McCaig's Tower and Pulpit Hill.
Start. Corran Hills car park, Oban.
Notes. Oban the unofficial capital of the West Highlands, acclaimed as the "Gateway to the Isles", probably as striking today as it was in Victorian times when given the royal seal of approval from Queen Victoria, who called it "one of the finest spots we have seen", it is surprising by the amount of tourists of all nationalities there it still holds its charm but it dose.
This was to be a Sue day, well she accommodates me with the walking so I can't complain when it comes to a walk round the shops, imagine my surprise when she suggested climbing to the summit of Battery Hill home of the impressive McCaig's Tower followed by a walk to the viewpoint on Pulpit Hill..
The day started grey with heavy showers, with the promise of better weather to come we parked at the north end of town, to make our way via lots of shop windows, and some shops to the Distillery, the climb started at its rear, a 144 steps to Laurel Road then more up to McCaig's Tower, (Sue counted them) our descent was down Duncraggan Road followed by a stroll along Glenshellach Terrace, after the railway bridge a path climbs to the summit of Pulpit Hill, we descended down the road to find ourselves walking along the promenade, with the sun on our back we strolled aimlessly passed the car, St Columba's Cathedral the War Memorial to eventually reach beautiful Comas Bay followed by a long walk back to the car.
Climbing the steps with views over the Distillery.
The impressive arches of McCaig's Tower dominates the summit of Battery Hill.
Built of Bonawe Granite with a circumference of about 200 meters with 94 arches, this mausoleum dwarfs the small town of Oban.
From McCaig's Tower views over Oban Bay to the island of Kerrera.
Commissioned by John Stuart McCaig, built between 1897 and his death aged 78 in 1902.
McCaig's Tower seen from near St Columbe's Cathedral.
The ferries ply their trade between the western isles.
Maybe because the sun is shining but the views from Pulpit Hill look even more impressive, Maiden Island backed by the Morvern Hills.
Rising on the skyline the hills of Mull.
McCaig's Tower as seen from Pulpit Hill.
An inspiring view of Oban.
Oban Bay leading to Loch Linnhe backed by the distant hills of Morvern.
Strolling down Corran Esplanade looking across Oban Bay.
Looking to Maiden Island from the quite beautiful Camas Bay.
Over the whispering waters of the Firth of Lorn the blue/grey hills of Mull.
From Camas Bay stunning views to Kerrera with the silhouette of Maiden Island to the right.
Above the trees Dunollie Castle, one we never had time to visit.
Standing proud on the northern tip of Kerrera Hutchenson's Monument.