We are going up to Gairloch (North West Scotland) later this Month. I have already planned a route and booked a 1 Night Stopover in Moffat & 2 Nights at Bunree (Fort William) before going on to Gairloch. I recently read an article in one of the caravan magazines about touring Scotland, which didn't recommend going by the Loch Lomondside Road. I know this route from my childhood but not with a caravan in tow! My husband his a competant driver but I want him to enjoy the journey. Any views from any of you who have done this route would be appreciated.
We have travelled this road many times but not with the caravan and would not recommend it. We were not towing last time but our sat nav took us on a different route which was really nice. We had stayed near Lanark over night we went towards Oban avoiding Glasgow and the A82 round Lomond. I can't remember the route but wish I could as we are going back with the van in September and want to go the same way. The route may have been M80, M9 A84, A85. Hope that might help a bit.
The northern part of the road up Loch Lomond has not yet been upgraded and is twisty and narrow in places for about 3 miles, with a large van you will need nerves of steel!!! It is possible if you take it easy, we have done it, 2 tour buses can pass each other........very carefully!!
You could try the following. Coming up the M74, follow the signs for Perth via the M73, A80, M80, M9 to junction 10.Then follow the A84 towards Doune, Callander and Lochearnhead. Pick up the A85 towards Crianlarich, where you continue north on the A82 through Glencoe past Ballachulish, over the bridge. Then follow the CC instructions for the site. If you pass the Corran ferry you have missed the site!
That is about 4 miles longer than the Loch Lomond route.
We went in 1998. Terrific site and location. Pity about the weather. We had a lochside pitch and had been there five days before we realised there was a mountain at the other side of the loch. Bloody rain and low cloud. The warden was building something out of wood, I asked him if it was an Ark. Take a trip to Ardnamurchan Point for a good day out. Very scenic and some terrific beaches.
We have towed (well, OH did) down the A82, through Glencoe, over Rannoch Moor and along Loch Lomond before stopping at the Luss site for a couple of nights. It was ok, OH did not complain about it.
I have towed up to Gairlock via the Loch Lomond road and returned via Callender. The Glencoe /Callender road is much easier And there is a very scenic stopping off point on the way back ie, Maragowan at Killen
Enjoy your trip. Gairlock is very scenic and atmospheric
Called in to see Bunree - lovely site, very peaceful. Have opted to stay again at Glen Nevis though for a couple of nights this summer as it suits our needs better.
I wouldn't hesitate about going up the side of Loch Lomond, there is a section from Tarbet to Ardlui which is about 8 miles which slows people down, it needs care as it is windy and only of sufficient width for two waggons or coaches. Other than that the road is fine. I envy you the trip over Rannoch Moor and Glencoe, this is just about my favourite bit of road. There is little difference in distance between going via Loch Lomond and going via Callender but to me the ride via Loch Lomond is much more interesting.
Which way are you going from Bunree to Gairloch. Going up along Loch Ness to Inverness and then back to Gairloch is to me a bit of a drag, I preferred going from Bunree to Kyle of Lochalse and then up through Kinlochewe to Gairloch. There is a fair amount of single track with passing places on the road but we found it a much more scenic route.
Quote: Originally posted by Jackrascals on 10/5/2007
We are going up to Gairloch (North West Scotland) later this Month. I have already planned a route and booked a 1 Night Stopover in Moffat & 2 Nights at Bunree (Fort William) before going on to Gairloch. I recently read an article in one of the caravan magazines about touring Scotland, which didn't recommend going by the Loch Lomondside Road. I know this route from my childhood but not with a caravan in tow! My husband his a competant driver but I want him to enjoy the journey. Any views from any of you who have done this route would be appreciated.
Thanks for all the replies - obviously different opinions on the Route. We have booked & paid to stay over at Luss Caravan Park on the return journey, so can't really change that now. We could alter the out-going journey & go via Perth Road as suggested, will have to give that some thought. We haven't decided definately which route from Bunree to Gairloch yet Bill but have been recommended to go by the Kyle of Lochalsh Road several times, don't mind the passing places! With regards to comments from harryb - I'm Scottish born & bred and well used to the rain & mist (they call this a 'dreich day) in Scotland. Matt - I haven't been to Bunree before but it comes highly recommended - hence our choice of stopover!!! Lunarjohn - the receptionist is supposed to be me at work ......... and Ididn't have a beard last time I looked in the mirror but you made me giggle at the thought! "YOU ARE ALL A CRAZY! - BUT LOVELY BUNCH OF PEOPLE.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Travel Advice Needed
Take a trip to Ardnamurchan Point for a good day out. Very scenic and some terrific beaches.
