After the Motorways, it all slows down
Heading to Scotland from England on the M6, it’s a fine drive, and once at Gretna Green it becomes the M74 and is just as good until you get through Glasgow. Then it all slows down, few if any dual carriageways and whilst it just takes longer to get anywhere, you have time to enjoy the views.
We wanted to head from the English Lake District to the Isle of Skye, it was early September but still plenty of tourists about. It’s about a 350 mile drive in total, 2.5 hours Keswick to Glasgow and then another 5+ hours from there, and that’s only to the Kyle of Lochalsh. On Skye we were heading just north of Portree and that was another 1 hour from the Kyle. So too much in one days drive, an opportunity to see a bit more of Western Scotland on the road to Skye, so where to stop for a night?
Loch Lomond & Arrochar
On the map Arrochar seemed a great location to stop, mid way time wise from the Lake District to Skye, and just off the main road past Loch Lomond. On the way we stopped at Luss on Loch Lomond, enjoying a walk around the village, local Church and an excellent ice cream on the wharf, before heading west and off the main road to Arrochar.
The road sweeps down the hill into Arrochar which lies at the head of Loch Long. Ringed by mountains and the sea loch that is Loch Long, it’s a pretty picture. We found our B&B in the village and were recommended to have supper at the Bothy Bar and Restaurant across the road . We subsequently had an excellent evening there in particular an amazing smoked mackerel salad, just perfect with a view onto the Loch.
After our days drive and before supper we drove around the head of Loch Long to Ardagatan. Here the Argyle Forest has some wonderful walks and we had a very enjoyable stroll by the Loch, through the forest, and with peaks above it was just beautifully peaceful.
Glencoe , Provisions in Fort William, Spean Bridge , Fort Augustus, Loch Ness with Caledonian Canal and the Kyle
Heading towards Glencoe the scenery has opened up and there is much too see. It’s a spectacular drive down into Glencoe, so try in designated car parks but if possible stop away from the tourist coach parties for better and unhurried views.
Fort William – provisions
We were self catering on the Isle of Skye and Fort William was the last and biggest settlement before the island. So a call in to the Fort William Morrison’s Supermarket and Petrol Station, allowed us to stock up.
Spean Bridge Loch Ness & Fort Augustus
Leaving Fort William, with Ben Nevis up in the cloud to the right, we continue north and the country opens up, a little wilder with mountain vistas all around. Just pass Spean Bridge one comes upon the Commando Memorial it’s such an impressive monument looking out across the glen towards Ben Nevis. It’s an inevitable tourist magnet, but nonetheless worth a stop for all of that.
We decided to make a slight detour off the main Skye road to take in Fort Augustus, to view Loch Ness and to have lunch.
It’s about this stage in our journey with all the references for Forts, the history of the battles between English and Scots that the reality of this having taken place all around us, sinks in.
It’s not just the warfare history which is in these glens. The driving of crofters off the land in the Highland Clearances, turning small holdings into large scale sheep farming for the English. This was to keep the mills in Lancashire and Yorkshire turning and to create utter despair for thousands of Scots.
But it’s not far now to the Kyle and our destination the Isle of Skye, just one more amazing view as you arrive at Eileen Donan Castle, to enjoy.
This journey from Arrochar to Skye was becoming a long days drive, and we knew we were not far from the Kyle of Lochalsh and the Bridge over the Kyle to Skye. We suddenly came around a corner in the road and there was Eileen Donan Castle.
You will find plenty of parking off the main road just before the Castle and hopefully like us you are able to enjoy this view.
Travels with My Wife 