Discussion
That tour looks excellent, but that’s alot, a heck of a lot of driving. My fear is that if you blink you’ll totally miss Scotland. The Skye day will be immensely draining.
I dare you not to stop and take photos! And doing that will just elongate your day significantly.
Also snow is forecast here (Ballater way) end of next week, so it might affect some of the routes if it does come down like it did this time last year. Tomintoul (lecht) is usually the first road to close when snow hits.
Report back, as it’s an epic tour, but one I’d be cutting stuff out of. Enjoy!
I dare you not to stop and take photos! And doing that will just elongate your day significantly.
Also snow is forecast here (Ballater way) end of next week, so it might affect some of the routes if it does come down like it did this time last year. Tomintoul (lecht) is usually the first road to close when snow hits.
Report back, as it’s an epic tour, but one I’d be cutting stuff out of. Enjoy!
Thank you all for the great suggestions!
To come back on a few specific points:
- Skipping the islands this time round given the itinerary is already packed as many have flagged! I will definitely be coming back later this year or next year so will look to explore the other places I haven't touched on then
- I know there is a lot of driving but other than the day where I go to Skye, is it really that packed as Google says it will be about 4-5h of driving, which when spread across the entire day should still be OK (notwithstanding Google is probably underestimating the time given single track roads and picture stops!)? I was thinking of cutting the Neist Point Lighthouse from the Skye day anyway which would cut out nearly 1.5h of driving time
Alternatively, could just go to the (Glen Docherty?) viewpoint that Drive Blind suggested and back?
To come back on a few specific points:
- Skipping the islands this time round given the itinerary is already packed as many have flagged! I will definitely be coming back later this year or next year so will look to explore the other places I haven't touched on then
- I know there is a lot of driving but other than the day where I go to Skye, is it really that packed as Google says it will be about 4-5h of driving, which when spread across the entire day should still be OK (notwithstanding Google is probably underestimating the time given single track roads and picture stops!)? I was thinking of cutting the Neist Point Lighthouse from the Skye day anyway which would cut out nearly 1.5h of driving time
TheFungle said:
Day 3
May I suggest turning right at Kinlochewe and doing the 'full loop' - my preference has always been to do it anti-clockwise we the Western Isles really start to reveal themselves when you get past Dundonnell.
Be aware that the surface from Braemore to Dundonnell is pretty rough at the moment and I'd also suggest your route from Portree to Kinlochewe will be super slow going, it's really not a driving set of roads.
Is it worth skipping Applecross to do the right loop from Kinlochewe or just add it into the route anyway against everyone saying the route is already packed? May I suggest turning right at Kinlochewe and doing the 'full loop' - my preference has always been to do it anti-clockwise we the Western Isles really start to reveal themselves when you get past Dundonnell.
Be aware that the surface from Braemore to Dundonnell is pretty rough at the moment and I'd also suggest your route from Portree to Kinlochewe will be super slow going, it's really not a driving set of roads.
Alternatively, could just go to the (Glen Docherty?) viewpoint that Drive Blind suggested and back?
RSTurboPaul said:
On the A1, I hope! 
That was my original plan but Red Devil's suggested route looks really good! https://maps.app.goo.gl/4TDByZY5SJKZUygt7Implus1 said:
That was my original plan but Red Devil's suggested route looks really good! https://maps.app.goo.gl/4TDByZY5SJKZUygt7
The A68 looks good!I have driven to Edinburgh before but I can't remember the route - it may well have been that road as the border crossing point has an epic view, which was purple and gold sunset when I was passing
Implus1 said:
Is it worth skipping Applecross to do the right loop from Kinlochewe or just add it into the route anyway against everyone saying the route is already packed?
Personally I'd say no, Applecross is one of the highlights for scenery and a great place for food too.When you're heading north I also wouldn't get to the Dalveen pass via Dumfries - I did this last year and it takes ages! Instead, I'd suggest a loop of the Mennock and Dalveen passes from the M74, anticlockwise something like this:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/f2Qe2cmNDwng3TQz7
They're great roads, but if you find it's all taking too long then this way they're also easy to drop from your route.
The B797 Mennock Pass is two lanes and twists and bucks all over the place through fantastic scenery. Decent road surface and the bumps and dips would be OK in a lower car with a little care. The Dalveen/A702 is fast yet twisty hill road with good visibility.
Mennock pass:
Edited by giveitfish on Wednesday 27th March 23:59
Implus1 said:
Hi guys, I'm making my first trip up to Scotland next week from London and wanted to run my route past the resident experts of this thread with any pointers, tips, suggestions all welcome!
Will be going in an Exige 430 Cup so slightly conscious of the single track roads, dips, etc. but from what I've read it should still be doable despite no lift as the car isn't as low as say a GT4...
Day 2: Exploring Isle of Skye (~270 miles) https://maps.app.goo.gl/WhFLfA11S73DYi8h7
On the slog up don't take the Clyde Tunnel but follow motorway to Erskine Bridge. Others have suggested adding in the B863 Kinlochleven loop but tbh the surface is a bit rough at the moment and not that enjoyable (it's my daily commute!)Will be going in an Exige 430 Cup so slightly conscious of the single track roads, dips, etc. but from what I've read it should still be doable despite no lift as the car isn't as low as say a GT4...
Day 2: Exploring Isle of Skye (~270 miles) https://maps.app.goo.gl/WhFLfA11S73DYi8h7
- Fort William
- Glenfinnan (thinking of a later start to rest from the miles the day before and to get some pictures of the train at 11am ish!)
- Sligachan via A87 and Skye Bridge
- Portree
- Quiraing Loop
- Neist Point Lighthouse via A850 (not super convinced I should be doing this but thought may as well given I'm on the isle?)
- Back to Hotel near Skye Bridge via A863
- Ullapool
- Loch Glascanorch
- Inverness
- Nairn
- Balmoral
- Old Military Road
- Perth
- Edinburgh
The Skye day does look rather full-on. I'd ditch the Glenfinnan bit especially as no steam choo-choo just now. Instead of the A82 to Spean Bridge take the B8004 up to Gairlochy then across the canal to rejoin at the Commando Memorial junction. Better views across the glen there. Once on Skye it seems to take longer to cover the mileage than what you'd think. I'd trim off the out-and-back to Neist. Well worth stopping at the Quiraing and walking the short distance there. A bit less busy than the Storr.
Couple of suggested variations for your day 5 route - after Contin turn R onto the A832 towards Marybank and Muir of Ord then follow A862 thru Beauly and along the south side of the firth to Inverness. Slower than your route but good driving roads compared to the main A885/A9 section there. And as someone has already said at Inverness continue up the A9 to the Culloden slip road and take the B9006 then B9090/B9101 past Cawdor chopping out the A96 and Nairn before rejoining your route on the A939 south of Nairn. Again far better driving roads, quite quiet and scenic.
Remind me again when dawdling-tourist-boxes-on-wheels season starts...??
Sorry. Can’t quite properly from my phone. I’m afraid it’s already started :-(. Loads of beachpoopers in their motor homes here already.
Also OP the steam train isn’t running if that affects your plans for Glenfinnan viaduct?
Sorry. Can’t quite properly from my phone. I’m afraid it’s already started :-(. Loads of beachpoopers in their motor homes here already.
Also OP the steam train isn’t running if that affects your plans for Glenfinnan viaduct?
GordonL said:
Remind me again when dawdling-tourist-boxes-on-wheels season starts...??
Sorry. Can’t quite properly from my phone. I’m afraid it’s already started :-(. Loads of beachpoopers in their motor homes here already.
Also OP the steam train isn’t running if that affects your plans for Glenfinnan viaduct?
They are here already Sorry. Can’t quite properly from my phone. I’m afraid it’s already started :-(. Loads of beachpoopers in their motor homes here already.
Also OP the steam train isn’t running if that affects your plans for Glenfinnan viaduct?
“Day 2: Exploring Isle of Skye (~270 miles) https://maps.app.goo.gl/WhFLfA11S73DYi8h7
Fort William
Glenfinnan (thinking of a later start to rest from the miles the day before and to get some pictures of the train at 11am ish!)
Sligachan via A87 and Skye Bridge
Portree
Quiraing Loop
Neist Point Lighthouse via A850 (not super convinced I should be doing this but thought may as well given I'm on the isle?)
Back to Hotel near Skye Bridge via A863”
I thought the train service had been suspended(safety licence not renewed)
Fort William
Glenfinnan (thinking of a later start to rest from the miles the day before and to get some pictures of the train at 11am ish!)
Sligachan via A87 and Skye Bridge
Portree
Quiraing Loop
Neist Point Lighthouse via A850 (not super convinced I should be doing this but thought may as well given I'm on the isle?)
Back to Hotel near Skye Bridge via A863”
I thought the train service had been suspended(safety licence not renewed)
Implus1 said:
Hi guys, I'm making my first trip up to Scotland
Day 6 would just be the the slog back to London from Edinburgh
no need for day 6 to be a slog! Day 6 would just be the the slog back to London from Edinburgh
there's some marvellous roads in Northumberland / Pennines - here's a possibility which will take you to M6 south
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/edinburgh/Selkir...
I would go back from Edinburgh via the A701 to Moffat - spectacular drivers road. The rest I agree with and to note you have missed out central Scotland and the lochs. Keep an eye on your tyre pressures as the roads are terrible, full of ruts and potholes and it is still pretty wet, plus the roads are full of staycationers.
Damp Logs said:
“Day 2: Exploring Isle of Skye (~270 miles) https://maps.app.goo.gl/WhFLfA11S73DYi8h7
I thought the train service had been suspended(safety licence not renewed)
Point of order. They have refused to comply with the law regarding "slam door" stock and are thus prohibited from operating. In other words, its entirely self inflicted.I thought the train service had been suspended(safety licence not renewed)
With their safety track record, this is probably a good thing.
monkfish1 said:
Point of order. They have refused to comply with the law regarding "slam door" stock and are thus prohibited from operating. In other words, its entirely self inflicted.
With their safety track record, this is probably a good thing.
Way off topic but personally I don't think it's right to retrospectively apply current regulations to historic vehicles. Imagine how ridiculous it would be to make a 1950's bus tour fully compliant? I've been on the steam train to Mallaig a few times and, even as an engineer from an incredibly safety conscious industry, there was absolutely nothing dangerous about it.With their safety track record, this is probably a good thing.
Back on topic - keep a close eye on the forecast. It's unlikely that your route through the inland parts of Aberdeenshire will be blocked completely for any length of time but it's entirely possible there will be enough snow to make it impossible in your car.
Snow and Rocks said:
monkfish1 said:
Point of order. They have refused to comply with the law regarding "slam door" stock and are thus prohibited from operating. In other words, its entirely self inflicted.
With their safety track record, this is probably a good thing.
Way off topic but personally I don't think it's right to retrospectively apply current regulations to historic vehicles. Imagine how ridiculous it would be to make a 1950's bus tour fully compliant? I've been on the steam train to Mallaig a few times and, even as an engineer from an incredibly safety conscious industry, there was absolutely nothing dangerous about it.With their safety track record, this is probably a good thing.
Back on topic - keep a close eye on the forecast. It's unlikely that your route through the inland parts of Aberdeenshire will be blocked completely for any length of time but it's entirely possible there will be enough snow to make it impossible in your car.
Twice last year they had their steam operation suspended due to safety breaches (doors) on said train. Their track record speaks for itself.
All they needed to do was comply. Its not difficult or expensive. They chose not to. Though if you read their press release you would be forgiven for coming to a totally different conclusion from that which is actually the case.
Is there a definite list anywhere of (relatively speaking) the best quality road surfaces and/or roads that are enjoyable to drive regardless of the scenery?
My own pleasure from a trip to the Highlands is by the driving experience and not by threading my way down a single-track road.
My own pleasure from a trip to the Highlands is by the driving experience and not by threading my way down a single-track road.
TheFungle said:
Is there a definite list anywhere of (relatively speaking) the best quality road surfaces and/or roads that are enjoyable to drive regardless of the scenery?
My own pleasure from a trip to the Highlands is by the driving experience and not by threading my way down a single-track road.
FYI, We do have the Fungle Road up here nr Aboyne My own pleasure from a trip to the Highlands is by the driving experience and not by threading my way down a single-track road.
but it’s an old prehistoric ‘road’ that, as you may have guessed isn’t even a road! Would love to see a list, but road quality can deteriorate so quickly up here it’d be hard to keep such a list up to date.
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