Route:
Glencoe – Oban – Isle of mull
Experience beauty, culinary delights and the open road.
Miles: 139 | Highlight: Wildlife on the Isle of Mull
Route:
Glencoe – Oban – Isle of mull
Experience beauty, culinary delights and the open road.
Experience the beauty
When you hear people talk about the majestic and dramatic scenery of the Highlands, it’s pretty likely that they are referring to Glencoe. The road through this historic glen is described as “one of the classic Highland journeys” by Scottish National Heritage.
Now the remains of an ancient supervolcano, Glencoe provides wall to wall splendour with its mountains, waterfalls, lochs, wildlife and woodland.
Many films have used this glen as their backdrop,
including James Bond, Monty Python, Harry Potter, and even a Bollywood film.
The journey takes you along Scotland’s most famous fault line, The Great Glen, with Loch Ness at its heart. Following the loch along its entirety, you may want to stop at Fort Augustus. There’s plenty of choice for a
bite to eat or coffee here, alongside the famous flight of locks that allow passage of boats along the Caledonian Canal. A lovely tourist and local summer pastime is to sit outside a Fort Augustus bar or restaurant with a drink or meal spending a lazy hour or two watching the boats of all shapes and sizes passing through the series of locks on the canal.
Follow the open road
From Fort Augustus, which is the extreme southwestern end of Loch Ness, you continue along the banks of Loch Oich, then Loch Lochy – both as stunningly beautiful as their bigger cousin. Continue to Fort William, then follow the A82 until you come to the village of Ballachulish. Here, as you drive over the impressive steel bridge crossing Loch Leven, you’re greeted by an exceptionally picturesque village nestled at the base of some impressive peaks, being lapped by water on all sides. If you fancy stretching your legs, there’s a diverse range of activities available including mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, golf and skiing as well as miles of mountain and forest tracks.
From here, just enjoy the ride through the Glen. Keep an eye out for the Three Sisters Mountain of Glencoe, which has been voted one of the top 10 views in the UK.
The road takes you through vast, barren scenery, also passing through sparse villages and settlements. It’s worth stopping to walk down to Kilchurn Castle, which is on a peninsula of Loch Awe. With the peak of Ben Cruachan visible; one of the most photographed castles in Scotland, and the view from the top along the loch is a sight to behold.
Experience the beauty
When you hear people talk about the majestic and dramatic scenery of the Highlands, it’s pretty likely that they are referring to Glencoe. The road through this historic glen is described as “one of the classic Highland journeys” by Scottish National Heritage.
Now the remains of an ancient supervolcano, Glencoe provides wall to wall splendour with its mountains, waterfalls, lochs, wildlife and woodland.
Many films have used this glen as their backdrop,
including James Bond, Monty Python, Harry Potter, and even a Bollywood film.
The journey takes you along Scotland’s most famous fault line, The Great Glen, with Loch Ness at its heart. Following the loch along its entirety, you may want to stop at Fort Augustus. There’s plenty of choice for a bite to eat or coffee here, alongside the famous flight of locks that allow passage of boats along the Caledonian Canal. A lovely tourist and local summer pastime is to sit outside a Fort Augustus bar or restaurant with a drink or meal spending a lazy hour or two watching the boats of all shapes and sizes passing through the series of locks on the canal.
Follow the open road
From Fort Augustus, which is the extreme southwestern end of Loch Ness, you continue along the banks of Loch Oich, then Loch Lochy – both as stunningly beautiful as their bigger cousin. Continue to Fort William, then follow the A82 until you come to the village of Ballachulish. Here, as you drive over the impressive steel bridge crossing Loch Leven, you’re greeted by an exceptionally picturesque village nestled at the base of some impressive peaks, being lapped by water on all sides. If you fancy stretching your legs, there’s a diverse range of activities available including mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, golf and skiing as well as miles of mountain and forest tracks.
From here, just enjoy the ride through the Glen. Keep an eye out for the Three Sisters Mountain of Glencoe, which has been voted one of the top 10 views in the UK.
The road takes you through vast, barren scenery, also passing through sparse villages and settlements. It’s worth stopping to walk down to Kilchurn Castle, which is on a peninsula of Loch Awe. With the peak of Ben Cruachan visible; one of the most photographed castles in Scotland, and the view from the top along the loch is a sight to behold.
Local culinary delights
Follow the road coastal bound, where you’ll find yourself in the port town of Oban, the seafood capital of Scotland! Oban is famous for being the gateway to the Hebrides, and for its seafood, distillery and imposing McCaig’s Tower, dominating the skyline high above the
shore.
From Oban, you can get to many places, but the quickest and most rewarding has to be The Isle of Mull. The ferry drops you at Craignure, taking just 46 minutes. Vehicle reservations are recommended –
the ferry firm is Caledonian MacBrayne, conveniently shortened to Calmac. You can make bookings online at calmac.co.uk.
Immerse yourself in nature
Mull is known as Scotland’s Eagle Island, so keep your eyes peeled! Mull is also famous for being a good place to spot the otherwise elusive otter, as well as whales, dolphins, deer, and a variety of birds. There are lots
of boat trips to take to neighbouring isles, and plenty of hiking and cycling, but simply driving around the island stopping to take in the glory of a number of the best beaches in the UK will give you just as much of a
thrill.
Once back on the mainland, take the costal route back to Ballachulish via Castle Stalker, another iconic Scottish Castle for the album.
Local culinary delights
Follow the road coastal bound, where you’ll find yourself in the port town of Oban, the seafood capital of Scotland! Oban is famous for being the gateway to the Hebrides, and for its seafood, distillery and imposing McCaig’s Tower, dominating the skyline high above the shore.
From Oban, you can get to many places, but the quickest and most rewarding has to be The Isle of Mull. The ferry drops you at Craignure, taking just 46 minutes. Vehicle reservations are recommended – the ferry firm is Caledonian MacBrayne, conveniently shortened to Calmac. You can make bookings online at calmac.co.uk.
Immerse yourself in nature
Mull is known as Scotland’s Eagle Island, so keep your eyes peeled! Mull is also famous for being a good place to spot the otherwise elusive otter, as well as whales, dolphins, deer, and a variety of birds. There are lots of boat trips to take to neighbouring isles, and plenty of hiking and cycling, but simply driving around the island stopping to take in the glory of a number of the best beaches in the UK will give you just as much of a thrill.
Once back on the mainland, take the costal route back to Ballachulish via Castle Stalker, another iconic Scottish Castle for the album.
Directions
- Leave Wildtrax HQ, turning RIGHT onto the A82. Continue for 31 miles along the north banks of Loch Ness to Fort Augustus.
- Continue on the A82 for a further 46 miles to Ballachulish
- From Ballachulish, continue on the A82 for 32 miles, where at Tyndrum you will find the turning on your RIGHT for the A85.
- The A85 gets you to Kilchurn Castle in 13 miles, then onto Oban is a further 22.5.
- From here, take the Calmac Ferry to Mull, arriving into Craignure.
- Come back to Oban the way you went, then leave Oban on the A85 northbound, turning LEFT onto the A828 at Connel, 5 miles out of town.
- Castle Stalker is a further 14 miles from Connel
- From Castle Stalker, follow the A828 14 miles back to Ballachuilsh, where you need to pass the bridge on your left to a roundabout, which will lead you back on yourself to cross it via the A82
- From there, you are on the home straight to Wildtrax HQ, 75 miles back along Loch Ness
OR
If you wish to return via the Carigorms, take the A86 at Spean Bridge, which meanders and merges into the A9 all through the National Park. Here you can stop at Aviemore, a famous ski town, Rothiemurchas estate for some outdoor pursuits, Tomatin for the distillery, or Loch Morlich, the UK’s highest beach at 300 metres
above sea level. For more on the Cairngorms, see the Cairngorms & Whisky Trail Route. The A9 takes you into Inverness, where you follow the A82 back out
again towards Loch Ness, where you’ll soon be back at Wildtrax HQ.
Directions
- Leave Wildtrax HQ, turning RIGHT onto the A82. Continue for 31 miles along the north banks of Loch Ness to Fort Augustus.
- Continue on the A82 for a further 46 miles to Ballachulish
- From Ballachulish, continue on the A82 for 32 miles, where at Tyndrum you will find the turning on your RIGHT for the A85.
- The A85 gets you to Kilchurn Castle in 13 miles, then onto Oban is a further 22.5.
- From here, take the Calmac Ferry to Mull, arriving into Craignure.
- Come back to Oban the way you went, then leave Oban on the A85 northbound, turning LEFT onto the A828 at Connel, 5 miles out of town.
- Castle Stalker is a further 14 miles from Connel
- From Castle Stalker, follow the A828 14 miles back to Ballachuilsh, where you need to pass the bridge on your left to a roundabout, which will lead you back on yourself to cross it via the A82
- From there, you are on the home straight to Wildtrax HQ, 75 miles back along Loch Ness
OR
If you wish to return via the Carigorms, take the A86 at Spean Bridge, which meanders and merges into the A9 all through the National Park. Here you can stop at Aviemore, a famous ski town, Rothiemurchas estate for some outdoor pursuits, Tomatin for the distillery, or Loch Morlich, the UK’s highest beach at 300 metres
above sea level. For more on the Cairngorms, see the Cairngorms & Whisky Trail Route. The A9 takes you into Inverness, where you follow the A82 back out
again towards Loch Ness, where you’ll soon be back at Wildtrax HQ.
Scotland Travel Tips
- Bug Spray: The west coast of Scotland is well known for it's midges. If you plan on visiting don't forget your insect repellent.
- Weather: Be prepared for every season & embrace the weather. It's been known to snow in June while hot in February and don't forget your waterproofs!
- Plan Early: It's always a good idea to plan in advance especially if you're visiting in summer. If you plan to fly up the rates are cheapest when first released and accommodation can get booked up real fast too. 6 - 9 months in advanced is advised.
- More Time: Scotland is big & beautiful. Don't make the mistake of not factoring in time to stop and enjoy the view. Part of the adventure is the journey and a trip around the Highlands & Islands has many view points to enjoy.
- Off the Beaten Track: Don't be afraid to explore off the beaten track. You'll discover hidden gems and amazing scenery with the option to unplug and recharge.