A82 or A9?

[Dyl]

In October I'm going up to Nairn (from Glasgow) for a few nights away. I was looking at Google Maps which has me going via the A9. I really dislike the A9 so was planning to go north via the A82.

I know it will most likely take considerably longer, is it worth the extra time?

Either way, can anyone recommend somewhere to stop for lunch, leg stretch, etc. roughly half way (on either route)?

Thanks, Dylan

[Dyl]

Hollowpockets said:

Yes 100 times over worth the extra miles and time. I drove the A83 from Inveraray and A82 for the first time this past weekend, the most incredible scenery and roads I've seen in Scotland. Go for it

Thanks, I had a feeling it wouldn't be much of a competition between choices!

Catz said:

Good stop point on the A82 is The Clachaig Inn near Glencoe. The A82 from Glasgow to Crianlarich is pretty dodgy I'm led to believe, I head up the A82 from Edinburgh so miss that bit. It will also probably be busy passing Loch Ness.

Have you considered heading to Perth then taking the A93 up past Braemar then the A939 to Nairn?

I've driven Glasgow to Crianlarich a few times, not too keen on it but preferable to A9, and I will keep the Clachaig Inn in mind, looks nice on the website, thanks for the suggestion.

I drove via Braemar and continued north to Huntly then Portsoy a few years ago, hadn't though of going that way, a good suggestion as it doesn't seem to take as long as A82.

I'm thinking now I can drive north via A82 then south via Braemar, mix it up a bit!

[Dyl]

MethylatedSpirit said:

Give me a PM nearer the time and I'll get you a free coffee if I'm on shift. (a82)

That's a nice gesture, I'll keep that in mind, thanks!

RedThree said:

Other option is to head for Perth then to Blairgowrie - Glenshee - Braemar - Corgarff - the Lecht - Tomintoul - Grantown on Spey - Nairn.
An awful lot fewer miles than the A82 but some proper driving roads.

alangla said:

Try this - http://goo.gl/maps/QdxoT

Both fairly similar routes and looking like a winner so far, especially alangla's A82 route avoiding Loch Lomond.

sjabrown said:

If not in a rush I'd recommend Glasgow to Tarbet then A83 over The Rest to Inveraray, Inveraray to Dalmally to Bridge of Orchy. Follow the A82 through Glencoe, wee diversion round Loch Leven then through Ft William to Ft Augustus. Up the east of Loch Ness then the B road past Culloden to Nairn.

This takes in several great roads and avoids the worst of the traffic.

Sounds like a good route, however I think it is a little too far out of the way - I'll have the OH in the passenger seat who I'll need to keep happy.


Thanks to the others for the suggestions on food stops, will have a gander on internet and see where I like the look of.

[Dyl]

GetCarter said:

There's a train she'll love

I was thinking that earlier. Her parents are travelling up on the same day, I might subtly suggest that she travels up with them.

[Dyl]

Little update - I was up in Nairn over the weekend and took all of your suggestions on board.

On the way up I went A9 to Perth, then Blairgowrie, Braemar, lunch in Ballater, then on over The Lecht, Grantown on Spey and Nairn. Great roads, and the scenery amazing as expected.

I had the roof down most of the way, making good progress overtaking what little traffic I encountered. Really enjoyed getting a good flow on the many times I had the road to myself, with no comments from the OH (a win on its own). I was surprised at just how much I was stirring the 'box on the climbs to Glenshee and Lecht, the MX5 really lacks the easily accessible torque of my previous cars.

Came home today via A82 (Fort William, Glencoe, Crianlarich, west coast of Loch Lomond). Was a right PITA! Too much traffic, suicidal overtakers and loads of roadworks. Wish I had just gone home via the A9.

On the upside, that was my first time across Glencoe and Rannoch Moor. Very impressive, good to see a few helicopters flying around too.

No photos at all from the jouney(s) - battery died on the camera and I hadn't packed the charger.

Thanks again all for the input!