Road Trip - Scotland - any thoughts?

[PMacanGTS]

I'm planning a road trip to Scotland for late Spring. Here's the first draft of the itinerary. I would appreciate any feedback on the routes etc.

Day 1
A660 Leeds to Otley
A65 Otley to Ingleton
B6255 Ingleton to Hawes
A684 Hawes to Killington Lak
M6 Killington Lake to Carlisle via Penrith
M74 Carlisle to Glasgow


Day 2
M8 Glasgow to Dumbarton
A82 Dumbarton to Fort William


Day 3
A82 Fort William to Fort Augustus
B862 Fort Augustus to Inverness
A862/A832/A835 Inverness to Gorstan
A832/B8056 Gorstan to Shieldaig


Day 4
B8056/A832 Shieldaig to Ullapool
A835 Ullapool to Ledmore
A837 Ledmore to Lochinver
A837 Lochinver to Ardvreck Castle
A894 Ardvreck Castle to Laxford Bridge
A838 Laxford Bridge to Durness


Day 5
A838 Durness to Tongue
A836 Tongue to Bonar Bridge
A836/B9176 Bonar Bridge to Alness
A9 Alness to Daviot
B9154/A9/A938 Daviot to Grantown-on-Spey


Day 6
A939/B976 Grantown-on-Spey to Crathie
A93 Crathie to Bridge of Cally
A924 Bridge of Cally to Pitlochry
A9/A827 Pitlochry to Killin
A85 Killin to Crieff


Day 7
A822/A823 Crieff to Dunfermline
A90 Dunfermline to Edinburgh
A68 Edinburgh to Corbridge


Day 8
A69/A686 Corbridge to Alston
B6277 Alston to Barnard Castle
A66/A1/M1 Barnard Castle to Leeds



Thanks

[Lotobear]

You really should try to miss out Killington lake and M6 on day 1 and do Ingelton, Hawes, Kirby Stephen, Brough, Middleton in Teesdale, Alston, Hartside, Penrith then back to M6 (or A6 is better) up to Carlisle. It's a detour but I guarantee you will be rewarded.

Even better continue from Alston to Haydon Bridge and then hack across country via Keilder, Newcastleton and the borders (or A69 to Carlisle if you're pushed for time) then on to Glasgow.

Brough to Middleton and on to Haydon Bridge is a truly epic drive through some stunning upland wilderness

PS: sorry, i've just read on and see you're incorporating some of this into the return leg!

[PMacanGTS]

Lotobear said:

You really should try to miss out Killington lake and M6 on day 1 and do Ingelton, Hawes, Kirby Stephen, Brough, Middleton in Teesdale, Alston, Hartside, Penrith then back to M6 (or A6 is better) up to Carlisle. It's a detour but I guarantee you will be rewarded.

Even better continue from Alston to Haydon Bridge and then hack across country via Keilder, Newcastleton and the borders (or A69 to Carlisle if you're pushed for time) then on to Glasgow.

Brough to Middleton and on to Haydon Bridge is a truly epic drive through some stunning upland wilderness

PS: sorry, i've just read on and see you're incorporating some of this into the return leg!

Thanks, it might be better to do it on the outward leg, I'll give it some thought.

[Red Devil]

PMacanGTS said:

I would appreciate any feedback on the routes etc.

OK, seeing that you asked...
FWIW my 2p

Garnered from over a decade of annual trips to the Highlands.
I'll be using >90% of the same roads on your list at the end of April.

Day 1 .
I agree with Lotobear: head for Middleton-in-Teesdale and Alston.
After that though, despite the attraction of Hartside Pass, it doesn't make sense to double back to Penrith.
This is the route I usually use to reach the M6 - https://goo.gl/maps/rtvrssrkMk82
It completely bypasses Carlisle and its airport. Much less traffic as well.

I then head for the Erskine Bridge and my overnight stop at the Travelodge in Milton near Dumbarton.
This has two big advantages AFAIAC (YMMV). It's inexpensive and I'm already well past Glasgow on the A82 heading north.
The only downside is you have to make a dodgy dash (no pedestrian crossing!) across the busy 40mph d/c to The Stonefield for breakfast.
https://www.google.com/maps/@55.9364326,-4.5153483...

Day3.
Any particular reason to go from Inverness via Beauly and Muir of Ord to reach the A835 rather than the Kessock Bridge to the r/about at Tore?

Day 5.
Personally I would stay away from the A9 south of Inverness as much as possible.
Go past the battlefield site at Culloden Moor then via Cawdor to Grantown-on-Spey.
https://goo.gl/maps/Vt2dwQPiYz22 - no average speed cameras and a far more rewarding drive.
Better still imo is to take the B9007 from Ferness to Duthil - https://goo.gl/maps/tgGDAeDRzvw
Last time I used it I saw just 2 (oncoming) cars the whole way. Nothing behind/ahead of me at all.

Day 6.
Unless you paricularly want to go to Bridge of Cally, save a few miles by taking the B950 here.
Ditto Killin. Head this way from Kenmore to Crieff - https://goo.gl/maps/WR7hSkDyB1k
The first half to the A822 is single track but the scenery is adequate compensation.

Day 7.
The A90 doesn't go anywhere near Dunfermline. It runs from Fraserburgh to Perth.
It then disappears (becoming the M90) until south of the Queensferry Bridge - https://goo.gl/maps/Nu34naL87nF2
Again, unless I had a reason to visit Dunfermline I would go to J4 of the M90 - https://goo.gl/maps/juCnYZVmeYT2
Nothing wrong with the A68 but I prefer to go via Kielder - https://goo.gl/maps/B9HBC4nLMaT2

I can recomment the Tower Knowe Visitor Centre for refreshments/comfort break.
The pics below were taken outside on the terrace on a glorious cloudless afternoon in April 2016.
Not a sound to be heard except the occasonal chirp. The feeling of total tranquility was magical.

Day 8.
My suggestion for Day 1 already uses the best bit of the B6277: Middleton-in-Teesdale to Alston.
So coming back take the direct route to Barnard Castle - https://goo.gl/maps/PaSbAwEs89S2
Edmundbyers to Eggleston is, imo, the best drive in the whole of Co. Durham.

[PMacanGTS]

That’s great, many thanks. It’ll be my first road trip to Scotland, so that’s exactly the kind of advice I was after.

[coppice]

I have written a short guide to Scottish trips which quite a few people have found helpful. I first drove up to the far north west in '83 and have returned many times since - drop me a pm if you'd like a copy.

[PMacanGTS]

coppice said:

I have written a short guide to Scottish trips which quite a few people have found helpful. I first drove up to the far north west in '83 and have returned many times since - drop me a pm if you'd like a copy.

That would be ideal, thanks. I'll send a pm.

[GetCarter]

PMacanGTS said:

coppice said:

I have written a short guide to Scottish trips which quite a few people have found helpful. I first drove up to the far north west in '83 and have returned many times since - drop me a pm if you'd like a copy.

That would be ideal, thanks. I'll send a pm.

Yep... listen to Coppice... but you are missing a lot of good stuff and doing a lot of nowhere near as good stuff. That route needs a fair amount of work.

Unless you need a huge Tescos, avoid Inverness.

BTW... which Shieldaig did you mean? There are two. One is most definitely worth a visit, the other not so.

Edited by GetCarter on Saturday 12th January 14:11

[Red Devil]

GetCarter said:

PMacanGTS said:

coppice said:

I have written a short guide to Scottish trips which quite a few people have found helpful. I first drove up to the far north west in '83 and have returned many times since - drop me a pm if you'd like a copy.

That would be ideal, thanks. I'll send a pm.

Yep... listen to Coppice... but you are missing a lot of good stuff and doing a lot of nowhere near as good stuff. That route needs a fair amount of work.

Unless you need a huge Tescos, avoid Inverness.

BTW... which Shieldaig did you mean? There are two. One is most definitely worth a visit, the other not so.

Assuming he hasn't made a mistake, the B8056 means it has to be the other one (not yours).
https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/index.php?titl...
As it's at the end of Day 3 perhaps he intends to stay at the Shieldaig Lodge?

For sure he could avoid Inverness on that leg.
Both Shieldaigs. - https://goo.gl/maps/BAidmbwpkwx
Could also do the Bealach na Bà to Applecross then the coast road if he fancies it.

[PMacanGTS]

Thanks again to all. Some more great advice. And yes, you were right, I planned a stop at Shieldaig Lodge at the end of day 3.

The plan is being revised, and it's shaping up nicely I think.

[GetCarter]

PMacanGTS said:

Thanks again to all. Some more great advice. And yes, you were right, I planned a stop at Shieldaig Lodge at the end of day 3.

The plan is being revised, and it's shaping up nicely I think.

Way ta go. IMO, you need to take in Applecross, Torridon and Shieldaig (the other one). Cutting off that bit will be a big loss to your trip.

I moved here *mostly* to be a landscape photographer, and most of these views, you are missing on your trip as it stands: http://www.stevecarter.com/gallery1/MyFaves.htm

[VTECMatt]

Lotobear said:

You really should try to miss out Killington lake and M6 on day 1 and do Ingelton, Hawes, Kirby Stephen, Brough, Middleton in Teesdale, Alston, Hartside, Penrith then back to M6 (or A6 is better) up to Carlisle. It's a detour but I guarantee you will be rewarded.

Even better continue from Alston to Haydon Bridge and then hack across country via Keilder, Newcastleton and the borders (or A69 to Carlisle if you're pushed for time) then on to Glasgow.

Brough to Middleton and on to Haydon Bridge is a truly epic drive through some stunning upland wilderness

PS: sorry, i've just read on and see you're incorporating some of this into the return leg!

For sure, well worth including those roads.

[Who me ?]

Last few times ( few years ago) I went through Glasgow on M8-A82, there were problems at the A82 junction, and more problems all the way up the Great Western Road to Byres Road junction. Swimbo does not like trip over Erskine bridge, so I found a compromise - keep on M8 till J25 and take A 739, through Clyde Tunnel to join up with A82 at Anniesland. it saves the long drag out to the Erskine bridge and the congestion ( at certain times of day ) going down to Great Western Road, and the racetrack ( with speed cameras) on Gt Western road up to Anniesland cross.

As for day 3- once you take the B862 at Fort Augustus, any of the B roads leading to Inverness are worth the drive.

[Red Devil]

Each to their own, but I've never had a problem with the Erskine Bridge in 10 years of travelling to the Highlands.
Depending on the time of day, you can get some traffic build up from the M74/M73 junction.
However the worst section by far is the bit from where the M74 meets the M8 to where the M77 peels off to the south.
I have found that the trick is to avoid traversing the central area between 4 and 7pm - https://goo.gl/maps/pGNp3zESZ3N2

He'll have to negotiate that whether he goes via the Clyde Tunnel or the Erskine Bridge. There is no way to avoid it.
The M898/A898 joins the A82 Great Western Road well past the built up area - https://goo.gl/maps/u7Jz3ttLsbE2
I would much rather do that than negotiate the awkward junction/s and forest of traffic lights at Anniesland.
From there to A898 junction is a PITA imo. More traffic lights, speed cameras, not to mention the r/abouts at Drumchapel and Parkhall.

If he stays at the Travelodge I suggested, he's well past the Glasgow conurbation at the end of Day 1.
Less than 3 miles from there it's pedal to the metal - https://goo.gl/maps/ws6CmbTyX682

[PMacanGTS]

Here's a revised plan. Again, any thoughts and feedback would be appreciated.

Day 1
https://goo.gl/maps/BaHcbrz6ByD2

Day 2
https://goo.gl/maps/JDiWUdpgTfn

Day 3
https://goo.gl/maps/yVUc9BJH7Ls

Day 4
https://goo.gl/maps/Mvf8FLSSwov

Day 5
https://goo.gl/maps/eyfPEpJ4wM52

Day 6
https://goo.gl/maps/dJvzBKN3WB22

Day 7
https://goo.gl/maps/rVw5kyZEJVQ2

Day 8
https://goo.gl/maps/4z1h3eXP7to

Thanks

[GetCarter]

Day 3

Good to get Applecross in, but instead of returning the way you came to get to Shieldaig, carry on round the coast. It only adds 10 minutes and is a really scenic drive.

[Lotobear]

Looking good but on day one I suggest you take the long town road from Brampton and reach Gretna that way to avoid the m6 and boring airport road. Swing by at my gaff (Brampton) and I’ll give you a cuppa and show you my cars!

[PMacanGTS]

Thanks again, I've revised the route to include the coastal route from Applecross. Your photos are incredible by the way, I can't wait to see some of those landscapes in person.

[VTECMatt]

I know it goes against the flow, but when you get to Alston turn left drive up to Hartside down to Melmerby then return, if you get a clear run, it is motoring nirvana.

[Red Devil]

Lotobear said:

Looking good but on day one I suggest you take the long town road from Brampton and reach Gretna that way to avoid the m6 and boring airport road. Swing by at my gaff (Brampton) and I’ll give you a cuppa and show you my cars!

If you look at his revised routes you will see that Day 1 does exactly that (as I suggested:see the link in my first post).

PMacanGTS said:

Here's a revised plan. Again, any thoughts and feedback would be appreciated.

For your consideration. I would recommend 'driving' them using Google Street View.
It will help you decide whether they 'fit the profile' of your trip. I like 'em. YMMV.

Day 2
Alternative route to Tarbet - https://goo.gl/maps/aNmPiFZ3rbu
Take this turning onto the A817 Haul Road to Garelochhead - https://goo.gl/maps/heke1w7Wycw
At the roundabout turn right onto the A814 along Loch Long to Arrochar. Then the A83 to Tarbet.
The A82 can get pretty busy. There is an awkward TOTSO in Tarbet which can cause tailbacks.
Approaching from the A83 you have priority and the left turn is a lot easier.

Day 3
As GC said, definitely go from Applecross to Shieldaig via the coast road - https://goo.gl/maps/19GgCPMgbW72
Stop at the layby here (scroll through 360° for why) - https://goo.gl/maps/JQmn9ZvH4KM2
Several more places further on including GC's first pic.

Day 4
Alternative route to Lochinver - https://goo.gl/maps/BqKSzuaFN6B2
Look for this sign. In spring the gorse on the first] section past the lochs is a blaze of colour.

Alternative route after Lochinver - https://goo.gl/maps/evV5VPQoKdU2
The B869 is narrow and quite challenging in places: it's not everyone's cup of tea.
Some parts seem impossibly remote: the road is like a ribbon draped over the terrain.

You could even do both if you fancy it, but it would omit Ardvreck Castle.

Day 6
Decided against the B950 short cut? And Kenmore to Crieff via Auchnacloich?

Day 7
Sightseeing in Edinburgh? Can't think of any other reason to go that way.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g186525-c179510...
Don't know if it has changed much in the last couple of years.

Have you decided on your dates yet?