Road Trips Never Go to Plan (And That’s Half the Fun): Scottish Road Trip Part Two

We always start with a plan. An ambitious, carefully crafted itinerary that looks perfect on paper. But more often than not, real life gets in the way — and honestly, we kind of love it that way.

The original plan was to drive from Tyndrum to Oban, taking in the dramatic sweep of Rannoch Moor, the towering majesty of Glencoe, and the scenic coastal road along the way. But by the time we finished cake-hopping in Tyndrum, the afternoon was already slipping away and we had to face facts: something had to go. Glencoe, we’ll see you next time.

Luckily, we had some drone footage from a previous visit, so we still got to show off those moody Highland peaks and cinematic vistas. Not quite the same as being there in person, but it’ll do in a pinch.

Prefer to watch instead of read? Check out the full vlog here:

Scotland Autumn Road Trip Part 2 | Kilchurn Castle, Oban & McCaig’s Tower Views

Kilchurn Castle: Too Pretty to Skip

Flexibility is the key to a good road trip. When we spotted the turn-off for Kilchurn Castle, we decided to go rogue. It meant completely abandoning the schedule, but this place was just too good to pass up.

Perched on the north-eastern edge of Loch Awe, Kilchurn Castle is one of Scotland’s most photogenic ruins, even with the scaffolding. Built in the mid-15th century by the Campbells of Glenorchy, it started life as a stronghold and was later expanded into a grander residence with a barracks and defensive tower.

Over the centuries it’s been home to clan drama, military strategy, and the occasional lightning strike (which eventually led to its abandonment in the 1700s). These days, it's mostly just trying not to fall down.

Even in its crumbled state, there’s something magical about Kilchurn. The backdrop of misty hills, the reflection on the loch, and the wild stillness around it all make it feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook, or a film set.

If you’re into atmospheric ruins, this one is a must. Unfortunately, the iconic view was a little obstructed by scaffolding this time around, but at least it's being preserved. A fair trade if it keeps the rocks from landing on unsuspecting tourists.

Detour Over, Time for the Coast

With our castle fix satisfied, we finally made it to Oban. And, in classic Bucket List Bound fashion, we arrived with no cash and no time.

Oban, perched on the west coast of Scotland, is known for its seafood. If you ever visit, head to the left-hand side of the bay where a tucked-away seafood shack serves up mussels in white wine and garlic that will change your life. Sadly, we arrived just as they were closing. And even sadder, it’s cash only. So even if the lights had been on, we were out of luck.

A lesson for future adventurers: carry cash. Especially if your stomach’s involved.

Oban’s Crown: Climbing to McCaig’s Tower

With our stomach's rumbling we headed up to McCaig’s Tower, a strange and striking structure that looms over the town like a Roman colosseum that got lost on the west coast of Scotland.

Built in the late 1800s by a local banker (who clearly had more money than architectural training), it was originally meant to house an art gallery and a bunch of statues of his family. That part never happened, but the outer walls remain, and they’re impressive. Even better, the tower sits on top of a hill, offering one of the best panoramic views over Oban Bay and the surrounding islands.

The climb up is steep but short, and well worth it for the view alone. Boats bobbing in the harbour, rooftops glowing in the afternoon light, distant hills fading into the horizon, it’s the kind of spot that makes you stop talking for a minute and just take it all in.

We wandered through the gardens inside the tower, put the drone up, and snapped a few photos through the arched windows, trying not to imagine how spooky the place might feel at night. Quiet, slightly eerie, and totally beautiful, McCaig’s Tower is one of those places that doesn't need a big story. It just is.

A Sunset, a Burger, and a Bedtime Craving

With seafood off the menu, we wandered around Oban and settled on a little place called Cuan Mor. A warm, rustic spot with stone walls and coastal charm. It was Wednesday, which meant any burger for £13, and after a long day of driving and filming, we weren’t about to say no to that.

The food hit the spot. The view over the bay as the sun dipped behind the hills was pure Scottish magic. That late-autumn golden hour light is something else.

By this point, we were fading fast. A three-hour drive home still lay ahead and even the camera was getting funny looks in the restaurant. It had been a full-on day and more than enough adventure for one vlog.

Until the Next Turn in the Road

We might not have made it to every stop on our list, but that’s the joy of a Scottish road trip. You can plan every detail, but it’s the unexpected detours, missed turns, and spontaneous stops that make it truly memorable.

Thanks for coming along for the ride. If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to give it a thumbs up and subscribe so you don’t miss the next leg of our journey.