We’ve always wanted to go to the highlands of Scotland and after chatting to a friend who had recommended basing ourselves in Oban as a base we decided to get planning. We were nervous about such a long drive with O has he had never been great in the car - plus we had to navigate the electric charging for our first long distance holiday as we have a fully electric car - but we figured that could work hand in hand quite well as we would have to stop frequently for O anyway.
So we planned our route and opted to head to Edinburgh for a couple of nights first via Newcastle (where we could stop at a friends for a cuppa - and a charge - on the way).
From there we headed to Oban for a week and then came home via the Lakes and had an overnight stop there to break the journey.
Detailed information on what we did, where we stayed and where we ate below.
Edinburgh
I totally underestimated how cold Edinburgh was (we went late April)! We spent a lot of time walking while in Edinburgh as it was a nice way to get around and O liked it in his carrier but I hadn’t got my clothing right. I’m famously and overpacked and even I got caught out - so don’t say you’ve not been warned!
After getting sorted in the apartment we headed out for a walk and to find some food. We tried to get a table at a Mexican that looked great but had to wait for a table so went to have a drink in the Filmhouse bar across the road which had high chairs for O and a very chilled vibe. The restaurant was excellent - more details in the “where we ate” section below.
The next day we had another wander down to take a look at the Parliament Building (it's an impressive building with wooden bamboo like architecture - hard to describe) and walked some more of the Royal Mile and stopped for coffee and snack in a great place which was very baby friendly (again in the where we ate section). Then we hopped onto one of the open top buses. I’d highly recommend one of these as it’s a great way to see the city and to travel around. O absolutely loved the bus and looking at all the people on it. We got off the bus at Edinburgh Castle and O was kind enough to nap in the carrier while we took a look around. It’s not the cheapest entrance price at between £15.50 and £19.50 depending on when you visit but we really enjoyed it. If you have a pushchair it’s best to ditch this and use a carrier as it would be far too limiting inside with one.
This was all we managed in Edinburgh as it was just a whistle stop tour but there were lots of other things we’d like to do on another visit such as wandering around Princes Street Gardens and Arthur’s seat.
Oban
We got up early and headed to our accommodation in North Connel near Oban. This was a great base for exploring the area! Each day we headed out somewhere new and tended to time the longer drives over O's nap times.
Hike to Beinn Lora
This was a lovely little hike and the views at the top are amazing! Bit of warning is that the sign posted markers stop before the top and the last stretch can be quite boggy so you just need to judge the conditions before heading up. On the drive home we stopped at a little roadside diner and A had the most amazing milkshake! We then stopped for lunch at a pub quite close to us and I tucked into a lovely portion of moules frites. That afternoon we just hung out by our accommodation, walked by the lake and saw some otters!
Isle of Mull
The next morning we were up early and headed to get the ferry to the Isle of Mull. O loved the ferry journey! We had a little drive around on Mull and it was beautiful. We stopped off in a very small hamlet of Calgary with a beautiful beach that we took a walk on. We then went to a small Loch but the midges were bad so we headed back. We’d purposely not gone in midge season so we were disappointed but I think it was just a one off as didn’t see any anywhere else. Then on to Tobermory and we visited the distillery to buy O a bottle of whiskey for his 18 birthday as this bottle has a significance for A so it was lovely to buy direct from there. We had a little potter around until we headed back to get the Ferry. We don’t feel like we really saw the best of Mull and would like to go back and do some bigger hikes one day.
Kerrera
The next island visit we did was Kerrera - a very small island only about 7km long and 2km. We took the small water taxi across and did a loop walk around the south of the island, stopping in the lovely tea rooms for a bite to eat and a drink. It was a lovely day out and really made you feel like you were in the wilderness.
Glenfinnan
The following day we hopped back in the car to Glenfinnan to see the viaduct made famous by Harry Potter. Be sure to check out the train timetable so you can get there for when a train is going over. There were a lot of people but we found a good spot a bit higher up to watch the train. It’s a must for any Harry Potter fan but even if not it is a spectacular place!
Fort William
After Glenfinnan we went to Fort William and did a lovely hike “Steall Falls and the Nevis Gorge”. Another one I'd certainly recommend.
Glencoe
On our final day in the highlands we did a drive through Glencoe which was really spectacular. We did a short uphill hike and back and then a did one of the routes around Glencoe Lochan. Again another wonderful day!
Where we stayed
Old Town, Edinburgh https://www.booking.com/Share-5nAkbG1
We wanted to stay somewhere fairly central with having O so of course this meant you got a lot less for your money. We stayed in a one bedroom apartment in the old town. Whilst it was fine and met our needs for the two nights we were there, I probably wouldn’t stay there again. The parking situation was a little complicated and the apartment was a little tired. I couldn’t fault the location though.
North Connel (Near Oban) https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Fyklsvh9
We stayed in a Loch side house 10 minutes drive outside of Oban. The setting was absolutely incredible, the views wonderful and we even saw otters from the window! The apartment itself was clean and had everything we needed for our stay. I’d compromised on the “modernness” of the house when we booked due to the prices however this didn’t matter one but. The living space is upstairs and the kitchen downstairs which didn’t matter to us with a baby, however, I wouldn’t now stay there with a toddler as there is no baby gate on the stairs. Would definitely recommend for a family with a baby though.
Where we ate
Topolabamba, Edinburgh - this was an awesome Mexican and the menu was excellent. O was made very welcome and he had the time of his life! Would definitely go back and recommend to anyone.
Loudons, New Waverley Edinburgh - this was a lovely large brunch type place that was very child friendly. We got a nice sofa area to ourselves which was great. Just off the Royal Mile and near the Parliament building so a good location.
Columbas Bay Diner, Oban - we just had a drink here and didn’t eat but A had an amazing milkshake. It’s a quirky little place. Right next door there is a pottery shop which you should definitely visit! We bought a beautiful gravy jug from here.
Oyster Inn, Connel - we popped in here for a late lunch. I had a lovely moules frite and it was nice and kid friendly.
Kerrera Tea Garden and Bunkhouse - Tea house on Kerrera island was great for a little pit stop on the south loop walk.
Oban Seafood Hut, Oban - just for take out given it’s a hut - I got a crab sandwich which was delicious. I’d definitely recommend going here for some food!
Piazza, Oban - a pizza place that was fairly relaxed and kid friendly.
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