McCaig's Tower
McCaig's Tower
4.5
9:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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Restaurants
74 within 5 kms
Attractions
26 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- J NAberdeen, United Kingdom110 contributionsBeautiful viewsWe walked up here which is a bit of a hike but worth it for the views. There is a car park which if we'd known we would have taken the car. Spectacular views over Oban Bay and beyond. Unfortunately no refreshments or facilities available at the tower so bring your own.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 April 2024
- Mark - Bobbi HNashua, New Hampshire49 contributionsGreat Views from ObanAfter we had driven into Oban and checked into our hotel, we could see "the Coliseum" but didn't really know what it was or what its function had been. The hosts at our small boutique hotel gave us a little background as well as directions on the shortcut climb to the top. It was a bit of effort but well worth it. Got some great views of the harbor on the way up but also some gorgeous houses that occupy the hilltop and command impressive views. McCaig's Tower is an impressive structure and though we didn't get much in the way of in-depth history, the views and photo opportunities were truly magnificent!Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 May 2024
- crippsy_99Cardiff, United Kingdom40 contributionsSpectacular views of Oban!Friend and I came to Oban for a couple of days while I was on holiday in Scotland. Noticed the tower sitting prominently on the hill and decided that was one place I needed to visit while there. As we were on foot, it was bit of a climb up some fairly steep hills and roads, but eventually we made it too the top and wow! Spectacular views of Oban and the whole bay area, with Mull and various other islands also on view. Spent a while admiring the sights and taking photos then headed back down into the town.Visited April 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 3 June 2024
- Sandra HThompsonville, Michigan349 contributionsTower on Battery HillDecided to stop here before dinner and the views didn't disappoint. Lovely walk around the perimeter of this tower on Battery Hill overlooking the town of Oban in Argyll. We were too early, but it would be a nice spot to watch the sunset as well.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 June 2024
- 287LogesSydney, Australia570 contributionsWorth a visitTook the walk up the hill to McCaigs Tower. Interesting structure once you get inside and see the work that was done and how large it is in circumference. Great views of Oban from here also. Walk down so much easier.Visited June 2024Travelled soloWritten 28 June 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,883 reviews
Excellent
1,327
Very good
1,170
Average
355
Poor
26
Terrible
5
NORMEDW
Glasgow, UK315 contributions
Oct 2020
Always wanted to visit this but knew it in the past as McCaigs Folly and not Tower so it must have had a name change sometime ago. This circular stone construction overlooks the promenade and has excellent views of the town of Oban and its busy harbour. Not entirely sure what it was meant to represent but similar buildings can be seen in Europe . The perimeter of the frontage has a walkway and ballustrade from which you can see and photograph the surrounding vista and a board illustrates the various points of interest to be seen. Kept well presented on our visit and illuminated at night with a reddish glow but be sure and take your time if you are walking up the hill from the waterside as you may be a little bit breathless as it is steep in places. Not a lot to it though except to say you've been there.
Written 30 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
babsmc2016
Dumbarton, UK77 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Visit here in a Saturday afternoon. If you visit Oban you have to visit this place.
Didn’t expect this place in Oban but now I have been and read the local info about it, what a lovely place. Strangely interesting and what an amazing view of the town and out to Islands. Great place to get photos so recommend you go on a dry afternoon, even if it’s cold, still go as worth the walk up the hill. Also foc to visit!
Didn’t expect this place in Oban but now I have been and read the local info about it, what a lovely place. Strangely interesting and what an amazing view of the town and out to Islands. Great place to get photos so recommend you go on a dry afternoon, even if it’s cold, still go as worth the walk up the hill. Also foc to visit!
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thomas H
Oban, UK107 contributions
May 2021
This is a lovely viewpoint in Oban and gives you a different perspective of the town. The tower is made in local stone from Bonawe and has a great variety of colourful plants. Definitely a great opportunity when visiting Oban and is a lovely walk.
Written 29 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brucestewart
Livingston, UK10,155 contributions
Aug 2020
My mother always talked about a holiday she had to Oban along with her sister in 1949 or 1950. The highlight for them had been climbing up to McCaig's Tower to take in the view.
When my wife and I visited Oban for a few days in August a visit to the Tower was high on our list of things to do. This was made a bit easier for us due to the fact the Guest House we were staying in was located partly up the hill to the Tower. While we still had a bit of a climb it wasn't as much of a challenge as starting down at the waterside.
The weather was very clear the day we went up to the tower and I'd had the foresight to bring a small telescope with me so we could appreciate the view. Well worth visiting.
When my wife and I visited Oban for a few days in August a visit to the Tower was high on our list of things to do. This was made a bit easier for us due to the fact the Guest House we were staying in was located partly up the hill to the Tower. While we still had a bit of a climb it wasn't as much of a challenge as starting down at the waterside.
The weather was very clear the day we went up to the tower and I'd had the foresight to bring a small telescope with me so we could appreciate the view. Well worth visiting.
Written 21 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris
Glasgow, UK43 contributions
Aug 2020
Rather steep climb not suitable for someone with mobility problems, so we went by car. Wow what a view, during the day or at night. We only spent a short time at the Tower, but glad we visited. Seats are available around and in the Tower so can sit back and enjoy the view or sunset.
Written 22 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan M
Coldingham, UK234 contributions
Sept 2020 • Friends
We walked up to McCaigs tower and parts of it were tough going as it was very steep hill. At the top we then seen you can take your car up to there and leave it at tower. Inside there were trees, seats and points to go and see spectacular views of Oban. It is a must to go to if in Oban. The tower is lit up red at night making it stand out. Just lovely
Written 28 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
49phila
Huddersfield, UK141 contributions
Sept 2020
The tower is a striking backdrop to the town centre & Its definitely worth the hike up the hill to see the fantastic views of Oban Bay and beyond from the view point / terrace in front of the tower. The tower itself is an interesting structure taking influence from Greek architecture. There is a car park if you don't fancy the walk!
Written 3 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bernio_10
Angus, UK32 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Magnificent monument that lacks maintenance and information boards. Visited today, place in need of a good clean and the attention of a couple of gardeners. Weeds growing through brickwork at path edges everywhere. Not one information sign about the construction, it’s history, the materials used, the dimensions etc etc. Looks like no one in Oban cares about this place. Sycamores growing out of control spoiling the view from the viewing point. John Stuart McCaig would be ashamed of the state of the construction.
Written 3 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DadandCab
Coffs Harbour, Australia1,283 contributions
Apr 2023
The tower is a fantastic town landmark and there are great views from the tower but quite frankly, the tower itself is far more photogenic from below. Up close, there was way too much visible bird poo all over the structure to make it in any way appealing. Added to that, the positioning of spotlights and their supports outside the structure can be seen through the lower windows, affecting the view and photographs from inside the tower. All a bit disappointing but still worth taking the stairs up for the views over town and the walk down through the winding streets and laneways.
Written 27 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin C
Sheffield, UK595 contributions
Sept 2020
We drove up to the Tower from the town. It is a very windy drive on quite narrow roads but well worth it. from the car park there are probably about 50 steps with a rail so access is Ok. We were fortunate to visit on a bright sunny day and the views are breath taking. There is also a helpful large annotated board telling you what the various hills and other landmarks are. A must as part of a visit to Oban.
Written 8 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How long does it take to walk up to the tower?
Written 28 August 2022
It would take me half an hour but I’m not a climber
Written 29 August 2022
I believe there is different paths up to Mccraigs Tower - which route is the easiest?
Written 2 May 2018
If you are fit, use the stairs. It‘s the fastest path. If you are with elderly people or children, the path without the stairs might be better. But both are totally manageable, even for children and elderly people.
Written 3 May 2018
Is there transport up to the tower
Written 24 May 2016
Hi, unless you have a car then its on foot.
Written 2 June 2016
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