Address: Duncraggan Rd, Oban, PA34 5DP, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.5
based on 266 reviews.
Views and Scenery
Pros:
"The view did not disappoint."
"Great place for a panoramic view over the near islands and on to Mull."
"Spectacular panoramic views of Oban when you get there."
"Absolutely stunning views looking North up towards the sound of Mull, lady Rock and the Isle of Lismore."
"The views over Oban and the surrounding seascape are exceptional."
"Stunning blue sea views of Lismore island lighthouse, Kerrera island boat club, Oban harbour, Oban distillery... just too much to mention."
"Absolutely fantastic views across Oban and the bay and to the islands opposite."
Cons:
"Difficult to get to as it sits on a very steep hill."
"Trees partly obscuring views across oban bays which is such a shame."
"The view is not as good as people make out. The trees cut half the view out."
"Beautiful view of Oban Bay, save for the lights and light poles that got in the way."
"However, the lights (which illuminate it in the evening) are left on during the day, which is a waste of electricity and also slightly jarring when trying to look out at the view."
"Madness ruining what should be a sublime view."
"The views are beautiful, the place is an accident waiting to happen wire's from lighting left hanging loose, trip wires across walkways."
Accessibility and Parking
Pros:
"There is free parking outside the tower if your want to drive."
"There's ample parking."
"Can drive there as there is parking as well."
"There is a fair amount of parking available."
"There is a free car park behind it, which still requires some steps up (fyi)."
"If you aren't feeling as energetic or have any difficulty walking you can drive to the base of the tower. There is a small car park that's also free."
"Loads of free parking and easy to find."
Cons:
"Word of caution, the road up to McCraig's Tower is very narrow at places and can be difficult for vehicles to pass each other."
"The roads leading up to it are quite tight and a bit stressful."
"The road up is very narrow and not at all one way so go slow!"
"Getting to the tower in our lwb campervan was 'interesting' lol. The roads are narrow, really steep and have some very tight corners to turn."
"Very narrow roads that are very difficult to navigate with a motorhome!"
"Car park quite small which limits visitor numbers."
"Small free parking lot at the top if you drive - but still a bit of a climb from the lot to the tower."
Historical and Cultural Value
Pros:
"Built in 1897ish by a Scottish banker with a massive ego."
"It's perfectly situated on top of the hill to give a great view from the top but it can also be seen from all around Oban!"
"Although it looks like an ancient Roman aqueduct from the town below, this monument isn't all that old!"
"The historic monument is round-shaped and looks abandoned."
"An interesting folly with amazing views over the town."
"It's probably the most famous landmark of Oban along with the red brick chimney of The Oban Whisky Distillery built in 1794."
"McCaigs Tower was built in 1897 by a local banker as a gift to the people of Scotland's Seafood Capital & gateway to the Isles."
Cons:
"It was not finished because of death of sponsor."
"Strange how a person just planned to built a memorial for his family just to employ local people who are out of business."
"Just a shame we couldn't see anything giving information about the history of the structure anywhere, so ended up Googling it 🤣"
"This visitor attraction could be so much more!!!! Signage to find the place could be better. Not great access for persons with mobility issues...no info or background history...had to Google to find out about it's past..."
"However, it was challenging to locate the entrance due to the absence of proper signposts."
"I'm pretty sure it used to have information boards up to tell you the history of the place but they must have been taken away."
"An interesting place, but there needs to be a bit more historical information to put the place in context."
Experience and Atmosphere
Pros:
"Great to visit at dusk as well as it's illuminated with colour changing lights."
"Nice spot to have a sit and enjoy the beautiful view of Oban."
"There's also a stray cat that walks around who loves a tummy rub."
"Upon our arrival we have been greeted by a sweet cat - please be kind towards her :)"
"We had an incredible experience at this location with a breathtaking view of the city and sea."
"The harbor view is beautiful and there are lots of birds that sing."
"Really amazing place with fantastic views."
Cons:
"Theres a distillery nearby so expect a pungent smell of warm yeast and whisky mixed in with whisky sick and dog mess. Nasty."
"Shame about all the broken glass on the steps up towards tower, plus massively overgrown verges and weeds inside tower."
"No cat guaranteed, though, sadly."
"The two stars is for the eyesore that is the Tower."
"The views are beautiful, the place is an accident waiting to happen wire's from lighting left hanging loose, trip wires across walkways."
"Just a bit too cloudy today."
"Nice garden at the top but let down a bit by rubbish being left behind by inconsiderate folks."