First road tour of Scotland. Trying to decide between the Upper route (A-890/832/835) and the Lower route (A87/887/82). Google maps says they're both about 85 miles & 2 hours. How do the routes compare re road quality, scenery, traffic, etc.? The Upper route includes crossing the Kessock Bridge mid-afternoon on a Friday. Is that a concern? Re the Lower route, I'm not going to want to stop & see Nessie but does she tie up traffic?
Posted by
Yorkshire
1327 posts
The A82 in summer is a misery journey.
Go North, the Albatross cafe just beyond Strathcarron is very well run, unusually good food..
The north route also has finer scenery also.
I have seen bad traffic on occasion on the bridge ,but would still choose that route.
I was out travelling in the highlands for 7 months last year,indeed only got back yesterday after 3 weeks in Lochaber and Knoydart
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2202 posts
Definitely the upper route. It takes you through some wild and isolated scenery.
Posted by
Delaware
1427 posts
Hi, blattner,
I concur with the Northern route, but how about this as an alternative:
A851 to Armadale/Ferry to Mallaig/A830 to Fort William/A82 to Fort Augustus/B862 to Inverness
It's a very scenic route, and you get to avoid the A82 between Fort Augustus and Inverness., which is usually the slowest and least scenic part of the route.
Whichever route you finally decide on, you will have a wonderful time in Scotland!
Best wishes for your travels.
Mike (Auchterless)
Posted by
OP
52 posts
Thanks all. Mike A: I'll be taking that ferry en route from Glencoe into Skye, so will probably use the Skye Bridge on this leg.
Posted by
Isle of Skye, Scotland
1257 posts
Another vote for the northern leg. You will be fine on the Kessock Bridge. The lights on the roundabout just after the bridge can slow things, but you're talking a few minutes. All locals take the northern route. The A82 along Loch Ness is just dreadful and an accident black spot. Just pay attention on the northern route as there are some sudden sections of single track road and they can take you unawares if you're not expecting them. The Midge Bite at Achnasheen is a good cafe for a snack or lunch.
Posted by
Glasgow, Scotland
1687 posts
Another vote for the northern route. Unless there is something you specifically want to see on the route via Loch Ness it can get very busy, and you don't see much of the loch itself.
Posted by
Glasgow
16 posts
I'm afraid I'm disagreeing with the advice so far and would always recommend the southern route. Family on Skye use the northern route by choice because overall it's quieter but they are generally not travelling to and from Inverness for the scenery.
To me, the landscapes are much more impressive if you take in Cluanie and Glen Shiel on the A87. Great scenery too if you are prepared to initially detour further south to Fort Augustus and Invergarry and then head up via Loch Garry and Loch Loyne - the latter areas offer wonderful views before you hit Cluanie/Glen Shiel.
I have never enjoyed that route via Strathcarron - the most scenic part to me, is the fast stretch towards Achnasheen and Achanalt but after that, I've never rated it.