Driving and Cycling in Glencoe, Scotland

The scenery surrounding Glencoe is so spectacular it could probably only be seen to be believed. Make your way along the “high road” or “the low road” towards the many “bonny, bonny banks”.

Scenic Drives

3 hours + C3	Lismore - pick up signs for Port Appin on A828 Oban Road. The road ends where the passenger ferry crosses to lovely Lismore. The journey takes 5 minutes - last crossing 8pm. On Lismore hire a bike or just walk this quiet green Island. A great day out - fit in a visit to the Pier House Restaurant at the ferry slipway.
40 mins + D3-D4	Around Loch Leven – turn off A82 at Glencoe and drive through stunning scenery. Stop off at Glencoe Lochan (10.5) and try some of the short walks in Kinlochleven village (10.4).
4 hours + D4-B5	The Road to the Isles - takes signs for Mallaig from Fort William. Stop on route at historic Glenfinnan (6.7) or just to enjoy the view. At Arisaig and beyond enjoy the Silver Sands and views to the Hebrides and the Cuillin of Skye. We recommend The Old Library in Arisaig for lunch (11:30-2:30).
3 hours + C3-C2	Appin & Oban - the Oban road takes in historic Kidnapped country and views of Castle Stalker with possible diversions to Cuil Bay (2.1) and Lismore (3.1). A detour round the head of Loch Creran is worthwhile in early summer to visit the Gardens at Drumavuic House (17.2). Other attractions on this route are the Sea Life Centre (5.1), the Appin Pottery and Ardchattan Priory & Gardens - all signposted off the main road. Oban itself is a busy fishing port with lots of character. We recommend the Café Caledonian (13.1) for lunch.
4 hours + C4-B4	Ardgour & Moidart - cross the Corran Ferry (2.4) then take signs to Acharacle then Lochailort then back via Glenfinnan and Fort William. Many obvious roadside stops all the way for lovely views. Try Castle Tioram (6.2), or the Singing Sands (2.4) for a major diversion. Recommended eating stops are Salen Crafts; Kinacarra Restaurant, Loch Moidart and Glenuig Inn.
8 hours + C4-C2	Iona - start early for this long but worthwhile journey to the cradle of British Christianity. Visit the Abbey and explore the colourful rocky and sandy beaches of this lovely Island. Cross the Corran Ferry (2.4), then take signs for Lochaline. Take the Mull Ferry to Fishnish (15.6) (runs frequently all day, last crossing from Fishnish-Lochaline 6.45pm or 7.35pm summer) then take signs to Fionnphort where you take the passenger ferry to Iona. Alternatively take an organised tour from Oban Pier.
3 hours + from D4	Loch Ness - the trip to Loch Ness is on the rather busy A82 from Fort William. There are obvious roadside diversions and a good turning point is the historic Urquhart Castle (6.3) near Drumnadrochit.
2 hours + D3	Loch Etive - head towards Glasgow on the A82 and take the sign to Loch Etive at the top of the Glen near the Kingshouse Hotel. The long and winding road to the loch head takes you by the lovely river and there are many stopping points in this quiet glen. Dwarfed by hills you will feel very small here. In autumn the glen is filled with the sound of rutting stags.
5 hours + C4-A4	Ardnamurchan - after crossing the Corran Ferry (2.4), the long and winding route to Ardnamurchan Point rewards the persistent driver. Single track road has lovely views along the way of Scots Pine, Loch Sunart and the Hebrides. Impressive lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula is the most westerly point of the British mainland. Nearby Sanna bay is delightful on sunny days. Stop on the way for something to do/eat at Cosy Knits, Strontian (11.4), Salen Craft Shop or the Ardnamurchan Natural History Centre, Glenborrodale (5.4). At the lighthouse there is a small tea room. For something different hop on the summer only ferry to Tobermory for lunch.

Cycling

D3-D4	West Highland Way - www.west-highland-way.co.uk. Some of the best sections of the Way can be done from within 30 minutes drive - bus or taxi transport is easy to arrange. Try the sections from Inveroran to Glencoe on the original road (also cycleable); over the Devils Staircase from Glencoe to Kinlochleven; through the Mamores from Kinlochleven to Fort William (also cycleable). Splendid views everywhere - lunch stops at Bridge of Orchy Hotel and Tail Race Inn, Kinlochleven.
5 mins D3-C3	Around Ben Vair - Follow the road inland through Ballachulish passing the Co-op and playing fields. Cross over the small bridge and then take a sharp left up past the school, then keep following the track inland as it passes through a steading. Now simply follow the track as it climbs and curves around to the right following the line of the river. Eventually you reach a watershed and cross through into forestry for a short time before joining forestry roads which lead you down into the village of Duror. Lovely views. Only for the adventurous mountain biker, wet weather will make parts additionally difficult for cycling. Typically a 3 hour walk.
15 mins D4	The Blackwater Dam, Kinlochleven - Another great walk for views and very varied. Take the road running alongside the remains of the Alcan factory and climb up alongside the pipeline. When you reach a corrugated hut decide whether to stick to the pipes and brave the steep and overgrown incline or follow the longer but less punishing road. At the top pause for a moment to enjoy the views then continue along the long concrete conduit until you reach the vast Blackwater Reservoir and Dam. For an alternative, wilder, route back cross the dam and follow the path back down the opposite side of the valley. Beware when biking it – the initial climb is very steep! Typically 4 hours plus.
35 mins D4	Nevis Range/Leanachan Forest – (16.3) Many miles of forest tracks for walking and cycling. Forest Enterprise graded the routes from family to downhill extremes. Kids will enjoy searching for the Trail Quest check points and the less energetic can just wander through the woods enjoying the peace and tranquility. Typically 2 hours plus.
50 mins D5	Loch Arkaig - A circular walk with a real sense of wilderness. Follow signs for Inverness from Fort William before turning left onto B8004 at Commando Monument signed Gairlochy. After crossing canal turn right and follow road all the way to Forestry Commission Car Park. Take the route immediately to the right of the dramatic waterfalls near the car park which takes you on a sweeping circuit inland before returning you to the minor road along the shores of Loch Arkaig on the final leg. Shorter walks are also signposted from here. Typically up to 3 hours walking.
30 mins D4	Along the Caledonian Canal – A gentle walk or cycle, up to 9 miles each way. Take signs for Mallaig from Fort William and take the right turn for The Moorings Hotel. Park in large car park and take the path beside the impressive locks of Neptune’s Staircase, you can continue along the canal as far as Gairlochy. Typically 2 hours plus.
5 mins C4	Inchree Waterfalls – On A82 to Fort William turn right to Inchree. Park in the Forestry carpark at the end of the road. You can reach the viewpoint of these spectacular waterfalls in just a few minutes from the car park. Well marked routes provide options for various extensions through the forest. All walks well marked.
20 mins C3	Sutherland's Grove - 20 minutes drive on A828 to Oban, few minutes after crossing new bridge on left. Variety of well marked forestry walks including dramatic gorge and pleasant resevoir.
20 mins D4	Kinlochleven – at the head of Loch Leven you will find a great network of paths. Try the walk to the old Pier – park opposite the Post Office and follow path around the circuit. The Gray Mare’s Tail walk is also nice – right turn off the main road at the Police Station, take a right at the Episcopal Church and follow signs from the adjacent car park.
5 mins C3	Glenachulish & St Johns – A828 to Oban take 2nd left after Ballachulish Hotel. Waymarked routes for walking or cycling lead to spectacular views. Also accessible from St John’s Church, just north on Ballachulish village on A82.