Discussion
GetCarter said:
Drove 100 miles this morning... apart from driving through Ullapool, I hardly saw a car. Good time to visit! (ETA apart from the lack of colour...needs another 6 weeks)
Saw a post van ...
How incredible is that. Wow. That road is enough to turn anyone into a petrol head!Saw a post van ...
Blown2CV said:
GetCarter said:
Drove 100 miles this morning... apart from driving through Ullapool, I hardly saw a car. Good time to visit! (ETA apart from the lack of colour...needs another 6 weeks)
How incredible is that. Wow. That road is enough to turn anyone into a petrol head!
k!z4goon said:
Thanks Red Devil, some real good info there. As you've mentioned on day 4, I'll have already done Duke's Pass on day 1. Is it worth including this in again or is there a better way from Perth to Cumbernauld?
I would definitely do it again in the opposite direction. 
Aberfoyle-Callander
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkUlYCtj-O8
Callander- Aberfoyle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFmvW6E_opg
JM said:
An option would be not to follow the A93 all the way to Perth, but turn off for Pitlochry on the B960-A924, then from Pitlochry you have more options!
If time was ok I'd go west to Tummel Bridge, then B846 to Aberfeldy. (option to stop in at Fortingall to see the oldest tree in Britain!) Or instead of Aberfeldy go to Kenmore and take the unclassified road to Amurlee
Then A822 to Creiff/A9. Or A85 west to Lochearnhead to take the A94 to Kilmahog->Dukes Pass.
I agree. My choice would be Pitlochry/Aberfeldy/Crieff/Lochearnhead/Aberfoyle. Surely you meant the A84 though not the A94?If time was ok I'd go west to Tummel Bridge, then B846 to Aberfeldy. (option to stop in at Fortingall to see the oldest tree in Britain!) Or instead of Aberfeldy go to Kenmore and take the unclassified road to Amurlee
Then A822 to Creiff/A9. Or A85 west to Lochearnhead to take the A94 to Kilmahog->Dukes Pass.
The road numbering system places the latter in the zone east of the A9.
Found this vid of the northern half of the Amulree - Kenmore road - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqcc075ixg0
z4goon said:
A route from Cumbernauld to Selkirk would also be good, Google Maps defaults to the M9 / A7, I'm wondering if the A73/A721/A72 would be a better bet?
Personally I'm not a fan of the A721/A72. It's the only major west to east route south of Edinburgh and can get quite busy. There aren't many overtaking places on the A72 east of the A701 and the section along the valley of the Tweed through Peebles and Innnerlethen to Selkirk is not the ideal place to be in a convoy behind a HGV. Ask me how I know... 
OvalOwl said:
Blown2CV said:
GetCarter said:
Drove 100 miles this morning... apart from driving through Ullapool, I hardly saw a car. Good time to visit! (ETA apart from the lack of colour...needs another 6 weeks)
How incredible is that. Wow. That road is enough to turn anyone into a petrol head!k!
See page 11.GetCarter said:
Saw a post van ...
The road the to the Summer Isles.Edited by Red Devil on Thursday 13th March 02:46
z4goon said:
All set to go on the 11th May, can't wait!
What's the best route from Glasgow to Fort William?
I'm stopping in Dumbarton and initially thought of going west to Oban, upto Glencoe for a few laps of the Scotsburgring and up on to Fort William. However looking through this thread, there seems to be a few choices.
1. Dumbarton > A83/A816 to Oban > A828 to Glencoe
2. Dumbarton > A811 to Aberfoyle > A84 to Callander > A85 and A82 to Glencoe
3. Dumbarton > A82 past Loch Lomond all the way to Glencoe
There doesn't seem to be much at Fort William(?) so I don't mind spending a bit longer on the roads that day.
Edit: Forgot to say, on the way back I'll be stopping at Stirling / Cumbernauld, so on the way there I could do A83/A816/A828 and on the way back do Duke's Pass / Aberfoyle etc.
eg Glasgow to Fort William: https://goo.gl/maps/EXFr6
Inverness to Glasgow: https://goo.gl/maps/YYSrq
The A83/A816 is a cracking drive and better than A82/A85 IMO. It's about 90mins from Dumbarton to Lochgilphead and an hour from Lochgilphead to Oban. Oban to Fort william is 75 mins or so.What's the best route from Glasgow to Fort William?
I'm stopping in Dumbarton and initially thought of going west to Oban, upto Glencoe for a few laps of the Scotsburgring and up on to Fort William. However looking through this thread, there seems to be a few choices.
1. Dumbarton > A83/A816 to Oban > A828 to Glencoe
2. Dumbarton > A811 to Aberfoyle > A84 to Callander > A85 and A82 to Glencoe
3. Dumbarton > A82 past Loch Lomond all the way to Glencoe
There doesn't seem to be much at Fort William(?) so I don't mind spending a bit longer on the roads that day.
Edit: Forgot to say, on the way back I'll be stopping at Stirling / Cumbernauld, so on the way there I could do A83/A816/A828 and on the way back do Duke's Pass / Aberfoyle etc.
eg Glasgow to Fort William: https://goo.gl/maps/EXFr6
Inverness to Glasgow: https://goo.gl/maps/YYSrq
Edited by z4goon on Thursday 6th March 14:47
Edited by z4goon on Thursday 6th March 14:48
stevoknevo said:
The A83/A816 is a cracking drive and better than A82/A85 IMO. It's about 90mins from Dumbarton to Lochgilphead and an hour from Lochgilphead to Oban. Oban to Fort william is 75 mins or so.
You need to be aware that the road works at Pulpit Rock (on the A82 near the north end of Loch Lommond) are still on going. I was along that road just a week ago and they really don't look as if they'll be complete by spring 2014. Just to add to the misery, HGVs and coaches, which will become more numerous as we head towards Easter, have trouble getting past each other in the narrow road both sides of the road works. To be honest I would avoid that stretch of road until the work is complete.Although the A9 is hardly my favourite road, we had to visit Inverness at the weekend for the in-laws 50th wedding anniversary. Don't know where everyone had gone, but travelling from Stirling to Inverness at a reasonable time (leaving at 9am) we averaged 62 mph and 37.1 mpg without any crazy driving.
Coming home yesterday, leaving about noon and with a light right foot to preserve petrol the figures were 57mph and 40.9mpg.
Most incredibly, after joining the southbound A9 at Longman Roundabout I engaged cruise at 65 mph indicated. I didn't then need to touch either brake or accelerator until south of Aviemore - 35 miles
Coming home yesterday, leaving about noon and with a light right foot to preserve petrol the figures were 57mph and 40.9mpg.
Most incredibly, after joining the southbound A9 at Longman Roundabout I engaged cruise at 65 mph indicated. I didn't then need to touch either brake or accelerator until south of Aviemore - 35 miles
matchmaker said:
Although the A9 is hardly my favourite road, we had to visit Inverness at the weekend for the in-laws 50th wedding anniversary. Don't know where everyone had gone, but travelling from Stirling to Inverness at a reasonable time (leaving at 9am) we averaged 62 mph and 37.1 mpg without any crazy driving.
Coming home yesterday, leaving about noon and with a light right foot to preserve petrol the figures were 57mph and 40.9mpg.
Most incredibly, after joining the southbound A9 at Longman Roundabout I engaged cruise at 65 mph indicated. I didn't then need to touch either brake or accelerator until south of Aviemore - 35 miles
Congratulations. But this is Pistonheads.Coming home yesterday, leaving about noon and with a light right foot to preserve petrol the figures were 57mph and 40.9mpg.
Most incredibly, after joining the southbound A9 at Longman Roundabout I engaged cruise at 65 mph indicated. I didn't then need to touch either brake or accelerator until south of Aviemore - 35 miles
I am off for my first Scottish roadtrip this Thursday, til next Monday evening. Heading for Glasgow on Thursday and my route I have stolen from a previous poster on here.
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=2176182660345...
I will plan in more depth in the next day or two- parents live in North Wales so many trips up there over last 20 years and will be interesting to see how it compares. Better than than the congested SE either way.
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=2176182660345...
I will plan in more depth in the next day or two- parents live in North Wales so many trips up there over last 20 years and will be interesting to see how it compares. Better than than the congested SE either way.
limpsfield said:
I am off for my first Scottish roadtrip this Thursday, til next Monday evening. Heading for Glasgow on Thursday and my route I have stolen from a previous poster on here.
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=2176182660345...
I will plan in more depth in the next day or two- parents live in North Wales so many trips up there over last 20 years and will be interesting to see how it compares. Better than than the congested SE either way.
Looks good, only changes I would suggest, at Glencoe turn right and do the loop at Kinlochleven. Then further north from Torridon I'd take the a832 north towards Ullapool. https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=2176182660345...
I will plan in more depth in the next day or two- parents live in North Wales so many trips up there over last 20 years and will be interesting to see how it compares. Better than than the congested SE either way.
Have a good one!
Blown2CV said:
Planning an Easter trip over 5 days and 5 nights. Thinking Edinburgh > Aviemore > Ullapool a day or so in each and then not sure. Open to suggestions!
Definitely not Aviemore. The A9 over the Easter weekend is not my idea of fun so I'm staying off it as much as possible.Maybe our paths will cross. I'm driving up on 17th and staying overnight in Perth. Thence to Ullapool on 18th via this route.
Did Applecross last year so am giving it a miss this time. Ullapool will be base camp for:
- Saturday: Garve, Lochluichart, Achnasheen, Strathcarron, Kyle of Lochalsh, then a full tour of Skye.
- Sunday: Lochinver, Durness, Tongue, Strathnaver, Altnaharra, Lairg, Ledmore Junction.
- Monday: Gairloch, Kinlochewe, Achnasheen, Strathcarron, Dornie, Invergarry, Fort William, Scotsburgring, Crianlarich, Garelochead, Dumbarton.
- Tuesday: Mennock Pass, Dumfries, Annan, Canonbie, Newcastleton, Kielder, Bellingham, Humshaugh, Gilsland, Hexham, Blanchland, Edmundbyers, Stanhope, Alston, Barnard Castle.
- Wednesday: nothing definite; will probably do a tour of the Yorkshire Dales then head south.
Red Devil said:
Blown2CV said:
Planning an Easter trip over 5 days and 5 nights. Thinking Edinburgh > Aviemore > Ullapool a day or so in each and then not sure. Open to suggestions!
Definitely not Aviemore. The A9 over the Easter weekend is not my idea of fun so I'm staying off it as much as possible.Maybe our paths will cross. I'm driving up on 17th and staying overnight in Perth. Thence to Ullapool on 18th via this route.
Did Applecross last year so am giving it a miss this time. Ullapool will be base camp for:
- Saturday: Garve, Lochluichart, Achnasheen, Strathcarron, Kyle of Lochalsh, then a full tour of Skye.
- Sunday: Lochinver, Durness, Tongue, Strathnaver, Altnaharra, Lairg, Ledmore Junction.
- Monday: Gairloch, Kinlochewe, Achnasheen, Strathcarron, Dornie, Invergarry, Fort William, Scotsburgring, Crianlarich, Garelochead, Dumbarton.
- Tuesday: Mennock Pass, Dumfries, Annan, Canonbie, Newcastleton, Kielder, Bellingham, Humshaugh, Gilsland, Hexham, Blanchland, Edmundbyers, Stanhope, Alston, Barnard Castle.
- Wednesday: nothing definite; will probably do a tour of the Yorkshire Dales then head south.
GetCarter said:
I'd def do Edinburgh, then head to the west coast, then turn right up to Ullapool. Less busy and much better scenery. Might be too late for accommodation though, gets very full at Easter.
Given where you live, you would say that. 
Seriously though, what route would you suggest from Edinburgh?
There doesn't seem to me to be a great deal of choice.
M9 to Stirling
Then either via Aberfoyle/Dukes Pass or Callander
to Lochearnhead, Glen Ogle, and Crianlarich
Stop off at the Green Welly at Tyndrum
From there either A82 across Rannoch Moor
or A85 to the Connel Bridge followed by A828 to Ballachulish
A lap of the Scotsburgring then on to Fort William
The A82 is the main route north so I reckon it will be quite congested.
Rannoch Moor may not be too bad but it will be a procession through Glencoe.
Likewise Ballachulish to Corran. The haul along Loch Linnhe an exercise in frustration.
Whichever route you choose you'll end up in Fort William.
On previous trips it has always been a relief to leave it behind us.
I can see it being a real downer at the start of the Easter long weekend.
The only way to avoid FW is to turn right after Glen Ogle
Take the A827 via Killin, Loch Tay and Aberfeldy to the A9
Then the A889 at Dalwhinnie and the A86 to Spean Bridge
Or M8/M9/M90 from Edinburgh via the Forth Bridge to Perth then A9/A889/A86 as above.
Which also rather defeats the objective of using as little as possible of the A9!
Red Devil said:
Given where you live, you would say that.
Seriously though, what route would you suggest from Edinburgh?
There doesn't seem to me to be a great deal of choice.
M9 to Stirling
Then either via Aberfoyle/Dukes Pass or Callander
to Lochearnhead, Glen Ogle, and Crianlarich
Stop off at the Green Welly at Tyndrum
From there either A82 across Rannoch Moor
or A85 to the Connel Bridge followed by A828 to Ballachulish
A lap of the Scotsburgring then on to Fort William
The A82 is the main route north so I reckon it will be quite congested.
Rannoch Moor may not be too bad but it will be a procession through Glencoe.
Likewise Ballachulish to Corran. The haul along Loch Linnhe an exercise in frustration.
Whichever route you choose you'll end up in Fort William.
On previous trips it has always been a relief to leave it behind us.
I can see it being a real downer at the start of the Easter long weekend.
The only way to avoid FW is to turn right after Glen Ogle
Take the A827 via Killin, Loch Tay and Aberfeldy to the A9
Then the A889 at Dalwhinnie and the A86 to Spean Bridge
Or M8/M9/M90 from Edinburgh via the Forth Bridge to Perth then A9/A889/A86 as above.
Which also rather defeats the objective of using as little as possible of the A9!
You are, of course right. However. I think if you're visiting the Highlands one has to do Rannoch Moor and Glencoe. BUT: here's the clever bit... do it at 5 a.m. It's the BEST time to drive (April to Sept), No cars, best light.Seriously though, what route would you suggest from Edinburgh?
There doesn't seem to me to be a great deal of choice.
M9 to Stirling
Then either via Aberfoyle/Dukes Pass or Callander
to Lochearnhead, Glen Ogle, and Crianlarich
Stop off at the Green Welly at Tyndrum
From there either A82 across Rannoch Moor
or A85 to the Connel Bridge followed by A828 to Ballachulish
A lap of the Scotsburgring then on to Fort William
The A82 is the main route north so I reckon it will be quite congested.
Rannoch Moor may not be too bad but it will be a procession through Glencoe.
Likewise Ballachulish to Corran. The haul along Loch Linnhe an exercise in frustration.
Whichever route you choose you'll end up in Fort William.
On previous trips it has always been a relief to leave it behind us.
I can see it being a real downer at the start of the Easter long weekend.
The only way to avoid FW is to turn right after Glen Ogle
Take the A827 via Killin, Loch Tay and Aberfeldy to the A9
Then the A889 at Dalwhinnie and the A86 to Spean Bridge
Or M8/M9/M90 from Edinburgh via the Forth Bridge to Perth then A9/A889/A86 as above.
Which also rather defeats the objective of using as little as possible of the A9!
\/ Very early on Rannoch Moor (taken from the road):
Maybe I'm just weird though, as I don't mind early starts. I do, however, like empty roads.
GetCarter said:
You are, of course right. However. I think if you're visiting the Highlands one has to do Rannoch Moor and Glencoe. BUT: here's the clever bit... do it at 5 a.m. It's the BEST time to drive (April to Sept), No cars, best light.
Maybe I'm just weird though, as I don't mind early starts. I do, however, like empty roads.
The annual Tartan Hoon invasion will hit you next week. Maybe I'm just weird though, as I don't mind early starts. I do, however, like empty roads.
What is the current state of the weather/roads: any snow, is everywhere open?
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