the Kyles and Bute, smooth golden sand, and wonderfully blue waters frequently inhabited by paddleboarding locals. Delight in gorgeous landscapes at Ettrick Bay, located on the west coastline of Bute, Argyll & The Isles. Ettrick Bay is a wide, sandy coastline which runs for approximately a mile. Kept track of by SEPA, the bay is prominent with site visitors and locals who enjoy paddling in the beautiful, clear waters.
Wemyss Bay Coastline
Wemyss is a town on the financial institutions of the Firth of Clyde. It has a ferryboat solution throughout the Isle of Bute. It has a small rocky coastline with parts of the community stretching along the waterside. Wemyss Bay holiday park is simply to the south of the beach. This rock and shingle coastline has even more rolling, wild waves than many. There is something so unique regarding relaxing and absorbing the sights of the countryside and surrounding area while your ears drums are loaded with significant waves collapsing nearby.
Port na Murrach beach, near Arisaig
Port na Murrach is a beautiful remote sandy cove on the Rhu peninsula, near Arisaig, surrounded by blue-green coastal waters. The beach looks stunning at low tide with fabulous views and is a preferred stop for kayakers. The coastline is accessed by a beautiful walk along the Rhu peninsula through seaside health and machair. This beach takes very little time to reach. However, you might be the only site visitor. From Arisaig, you can take the solitary track roadway to Rhu and also park your vehicle in the layby near the old pier. From there, it is a straightforward out-and-back route. It’s just a mile or two to the beach, along ranch tracks and via a boggy field. The beach supplies plenty of coverings to sort through, rocks to climb over, and scenery to admire.
Camusdarach Beach, near Arisaig
Camusdarach routinely appears on lists of the world’s most stunning beaches. It’s a couple of miles south of Morar and also kind of part of the string of Silver Sands coastlines. You can park in the public car park just north of the Camusdarach camping site and wind your way down to the beach through the dunes. This coastline was a little busier than the others we went to. It might look vacant in the photos, but when you are used to seeing no one, it’s a shock to see other people. You can move along the coastline from one cove to the next for a great hour, enjoying the sights of the Little Isles and checking out the rock swimming pools. You can also browse at low tide to ensure a complete coastline experience. This beach is also meant to be an excellent place for seeing otters.
Conclusion:
Whether you are planning a coastline camping journey, a family day out or want to check out whatever Scotland needs to supply, the vibrant community of Oban is the best base for your experience. This post is about the best beaches near Oban, one of Scotland’s most popular tourist destinations. Generally, Oban is referred to as the entrance to the aisles. There are a lot of chances to visit the best beaches near Oban, all within a field trip range from our community. After seeing the sunlight set over the glistening waters of Scotland’s most picturesque coastline, spend the rest of your days in Oban discovering the best waterfalls, castles, Munros, and stores nearby. The beaches on the west coast are unique in that they boast the whitest sands and the most stunning blue waters in the country. If you are fortunate enough to visit the beach on a beautiful sunny day, you are in for a treat. Also, ensure that you are suitably suited, have sunscreen, and have plenty of water.