Alternatively, take the A886 at lovely Strachur on the shores of Loch Fyne for the Colintraive Ferry to Rothesay, on the Isle of Bute. Oban itself is an attractive, bustling port town with good shopping and general amenities, as well as vital transport connections by train and by coach to link with sailings to the western islands. In-town attractions include the Caithness Glass Factory, Sea Life Centre and spectacular views from McCaig's Folly. Time permitting, return from Oban southward on the A816 by the coast to Kilmartin Glen, famed for its abundance of stone circles and burial cairns dating back to the Bronze Age, and the Moine Mhor or Great Moss dominated by the Dark Age hill fort of Dunadd. Water skiing is popular around the Duck Bay Marina area of the Loch.
Tuition is available during the summer season.
Friday Trips depart Helensburgh Pier at 10.00 hours and arrive at Rothesay at 12.45 hours. Once in Rothesay, a shuttle bus is available from the square to magnificent Mount Stuart. Return by shuttle bus to depart Rothesay Pier at 15.15 hours, arriving Helensburgh Pier at 18.00 hours. Alternatively, you might opt to take a cruise on the Waverley, the last sea-going paddle steamer. Additional cruise destinations include Pladda and the Holy Isle.