Oban, Glencoe & Castles Day Trip from Glasgow

Summary

Castles, lochs & seafood on a winding Highland road

You’ll trace winding Highland roads from Glasgow to Oban, pausing at castles perched on lochs and wandering through towns with centuries-old stories. Taste fresh seafood by Oban’s busy harbor, feel Glencoe’s history settle around you, and end your day with memories of misty mountains and unexpected quiet moments.

What’s the experience like?

“That’s Ben Lomond over there,” our driver said, tapping the window as we curved along Loch Lomond’s edge. I pressed my forehead to the glass—mist clung to the water and someone behind me quietly hummed a tune I didn’t recognize. It was early, but you could already smell wet earth and something sweet in the air. We stopped for coffee near the shore; I burned my tongue a bit but it woke me up for what felt like a long, wandering day ahead.

I’d read about Inveraray before—the white houses looked almost too neat against all that green. Our guide (I think his name was Jamie?) told us stories about clan feuds and pointed out where the Duke of Argyll still lives. Some folks went into Inveraray Castle (it was open since it was May), but I just wandered around town, watching an old man feed birds near the jail. The wind picked up and carried this scent of rhododendrons everywhere—never knew what those were until now.

Kilchurn Castle was next—just standing there at Loch Awe like it didn’t care about tourists or cameras. We only stopped for photos, but honestly, I could’ve sat there for hours if they’d let us. By lunchtime we rolled into Oban, which is apparently famous for seafood. I grabbed fish and chips by the harbor instead of oysters (no regrets) and watched ferries leave for islands I can barely pronounce. You hear gulls everywhere in Oban; they sound different than at home somehow.

The drive through Glencoe felt heavy—the mountains almost swallowed us up. Jamie got quiet when he talked about the massacre there; it’s strange how a place can be so beautiful and sad at once. We stood outside for photos but mostly just listened to the wind move through the grass. On the way back toward Glasgow, everyone seemed quieter—maybe tired or maybe just full of all that scenery. I still think about that silence in Glencoe sometimes—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Oban Castles and Glencoe Tour

• View Loch Lomond and Ben Lomond
• Short refreshment stop near Loch Lomond
• Photo stop at Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint
• Explore Inveraray town and shops
• Optional visit to Inveraray Castle
• Optional visit to Inveraray Jail museum
• Photo stop at Kilchurn Castle
• Lunch and explore Oban town
• Photo stop at Castle Stalker viewpoint
• Stop and photograph Glencoe valley
• Early evening refreshment in Loch Lomond and Trossachs Park

Top questions

How long is the Oban Castles & Glencoe day trip from Glasgow?

This is a full-day tour departing from Glasgow and returning in the evening.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No, lunch isn’t included—you’ll have free time in Oban to buy food at local restaurants.

Are entry fees to Inveraray Castle or Jail included?

No, tickets for Inveraray Castle or Jail are not included; you can purchase them on site if you wish to visit.

Can children join this tour?

No, children under 5 years old cannot be accommodated on this tour.

What vehicle is used for this day trip?

The tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle driven by your local guide.

Is hotel pickup available?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; departure is from a central location in Glasgow.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Will we stop at Glencoe for photos?

Yes, there will be a stop at Glencoe to take in views and capture photographs.

What’s included

Your day includes transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with a knowledgeable driver-guide who shares stories along the way; stops at Loch Lomond, Inveraray (with time to visit either Inveraray Castle or Jail if you want), Kilchurn Castle for photos, free time in Oban for lunch (not included), plus visits to Castle Stalker viewpoint and haunting Glencoe before returning to Glasgow in the evening.