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Driving on single track roads in the Highlands and islands of Scotland

I know that some people are a little scared of driving on the narrow, single track roads that can be found across parts of the Highlands and islands of Scotland. This short animation explains how to tackle these roads and explains the etiquette of using passing places. Hopefully it will be helpful to those of you planning a visit to these parts!
Driving on Single Track Roads
Best wishes
Jacqui (Skyegirl)

Posted by
32523 posts

You've done a good job there, Jacqui.

We could do with some of our townies around here watching it before heading out into the rural parts! Especially those with Chelsea Tractors who are sure that the road is just for them and everybody else has to get out of their way (especially as it is the Chelsea Tractors who have the never-used 4-wheel drive so they actually could go off into the field or verge but of course have never been in a field).

(end of small rant)

Posted by
1059 posts

I wish I could take credit for making the film - but I just found it on You Tube!

Posted by
5678 posts

It's marvelous. It even comes close to capturing the attitude of driving on a single track road. I wish that they had worked in the "hand raise wave" (four-finger?) that you always do as someone drives past you as you wait. It's a friendly greeting. It's a gentle lift of the four fingers on your hand that is resting on the steering wheel as you wait for oncoming traffic. It's so very polite.

Posted by
1059 posts

Pamela. There are some variations on the wave technique too! There's a full 'window cleaning' type wave where you open your palm and wave your hand from side to side - that's usually reserved for 'local on local' waving where you know the person. Then there's the wave you describe which is a friendly acknowledgement of a passing manoeuvre well anticipated and executed. There's also a raised index finger with the rest of the hand remaining on the steering wheel, which is a casual acknowledgment, often by drivers of commercial or trade vehicles. Those are the main variations of a friendly wave. Of course there are other gestures (often made by impatient locals) that you won't want to encounter.... :-)

Posted by
5678 posts

Skyegirl, I think I have seen the last one. But not the one for locals of course. :)