Glencoe and Strontian
Distance - 220 Miles/354 Kms
This particularly long route guides you through dramatic Glencoe and then on a short ferry crossing to the Sunart Peninsula. The village of Strontian is the main centre of population on this peninsula, on the fringe of the magnificent Atlantic oakwoods, sometimes referred to as Scotland's rainforest. Little visited due to its remoteness it is well worth the effort to get to these quieter but most beautiful places in our country. The route begins by heading west, itself a wonderful start to your journey, along firstly the River Tay then along the length of Loch Tay over to the pretty village of Killin with its expansive Falls of Dochart. This is where the west begins and as you travel towards Crianlarich the views start to open up and the landscape begins to feel more bleak and remote.
Travelling through Tyndrum and Bridge of Orchy (plenty places to stop off here) keep climbing up and enjoying the marvellous scenery when eventually you’ll drive through the magnificent Glencoe with the epic view of Buchaille Etive Mor, one of Scotland’s most iconic mountains. The route through the glen is one of the most exhilarating in the country with its towering peaks sitting right above your head. Amazing. A few miles north of the village of Glencoe you’ll take the turn off for the Corran Ferry. The drive on/off ferry takes you on a 5 minute hop across Loch Linnhe and can’t be booked in advance. The service is every 20 minutes and is paid for once you’re on board. A not to be missed short experience and it takes you to such a lovely area. Driving through this surprisingly lush environment you’ll eventually find the village of Strontian. Moving on to the village of Salen the twisty, quiet singletrack road leads you through the Moidart area and finally to the junction at Lochailort. There is the option here to turn left and head to wonderful Arisaig and Mallaig – true west coast country – or carry on by heading right, past the towering Glenfinnan monument and on to Fort William.
From Fort William your route heads up to Spean Bridge and through the Monadhliath mountain range back to the A9 at Dalwhinnie. From here it’s a half hour drive down the A9 back to Pitlochry. A true epic adventure...
