Route:
Glenfinnan
– Castle Tioram
An epic roadtrip to explore hidden treasures
Miles: 106 | Stops: 4 | Highlight: Glenfinnan Viaduct
Route:
Glenfinnan
– Castle Tioram
An epic roadtrip to explore hidden treasures
Epic Roadtrip
Although the West Coast of Scotland is hugely popular, the Lochaber region has always taken a back seat to the glory of Ullapool, Gairloch, Plockton and Torridon.
However, this makes for an epic road trip because not only is it wonderfully quiet, it’s stunningly untouched. Most visitors to the area around Loch Ness are keen to make a pitstop via Glenfinnan, where the infamous Glenfinnan Viaduct sits staunchly nestled between two hillsides, suspended 100ft above the ground. Rightly so,
as it’s a sight to behold and a wonder of engineering.
Located at the top of Loch Sheil and overlooking the Glenfinnan monument, you’ll most likely recognise this dramatic stricture and landscape from Harry Potter, or failing that – take a look in your pocket and you might spot it on the back of a £10 note. You can catch the Hogwarts Express across the viaduct, by booking onto the Jacobite Steam Train.
In this region of the Highlands, there are few roads, and given how stunning the scenery is from this one, there’s no need to be anywhere else. One of our absolute favourite ruins of Scotland is along this route and can be photographed from the roadside. Inverailort House has been used as a training base by the Special Operations Executive, teaching intelligence, sabotage, survival and guerrilla warfare – with many techniques being developed there. It later because HMS Lochailort when used for the training of Navy cadets.
Epic Roadtrip
Although the West Coast of Scotland is hugely popular, the Lochaber region has always taken a back seat to the glory of Ullapool, Gairloch, Plockton and Torridon.
However, this makes for an epic road trip because not only is it wonderfully quiet, it’s stunningly untouched. Most visitors to the area around Loch Ness are keen to make a pitstop via Glenfinnan, where the infamous Glenfinnan Viaduct sits staunchly nestled between two hillsides, suspended 100ft above the ground. Rightly so,
as it’s a sight to behold and a wonder of engineering.
Located at the top of Loch Sheil and overlooking the Glenfinnan monument, you’ll most likely recognise this dramatic stricture and landscape from Harry Potter, or failing that – take a look in your pocket and you might spot it on the back of a £10 note. You can catch the Hogwarts Express across the viaduct, by booking onto the Jacobite Steam Train.
In this region of the Highlands, there are few roads, and given how stunning the scenery is from this one, there’s no need to be anywhere else. One of our absolute favourite ruins of Scotland is along this route and can be photographed from the roadside. Inverailort House has been used as a training base by the Special Operations Executive, teaching intelligence, sabotage, survival and guerrilla warfare – with many techniques being developed there. It later because HMS Lochailort when used for the training of Navy cadets.
Discover Hidden Gems
The road from Inverailort takes you to the small hamlet of Glenuig – be sure to get out here for food at the Glenuig Inn. The track to the right of the pub takes you past a beautiful sandy bay, and on to the parking spot for the short walk to the abandoned village and beach of Smirisary. Only accessible on foot, Smirisary was a crofting village until its abandonment after the second
world war. Today, some have been restored as holiday homes, some have laid victim to the Highland coastal elements. Views from the beaches here look out to the “small isles” of Eigg, Rum and Canna.
Explore Castle Ruins
The road leads on to the splendid Castle Tioram – be sure to arrive here at low tide to make the best of it, since you’ll need to cross a sand bar to gain access to the island that the castle sits upon. This is a locally renowned spot for catching glimpses of otters surrounding the castle, so keep your eyes peeled. Do take care here – the castle is in a fair state of disrepair, owning to one of the most contentious and complex planning disputes that Scotland has seen.
Discover Hidden Gems
The road from Inverailort takes you to the small hamlet of Glenuig – be sure to get out here for food at the Glenuig Inn. The track to the right of the pub takes you past a beautiful sandy bay, and on to the parking spot for the short walk to the abandoned village and beach of Smirisary. Only accessible on foot, Smirisary was a crofting village until its abandonment after the second
world war. Today, some have been restored as holiday homes, some have laid victim to the Highland coastal elements. Views from the beaches here look out to the “small isles” of Eigg, Rum and Canna.
Explore Castle Ruins
The road leads on to the splendid Castle Tioram – be sure to arrive here at low tide to make the best of it, since you’ll need to cross a sand bar to gain access to the island that the castle sits upon. This is a locally renowned spot for catching glimpses of otters surrounding the castle, so keep your eyes peeled. Do take care here – the castle is in a fair state of disrepair, owning to one of the most contentious and complex planning disputes that Scotland has seen.
Directions
- Leave Wildrax HQ, turning RIGHT onto the A82. Continue for 62 miles along the north banks of Loch Ness to Fort Augustus, then through Invergarry and Spean Bridge.
- As you come into Fort William, turn RIGHT onto the A830 for 15 miles until you arrive at Glenfinnan.
- Continue onwards for 10 miles along the banks of Loch Eilt, until you reach Loch Ailort.
- Turn LEFT onto the A861, where you will shortly come across Inverailort House on the left.
- Glenuig is a further 8 miles. Park here and take the longer walk to Smirisary, or drive a couple of miles down the track to the right of the pub to make it shorter.
- Back on the A861, continue for 10 miles until reaching a turning on the RIGHT, signposted for Castle Tioram, which is 2.5 miles along this track. There’s a car park on the mainland shore of the castle.
- To return to Wildtrax HQ, either return the way you came, or continue on the A861, looping back around to south of Fort William. Here, you will need to either cross the water on the Corran Ferry onto the A82 (weather allowing), or continue around the perimeter of Loch Eil to join back on the A830 into Fort William, then joining the A82 northbound all the way back to HQ.
Directions
- Leave Wildrax HQ, turning RIGHT onto the A82. Continue for 62 miles along the north banks of Loch Ness to Fort Augustus, then through Invergarry and Spean Bridge.
- As you come into Fort William, turn RIGHT onto the A830 for 15 miles until you arrive at Glenfinnan.
- Continue onwards for 10 miles along the banks of Loch Eilt, until you reach Loch Ailort.
- Turn LEFT onto the A861, where you will shortly come across Inverailort House on the left.
- Glenuig is a further 8 miles. Park here and take the longer walk to Smirisary, or drive a couple of miles down the track to the right of the pub to make it shorter.
- Back on the A861, continue for 10 miles until reaching a turning on the RIGHT, signposted for Castle Tioram, which is 2.5 miles along this track. There’s a car park on the mainland shore of the castle.
- To return to Wildtrax HQ, either return the way you came, or continue on the A861, looping back around to south of Fort William. Here, you will need to either cross the water on the Corran Ferry onto the A82 (weather allowing), or continue around the perimeter of Loch Eil to join back on the A830 into Fort William, then joining the A82 northbound all the way back to 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.