Lanes and good roads to drive in Scotland

[reb78]

In a couple of weeks, we are going up to Scotland. We are spending three nights around Ben Nevis, during which time we will also 'climb' the mountain. Following that, we are staying with a larger group of friends in a cottage over on Loch Katrine at Stronachlachar.

Are there any areas around Nevis or Loch Katrine, or some exciting off the beaten track scenic routes that we could take when driving between the two that anyone can recommend. It will only be my 110, so we can't do anything that might require two vehicles etc.

[Retroanaconda]

Off-road/unsurfaced routes are far and few between in Scotland, or ones that can be legally driven are anyway, however a good proportion of the public road network obviously features stunning views and landscapes so this is rarely an issue!

The Three Lochs Forest Drive runs from the Dukes Pass over to Loch Achray just north of Aberfoyle through some nice forests/scenery with walks and the like on offer too both on the forest drive itself and at The Lodge visitor centre which is located near its southern end just outside Aberfoyle. The Dukes Pass road itself is nice as well.

Up in Lochaber practically every road is stunning!

[Mark-Norfolk]

Hi Reb78

I’m just back from visiting the same area, in our 110 TD5. Not sure of your dates – maybe we waved at each other! If you’re still there I suggest you consider driving up towards Fort William, then over the Corran ferry (£8 one-way, just turn up), West to Strontian and on into the Ardnamurchan peninsular. It’s a little-known area, and absolutely beautiful. Head Northwest, over the volcanic caldera, to Sanna Bay.

A more extreme option would be to carry on up to Ullapool and over to Lewis and Harris (Outer Hebrides) on the CalMac ferry. (Costs about £150 return for a 110 Defender with occupants). These islands are amazing. Some parts are like driving over the moon, but without the inconvenience of having no atmosphere.

As Retroanaconda says, I don’t think there’s much legal off-roading in the Highlands and Islands, but the single-track roads are often so rough, you sometimes wouldn’t know it! There are a few abandoned quarry and forestry tracks you can try, which often lead to excellent wild camping spots.

We planned a varied time: combining wild camping, campsites, B&B’s, and a couple of top hotels. If anyone wants hotel recommendations, please ask.

Cheers, Mark