Morning: Luss, Tyndrum, and Loch Awe
Start the day early with breakfast—hopefully a full Scottish breakfast including haggis, black pudding, and potato scone—then head out for a quick stopover in Luss to visit a postcard-perfect village on the bonny banks of Loch Lomond.
Once you have enjoyed the charms of Luss, your journey will take you to Oban.
The drive is just under two hours, but it can take much longer as this is a popular tourist route.
As you wind your way up from Crianlarich (pronounced Cree-an-la-rich, the ch is the same as the ch at the end of the loch), the mountains begin to take shape and tower over you.
From Crianlarich, the next town is Tyndrum (pronounced Tine-drum).
The Green Welly is a landmark on the West Coast of Scotland.
Here, you can buy some Scottish souvenirs, stop for a toilet stop, and have a cuppa before you take the turn towards Oban.
The road now directs you to the top of Loch Awe, where you can make the most of fantastic photo opportunities.
Afternoon: Oban
Oban is the Highlands’ unofficial capital and Scotland’s seafood capital.
This picturesque seaside town is the gateway to the Hebridian islands and is packed with things to do and see.
One of Oban’s most prominent buildings is McCaig’s Tower, which can be reached by car or by climbing 144 steps!
It offers views over views over Oban Bay and the Atlantic Isles.
Or, do a tour of Oban Distillery, but be cautious that our Scottish drink driving limits are very strict, with you only being allowed 22 micrograms of alcohol in 100mls of breath.
Alternatively, walk the 30-minute trail to the ruins of Dunollie Castle via the Corran Esplanade.
This is ideal for those exploring the McDougalls family, as this is the clan seat of the McDougalls.
Another option is to explore the Woodland Trail, World of Trees, the spectacular Willow Hall, and the mischievous Faerie Garden.
There’s also a sandy shore 10 minutes drive from Oban called Ganavan Beach.
Since Oban is the seafood capital of Scotland, you are truly spoiled for choice with restaurants.
Ee-Usk is set on the pier, and its large windows offer views over to the Isles of Kerrera Lismore and beyond.
The Seafood Hut is a little green hut on the pier that prepares your meal there and then for you to enjoy alfresco.
It doesn’t get much fresher than this!
You could easily spend two days in Oban, but time is of the essence, so pick an activity and bank the others for another visit.
Local tip: Oban is where you catch the ferry to the Isle of Mull, Iona and Staffa, so if you can extend your trip, keep this in mind.
Accommodation-wise, I have stayed at The Ranald and would recommend it for its ease of access to the town centre and amenities.
Parking is at a premium for this hotel and in Oban in general.
The roads are narrow, and the town does operate a one-way system.
It can be frustrating, so when you get a parking spot, keep it!
Evening: Glencoe (33 miles, approx 1 hour from Oban)
Leaving Oban, drive towards Ballachulish, which takes you along the side of Loch Linnhe.
The loch is around 31 miles long, and due to its scenic surroundings, it is also one of the most visited.
The road through Glen Coe is one of the most breathtaking you will see during your Scotland trip planner.
This makes it one of the busiest routes in what the locals call “silly season.”
This is the name for the time when visitors from all over the world descend upon the Highlands, and traffic disrupts life in general.
We’re not used to traffic jams.
The only thing that holds us up on the roads is the farmer moving the animals!
Glen Coe
Possibly one of the most striking areas in the Highlands, Glen Coe is filled with intrigue as this is where the horrific Massacre of Glen Coe took place.
This road has two main viewing points filled with buses, cars, vans, and tours.
The first car park is where you can stop and see the Three Sisters of Glen Coe.
These three ridges form one of the most photographed sites in Glen Coe.
The parking further up is for the Hidden or Lost Valley entrance; imagine this is where the Clan MacDonald hid their stolen cattle.
It’s now time to begin the journey to Fort William or, alternatively, spend the night in Glencoe.
Local tip: You will notice two spellings of Glen Coe in this article.
The Glen is Glen Coe, whereas the village is Glencoe. Impress Scotland fans with your new knowledge!
Evening: Glencoe to Fort William (17 miles, approx 40 minutes)
Travelling to Fort William, you will notice the loch on the right-hand side swapping to the left side.
This is Loch Linnhe.
On a clear, calm day, the loch looks like a mirror.
Accommodation-wise, The Garrison is a great choice for accommodation.
It used to be the police station, and you can even book rooms in the old cells!
It is also central to all the amenities you will need.
If you like pizza and craft beer, then The Black Isle is your place.
Garrison West, or The Crannog, offers seafood and Scottish produce for more upmarket dining.
For pub grub, check out The Tavern’s hanging skewers.
Once you have eaten, the only place to be seen is The Volunteer Arms.
With a local band playing on a Friday night, you will be dancing until the wee hours.
Alternately, pop in for a nightcap at The Crofter.
Note: If you have time, we strongly advise you to do one or two of the Fort William attractions described below to save time in the morning.
You will be battling against the clock to get to Glenfinnan to see a very special moment on the silver screen in the morning.
Highlights on This Leg
This leg trades the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond for the west coast at Oban, then cuts inland through the mountains of Glen Coe on the way to Fort William. Two of the stops have their own detailed guides:
- Loch Lomond & The Trossachs — Scotland’s largest loch and first national park, best seen from the village of Luss
- The Three Sisters of Glen Coe — the dramatic ridge line that makes Glencoe the most photographed glen in the Highlands
- Oban — the “seafood capital of Scotland” and the ferry gateway to the Inner Hebrides
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Loch Lomond to Fort William?
The direct route is under two hours, but the scenic itinerary via Oban and Glen Coe covers about 115 miles and takes roughly three hours of driving before stops. Budget a full day so you can linger in Oban and pull over in Glencoe.
Is Oban worth stopping at?
Yes. Oban is a lively harbour town known for fresh seafood, the Oban Distillery right on the main street, and ferry links to Mull and Iona. It makes an ideal lunch stop and is also the launch point for the Side Trip to Mull.
What is there to see in Glen Coe?
Glen Coe is famous for the Three Sisters viewpoint, its hiking trails, and its brooding history. The A82 runs straight through it, so even a short photo stop delivers some of the best mountain scenery in Scotland.