WALK THE WALK!

Gentle walking tours to suit your timescales - and energy levels! No special equipment required – at most just a pair of watertight shoes that give good support. The walks are organised by members of staff from the hostel who are always happy to show you local places of interest if they're free.

Short walks

Battleship Hill: You can walk to the summit well inside an hour from the Hostel front door and be rewarded with one of Scotland’s best views - that'll be why it was used during World War II as an observation post and gun emplacement. (duration 2 hours)

Dunollie Castle at the entrance to Oban bay, Pulpit Hill above the ferry terminal, the ruined Victorian Hydropathic Hotel and the iconic MacCaig’s Tower above the town are all very accessible from the hostel. (duration about an hour or so each, there and back)

Longer walks and hill walks include:

Take the ferry to Craignure on Mull and walk up the hill behind the port, Dun Da Ghaoithe - it's a real island walking experience and you'll be rewarded with fabulous views up the Sound of Mull from the top. Plus there's a prize for the person who can pronounce the hill's name correctly! (duration 4 – 5 hours)

Gylen Castle on the wee island of Kerrera which is on the other side of Oban Bay. The fortified castle which was home to the Macdougall clan has been beautifully restored (but they seem to have forgotten the roof!). The views from its rocky shoreline give a real sense of the expanse of the sea - Seil, Scarba and the Garvellach islands to the south, and to the west - next stop America. (duration 3-4 hours)

Tour Prices

The short local guided walks within Oban are free of charge and are run when a member of staff is available to show you around. Please ask about guide availability when you arrive at Backpackers Hostel reception. The longer walks and hill walks can be arranged in advance and the prices vary depending on the walk. We need a minimum of two people for the walking tour to run.

What's included

You'll be accompanied by your friendly, knowledgeable tour guide. Any entrance fees to sites, bus or ferry fares are paid for by guests themselves on the day. On longer walks we recommend you bring a bottle of water and a packed lunch/snacks.