We will spend 3 nights on the Isle of Skye and will go to Glasgow from there. Would we have time to visit Ardnamurchan on the way back to Glasgow...if so, what is the best route or way to go about it?
Posted by
3123 posts
How much time (as in, how many days) do you have between Skye and Glasgow? Ardnamurchan is out of the way from just about anywhere. The drive is probably awesomely scenic (I haven't been so can't say for sure), but the road beyond Lochailort is a secondary one. You will not be driving at highway speed. Expect narrow, winding, up & down hills, hairpin turns. If I were mapping this out I would take the Mallaig ferry from Skye, then the A861 from Lochailort to Salen, then the B007. That last leg, according to Google Maps, is only 13.8 miles and is expected to take 34 minutes -- an average of about 40 mph -- but I'm willing to bet that a typical tourist would only average about 30 mph.
Heading to Glasgow, you'd need to retrace your steps to pick up the A830 and proceed to Fort William. From there you can go via either Glencoe or Ben Cruachan/Lochawe -- both are scenic -- to Inveraray, which is a lovely town with a couple of days' worth of things to see & do if you're so inclined. From there continue to Tarbet and then south along the eastern shore of Loch Lomond. You might stop in the quaint village of Luss (short cruises on the loch available) or the Duck Bay hotel/restaurant near the southern end (commanding view of the loch). Observe signage through Dumbarton to the Erskine Bridge to cross the Clyde and pick up the Motorway to Glasgow.
Posted by
OP
39 posts
Oh goodness! We have reservations to spend the night in Glasgow the day we leave Skye, so it looks as if it won't work out. Just happened on some info on it and it sounds lovely. Oh well...Thanks so much for the input.
Posted by
3123 posts
Ah, well in that case, eat a good breakfast, get an early start, and go directly to Duck Bay for a late lunch and on to Glasgow!
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
I have driven round the Ardnamurchan as a loop from near Glencoe, taking the Corran ferry over and driving back via Fort William. It is gorgeous and one of my favourite places in Scotland, but as you average about 20mph at best as some of the roads are single track with passing places, it took me from c 9 am to 4pm. Unless you have more time, I think it would be impossible to squeeze it in, as it can't be driven quickly.
Posted by
OP
39 posts
Wow! I really, really want to go. I hope we can find a way to fit it in. I'll have to look at the map and do a bit more research. Thank you so much!