Oban & Lorn V
enture across the imposing Connel Bridge from Oban, and you are transported to a world where the drama of folk- lore matches the spectacle of the landscape, and a history
shaped by murder, conquest and exploration has been followed by a present that features its own tales of bold rescue - albeit of the animal variety. The turmoil begins at the Falls of Lora, Britain’s only saltwater or ‘reversing’ rapids, which are created when the tidal waters in the Firth of Lorn (the sea, towards Oban) fall below the level of Loch Etive (a sea loch, towards Taynuilt) causing millions of tonnes of water to pour out through the rocky narrows to form a tidal race. Time the tides right and the falls are an impressive sight. They can
be observed from the footpath over the bridge, or from the car park opposite the Oyster Inn. If that encounter isn’t close enough, try tasting the spray from a kayak – there are several local guides and instructors to choose from. The glacial Loch Etive is also a popular fi shing destination - because of the infl uence of fresh and sea water, its ecosystem is home to spurdogs, rays, cod and mackerel, as well as brown trout. Head north and you come to Oban (Connel) airport, which offers connecting fl ights to the islands of Colonsay, Tiree and Coll, as well as aerial tours of the whole of the west Highlands. With Loch Linnhe to the west and views of Loch Etive to the east, even take off and landings are an opportunity to gain new perspective on the striking geology and geography below.
Benderloch, Barcaldine and Connel
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