Wondering if anyone would have suggestions for our drive from St Andrews to our B &B in Tomatin? We will be starting the morning at the Old Course of St Andrews because it is a Sunday and we have been told it is closed and we can visit and take photos. Then onto Tomatin. What sites along the way or a suggested route. All suggestions appreciated as this is our first Scotish visit and we want to see it all, which I know we can't.... Does not hurt to try. Many thanks.
Posted by
London
81 posts
I would take the A9 for this - so cross the Tay to Dundee, take the road to Perth and then join the A9 north. You could take a couple of different routes from Dundee, that will have their advocates.
All along that A9 route there are some nice places depending on what you are looking for - again I am sure there are fans and detractors for most.
I've always liked Dunkeld, Pitlochry, Falls of Bruar (and House of Bruar for more tartan than anyone needs), Dalwhinnie distillery, along that route. There are lots of other places along the way.
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2580 posts
The A 9 is the obvious direct route. If you are wanting a more scenic drive take the Snow Road instead. At Perth take the A93 which takes you up through Blairgowrie and Glen Shee to Cairngorm National Park and past Braemar, Balmoral Estate, Craithie Kirk and Ballater. Now take the A939 past Corgaff Castle set high above the road to Grantown on Spey. A short stretch along the A95 and then A 938 to the A9 and Tomatin. It will be longer to drive than the A9 but is scenically much better.
Posted by
OP
Grand island, Ny
264 posts
Thank you for both suggestions I do like the idea of the more scenic route Can you tell me how the roads are for starters and if we just drove that route and did not really stop along the way approximately how long would the drive take? Just trying to figure how how much time we would be able to spend at St Andrews. Thank you
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2580 posts
Its a paved route all the way and there is room for two cars to pass easily but does take you through some of the most isolated parts of Scotland.
It is about 160 mile drive and google maps estimates just over 4 hours for the drive. I'd be inclined to plan on nearer 5 hours to allow for any slow moving traffic.
Posted by
3124 posts
If the Old Course walking tour is offered on the Sunday you'll be there, I recommend it, assuming you are fans of professional golf. It mainly consists of standing around (i.e., not a lot of walking) while the guide tells you what this or that famous golfer did at this or that famous tournament. We got the opportunity to take photos on the iconic Swilcan bridge, and received a merch discount at the gift shop as well as an imprinted souvenir golf ball.
If you take the time to do the tour, you'd be better off driving the A9 instead of the slower snow route, unless you'll be there near the summer solstice when it stays light long into the evening.