This November we are going to be driving one day from Glamis Castle to Ballater, where we are staying at Balmoral Arms.
I wanted to ask what route would you recommend to take? We can either go left through Cairngorms National Park (via A93) or go right, closer to the coast (A90 and B976). It is a leisurely drive for us, so small difference in time to complete doesn't matter too much. More, what would offer the best scenery and quick stops along the route.
We recently were in that area. We had stopped at Scones Palace before heading over to Montrose for a night. We had visited Glamis on a previous trip. From that town we drove and visited Dunnottar Castle and Kinneff Old Church (where the Scottish Crown Jewels were hidden in 1651 to keep them from the English. We then cut across the country to Nairn. The roads were fine the way we drove (A93). We stopped for lunch at Milton Brasserie outside of Banchory. The food was good and there are a couple shops to look in.
Not knowing where you’re headed after Ballater I will add that a bridge is being replaced just before Cock Bridge along the A939 so there is a rather long detour if you are headed to the west. We had to go back to Dinnet before heading north again, then into the national park. To me, the national park was nothing special, but we just drove through it.
Hi, kpaige4444,
A928 to Kirriemuir, where you can visit the JM Barrie house and museum (check to see if it's open in November), and the Bon Scott (AC/DC) statue. West on the A926 to Blairgowrie, where you should be able to find somewhere to eat. North on the A93 through Glenshee to Braemar, then continue east on the A93 to Ballater.
The scenery through Glenshee is quite good, especially as you travel by Clunie Water. The old Devil's Elbow hairpin turn on the A93 was straightened out decades ago, so you don't have to deal with that. However, you may want to be aware of the weather forecast if you're travelling in November. If heavy snow is predicted, you may want to choose an alternate route. The snow is welcomed for the skiiers at the Glenshee ski area, but for regular drivers it's not so much fun. Having said that, the road crews do a pretty good job of clearing the A93 so that the skiiers can get to their destination.
Remember that daylight hours will be getting shorter in November, so if you want to see as much as possible, you should be on the road by 10:00 a.m.
Best wishes for your travels!
Mike (Auchterless)
Thank you so much to both of you! Your replies were so helpful.
Things we are going to make sure to take note of include snow and that bridge being closed as we are traveling towards the Inverness area after Balmoral. We will be adding Kirriemuir to our itinerary for sure.
I think we are leaning more towards driving through the park, but we will have the other option planned out ready to go in case of snow.
This site might be of interest with regards snow and gates being closed
Hi again, kpaige4444,
The most recent report for the A939 from Ballater to Grantown-on-Spey is that the road is going to be closed through next Sunday (October 30th) for the bridge work to be completed. If it's still closed by the time you leave Ballater, you could take the A97 to Rhynie, then the A941 to Elgin. From Elgin, the A96 will take you directly to Inverness. It's not as scenic a route as the A939, but Elgin is definitely worth a visit for the Cathedral and the town museum.
Best wishes once again,
Mike (Auchterless)
p.s.: The A939 is the most frequently closed road in Scotland due to snow. Even if the bridge work is completed, you should check for the road conditions before you leave Ballater.
That camera site showing the roads is amazing! I was trying to find info on road updates and wasn't having any luck so that helps a lot. Thank you! Fingers crossed the snow holds off a little longer, but I feel good knowing I'm prepared with backups now.
