Discussion
Having just returned from another trip North, I thought it worth sharing some observations but sadly not so many pictures this time.
Hopefully these will be of use to both those who have been before but also those who are visiting for the first time.
Note:- I do these trips as a solo traveller with the emphasis on driving rather than general touristing.
Day One: North Yorkshire > A68 to the border > A6088 to Hawick > A7 > Stirling to Loch Lomond > A83 to Campbeltown.
A86 to Corbridge is always a chore but fortunately it opened up most of the way past Otterburn.
The A6088 is a little delight but taking it added quite a bit more time than I'd initially planned and the A7 through Selkirk and Galashiels is frustrating and really kills momentum.
The A83 - possibly my favourite road as it's gloriously flowing, well surfaced and for the second time in a row for me, all but deserted with the exception of a 10 mile stretch near Rest & Be Thankful. It's hard to get across how the almost 100 miles from Arrochar to Campbeltown is such a glorious driving experience.
Day Two: Campbeltown > Oban > Glen Coe > Pitlochry > Braemar > Cairn O'Mount > Angus.
The A816 to Oban is well regarded on here but for me it doesn't quite flow, it hints at greatness but its technical nature lends itself to a frustrating experience.
Glen Coe is utterly spectacular but I regretted not going via Laggan instead. Why? So, so many cars and it was simply a 40mph procession, at least the scenery was good!
A VW T5 was doing some fairly heroic (and safe) multi-car overtakes but for me there was no point as traffic could be seen far into the distance and I'm not a fan of that style of overtaking on super busy days.
Cutting over to Pitlochry via Loch Tay is beautiful but it's very much a 'grandparents road'.
Pitlochry to Braemar via A93 is a stunner but a special shout must go to the B976 which is one of those magical roads that feel like the Nurburgring at full pelt even at very sensible speeds.
Day Three: Started with the A928 from Glamis and what a road! A twisty, snakey little road that makes no real sense on the map that hence despite being from Angus, was unfamiliar to me - a chance YouTube video encouraged me to give it a go.
Otherwise it was a fairly mundane route home although I did detour via Coldstream and Wooler. This was a revelation particularly on the Scottish side and a route I'd recommend if looking for an east coast route.
GR86 is perfect for a trip such as this as it really suits an intensive and focussed drive and for me, is extremely comfortable both in the cabin and it's ride quality.
Hopefully these will be of use to both those who have been before but also those who are visiting for the first time.
Note:- I do these trips as a solo traveller with the emphasis on driving rather than general touristing.
- Unless at a very quiet time, don't expect to make good time on any of the major roads (A68, A7, A82, A85) even if the roads themselves are worthy of enjoying - A68 I'm looking at you.
- Overall the roads are in good condition with a pleasing lack of the degradation seen on many English roads; however, this balanced by seemingly random 'acne patches' every so often but fortunately no major potholes.
- Fuel. More consideration needs to be given where and when to refuel, it's not quite Australia but I'd not recommend dropping below 100 miles left in the tank.
- Provincial Scottish hotel are.....ahem, a throwback. That's not to say they are bad, just that they are from a different era.
Day One: North Yorkshire > A68 to the border > A6088 to Hawick > A7 > Stirling to Loch Lomond > A83 to Campbeltown.
A86 to Corbridge is always a chore but fortunately it opened up most of the way past Otterburn.
The A6088 is a little delight but taking it added quite a bit more time than I'd initially planned and the A7 through Selkirk and Galashiels is frustrating and really kills momentum.
The A83 - possibly my favourite road as it's gloriously flowing, well surfaced and for the second time in a row for me, all but deserted with the exception of a 10 mile stretch near Rest & Be Thankful. It's hard to get across how the almost 100 miles from Arrochar to Campbeltown is such a glorious driving experience.
Day Two: Campbeltown > Oban > Glen Coe > Pitlochry > Braemar > Cairn O'Mount > Angus.
The A816 to Oban is well regarded on here but for me it doesn't quite flow, it hints at greatness but its technical nature lends itself to a frustrating experience.
Glen Coe is utterly spectacular but I regretted not going via Laggan instead. Why? So, so many cars and it was simply a 40mph procession, at least the scenery was good!
A VW T5 was doing some fairly heroic (and safe) multi-car overtakes but for me there was no point as traffic could be seen far into the distance and I'm not a fan of that style of overtaking on super busy days.
Cutting over to Pitlochry via Loch Tay is beautiful but it's very much a 'grandparents road'.
Pitlochry to Braemar via A93 is a stunner but a special shout must go to the B976 which is one of those magical roads that feel like the Nurburgring at full pelt even at very sensible speeds.
Day Three: Started with the A928 from Glamis and what a road! A twisty, snakey little road that makes no real sense on the map that hence despite being from Angus, was unfamiliar to me - a chance YouTube video encouraged me to give it a go.
Otherwise it was a fairly mundane route home although I did detour via Coldstream and Wooler. This was a revelation particularly on the Scottish side and a route I'd recommend if looking for an east coast route.
GR86 is perfect for a trip such as this as it really suits an intensive and focussed drive and for me, is extremely comfortable both in the cabin and it's ride quality.
TheFungle said:
I wanted to revisit Campbeltown since my last time there with work 20yrs ago - I remember the coast road as being worthy of taking a good car down and so it proved correct.
i keep meaning to visit Campbeltown on a random drive but i havent managed it yet,, i'll get there one dayGetCarter said:
Plots do turn up, but very few with really good views. One thing you can consider is finding a derelict house, discover who owns it, try and buy it and do it up. Seen quite a lot of that over the past decade or so.
This (taken 18 years ago) has been rebuilt and is a holiday let. Fab view.
ETA, council planners are fairly keen to get wrecks rebuilt, so much easier to get permission.
Is that Creag na h-Iolaire by any chance? My dream ideal house..This (taken 18 years ago) has been rebuilt and is a holiday let. Fab view.
ETA, council planners are fairly keen to get wrecks rebuilt, so much easier to get permission.
Edited by GetCarter on Saturday 11th October 05:27
GetCarter said:
Plots do turn up, but very few with really good views. One thing you can consider is finding a derelict house, discover who owns it, try and buy it and do it up. Seen quite a lot of that over the past decade or so.
This (taken 18 years ago) has been rebuilt and is a holiday let. Fab view.
ETA, council planners are fairly keen to get wrecks rebuilt, so much easier to get permission.
Is that Creag na h-Iolaire by any chance? My dream ideal house..This (taken 18 years ago) has been rebuilt and is a holiday let. Fab view.
ETA, council planners are fairly keen to get wrecks rebuilt, so much easier to get permission.
Edited by GetCarter on Saturday 11th October 05:27
Ramsden2019 said:
GetCarter said:
Plots do turn up, but very few with really good views. One thing you can consider is finding a derelict house, discover who owns it, try and buy it and do it up. Seen quite a lot of that over the past decade or so.
This (taken 18 years ago) has been rebuilt and is a holiday let. Fab view.
ETA, council planners are fairly keen to get wrecks rebuilt, so much easier to get permission.
Is that Creag na h-Iolaire by any chance? My dream ideal house..This (taken 18 years ago) has been rebuilt and is a holiday let. Fab view.
ETA, council planners are fairly keen to get wrecks rebuilt, so much easier to get permission.
Edited by GetCarter on Saturday 11th October 05:27
This place?
https://www.creagnahiolaire.com
Looks amazing, but 300-400 per night and 3 nights minimum is above my PH Directorship pay... lol
(I dread to think how it is actually pronounced vs how it is written
)
https://www.creagnahiolaire.com
Looks amazing, but 300-400 per night and 3 nights minimum is above my PH Directorship pay... lol
(I dread to think how it is actually pronounced vs how it is written
)RSTurboPaul said:
This place?
https://www.creagnahiolaire.com
Looks amazing, but 300-400 per night and 3 nights minimum is above my PH Directorship pay... lol
(I dread to think how it is actually pronounced vs how it is written )
Gone mad here. NC500 - Covid - Staycation. Check out the minimum 3 night stay in (albeit the best) room in the local for Spring 2026https://www.creagnahiolaire.com
Looks amazing, but 300-400 per night and 3 nights minimum is above my PH Directorship pay... lol
(I dread to think how it is actually pronounced vs how it is written
)£1880 per night... B&B... no evening meal included.
https://theTorridon.com
Damp Logs said:
GetCarter said:
Gone mad here. NC500 - Covid - Staycation. Check out the minimum 3 night stay in (albeit the best) room in the local for Spring 2026
£1880 per night... B&B... no evening meal included.
https://thetorridonhotel.cloud-reservations.net/Bo...
But you can save 5% by booking direct .£1880 per night... B&B... no evening meal included.
https://thetorridonhotel.cloud-reservations.net/Bo...
I asked the manager how they could charge so much.... she answered... it's full!
GetCarter said:
Damp Logs said:
GetCarter said:
Gone mad here. NC500 - Covid - Staycation. Check out the minimum 3 night stay in (albeit the best) room in the local for Spring 2026
£1880 per night... B&B... no evening meal included.
https://thetorridonhotel.cloud-reservations.net/Bo...
But you can save 5% by booking direct .£1880 per night... B&B... no evening meal included.
https://thetorridonhotel.cloud-reservations.net/Bo...
I asked the manager how they could charge so much.... she answered... it's full!
RSTurboPaul said:
GetCarter said:
Damp Logs said:
GetCarter said:
Gone mad here. NC500 - Covid - Staycation. Check out the minimum 3 night stay in (albeit the best) room in the local for Spring 2026
£1880 per night... B&B... no evening meal included.
https://thetorridonhotel.cloud-reservations.net/Bo...
But you can save 5% by booking direct .£1880 per night... B&B... no evening meal included.
https://thetorridonhotel.cloud-reservations.net/Bo...
I asked the manager how they could charge so much.... she answered... it's full!
(Out of interest, and off topic, I'm reliably informed that the more expensive the car that guests arrive in, the worse state they leave their room in).
TheFungle said:
Having just returned from another trip North, I thought it worth sharing some observations but sadly not so many pictures this time.
Hopefully these will be of use to both those who have been before but also those who are visiting for the first time.
Note:- I do these trips as a solo traveller with the emphasis on driving rather than general touristing.
Day One: North Yorkshire > A68 to the border > A6088 to Hawick > A7 > Stirling to Loch Lomond > A83 to Campbeltown.
A86 to Corbridge is always a chore but fortunately it opened up most of the way past Otterburn.
The A6088 is a little delight but taking it added quite a bit more time than I'd initially planned and the A7 through Selkirk and Galashiels is frustrating and really kills momentum.
The A83 - possibly my favourite road as it's gloriously flowing, well surfaced and for the second time in a row for me, all but deserted with the exception of a 10 mile stretch near Rest & Be Thankful. It's hard to get across how the almost 100 miles from Arrochar to Campbeltown is such a glorious driving experience.
Day Two: Campbeltown > Oban > Glen Coe > Pitlochry > Braemar > Cairn O'Mount > Angus.
The A816 to Oban is well regarded on here but for me it doesn't quite flow, it hints at greatness but its technical nature lends itself to a frustrating experience.
Glen Coe is utterly spectacular but I regretted not going via Laggan instead. Why? So, so many cars and it was simply a 40mph procession, at least the scenery was good!
A VW T5 was doing some fairly heroic (and safe) multi-car overtakes but for me there was no point as traffic could be seen far into the distance and I'm not a fan of that style of overtaking on super busy days.
Cutting over to Pitlochry via Loch Tay is beautiful but it's very much a 'grandparents road'.
Pitlochry to Braemar via A93 is a stunner but a special shout must go to the B976 which is one of those magical roads that feel like the Nurburgring at full pelt even at very sensible speeds.
Day Three: Started with the A928 from Glamis and what a road! A twisty, snakey little road that makes no real sense on the map that hence despite being from Angus, was unfamiliar to me - a chance YouTube video encouraged me to give it a go.
Otherwise it was a fairly mundane route home although I did detour via Coldstream and Wooler. This was a revelation particularly on the Scottish side and a route I'd recommend if looking for an east coast route.
GR86 is perfect for a trip such as this as it really suits an intensive and focussed drive and for me, is extremely comfortable both in the cabin and it's ride quality.
A816 Lochgilphead-Oban has lost what once made it so good over the last five years or so - yes it's always been quite a technical drive and one of those roads that only by becoming familiar with do you realise just how challenging and enjoyable a drive it is...but they've widened loads of sections of it because it's now classified as an essential logging route (which always makes laugh, rather ironically, because it's not a trunk road...boom-tish! And under the care of A&B council rather than BEAR Scotland)Hopefully these will be of use to both those who have been before but also those who are visiting for the first time.
Note:- I do these trips as a solo traveller with the emphasis on driving rather than general touristing.
- Unless at a very quiet time, don't expect to make good time on any of the major roads (A68, A7, A82, A85) even if the roads themselves are worthy of enjoying - A68 I'm looking at you.
- Overall the roads are in good condition with a pleasing lack of the degradation seen on many English roads; however, this balanced by seemingly random 'acne patches' every so often but fortunately no major potholes.
- Fuel. More consideration needs to be given where and when to refuel, it's not quite Australia but I'd not recommend dropping below 100 miles left in the tank.
- Provincial Scottish hotel are.....ahem, a throwback. That's not to say they are bad, just that they are from a different era.
Day One: North Yorkshire > A68 to the border > A6088 to Hawick > A7 > Stirling to Loch Lomond > A83 to Campbeltown.
A86 to Corbridge is always a chore but fortunately it opened up most of the way past Otterburn.
The A6088 is a little delight but taking it added quite a bit more time than I'd initially planned and the A7 through Selkirk and Galashiels is frustrating and really kills momentum.
The A83 - possibly my favourite road as it's gloriously flowing, well surfaced and for the second time in a row for me, all but deserted with the exception of a 10 mile stretch near Rest & Be Thankful. It's hard to get across how the almost 100 miles from Arrochar to Campbeltown is such a glorious driving experience.
Day Two: Campbeltown > Oban > Glen Coe > Pitlochry > Braemar > Cairn O'Mount > Angus.
The A816 to Oban is well regarded on here but for me it doesn't quite flow, it hints at greatness but its technical nature lends itself to a frustrating experience.
Glen Coe is utterly spectacular but I regretted not going via Laggan instead. Why? So, so many cars and it was simply a 40mph procession, at least the scenery was good!
A VW T5 was doing some fairly heroic (and safe) multi-car overtakes but for me there was no point as traffic could be seen far into the distance and I'm not a fan of that style of overtaking on super busy days.
Cutting over to Pitlochry via Loch Tay is beautiful but it's very much a 'grandparents road'.
Pitlochry to Braemar via A93 is a stunner but a special shout must go to the B976 which is one of those magical roads that feel like the Nurburgring at full pelt even at very sensible speeds.
Day Three: Started with the A928 from Glamis and what a road! A twisty, snakey little road that makes no real sense on the map that hence despite being from Angus, was unfamiliar to me - a chance YouTube video encouraged me to give it a go.
Otherwise it was a fairly mundane route home although I did detour via Coldstream and Wooler. This was a revelation particularly on the Scottish side and a route I'd recommend if looking for an east coast route.
GR86 is perfect for a trip such as this as it really suits an intensive and focussed drive and for me, is extremely comfortable both in the cabin and it's ride quality.
It's still operating under a single file temporary traffic light after the Bealach Mòr landslip in October '23 which slows the journey because cars get piled up either side of it, they've done their usual yearly tar and chip on several sections, which was done early summer, and still haven't relined it which makes it a nightmare to drive in the dark, plus the aforementioned widening of various parts for the logging wagons for various forestry areas.
I'm up and down it regularly from early spring to late autumn/early winter, occasionally through winter and it's gone from being an enjoyable drive to a bloody chore (still a great drive at certain times of the day) Even my wife has started to say she hates it now and she uses it more than I do and used to love it as much as I did!
Drive Blind said:
TheFungle said:
I wanted to revisit Campbeltown since my last time there with work 20yrs ago - I remember the coast road as being worthy of taking a good car down and so it proved correct.
i keep meaning to visit Campbeltown on a random drive but i havent managed it yet,, i'll get there one dayMake sure to head down to Southend and out to the Mull of Kintyre lighthouse - you need to be exceptionally fit/stupid to walk down to the lighthouse from the car park at the top, but the monument to the 1994 RAF Chinook helicopter accident isn't that far down from the car park.
stevoknevo said:
When you do get there, go down the A83 on the west coast and come back up the B842 on the east coast on the way back - proper single track rally stage in places, and the views to the west coast of Arran are spectacular, especially in winter if there's snow on the mountains! (I used to work in Campbeltown hospital, had a patient in Carradale I saw weekly, and lived in Oban - helluva commute home from work in Peugeot 407 2.0 HDI I had at the time, full set of good quality tyres lasted 12k with a rotation and front drop links and rear wheel bearings were 6k service items.
Make sure to head down to Southend and out to the Mull of Kintyre lighthouse - you need to be exceptionally fit/stupid to walk down to the lighthouse from the car park at the top, but the monument to the 1994 RAF Chinook helicopter accident isn't that far down from the car park.
Yeah the road from Campbeltown to Carradale is nuts, hairpins galore. Oban to Campbeltown is quite a commute! Make sure to head down to Southend and out to the Mull of Kintyre lighthouse - you need to be exceptionally fit/stupid to walk down to the lighthouse from the car park at the top, but the monument to the 1994 RAF Chinook helicopter accident isn't that far down from the car park.
I love the A83, my absolute favourite part is the sweeping bend as you're coming out of Clachan and can see Gigha, Cara, Islay and Jura in the distance. Beautiful.
Indeed: https://explore.osmaps.com/route/6993762/mok-light...
While I recognise this is a driving site, this does go back to a point I bang on about. There are so many people who come to Scotland and drive through it. IMO, it is so much better to also take the time to explore places such as this.
Mull of Kintyre lighthouse is a magical place - overlooking Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland, Islay and Gigha, I am told even the IOM. The tide and wind rips through really getting you close to the power of nature. For a walk of an hour or so, it is breathtaking, even better to take binoculars and a wee cuppa with you to sit and take it in.
While I recognise this is a driving site, this does go back to a point I bang on about. There are so many people who come to Scotland and drive through it. IMO, it is so much better to also take the time to explore places such as this.
Mull of Kintyre lighthouse is a magical place - overlooking Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland, Islay and Gigha, I am told even the IOM. The tide and wind rips through really getting you close to the power of nature. For a walk of an hour or so, it is breathtaking, even better to take binoculars and a wee cuppa with you to sit and take it in.
Edited by POIDH on Tuesday 18th November 19:48
Nico Adie said:
stevoknevo said:
When you do get there, go down the A83 on the west coast and come back up the B842 on the east coast on the way back - proper single track rally stage in places, and the views to the west coast of Arran are spectacular, especially in winter if there's snow on the mountains! (I used to work in Campbeltown hospital, had a patient in Carradale I saw weekly, and lived in Oban - helluva commute home from work in Peugeot 407 2.0 HDI I had at the time, full set of good quality tyres lasted 12k with a rotation and front drop links and rear wheel bearings were 6k service items.
Make sure to head down to Southend and out to the Mull of Kintyre lighthouse - you need to be exceptionally fit/stupid to walk down to the lighthouse from the car park at the top, but the monument to the 1994 RAF Chinook helicopter accident isn't that far down from the car park.
Yeah the road from Campbeltown to Carradale is nuts, hairpins galore. Oban to Campbeltown is quite a commute! Make sure to head down to Southend and out to the Mull of Kintyre lighthouse - you need to be exceptionally fit/stupid to walk down to the lighthouse from the car park at the top, but the monument to the 1994 RAF Chinook helicopter accident isn't that far down from the car park.
I love the A83, my absolute favourite part is the sweeping bend as you're coming out of Clachan and can see Gigha, Cara, Islay and Jura in the distance. Beautiful.
When we first moved to Argyll we lived near Kilberry and I was going to Oban and back daily, three hour round-trip, that was hard on the old gastrointestinal system...the house we were in there looked over the islands you mention and right down to Antrim, stunning, plus we were married on Gigha!
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