Route  :  Glasgow - Oban Line

On the Oban line you quickly leave city life behind and become surrounded by mountain and loch as you leave the river Clyde behind and pass up the side of the World famous Loch Lomand. At Crianlarich the Oban line branches off the line to Fort William.  While the Fort Wiliam line heads for the famous Horse Shoe curve north of Tyndrum and before the wilds of Rannoch Moor, the line for Oban heads west passed Loch Awe and through the Pass of Brander to reach the coast at Connel Ferry.

The line passes through areas that are steeped in history, particularly between Dalmally and Loch Awe where Kilchurn Castle, built in 1450 can be seen. The Castle is a former strong hold of the Campbell Clan.

This is a great day trip but a longer stay is recommended. Oban is the gateway to the Isles.  The beautiful Isle of Mull being only a 40 minute sail away with Caledonian Macbrayne.  Mull is the only Scottish Island with its own scheduled rail service. The Isle of Mull Railway runs to Torosay Castle and Gardens from Craignure, only a short walk from the ferry terminal.  The Mull Railway operates each year between April and October.

While on the island, you should also visit the tranquil Island of Iona with its monastery founded by St Columba c563AD. It was from here that Celtic Christian traditions were introduced to the Highlands of Scotland Christianity to the Highlands of Scotland.  To this day the restored buildings house an important Christian community.