Road trip between Edinburgh and Oban

Hi George, Have you explored the Via Michelin Route Planner? I often have used it to plot my trips around Scotland. You'll notice when you look at it that you can see tourist sites. And you can choose the scenic route as it were. : ) So, since this isn't a trip I've done, I thought I'd see what they came up with. They route you across the Firth of Forth Bridge, which is an attraction in and of itself. You then are routed along the north shore of the Firth of Forth. Dumfermline has an interesting castle, but I think I would keep going. Culross is a very interesting town. The problem with stopping here is that you might not get any further! They follow the Forth River through Dunblane and up to Doune passing Stirling to the South. You won't have time for Stirling, but I strongly advise a visit if you can on another day. It's the best castle. I've not been to Dunblane, but it looks interesting on Undiscovered Scotland, and I think I'll check it out on a later visit. I have been to Doune Castlefamous from the Monty Python Holy Grail movieand I like it a lot. They route you through Callander which is one of the gateways to the Trossachs. The Trossachs themselves are quite lovely and you could stop your trip right here and spend the day exploring them, walks in the hills, a ride on the steamboat on Loch Katrine followed by a bike ride back. Just to the south is Lake Mentieth with ruins of Inchmaholme Abbey. Or you can keep going and just admire the views. Pam

Michelin takes you north to Lochearnhead. Do take a detour and go up the glen to the west to Balquhidder. This is where Rob Roy MacGregor is buried. And if you have time, the drive up the glen is quite beautiful. The road ends just past Loch Doine in a parking lot. There are lots of walking trails, but I've not done them. A bit north of Lochearnhead the A85 veers west. You could do a detour up the A827 to Killin. There some lovely waterfalls along the roadside. And an nate day trip could take you up a wee road on the south side of Loch Tay to Aberfeldy. You'd want to stop at the Crannog Center just before town. And if you want to do this route let me know one of my favorite Glens and one of my favorite drives is out of Aberfeldy. But back on the road to the west....The A85 joins the A82 for a bit at Crianelarich. I think that it's just before Michelin has you continue west on the A85 is a wonderful view spot on the left. If my memory is correct, you will have just gone up a very long hill. It's been a while since I've done the drive, but its worth stopping. Keep driving west. The scenery will be beautiful There is the Bonawe Iron Furnace just north of Taynuilt which also looks like it might be worth a stop. The rest of the way to Oban will have beautiful views. Bear in mind that this is a four hour plus drive one way with no stops....So, you need to think about the reality of this as a day trip. Oban itself is a ferry port. It's nice waterfront, but in my mind not a lot else that pulls me there. I know that there are others who disagree with me. But I see it as a gateway to islands--Mull, Staff Iona and more. I haven't tried for your return trip, but you could return via the west coast of Loch Lomond and the M road back to Edinburgh.