Driving the UK - the great route round Glencoe

22/01/12

If you fancy putting your foot down on empty roads through some of the most stunning countryside in the UK, then this round trip in the Highlands through Glencoe is a must.  Ideal as a weekend trip from Glasgow, or a diversion on journeys to Skye and the Western Isles.

Crianlarich - Glen Etive – Glencoe – Loch Lihnne coastal road

We’re taking the anti-clockwise route as we think it’s the most dramatic option, but you can go in the opposite direction.

1) We start at Crianlarich which is the unofficial start of the Western Highlands, north of Loch Lomond and at the north point of the Trossachs National Park. 

Take the A82 North East heading out of the National Park – the forests will thin and the mountain peaks will get higher.

2) Stay on the A82 when you come to the forked junction with the A85 past Tyndrum.  Follow signs for Fort William.

3) There’s no need to watch road signs for a while as you’re just following the same road until you’ve gone through Glencoe.  Pass, or stop for a drink, at the white hotel at the Bridge of Orchy.

4) Here you see the first dramatic peaks of the mountains guarding Glencoe from the south.  The second high pyramid-like peak (on your left) is the famous Buachaille Etive Mòr – the Herdsman of Glen Etive.  (Pictured)

5) Carry on and you enter Glencoe proper.  There’s a great stopping point for taking pictures right in the middle of the Glen – you won’t miss it, there’s always a piper in traditional Highland dress standing near the parking spaces!

6) A couple of miles past Ballachulish, take the left turn following the A828 towards Oban.  This takes you along the southern shore of Loch Linnhe.

7) Keep following the same road past Loch Creran – looking out for the unspoilt Isle of Lismore on your right.  During summer months there are regular ferries over to the island from Port Appin.

8) Turn left onto the A85 following the signs for Crianlarich (don’t follow Oban).  Pass through Airds Bay, Inverawe and the top of Loch Awe on your gentle drive back to Crianlarich.