Argyll & Oban by campervan
A west-coast trip built around archaeology, Loch Fyne and an Oban harbour lunch.
The trip we would build
Follow Inveraray, Kilmartin and Oban as separate stages. This gives Argyll a story beyond a coastal drive: town and loch first, prehistoric landscape next, then a working ferry harbour. The Kilmartin leg uses the A83/A816; it is longer than going directly from Inveraray to Oban.
Why choose it: Food, history and coast in one mainland trip; no ferry booking needed unless you extend to an island.
The trade-off: The A83 can be disrupted at the Rest and Be Thankful, and a coastal detour makes a ferry connection less forgiving.
Drive times and approach
| Leg | Planning allowance |
|---|---|
| Renfrew → Inveraray | Allow 1½–2 hours |
| Inveraray → Oban directly | Allow about an hour; Kilmartin is an additional leg |
Rounded planning allowances, not live traffic predictions. Add sightseeing, meal stops and ferry check-in separately.
Map of the area
Area markers show the stages of the trip. Follow each venue's directions for its entrance and parking.
How to spend your days
Day 1: Loch Fyne evening
Explore Inveraray's harbourfront and choose the castle or town heritage for the following morning. Brambles is the town food stop. Avoid turning collection afternoon into a race all the way to Oban.
Day 2: Understand the glen, then follow the coast
Start at Kilmartin Museum, then walk part of its monument trail. Sleep at Lochgilphead Caravan Park for this stage rather than commuting back to Oban.
Day 3: Oban on foot
Leave the van in suitable town parking, have lunch at Food from Argyll at the Pier and walk the waterfront. Stay at North Ledaig for the Oban stage; it is outside town, so plan dinner transport rather than assuming a walk back.
Food worth fitting into the trip
- Brambles, Inveraray — Town-centre café for the Loch Fyne stage.
- Food from Argyll at the Pier — A harbour-side lunch choice that fits an Oban or ferry day.
Where we would base the van
- Lochgilphead Caravan Park — The useful overnight for Kilmartin and the southern stage.
- North Ledaig Caravan Park — The coastal base north of Oban.
What matters locally
Roseview has closed, so older overnight recommendations need replacing. Check the A83 before choosing your approach. Add a mainland night before handback if the trip includes a Mull ferry.