10 Dog Friendly Things To Do In Oban

If you’ve been following my stories for a while, you’ll know that Molly the Labrador is a big part of my travels around Scotland. That’s why I couldn’t have been happier when Hostelling Scotland invited me to explore the best dog friendly things to in Oban!

Oban is often called the Gateway to the Isles, but this wee town is much more than just a ferry port. There is so much to see in and around Oban and best of all, most are dog friendly. Whether you like ancient history, clan castles, good food, quiet islands or a gentle garden walk, this wee corner of Scotland has something for you.

Climb To McCaig’s Tower

The best way to start your dog friendly trip to Oban is to head up high and get your bearings. I think lots of towns would envy the view that McCaig’s Tower offers. You can’t miss this Colosseum-esque folly high on the cliff above the town, just keep heading up and you’ll get there.

It was designed and commissioned by local banker John McCaig in 1897 for two reasons. Firstly it was to be a lasting memorial to his family. Secondly he wanted to provide work for local stonemasons during the quiet winter months. The project lasted for five years until McCaig died and his family declined to continue the philanthropic gesture.

If hiking all the way up here is a little too energetic for you or your companion then don’t worry! There’s a small car park just outside McCaig’s Tower so this is a dog friendly thing to do in Oban for all abilities.

Head To Dunollie Castle & The Dog Stone

Long before the modern town of Oban developed, this was MacDougall territory and they ruled from Dunollie Castle. The ruins we see today are mostly 15th century, replacing an earlier MacDougall castle from the 13th century. Amazingly, this fortification goes back at least another 500 years to when it was one of the main bases in the Kingdom of Dalriada!

There’s one particularly important dog friendly thing to do before you even reach Dunollie Castle though. The path from Oban to the castle passes this strange rock formation, known as the Dog Stone. It’s said that this is where the legendary Gaelic hero Fingal used to chain his enormous dog Bran. As the hound paced round in circles, the chain wore the base of the rock away, forming this shape.

While dogs aren’t allowed inside the museum, the rest of the site is accessible. Explore the ruins of the castle, take in the views over Kerrera and beyond or go for a woodland walk. If you’re really well organised then visit on a Sunday to listen to a bagpiper while you enjoy a cake in the garden!

Discover Dog Friendly Dunstaffnage

I’ve visited Dunstaffnage Castle many times, it’s one of my favourite places to stop when heading towards Oban. However, I had no idea until this trip that it’s entirely dog friendly inside the castle remains. While there are plenty of ruins around Scotland that four legged friends can explore at will, there aren’t many manned castles that feel the same way.

There aren’t many castles as important as Dunstaffnage in Scotland’s history either. This is another ancient stronghold and one of Scotland’s earliest stone castles from the 13th century. Initially another home of the MacDougalls, after their defeat to Robert the Bruce it became a royal castle.

The position of keeper of the castle eventually fell to John Stewart , the Lord of Lorne. In 1463 he made the short walk from the castle to get married in the tiny chapel still found in the woods. Unfortunately, a MacDougall descendant ambushed the wedding party, stabbed John and captured the empty Dunstaffnage.

John completed his wedding vows with his last breaths, but it was no use. Once the MacDougalls were ousted from the castle, it was granted to the Campbells who are still Captains of Dunstaffnage today.

Hop Over To The Isle of Kerrera

To get away from the crowds and experience a bit of island life, you don’t need to travel far. Kerrera is just five minutes on a passenger ferry, making a fantastic dog friendly thing to do in Oban.

You could easily spend a whole day wandering around the island, but Molly and I followed the most popular route to Gylen Castle. It takes around an hour of walking on good paths to reach the castle, but the scenery is worth it.

You’ll pass the bay where King Alexander II of Scotland anchored his fleet before attempting to win back the Hebrides from the Scandinavians. He died the minute he set foot on the island, but don’t worry, you’re entirely safe here. The castle itself sits precariously on a clifftop, built in 1582 but sadly only in use for around 65 years!

One of the highlights of any trip to Kerrera, dog friendly or otherwise, is a visit to the tea garden! Delicious food and drink in scenic surroundings, both with outdoor seating and some under cover. Don’t be alarmed if you hear a peacock while wandering the island like I was, you’ll no doubt meet one in the garden.

Find Peace At Ardchattan Priory

Located a short drive from Oban, there isn’t much left of Ardchattan Priory, but it’s a very peaceful, dog friendly spot to roam. This was a Valliscaulian monastery from the 1200s, founded by Duncan MacDougall in this beautiful spot overlooking Loch Etive. It’s rarely visited today, but this is where Robert the Bruce held a council of chiefs in 1308 after stamping his authority in Argyll.

Much of the old priory has been built over, but there’s still enough left to give you an idea of life here. Amongst the huge number of more modern graves, there are a collection of much older sculpted stones.

The most remarkable thing to see at Ardchattan Priory is also the easiest to miss. An inconspicuous green box hides against a back wall with only the metal handle indicating that it’s worth opening. Inside is the elaborately carved tomb of Somerled MacDougall and his sons. You won’t find many 500 year old graves as well preserved as this.

Smell The Rhododendrons at Arduaine Garden

It might surprise some visitors to find out that rainy, cold Scotand is blessed with a number of beautiful gardens. As an east coaster, it pains me to admit that the west has some of the very best. Arduaine Garden is a great dog friendly thing to do near Oban, the perfect palate cleanser between heavy doses of history and stories.

The garden is sheltered from the westerly winds by huge trees which allows gentler plants to flourish. Known for its rhododendrons, there are plenty of other surprising plants to find here such as Himalayan lilies. The site actually boasts that you can find species from every continent bar Antarctica as you wander the maze of paths!

Visit One Of Argyll’s Ancient Chapels

I always think of Argyll as church country, with some of my favourite historical little chapels nestled in amongst the hills and sea lochs. Some contain beautiful carved crosses like Kilmory Knap or Keills Chapel which protects a 1300 year old example. Others like Kirkton Chapel have to settle for merely 15th century sculpted warrior effigies or slabs marked with huge swords.

When it comes to dog friendly things to do in Oban though, one stands out above the rest. Take a 10 minute journey out of the town to wander Historic Kilbride. I visit this place any time I’m in the area and if I’m lucky then keeper Liam Griffin and his yellow labrador Zara are there for a chat.

As well as historical stories of MacDougall chiefs and men with two hearts, Liam and his dog add a personal connection. If you’re lucky then you might even be serenaded with a song or shocked by an interesting anecdote. It’s one of my favourite dog friendly spots for a reason.

Experience Ancient History at Kilmartin Glen

If you’re happy to venture a little further away from your base in Oban, then treat yourself to a visit to the incredible Kilmartin Glen. In this small area you can travel through 5000 years of Scottish history in minutes. Start with the ancient standing stones of Nether Largie and you’re just a short stroll from several chambered cairns.

There are more mysteries to be uncovered with rock art found in places like Kilmichael Glassary and Achnabreck. These cup and ring marks are among the oldest archaeological remains in Kilmartin and we know practically nothing about what they mean.

Moving into slightly more modern times, the hillfort at Dunadd is well worth a visit. This is believed to have been the heart of the Kingdom of Dalriada and the location of their coronations. It’s a short but steep clamber to the summit where you can find a carved footprint in the rock. Kings may have once placed their foot inside, sworn their oath and cast their eyes over the vast Kingdom.

On your way back to Oban don’t miss Carnasserie Castle, built in the 1500s by John Carswell the first Protestant Bishop of the Isles. It’s a dog friendly ruin that allows you to climb right to the top of the tower for spectacular views! Did I mention that it’s entirely free?

Wander The Wonderful Woodlands

If your dog loves sticks like Molly, then a visit to the woods is a must on a dog friendly trip to Oban. We aren’t short on trees in this part of Scotland, but if I had to pick one walk then it would in the Knapdale Forest at Loch Coille Bharr. This is more than just a woodland walk and less than 10 minutes in, you might get a surprise.

The abandoned township of Kilmory Oib stands amongst the trees, silent apart from the welcome noise of healthy birdlife. Some of the 17 ruined buildings look like they could be restored with a bit of hard work while others are barely distinguishable. With a little imagination, it’s not difficult to imagine how this community once lived in harmony.

A stone carved with a Christian cross by a small well indicates this spot was lived in by the 8th or 9th century. Life continued here for at least 1000 years, until Kilmory Oib was finally abandoned in the mid 1800s. It makes for a sombre walk, but there aren’t many places I’ve visited as thought-provoking as this.

Hit The Beach To Cool Off

If it’s typically sunny Scottish weather, then any dog friendly trip to Oban needs to take advantage of the beach. Your best option is nearby Ganavan Sands, although bear in mind that’s everybody else’s best option too. Even though it can get busy on a hot day, this wide stretch of sand doesn’t often feel too cramped.

You’re likely to find people heading down with jet skis, paddle boards and kayaks to accompany you in the water, but there’s space for everyone. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, there’s a great burger van to visit before drying off. If you want to get away from any crowds, then you can even walk to Dunstaffnage Castle from here!

Dog Friendly Accommodation In Oban

With all of these dog friendly things to do in Oban, you’re going to need somewhere to stay for a few nights to enjoy them all! Fortunately, the Oban Youth Hostel has you covered with private rooms available to book. The location is excellent, right on the waterfront and you can take in the view from one of the lounges with a beer from reception!

People often have misconceptions when it comes to hostels, usually that they’re just for 20 year old backpackers. That couldn’t be further from the truth although backpackers are obviously welcome. I met a retired couple on a weekend away, a family with children, solo travellers moving around Scotland and of course, there was me from Edinburgh staying with my dog.

I’ve stayed in plenty of hostels in my time and the quality of the rooms, beds and bedding were the best I’ve come across. To make your stay even better, upgrade for the included breakfast. I went for a brilliant full cooked option which of course I shared with Molly…

Dog Friendly Places To Eat

You’re not short of dog friendly places to eat in Oban. The town has truly embraced the idea of bringing pets inside and it’s more surprising to find somewhere they aren’t allowed! Oban is famous for seafood with plenty of places to sample a fresh catch, but there’s options for all tastes!

Here are my recommendations, all tried and tested by both me and Molly:

Hinba Coffee Shop – For the best coffee in Oban and some delicious snacks.

Oban Seafood Hut – The Green one near the ferry port for fresh al-fresco seafood.

Lucy’s Ardfern – Excellent lunch spot in the countryside.

The Lorne Bar – Great dog friendly dinner spot in Oban, treats waiting behind the bar.

Cologin Barn Bar – One of my favourite places for dinner just a short drive from Oban.

If this trip to sounds like something you’d like to do with an experienced guide, then send me a message now about booking a Scotland’s Stories tour!

This article is part of a paid campaign with Hostelling Scotland, but all details and opinions are my own.

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