Beaches in and around Oban
With a rugged coastline, golden sands, aqua seas and machair dotted with wild flowers, some of Scotland’s most beautiful beaches are to be found all around the shoreline of Oban.
They are the perfect day out for the whole family, or as a romantic day on the coast. You'll even find saunas at some of them!
How many have you ticked off this list?
Ganavan Sands
Ganavan Sands and her smaller sister, Wee Ganavan, are probably the most famous beaches near Oban. This is for several reasons – not only are they brilliantly accessible with a short distance from Oban town itself, but also because they offer breathtaking views and a location to wile away a few hours during your trip. It is also a favourite amongst locals due to its highlights and proximity to town.
It is popular with wild swimmers and water sports enthusiasts as it is a perfect spot for paddleboarding and similar activities. It is a good spot to begin a series of walking routes as well – going towards Dunbeg, or the coastal trail towards Dunstaffnage Castle, or as a place to walk into Oban town from. The Wild Bathing Sauna (set up at Ganavan Sands) is another way to experience the beach, relax, and then enjoy a refreshing dip afterwards. Sister beach, Wee Ganavan, does not have the same amenities, but is usually a bit quieter.
Ganavan Sands is a busier beach, with many locals using it throughout the day, but there is still plenty of room to find your own quiet spot.
Dunbeg Beach
A small, Argyll beach that is popular with locals for a quick dog walk, longer walking routes or a dip. Located behind the world-famous SAMS science building, it is a valuable and accessible beach to have in a populated area.
It is a small, enclosed bay which is often well protected from the elements, whilst still offering breathtaking views out across to the mountains opposite. The beach is a mix of stony and sandy, and is easy to swim in as it is more enclosed. Dunstaffnage Castle is within a short walking distance, so it makes a full day out when combined.
For a bite to eat, drop by The Beach Café, found within the SAMS building opposite the car park just in front of the beach. Perfect for individuals or families wanting something for lunch or a mid-morning snack. The café offers a selection of hot and cold meals, along with hot and cold beverages. (Please see their Facebook page for current opening hours and specials.)
Kelly’s Pier
Kelly’s Pier in the Scottish village of Taynuilt is a great stop-off place to stretch your legs, take the dog for a walk or stop for a quick lunch on the stony loch beach. This is the perfect place to stop with the family for a relaxed afternoon out.
The landscape around this area is exceptionally breathtaking and relatively quiet, offering opportunities to see local wildlife, such as Cormorants and other birdlife, enjoying the clear waters of the Loch. The pier itself is short, but still worth a wander along, then enjoy a longer explore around the loch and finish with a lunch on the stony beach area, looking across to the hills.
Taynuilt Inn, a Gastro pub, offers hot food made with local produce, local ales, and several specials.
Tralee Bay
This large beach is perfect for couples, families, dog-walkers and individuals to enjoy, and there are plenty of things to do whilst there. The vistas alone are worth the visit.
Trelee Bay, based in Benderloch, approximately a 20-minute drive from Oban, is the perfect place to spend a few hours. This beach is sandy with a stonier end – a popular spot for both visitors and locals for dog walking, sandcastle building, or a wild swim. The waters are clear at Tralee, making it a hotspot for wildlife watching. Regularly, seabirds are spotted dipping in and out of the water around swimmers and water sports enthusiasts.
Tralee has a fish and chip shop open seasonally on the Tralee Bay Holiday Caravan Park, which is a perfect choice for an evening treat with the family, whilst spending time on the beach. Additionally, a new great way to experience the beach is booking a Sauna experience with Wild Bathing to enjoy a Sauna and Wild Swim.
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