Known as the Gateway to the Isles, Oban is a busy fishing port with ferries to Islay, Colonsay, Coll, Tiree, Mull, Lismore, Barra and South Uist. It is also a stepping stone on the journey to Iona (via Mull) and Jura (via Islay). Railway connections link it to Glasgow.
From Oban the road winds south through Lochgilphead, along Loch Fyne and then down to Campbeltown, almost at the tip of the Kintyre peninsula. Near the head of Loch Fyne is the imposing Inveraray Castle, not far past Crarae Gardens famous for its rhododendrons and azaleas.
East of Oban, after Connel, the road leads through the Pass of Brander then past Kilchurn Castle at the head of Loch Awe. Turn south at Tyndrum, and then at Crianlarich, towards Loch Lomond.