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The
island of Kerrera lies to the west of Oban bay. In fact
it is this island which makes Oban such a
sheltered harbour. Kerrera has become a popular day time
destination for walkers and cyclists who want the tranquillity
of the island roads and the beauty of the scenery. From Oban
take the Gallanach road for 2 miles where there is free parking
at the Kerrera Ferry slipway. There are regular ferry services
all day both summer and winter.
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The
visitor to the island will want to visit
Gylen Castle
and also the Tea Garden (photo to the right). The tea garden
has become a reason in itself to visit this lovely island.
There are fantastic coastal walks which take you on a
circular route back to the ferry. In the North east of the
island there is a marina in Ardintrive bay which has a
regular ferry service to and from the North Pier in the
centre of Oban. On the very
north of the island there is a large monument to commemorate
David Hutcheson who was the manager of the shipping firm who
ran the first steamers to Oban, and from here it is
fascinating watching boats coming and going from Oban
harbour. there are also great views of
Dunollie
Castle on the mainland guarding the entrance to Oban
Bay. |
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courtesy of
kerrerabunkhouse.co.uk |
There are
two main walks the first as mentioned by going left from the
ferry then just keep going until you reach the Tea Garden, you
can then add in
Gylen Castle as an interesting stop. from there head west
and follow the well trodden path around the coast until you
arrive back at the ferry. This is probably a three to four hour
walk depending upon your fitness and the number of stops you
have to take in the excellent scenery. The second walk goes to
the north of the island. From the ferry take the right hand fork
(north) . then keep right at the next fork just past the farm. I
will not describe the walk further as again it is a well defined
path and even if you stray from it, you cant really get lost.
At the marina on the island,
called Oban Marina, there is a bar and grill called the waypoint
bar. This is only open in the summer months.
While on the island it is
common to see the following wildlife, otters, golden eagles,
porpoises, dolphins, basking shark, corn crake, chough,
cormorants and much much more.
Isle of Kerrera, and Gylen Castle, Oban
Bay, Argyll, Scotland
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