Well it is a struggle to choose from all the roads available but here are three that stitch together.....
This is route 1.
Dunoon to Inveraray via the A815 and A83, turn on to the A819 under the arches at Inveraray and head up to the junction with the A85, turn left for Oban.
At South Connel turn left onto the A828 and cross the Connel bridge heading for Fort William....
A ways up this road you will find several places to stop for photo opps or food, I recommend the cafe that overlooks Castle Stalker... good food, if a little expensive, and great views!
Carry on up this road until you reach the bridge at Ballachulish and turn right at the roundbout to cross the bridge, this is the A82.
At Fort William there are ample opportunities for lunch, fuel, toilets, accommodation...... the Morrisons supermarket at the far end of the town has the cheapest fuel usually.
Heading through Fort William you continue up the A82 heading for Inverness....
At the junction with the A87 at Invergarry, turn left onto the A87, this road holds many great bends and viewpoints for photo opps.... but try to enjoy it by being sensible as some of the bends have parking areas nearby and cars/buses/bikes do stop suddenly or pull out....
Continue on the A87, which turns left at the junction with the A887... stay on this road until reaching Kyle of Lochalsh...... this road passes the famous Eilean Donan Castle used in many movies.. including Highlander.
Route 2.
Leaving Kyle of Lochalsh, return on the A87 to the junction with the A890 then turn left, heading for Lochcarron.
This road takes you up some very interesting roads with many places to stop for photo opps, there is a laybe at the top of the hill at Stromeferry that overlooks the Loch and it is quite spectacular....
Carry on travelling on this road until you have passed the Strathcarron Hotel, which is to the right over the level crossing, you could stop here for a bite to eat or even to stay!
At the next junction turn left onto the A896 for Lochcarron, another beautiful little village with food stops, accommodation and so on!
Continue to the junction on the left signposted for Applecross, this is the "Bealach na Ba", or "The Pass of the Cattle".... I personally think it is better travelled coming the other waym but you can do that another day!
Travel this road and be prepared to stop often and take some pictures, it can be jaw dropping for both scenery and riding! It can also be bike dropping if you are not careful.....
At Applecross turn left at the end of the road, this is right at the bottom of the hill facing the bay, along here you will find the Applecross Inn, fine food, especially the seafood, of which I prefer the fish and chips!!!
There is camping and there is the hotel, if you prefer budget without canvas (or polyester), then there is a an international youth hostel nearby, there is also the walled garden restaurant that opens early-ish for breakfast if that's your bag!
Leaving Applecross, once fed and watered, take the coast road to the north... this goes around a twisting roller coaster of a road, again all single track and beware oncoming traffic, sheep and DEER, to a junction with the A896, turning left here will take you through Shieldaig to Torridon, again many photo opps and so on.... there is also a fantastic SYHA Youth Hostel at Torridon, which I highly recommend, although advance booking is seriously advised!
After Torridon continue on the A896 to Kinlochewe.
At the junction here turn right on the A832 for Achnasheen, continue through here until the junction with the A835 and turn right.
Continue to the roundabout at the main A9 and turn right for Inverness.
At Inverness there are many many opportunies for eating, sleeping, taking pictures and so on...
Route 3.
From Inverness take the A82 for Fort William, this road goes along through the side of Loch Ness and again, lots of photo opps and eateries....
Continue to Fort William, through FW and continue south along the loch side returning over the bridge at Ballachulish, at the roundabout take the second exit for Glen Coe, be prepared to stop along the next 30 miles or so for photo opps and to just stand and look....
once through Glen Coe you will arrive at Tyndrum where the famous Green Welly is located on the left as you enter Tyndrum, here you can refuel, take a break, get some hot chocolate or a coffee and bacon roll! You can also chat to the numerous bike riders that come and go!
From here continue through Tyndrum to Crianlarich and take the right turn just after passing under the rail bridge, this will take you down the A82 along the side of Loch Lomond to Tarbet, more scenery and eating places! I suggest the little cafe opposite the hydro electric power station at Inveruglas visitor centre...
Continue to Tarbet and turn right at the junction with the A83, through Arrochar and up the ascent to the “Rest and be Thankful”, another place to stop and admire and take pictures....
On down the hill to the junction with the A815 Argyll Forest road, turn left and continue the last 27 miles to Dunoon!
Finished!
These three routes can be ridden easily in a couple of days, but if on holiday, chill out and take a day a section....
If you want more, just let me know!
I know John (JFHeath) has posted routes here before which may be the same or better, but there really are no “bad” riding routes in Scotland!
If you want advice on some more I have plenty up my sleeve, especially further north....
Should you wan these in GPX format for Garmin, let me know, although I think John may already have posted similar.... let me know...
Enjoy.
