If you want a taste of Scotland’s rugged beauty without heading deep into the Highlands, Oban and Glencoe make an excellent choice. Oban, a small seaside town, offers sweeping coastal views, while Glencoe marks the dramatic gateway to the Highlands. Both are perfect for anyone who loves landscape photography, hiking, or simply soaking in Scotland’s wild charm.
Discovering Oban
We spent several days in Oban during midsummer, and it quickly proved to be a fantastic base. The town is small but full of character, with plenty of viewpoints and nearby walks to keep a photographer busy. Renting a car from Edinburgh gave us the freedom to explore further afield, but Oban itself already felt like a window into the Highlands.
One of the best vantage points is Pulpit Hill, just a short but steep climb from the town center. From the top, you’re rewarded with panoramic views over the harbor, the Isle of Kerrera, and the surrounding hills. Sunset here is especially magical, though the scene is just as beautiful during the day.
For those willing to venture a little further, a less-traveled path extends beyond Pulpit Hill and leads to a gravel road high above the town. From this quiet spot, you can enjoy sweeping views of Oban and its golden hillsides with hardly another soul around. It’s well worth setting aside a couple of hours to explore this hidden corner.
The Road to Glencoe
One of the highlights of our trip was the drive from Oban to Glencoe. Though the journey takes less than an hour, the route is filled with breathtaking stops, making it a photographer’s dream.
Castle Stalker sits on a tiny island in Loch Laich and looks straight out of a storybook. Its name comes from the Gaelic word for “hunter,” and it dates back to the 14th century. Fans of Monty Python might recognize it from the film The Holy Grail. You can admire it from a quiet roadside viewpoint or from the nearby café that overlooks the loch.
Crossing the Ballachulish Bridge, we stopped to admire the views of Loch Leven. The short walk along the road there opens up to a valley framed by mountains, a scene that feels quintessentially Scottish.
Further along, near the Glencoe Boat Club, another viewpoint stole my heart. Looking out over Loch Leven with the peaks of Bidean Nam Bian rising in the distance, it was the kind of view that makes you want to linger for hours.
Not far from there lies Loch Achtriochtan, a serene valley lake tucked between mountains. With its small bridge, farmhouse, and grazing sheep, the scene could have been painted. Even in mist and rain, it had a quiet beauty.
We also attempted a short hike near the Five Mile Walk starting point, though the weather turned against us. Even so, the moody skies and rain only added to the atmosphere—something every visitor to Scotland eventually experiences.
Finally, no trip to Glencoe is complete without stopping at the viewpoint for the Three Sisters. These striking ridges rise steeply from the valley floor and are among the most photographed peaks in the country. On our visit, the summits were hidden in clouds, but the scene remained dramatic and unforgettable.
Returning to Oban
After a day of exploring Glencoe, returning to Oban felt like coming back to a cozy seaside retreat. The town itself offers great food as well, and if you’re a fan of seafood, the harbor is the place to go. Fresh catches are served straight from the boats, making it the perfect way to end a day of exploring Scotland’s landscapes.
Final Thoughts
Oban and Glencoe provide a perfect introduction to Scotland’s west coast. From castle ruins and mountain valleys to sweeping coastal views, this region packs the essence of the Highlands into an accessible journey. For photographers, it’s a paradise of dramatic light and ever-changing weather, where every turn reveals another scene worth capturing.
