This tour incorporates the Oban, Tobermory, Ardnamurchan, Ncn’ean and Ben Nevis distilleries, which are spread across Argyll and the south-western Highlands. We’ve allowed five days as there are five distilleries, beginning with the Oban Distillery, but add another day or two if you want to relax a little – you could easily spend a day on most of the activities below.

McCaig’s Tower

McCaig’s Tower offers the best views out over Oban and the Islands, and is equally stunning lit up at night time. A short but energetic hike from the seafront or the centre of town, McCaig’s Tower is an incomplete open stone tower dating back from 1897, and has a calm and peaceful garden within.

After visiting the Oban Distillery, take the ferry to the Isle of Mull, arriving in Craignure, then either drive around the coast to the Tobermory Distillery – around 35 minutes – or take the direct bus – about an hour’s journey.

Oban

Staffa Tours

The Isle of Staffa is an uninhabited national nature reserve, providing nesting sites to seabirds, including puffins during spring and summer. The hexagonal columns of basalt rock formed millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions are its most visually distinctive trait, but the island is also home to Fingal’s Cave which provides stunning acoustics too. Tours leave from Oban, Mull and Iona with Staffa Tours.

From Tobermory, take the ferry to the small port of Kilchoan, then follow the coast east to the Ardnamurchan Distillery, or head north to Sanna Bay.

Fingal's Cave on the Isle of Staffa

Sanna Bay

As the western most point of mainland Britain, Sanna Bay has white sandy beaches, dramatic views out over the islands and clearer than clear water. It’s a single-track road to the beach, so take care if you’re visiting during the summer season. Highland cattle will escort you the last few hundred metres to the beach, where a breath-taking and peaceful afternoon awaits.

From Ardnamurchan, head back along to Kilchoan and take the ferry to Drimnin, just south of the Ncn’ean Distillery.

Lochaline Dive Centre

Lochaline Boat Charters offer diving trips in the world-renowned Sound of Mull. Home to some of the best wreck dives in the UK, the Sound also has fantastic drift, shallow, scenic and shore dive sites. Two high-spec vessels are on offer with full crew and hydraulic divers’ lifts, as well as, apparently, a particularly good bathroom. And the neighbouring café is perfect for good fuel food for before or after.

An hour and half’s drive north east takes you up to the Ben Nevis Distillery along the eastern side of Loch Eil - check out their dedicated page for more information.

The Jacobite Steam Train

The Jacobite Steam Train

Running from Fort William to Mallaig return, the route of the Jacobite Steam Train is said to be one of the greatest railway journeys in the world, and travels over the Glenfinnan Viaduct of Harry Potter fame. The train stops at various points along the way but it’s the passing scenery and authenticity of the train itself that makes it. We recommend booking first class tickets, which includes a cream tea and is very comfortable, and then a fish and chips in Mallaig before returning to Fort William.

Nevis Range Mountain Gondola

Fantastic views await from both the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola and the two viewpoints at the top, giving you a good sense of the enormity of the mountain range, as well as a good view of the snowy peaks of the UK's highest mountain, Ben Nevis. The café at the top is a welcome stop whatever the weather and, if you’re a fearless mountain biker, you can ascend with your bike in the Gondola, then ride down afterwards.

Accommodation

The Perle Oban is a stylish hotel in Oban with great views over the harbour, and a restaurant specialising in Eastern Mediterranean food. Lush bedrooms and tempting breakfasts await at Strongarbh House, set in spacious grounds over Tobermory Bay and linked to the harbour via a private woodland path. The Ardnamurchan Campsite is ‘a destination, not a stop-over’ in Kilchoan; we particularly like one review saying “can't remember the last time I sat and did absolutely nothing at all all day but stare at the amazing views” – sounds idyllic. If you’re in the market for luxury, Inverlochy Castle has spectacular meals, wonderful atmosphere, open fires and fantastic service. The Tree Tops Bed and Breakfast in Badabrie near Fort William is a beautiful building with a view of Ben Nevis, and great service to match.