Fort William to Oban 2021

LaVita West Scotland Tour

Day One - Fort William to Oban (72km cycling)

The Caledonian Way runs from Campbeltown to Inverness over 234 miles. Our loop starts and ends in Fort William.

We stayed at The Caledonian Inn on the south side of Fort William and recommend the Spice Tandoori for an evening takeaway.

We grabbed breakfast as it opened at 7am and set off in sunshine for the 1pm ferry. Sustrans route A78 starts on the A82 and runs south through Corran and Onich. 

Join the excellent cycle track on the side of the road where you can to avoid large lorries.

The route diverts from the main road around the back of Dragon's Tooth Golf Club to Glenachulish.

Parts of the A78 are brand new so your route  files may not be up to date; the signs are well placed and regular so can be followed.

The final section to Oban diverts significantly from the road through the hinterland. There's 400m of climbing in the last 10km; if you want to get to Oban quickly you may be better off staying on the A82.

The Oban to Barra ferry runs daily and ours set off at 1pm. Those with a bike should line up by the sign on the right hand side. It is a large car ferry so plenty of space for as many cyclists as would reasonably turn up!

The ferry has a cafeteria and small bar. Best place to sit it on the 5th deck at the bow; if you're lucky (we were) pods of dolphins will follow the ferry and you'll be able to enjoy them from the viewing area.

The voyage is stated as five hours; if the weather is reasonable it'll be a little less.

Next - Barra to Berneray - the longest day