Argyll
Walks Near Oban
102 hills within 45km — 34 Munros, 30 Corbetts, 38 Grahams, . Sorted by straight-line distance.
Oban is surrounded by Argyll hills and is the ferry gateway to Mull, Lismore, Colonsay, Islay and the outer islands. Ben Cruachan (the hollow mountain) is 20 minutes east. The Appin and Ardnamurchan hills are within day-trip range. Oban's position on the west coast means it receives significant rainfall — the hills here are dramatic and green, with the Atlantic light giving exceptional photography in all seasons.
ScotRail from Glasgow Queen Street (3h, via Crianlarich). Scottish Citylink coaches from Glasgow (3h30). CalMac ferry terminal for island trips (Mull, Kerrera, Lismore, Colonsay). Local buses serve Connel, Taynuilt and Kilmartin Glen. Car needed for most hill walks — the A85 east to Crianlarich gives access to Ben Cruachan and the southern Highlands.
Top walks near Oban
Ben Cruachan
The Hollow Mountain — 1,126m Munro above Loch Awe, 20 min east of Oban on the A85. The ridge traverse (Cruachan to Stob Diamh) is one of Argyll's finest hill days. Visited power station inside the mountain accessible separately.
20km from Oban
Beinn Lora (Appin)
Small local hill (308m) above Benderloch — excellent views over Loch Etive and the Sound of Mull. 20 min drive north of Oban on A828. A good short walk or warm-up for the area.
15km from Oban
Kerrera circuit
Ferry from Oban to Kerrera island (5 min crossing) then 13km circuit of this small island — castle ruins, seals, Hebridean views, and complete quiet. An outstanding walk without a car.
1km from Oban
When to go
Oban's west coast position means significant rainfall — annual totals are among the highest in Scotland. However, this creates exceptional scenery and the hills are dramatic in any weather. May–June gives the best settled weather and long evenings. July–August is the peak season for ferry travel and island walking. September is excellent for lower midge numbers and autumn light. Winter island ferry services are reduced — check CalMac schedules. Ben Cruachan is a serious winter undertaking if snow lies.
All hills within 45km of Oban
Distance is straight-line (as the crow flies) from Oban city centre — not drive or walk distance. Radius: 45km.
Current conditions near Oban
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:32
- Sunset
- 22:13
- Civil dawn
- 03:27
- Civil dusk
- 23:18
NOAA Solar Calculator · 16 June 2026
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best walk from Oban without a car?
- The Kerrera island circuit is exceptional — take the small CalMac ferry from Gallanach (2km south of Oban town, served by local bus or taxi) for the 5-minute crossing, then walk the 13km island circuit. No car needed and one of Argyll's finest walks. McCaig's Tower above Oban town gives an easy viewpoint walk from the centre.
- Is Ben Cruachan accessible from Oban by public transport?
- The ScotRail train from Oban stops at Cruachan station (20 min east), adjacent to the Ben Cruachan start path. This makes Ben Cruachan one of Argyll's most accessible Munros by public transport from Oban — check timetables as service is limited.
- What islands can I visit for walking from Oban?
- CalMac operates from Oban to Mull (45 min to Craignure, good hill walking on Ben More), Lismore (50 min, coastal walking), Colonsay (2h20, excellent walking), and Islay (2h20 via Kennacraig, outstanding varied walking). Day trips to Mull for Ben More are popular with Munro baggers.
- How far is Glencoe from Oban?
- Glencoe is approximately 40km north of Oban on the A828 via Appin and Ballachulish — around 55 minutes by car. This makes Oban a viable base for Glencoe hill days, though most walkers prefer to stay closer to the glen. The Ballachulish bridge crossing is the key connection.
Walks near other towns
Eat, drink and stay in Oban
The SCOT network covering the same town — travel context, food and drink, and non-hill alternatives.