BY SEASON
Whatever time of year you visit us, you’ll be spoilt for things to do. While we can’t guarantee sunshine, this beautiful part of the Scottish Highlands is truly breathtaking in all weather. The dramatic landscapes and light effects make getting outside hugely fulfilling, even on wetter days. In fact, the landscape is perhaps at its most dramatic in the quieter months, when the snowy peaks of Glencoe are bathed in golden winter light or a stroll along a deserted shore rewards the beachcomber with finds of unusual sea glass or pottery. Here are a few ideas to consider:
SPRING
March -
May
Spring is a fabulous time to stay as the natural world bursts into life following winter, and most places will be quieter now than the peak summer months. This is a perfect time to visit some of the region’s stunning gardens, many of which are particularly beautiful in spring. This is also the ideal time for wildlife watching and photography as animals are active, searching for food for their young, and wildflowers carpet woodland, meadows and coastal fringes.
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In March and April, enjoy the spring flower displays in the gardens of Kinlochlaich when the specialist plants such as rhododendrons, azaleas and pieris are in full bloom and maybe visit the garden centre to take a plant or two back home.
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May is the perfect time to experience a bit of puffin therapy! Take a trip from Oban to Staffa, to see the world famous Fingal’s Cave which inspired Mendelssohn to write his Hebrides Overture. Other famous visitors have included Scott, Keats, Wordsworth, Tennyson and Queen Victoria.
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Visit the Isle of Mull for the day on the ferry from Oban - and watch out for dolphins and whales on the way. The Mull Music Festival runs in April and celebrates Scottish music so enjoy a wee dram in one of the bars while listening to a local cèilidh band.​​
SUMMER
June - August
Summer brings days that seem endless, stretching late into lazy evenings, perfect for a barbecue on one of our stunning beaches and in the gardens of Kinlochlaich House. Or make the most of the long daylight hours with a more serious hike or a day trip to one of the many islands that can be reached from Oban.
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In June, why not celebrate the summer solstice with a trip to one of the area's many ancient sites, such as Kilmartin Glen which has the most important concentration of prehistoric remains in mainland Scotland. Visit the fabulous newly-refurbished museum and soak up the atmosphere of a landscape that bears witness to 12,000 years of our ancestors.
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Be sure to catch one of the Highland Games that take place through the summer, a key part of Scotland's culture for hundreds of years. From caber toss and tug o'war to piping and Highland dancing, these gatherings are great family fun whether just spectating or taking part! There are four events in Lochaber or try the Taynault, Crieff or Stirling games.
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Summer is ideal for getting out on the sea by paddle board, canoe or kayak, to spot seals, otters and dolphins. Or if that sounds too energetic, try an evening cruise of Loch Linnhe to enjoy a different view of Ben Nevis while sampling a local beer or whisky.
AUTUMN
September-November
For many, autumn is the quintessential time to experience the Highlands. The glens and hills reverberate with the noise of red deer stags battling in the autumn rut and as a nip comes in the air, the first dusting of snow appears on the high mountains. With summer visitors departing, the most popular spots become quieter and forests shimmer in shades of gold, red and orange.
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September is a stunning time to take a drive through Glen Etive. The famous pyramid-shape of Buachaille Etive Mòr stands as a silent sentinel guarding the entrance to the glen. The 12 mile road takes you to Loch Etive between lofty mountains and heather moorland, laced with crystal-clear streams and waterfalls. James Bond fans will recognise the scenery from Skyfall.
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From later September through to early November, red deer can be seen rutting as braver newcomers challenge the dominant stag for the female deer. These dramatic displays of chivalry, with clashes of antlers, bellowing and roaring, are spine tingling, particularly in the misty twilight. As the temperature drops, retreat inside to listen by a roaring log fire.
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Autumn is a perfect season to take a whisky tour for a warming dram or two. Why not start with the Oban Distillery which nestles beneath the steep cliff that overlooks the bay, and is one of Scotland's oldest sources of Single Malt Whisky.
December - February
WINTER
The arrival of winter heralds dramatic light effects and sees the landscape at its most spectacular. Mountains take on a mercurial quality with the mood shifting in minutes from fairytale snowy peaks to brooding stone giants. The days are shorter but this allows more time to enjoy cosy evenings and dazzling night skies.
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The year ends with Hogmanay celebrations which originated in festivities for the winter solstice. The arrival of the new year is marked by singing Auld Lang Syne with lyrics penned by Robert Burns, the national poet of Scotland. The great man himself is celebrated with the famous Burns Night supper on or around the 25th January. Typically involving the piping in of the haggis and a toast with a few drams of whisky, this is an evening not to be missed.
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Both Glencoe and the Nevis range have winter sports including skiing, snowboarding and sledging. On a clear day, take a gondola ride up Aonach Mor for stunning views of neighbouring Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain, before visiting the mountain cafe.
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Grab your camera and soak up the scenery in Glencoe with its thundering waterfalls and mighty Munros at their most magnificent. As night falls, wrap up to enjoy incredible views of the stars away from light pollution or, if you're lucky, the magical Northern Lights.