Not a Race Report – Oban Social Weekend November 2025
23 Harriers made the trip North West to Oban when we took over the Oban Youth Hostel for our exclusive use. The Youth Hostel is on the seafront with stunning views over the Kerrera and Mull. This is our second Youth Hostel take over as we took a trip to Aviemore in November 2024.
We were blessed with glorious weather over the weekend – freezing cold but brilliant sunshine. Gordon managed to fit in a windswept Beinn Fhionnlliadh on the Friday, Solene ran on the West Highland Way, while Niall and Heather visited Kilchurn castle at the head of the sealoch, Loch Awe. Others went for a walk along the seafront before visiting Oban’s oldest pub, The Oban Inn. The Hostel manager advised us that the Winter Festival was kicking off on Friday night with the Christmas Lights switch on followed by a parade along the High Street. After joining in the parade, we paid another visit to The Oban Inn! Those who weren’t able to escape work early still managed to reach Oban in time for a soup, bread and pizza supper.
There was plenty of space in the youth hostel (we had 20 rooms at our disposal) so no one had to take a top bunk! In fact, we were able to spread out allowing those that wanted it to have a private room rather than having to share. The added bonus was that all of the rooms were en-suite! We had access to a well equipped kitchen and everyone contributed to catering over the weekend. There was enough room for everyone to eat together and the main common room was warm and welcoming with comfy chairs. It even had a TV which allowed us to ‘enjoy’ the Scotland vs Greece football match on Saturday night.
On Saturday morning, most harriers did the hilly Ganavan Sands parkrun doubling Saturday’s attendance to 46. Ken volunteered as time keeper, Gordon was first harrier home and Joy was first woman. We all agreed that Ganavan Sands was even hillier than Dunfermline! After second breakfasts, Allan, Ken and Niall headed off for 18 holes of golf at Glencruitten golf course (Ryder Cup hero Bob McIntyre’s home course), before retiring to the 19th hole at (you’ve guessed it) The Oban Inn! Everyone else headed a couple of miles south of Oban to the foot ferry which took us over to the Island of Kerrera. Most people walked or ran in the southern portion of the Island while Gary, Gordon, Joy and Steven ran a full circuit of the island.
Fair to say that everyone worked up an appetite on Saturday and we all enjoyed a very sociable meal together on Saturday night. There was enough food for second helpings of everything for everyone, with puddings galore and dish washing duties were shared.
On Sunday, most harriers fitted in another walk, hike or run before heading home after a great weekend. Gordon, Sarah and Solene climbed Beinn a Chochuill and Beinn Eunaich. Many of us visited McCaig’s Folly, a group visited the Bridge over the Atlantic at Seil Island, Joy and Kath ran around Gallanach to the south of the town and everyone supported local coffee shops!
In numbers: 23 harriers attended the weekend; 22 harriers ran or volunteered at parkrun; 1 pub was visited multiple times; 5 main courses and 4 puddings on offer on Saturday; 4 varieties of homemade soup were provided on Friday; we filled the glass recycling bin over the weekend; and we enjoyed cakes galore.
Discussions have already started about next year’s trip!