Scottish Road Trip Planning - Looking for pointers
Discussion
I'm planning a road trip around Scotland for 2-3 weeks in mid May.
I'm imagining a broadly clockwise circuit taking in the west highlands, Skye, Harris, Cairngorms, and back south towards Edinburgh.
My primary focus will be hitting up mountain biking spots.
We'll be travelling in old land rovers, and therefore I'm looking for interesting (e.g. scenic mountain roads). Narrow, steep, twisty all the better.
Obviously land rovers do open the possibility of following very poor roads, however, I understand the 'green lanes' aren't really a thing in Scotland.
I'm in the early stages of plotting out a route, so therefore any tips gratefully received.
Likewise, any routes to be avoided would also be gratefully received.
I'm imagining a broadly clockwise circuit taking in the west highlands, Skye, Harris, Cairngorms, and back south towards Edinburgh.
My primary focus will be hitting up mountain biking spots.
We'll be travelling in old land rovers, and therefore I'm looking for interesting (e.g. scenic mountain roads). Narrow, steep, twisty all the better.
Obviously land rovers do open the possibility of following very poor roads, however, I understand the 'green lanes' aren't really a thing in Scotland.
I'm in the early stages of plotting out a route, so therefore any tips gratefully received.
Likewise, any routes to be avoided would also be gratefully received.
Borders - turn west at Duns (Jim Clark museum to be up and running?), Melrose, A708 to Moffat, up M74 then turn west to Leadhills, Thornhill, Newton Stewart, Glen Trool to Straiton, then along A70 back to the M74, or intriguing diversion from Muirkirk over to A71. North - coastal roads around Montrose / Stonehaven and Fettercairn to Banchory. Lewis / Harris if you have time. Highlands are great but v congested, and there is more to Scotland. Have a great trip whatever you decide!
Brads67 said:
After the borders, stick to the West and forget the NC500, just drive about.
This. The NC500 is some marketing bks that drives you round some really st bits of the north east and misses out some of the best bits of the west coast.Stick to the west coast, and by coast, I mean take the roads where you can see the water - you won't go wrong.
Lots of very good mountain biking tracks around here (Torridon). Speak to the activities bloke by the Torridon Inn, who'll point you in the right direction.
FYI: https://www.thetorridon.com
FYI: https://www.thetorridon.com
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