Isle of Kerrera

A short ferry hop from Oban gets you to Kerrera, a low-lying island that feels properly remote despite being minutes from the mainland. There's not much here - a handful of houses, a café, and some decent walking routes - but that's rather the point. You're coming for the peace and the views back across to Mull and Jura, which are genuinely worth the trip.

The main draw is walking. A circuit of the island takes a couple of hours and is manageable for families with older kids, though the terrain can be boggy in places. Kerrera Castle, a modest ruin dating back centuries, sits on the southern tip - it's not the most dramatic fortress you'll see in Scotland, but the walk to it is pleasant enough. Bring a packed lunch and eat it overlooking the Sound of Kerrera. The café on the island does decent coffee if you'd rather not carry supplies.

It's the sort of place that rewards slow travel rather than ticking boxes. If you're staying at Oban Holiday Park or one of the nearby spots like Tanunda Pods or Maggie's Cabin, Kerrera makes an easy half-day escape from the busier Oban waterfront. The ferry is inexpensive and runs regularly. Weather matters here - drizzle rolls in quickly, and windy days can feel exposed on the water. Choose a decent afternoon and you'll have a real sense of getting away from it all without actually going far. Not spectacular, but genuinely restorative.