Oban – Glencruitten – Ganavan Circuit
From Oban Ferry Terminal and Railway Station, turn right and head through Argyll Square and follow Combie Street (A816), before taking the left fork signed to Glencruitten. The road heads up through residential areas and past the golf course. After less than a mile, where the main road bends to the right, take the minor road to the left. After passing some railway cottages, the farm road runs alongside the railway line towards Connel. The road surface is generally sound, but there are a few puddles and rough patches.
As you head through the open hill farm country of Glencruitten, the only thing to disturb the quiet will be the very occasional train. When you reach the A85 just to the west of Connel, you have the choice of returning the way you’ve come or turning left along the A85 for 1.5 miles to Dunbeg. Take care turning right into Dunbeg and follow the main road through the village, turn right off Lorn Road onto Lochnell Road and follow that to the beginning of the traffic-free cycle path to Ganavan (signed). The tarmac path winds its way up and down over the small hills for 1 ¼ miles to Ganavan, where there is a sandy beach. Head back to Oban along the coastal road, passing the ivy-clad ruins of Dunollie Castle on a rocky cliff above the road and then the Dog Stone.
Legend has it that Fingal, also known as Ossian, used to tie his dog Bran to the stone - hence the name. The groove at the base is where the rope has rubbed away the stone. The road is narrow in places so take care on the bends as you head back to the centre of Oban. The route can be done in either direction.
Natural attractions:
- Oban Bay
- Falls of Lora, Connel
- Dunstaffnage Bay
- Ganavan Sands
- The Dog Stone
Visitor attractions:
- McCaigs Tower
- Oban Distillery
- Dunstaffnage Castle
- Dunstaffnage Marina
- Dunollie Castle
Route submitted by: Sustrans
Tags
Route map
Comments
Key route details
- Region/Area:
West Scotland
- Distance:
10 miles
- Time needed:
2 - 3 hours
- Classification:
Moderate
- Traffic:
Busy road out of Oban, quiet farm road and traffic-free path. 1.5 miles on A road
- Surface:
Tarmac
- NCN Route:
National Route 78
- Start:
Oban Rail Station
- Finish:
Oban Rail Station
- Access:
Train station at Oban
- Links with:
Oban to Campbeltown
- Weather:
-
Wed
max: 4°C min: 3°C
-
Thu
max: 6°C min: 3°C
-
Fri
max: 7°C min: 3°C
-
Sat
max: 7°C min: 2°C
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