Oban Youth Hostel

Dogfriendly Magazine Review

Read our comprehensive review of this listing printed in our bi-monthly magazine.

Name Oban Youth Hostel
Reviewers: Emma and Phil Brown

Our journey to Oban was a pleasant one. We made our way up past Loch Lomond, heading west at the top and passing Loch Awe and Loch Etive. There were dramatic views of lochs and rugged landscapes with rivers twisting through. We hadn’t planned where to stop on the way, but saw a sign pointing to Falls of Falloch at the top of Loch Lomond. A quick internet search suggested it was a short ‘leg-stretcher’. Never ones to miss the beauty of a waterfall, we parked up. It did what it said on the tin, giving us a bit of fresh air, a sniff and a potter for Daisy, and a chance to admire the waterfall (walkhighlands.co.uk).

We arrived at Oban Youth Hostel late afternoon, and were delighted to find that the hostel, a striking Victorian villa, was right on the seafront. We were met by friendly staff, had a quick chat about where Daisy was allowed (most places except the self-catering kitchen), then made our way to our room.

It was in a separate building, which still had fabulous sea views from our window. Both buildings have a kitchen and lounge area, but the lounges in the main building come with incredible views, so we bought a drink from reception and relaxed there after our journey. We had the small lounge to ourselves, and Daisy enjoyed people-watching as the other hostel guests passed by. She got lots of smiles, and one guest came in to say hello to her, and give her a belly rub.

The hostel is at the quieter end of Oban, yet just a short walk into the main hub with plenty of bars, restaurants and shops. We had prebooked Cuan Mor (Gaelic: Big Ocean), which looks out across the bay, and immediately felt welcomed. The host showed us to a table for four, with two chairs removed and in their place a blanket on the ground for Daisy, which was very thoughtful. There was also a bowl of dog biscuits provided along with water. Daisy immediately settled onto her cosy blanket and, as we had a window table, she enjoyed people-watching both inside and out.

The restaurant had a busy, but relaxed atmosphere, with the interior made from natural and reclaimed Scottish materials. We had great difficulty selecting from the menu as it all sounded fantastic.  They focus on local produce, so given that we were in the seafood capital of Scotland, we tried the mussels to start, which were delicious. The vegetable curry and the steak pie were also tasty. Cuan Mor had an extensive gluten-free menu, so would cater for most. Between the attentive staff, ambience, dog friendliness and the food, Cuan Mor is a must when you’re in Oban.

We resisted the large whisky menu and headed back towards the hostel, popping into the bar of the Hotel No 17 The Promenade. This was a quirky hotel, with an Art Deco inspired restaurant, and the other guests in the cosy bar (think leather wingback armchairs by the fire) were happy to chat and share recommendations for walks.

Our hostel wasn’t far away. On Saturday, we headed for breakfast in the main hostel building. Breakfast included a basic selection of bread/toast, cereal, yoghurts, juices and fruit. While it was nice, we’d be happy to use the bustling self-catering kitchen in future, although it did save us the hassle of bringing food for breakfast. We mulled over our plans for the day, and discussed options with the hostel staff, who recommended a few walks. 

As Oban is described as the ‘Gateway to the Isles’ with its busy ferry port, we had been planning to go to the Isle of Mull, which takes less than an hour on the ferry. Other islands which you can get to include Kerrera, a mere seven-minute boat ride, Lismore, Iona and Coll. We were worried that by going island-hopping, we would miss out on what Oban had to offer, and we had already decided by this point that we’d be coming back soon, so we decided to put off our island-hopping until the next time, so that we could spend more time exploring the island.

Our first walk of the day took us into Dunollie Woods, just behind the hostel, where we could walk along to Dunollie Castle. We didn’t follow a map – although wished we had – so perhaps missed out on some of the more characterful parts of the walk, known locally as the Witches Walk, but were treated to lovely views out across the water, and Daisy had a good run around off-lead.

We then headed on a drive towards Port Appin, stopping at Sutherland’s Grove Forest (forestryandland.gov.scot). We opted for the middle level trail, tempted by the ‘babbling burns and powerful waterfalls’. An enjoyable walk, although steep and uneven in places. The river was great for Daisy to have a play in at the end. After a quick detour to see the atmospheric Castle Stalker, we headed to The Pierhouse Hotel. It felt very remote, down a narrow approach road. It sits on the water, looking over to Lismore, and you can get the boat from right outside. There were different lounge sections, and we had a cosy lounge to ourselves with a wood-burning fire, and staff popping in just to meet Daisy and make a fuss. We opted for more seafood, oysters and mussels, which went down well. We really enjoyed the lounge atmosphere and the staff were lovely. Dog biscuits were served, of course, and Daisy enjoyed a well-earned snooze by the fire.

Back in Oban, I had planned to explore the shops with Daisy, but due to the rain, I didn’t want to risk the inevitable ‘shake’ when she got into each shop, soaking anything within the splash zone. So Phil happily volunteered to dog-sit and avoid the shops, while I went for a wander. Dogs are welcome in many shops, including bigger brand stores like Joules and Fat Face, outdoor shops, wine shops and smaller gift shops.

That evening, we opted for the larger lounge before heading out. You can leave your dog in your hostel room for up to an hour, if you are on site, but we took Daisy with us as she enjoys meeting people.  The England v Scotland 6 Nations rugby was on, so we were accompanied by like-minded Scotland fans, and were also treated to a fantastic sunset over the Firth of Lorne and Inner Hebrides.

To celebrate Scotland’s win, we headed to the Lorne bar for dinner. The barman loved Daisy – dog biscuits were produced, and Daisy kept a hopeful eye on him for the rest of our stay. The food was delicious too. There were plenty of vegan options, and a great Scottish gin and whisky selection. We enjoyed the short walk back to the hostel, listening to the waves crashing in.

Sunday saw a much sunnier day, so we took the opportunity to visit the local beach, Ganavan Sands, which had been recommended by almost everyone we spoke to. With views across to the islands, it really was beautiful. We had the small beach to ourselves, and Daisy enjoyed playing and paddling, letting her hair down after being so well-behaved in the hostel and restaurants. Heading back through Oban, we stopped at the McCraig’s Tower, which had incredible views over Oban and the islands.

The round monument, based on the Colosseum in Rome, is impressive from all angles. We left Oban and continued down the west coast, opting for the longer Argyll Coastal Route home. Following the dramatic coastline, it gave us beautiful views at every turn. We visited the Isle of Seil, the most northerly Slate island, across the ‘Bridge over the Atlantic’. We also stopped at Fort Dunadd, an archaeological site with footprints carved into the rock, thought to have been used during inauguration ceremonies for new kings.

I’m glad we took the opportunity to take the Argyll Coastal Route home, as it’s not somewhere we’d ever driven before. We could have stopped more, but we’d never have gotten home. This route also passes Inverary and Loch Fyne, which I know from previous visits are dog friendly with good walks and tasty food to boot.

Reflecting on our weekend, Oban Youth Hostel was a fantastic base. The lounge with its views was the highlight, and the helpful staff. It certainly deserves its five star VisitScotland accreditation. Hostelling Scotland is also a charity, giving young people and families who wouldn’t normally have the chance or the opportunity to experience Scotland. There’s plenty to do in Oban, and lots of walking opportunities, with an abundance of Munros for the keen hillwalkers.

We had a fantastic weekend in the charming town of Oban (or ‘Little Bay’ in Gaelic) and are already planning our return. The aim is to use the hostel as a base to explore one or more of the nearby islands.

Oban Youth Hostel, review by Emma and Phil Brown and appears in DogFriendly magazine issue 76.  For more information on the DogFriendly magazine visit https://www.dogfriendly.co.uk/magazine