Oban - Esplanade & Square

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Oban Esplanade & Square, with Detectives helping DCI Evan Acklew follow the trail around Oban, eliminate the innocent suspects and unmask the culprit after a billionaire hotel mogul is found dead at the deluxe Hotel de Posh.

The investigation covers approximately 2 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll begin at the train station, in Station Road, follow pavements and footpaths around the town, investigate North Pier and other Oban landmarks, then finish with a steep climb up to Pulpit Hill.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs overall. Alternative routes are available for Detectives using wheelchairs and pushchairs in two areas, but the route has some steep hills, steps on the way to Pulpit Hill, and a steep final climb. You can drive to the top of Pulpit Hill, where there is a car park.

Take great care while on the piers and when crossing roads. The route also crosses a railway bridge and uses traffic islands and road crossings, so keep Junior Detectives close while the case is unfolding.

Getting There

By car: The investigation starts at the train station, in Station Road (PA34 4NU). If you have brought the squad car with you, the Chief suggests leaving it at Albany Street car park (PA34 4AL), opposite Detective HQ.

If you drive to the top of Pulpit Hill, retrace your steps down Albany Street, back across the rail bridge and then take the left fork down Shore Street back to whichever car park you used at the start.

By public transport: The trail starts at the train station in Station Road (PA34 4NU), so make your way there to begin the investigation.

Need the Loo?

Useful case intel: toilets are available at North Pier (Clue 05), giving your team a handy early comfort stop.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives are welcome to join the investigation 🐾

The route follows pavements and footpaths, but also includes piers, road crossings, a railway bridge, traffic islands, steep hills and steps on the way to Pulpit Hill. Keep canine colleagues close around traffic, piers and the steeper sections.

Food & Drink Stops

There are plenty of chances to stop for refreshments and stock up on snacks along the way, so your squad should be able to keep its detective energy topped up.

If you'd rather bring your own provisions, pack a picnic to enjoy at Clues 08-10 or at the end at Pulpit Hill.

Want to Make a Day of It?

McCaig's Tower

McCaig's Tower overlooks Oban Bay and is one of the town's standout landmarks. It was the dream of banker John Stuart McCaig and was commissioned in the 1890s to keep local stonemasons in work. Though never finished, it remains a memorial to the McCaig family and a fine extra target for sharp-eyed Detectives.

North Pier and Oban Bay

The trail sends you on to North Pier, so take a moment to enjoy the waterfront atmosphere while you're there. From here, Hutcheson's Memorial on the Isle of Kerrera can clearly be seen. It commemorates David Hutcheson, who began a steamer service from Glasgow to the West Highlands in 1835. His son-in-law, David MacBrayne, developed the business which is now known as Caledonian MacBrayne.

Oban Distillery

Oban Distillery is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland. It was founded by the local Stevenson brothers, and the town took shape around it. Oban malt whisky is aged for 14 years before bottling - a properly historic clue to the town's character.

Pulpit Hill

The investigation finishes at Pulpit Hill, where the views make a rewarding finale after the steep climb. If your team would rather save their legs for clue-cracking, there is a car park at the top if you choose to drive there.