Activities

A Day Trip to Mull

Plan to take the 9:30 ferry sailing from Oban to Mull so that you can make a day of it. There are two distinct itineraries to suggest and it would be too much to try and do both in a day. Advance ferry reservations are advised. 
Tobermory and the north west - Take the A848 north to Tobermory. Stroll the village and have lunch at the Mishnish. Then follow the signs for Dervaig and take B8073 out the north west corner of town. The single lane track heads west to the remote, wide sandy beach at Calgary then along rugged cliffs to the Eas Fors waterfall overlooking the Isle of Ulva.
Iona and Staffa -  take the A848 south and west  along the coast and lochs to Fionnphort to catch the ferry to historic Iona or visit Fingal's Cave on nearby Staffa Return to catch the 5:00pm ferry and dinner at the Manor House. 

A Day trip to the Crinan Canal

Head south from Oban on A816 over the hills and past the lochs leading from the Firth of Lorn towards Crinan. Stop for a wander in the  Arduaine Garden on Loch Melfort, then continue past Kilmartin turning onto the B8025 to the village of Crinan, the terminus of the 200 yr old Crinan Canal. View the locks and have lunch in the Crinan Hotel  pub beside the end pool or continue your way along the banks of the canal to the high point and stop at the pub at the Cairnbaan Hotel. Follow the canal along further to its start near Lochgilphead.  Return on the A816.

A Day trip to Rannoch Moor and Glencoe

Head north from Oban on A85 past Dalmally and turn north on B8074 through the magnificent Glen Orchy. The road leads through parkland alongside a stream and waterfalls. Stop for lunch at the Bridge of Orchy Hotel then continue west through the spectacularly desolate Rannoch Moor and finally into the narrow valley and imposing granite of Glencoe. Stop at the visitors centre and learn the story of the massacre of 1692. Turn south on  A828 traveling along  the side of Loch Linnhe past Stalker Castle returning over the falls of Lora to Oban. 

Oban Distillery

Established in 1794, 14 years after the Manor House, the distillery was built by the Stevenson family, also founders of the town of Oban. Guided tours are available for groups or individuals throughout the year except during January. Call the Distillery on 01631 572 004 for details.

An Cala Garden

Situated on the picturesque island of Easdale, the 5 acre An Cala Garden sits snugly in the horseshoe shelter of surrounding cliffs is a half hour drive from the Manor House, a trip which takes you on the Bridge Over the Atlantic to historic Easdale. This is a pretty garden with streams, waterfall, ponds and herbaceous plants as well as azaleas, rhododendrons and cherry trees in Spring.

Hiking

Several interesting hiking routes lead from the Manor House.

Pulpit Hill - Enjoy a hike along Gallanach Road to the Kerrera ferry then up the old drovers path along a ridge high above the sea, through sheep fields, past ponds to Pulpit Hill overlooking Oban and then back though the village to home.

Isle of Kerrera - A 7 mile hike takes you from Kerrera ferry around the island to the historic Gylan Castle overlooking the open Atlantic.

Connel to Oban - Take the train one stop to Connel Ferry then walk 6.5 miles back on a path following the train line.

Ben More - The walk to the 3,169 foot summit of Ben More, the second highest mountain in the Hebrides, takes approximately two hours from it's base on Mull. On a clear day the summit views take in spectacular views of the Isle of Mull and a panoramic view of the Atlantic.

Sailing

Consider basing yourself at the Manor House for a week's cruise through the spectauclar scenery of the Western Isles on the sailing yacht Corryvreckan or the fabulous Hebridean Princess.

Boat Tours

Arrange a bespoke exploration of one of the largest whirlpools in Europe, Corryvrekan, or a lunch trip to the Boathouse in Kingairloch or a true adventure - a run down the coast of Mull for a private exploration of  Fingal's Cave on Staffa. Any of these trips or more can be arranged by our good friends Cameron and Struan Smith of Coastal Connections. 

 

Biking

Mountain bike rentals are available nearby. Ride the 12 mile loop alongside the railway line amongst Highland moors to Connel then back to Oban or bike around the Island of Kerrera or Lismore.

Golf

Glencruitten Golf Course - Designed by renowned course designer James Braid, this hilly and scenic 18 hole course is suitable for the holiday and serious golfer alike. The club welcomes visitors, has excellent facilities and a range of price packages.

Seil Island Golf Course - A challenging shoreline 9 hole course with natural water hazards and sheep roaming the fairways and greens.

Torosay Castle

Torosay Castle is a Victorian Gothic mansion by David Byces set in Italianate gardens on the Isle of Mull. Take the ferry to Mull, then a short narrow guage railway trip along the shoreline to this magnificent attraction. The house itself will appeal to history and architecture lovers or to those who want to become steeped in Scottish Baronial history, while the beautiful grounds feature spectacular formal gardens with terraces, statues, a water garden and Japanese garden all comprised of rare plants, flowers and trees.

Wildlife

It is largely because of its unspoilt nature that the Isle of Mull has such a wide variety of wildlife. From whales, porpoises, otters and seals that swim up the tidal sea lochs to golden eagles, puffins and even the occasional wildcat, there is much for the nature-lover to discover. There are regular boat trips from Oban and nearby harbours to seal colonies and waters where, in season, whales, dolphins, porpoises and basking sharks can be seen. Another must for nature enthusiasts is a visit to the famous Corryvreckan Whirlpool between the isles of Scarba and Jura. The third largest whirlpool in the world, the Corryvreckan produces spectacular standing waves and whirlpools which on a fierce day can be heard up to ten miles away.

Wildlife Photography

Enjoy a one day or weekend trip learning wildlife photography from the award winning Lochvisions. Photographer Philip Price gives expert tuition in photographing the wildlife of Scotland's west coast in a variety of hill, loch and coastal locations to capture the beauty of the area's flora, fauna, animals and birds. All equipment is provided as is a picnic lunch as well as tuition in digitally enhancing your photographs in Photoshop.

Duart Castle

Duart Castle is home to the Chief of the Clan McLean. This imposing 13th century castle situated on a craggy peninsula on the Western tip of Mull is well-restored and visitors can explore at leisure and soak up the atmosphere of hundreds of years of Scottish history. The castle is also host to various events throughout Spring, Summer and Autumn such as Highland Dancing, traditional Scottish singing, storytelling, and re-enactments.

Mull

The Isle of Mull is one of the most attractive unspoilt Hebridean islands on the West Coast of Scotland. Ferries to Mull and the other Hebridean islands leave daily from Oban harbour, within convenient walking distance from the Manor House Hotel.

Largely dependent on the traditional industries of agriculture, fishing and forestry, the Isle of Mull welcomes visitors to discover its rich tapestries of flora and fauna. Although Mull is only 30 miles long, it has over 300 miles of dramatic coastline, sandy beaches and forestry, and nine mountains over 2,000 feet in height as well as Ben More, which, at 3,169 feet, is the second highest mountain in the Hebrides. A walk to the summit takes about two hours.

Archery

For those with a keen eye, you can pick up a bow and practice archery lessons at Ardtorna taught by a former world champion. More information can be found here.

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