Oban

The ferry horns echo across Oban Bay at dawn, signalling another day in Scotland's seafood capital. This working port town sprawls around a natural harbour, where fishing boats jostle with CalMac ferries heading to the islands. McCaig's Tower - that odd Colosseum-like folly - watches over the whole scene from the hill above.

Oban punches well above its weight for a town of its size. The distillery tour is a proper introduction to Highland single malt, while the harbour area bristles with seafood restaurants serving langoustines pulled from the water that morning. Fresh oysters from the nearby sea lochs are particularly good.

Beyond town, the landscape opens into classic West Highland scenery. Castle Stalker sits dramatically on its tiny island in Loch Laich, looking exactly like something from a Scottish tourism poster. The route to Appin takes you past Saint Modan's Church and through countryside dotted with ancient sites like Dun Mac Sniachan. Shian Wood Wildlife Reserve offers decent walking through native woodland.

Getting here means the A85 from Glasgow - about three hours through some spectacular Highland passes. The train takes longer but the views are cracking, especially around Loch Awe. Oban works as the perfect jumping-off point for the islands, but there's enough here for a proper break without catching a single ferry.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes complete sense. You avoid the town centre parking hassles while staying close enough to walk down for dinner. Several parks dot the coastline north and south of town, giving you that Highland scenery on your doorstep.