Oban travel guide

Bus

There are regular daily buses to Inverness, 4 hrs, via Fort William (1 hr 15 mins), Benderloch and Appin with Scottish Citylink, T08705-505050. Regular daily service to Glasgow, 3 hrs, with Scottish Citylink Coaches; Tue and Sat, 3 hrs with McGill’s Bus, T01475- 711122.

The West Highland Flyer minibus, T07780-724248, Easter-end Oct, links the Oban (Mull) and Mallaig (Skye) ferries. It will take you just 2½ hrs to do this route and the minibus will also carry your bike. Departs Oban 0945 and arrives in Mallaig at 1215. Travels via Fort William and the Glen Nevis Youth Hostel on request.

Regular daily buses to Dalmally, via Cruachan Power Station, Lochawe and Taynuilt Hotel, with Awe Service Station, T01866-822612; Scottish Citylink, T08705-505050; and West Coast Motors, T01586-552319.

To Ardrishaig,via Kilmartin and Lochgi- lphead, Mon-Sat, Scottish Citylink and West Coast Motors, T01586-552319. To Ellenabeich and North Cuan, Mon-Sat, West Coast Motors.

Car hire

Flit Van & Car Hire, Glencruitten Rd, T/F01631-566553. From £35 per day.

Cycle hire

There are numerous cycling routes and walks in Argyll. Ask at the TIC for the leaflet, Cycle the Forests of North Argyll, or visit http://www.forestry.gov.uk/mtbscotland.

Evo Bikes, 29 Lochside St, T01631-566996, rents bikes; Liberty Cycles, Unit 9, Mill Lane, T01631- 564000. Rents adult, kids and trailer bikes from £15 per day.

Ferry

Oban is the main ferry port for many of the Hebridean islands .

The departure point for ferries to Kerrera is 1½ miles along the Gallanach Rd. They leave at regular intervals Mon-Fri 0845- 1800, Sun 1030-1800, £4.50 return.

A passenger ferry leaves from Port Appin pier to the north point of Lismore island Mon-Fri every hr (except 1300), T01631-562 125, 10 mins, £3 return. A tiny passenger ferry sails from Ellenabeich on Seil to Easdale, making the 3-min trip (£1.50) at regular intervals Mon-Sat between 0745 and 2100, partly to schedule, partly on request. Ring the bell in the shelter on the pier (T01631-562125). A daily car ferry to Luing (South Cuan), T01631-562125, sails from South Cuan on Seil (5 mins), Mon-Sat every 15 mins from 0730 to 1820 (later in summer) and on Sun every 20 mins from 1100-1810. Return fare is £1.50 per passenger and £6.05 per car.

Train

There are 3 trains daily to Glasgow, via Crianlarich, where the Oban train connects with the Mallaig/Fort William to Glasgow train.

Banks

Several major banks have branches with ATMs in the centre of Oban and you can change foreign currency at the TIC. Note that some B&Bs and pubs on the islands will only take cash.

Internet

Oban SYHA; Oban Library, 77 Albany St, T01631-571444, free access.