Suggest us a road on the way back from Thurso please :)

[nomis36]

I’m doing a quicky Scotland road trip with my son at the end of next week. We’ve so far planned to depart home in South Yorkshire and go to the first air b&b in Helmsdale via the old military road (thanks for that suggestion to those on this forum for mentioning it) the second day we will be going onto the orkneys for the day then on to the next air b&b in Thurso that evening. From there on we haven’t planned the run back but do need to be home that evening/night. Can somebody suggest any interesting roads for us to take in on the way back?
Yes, a lot of miles in 3 days but being a truck driver I’m used to it. In fact, I used to do a delivery to jewsons in Kirkwall every now and then so we should be fine.

[leggly]

I would have recommended Strath Halladale which is 15 miles west of Thurso and takes you back down to Helmsdale but the road is getting resurfaced at Trantlemore at the moment. If you don’t mind a potential wait of around ten minutes max, go for it. It’s the only option south apart from the A9 without heading farther west.

[leggly]

The other options you have are. West to Bettyhill, take the road to Altnaharra at the bottom of the first hill you get to. You can turn left at Syre and head for Kinbrace passing the Garvault Hotel which brings you back to the Helmsdale road. Or continue down Strathnaver to Altnaharra and follow the road to Lairg and then Bonar Bridge. Turn right over the bridge and follow the main road until you see the right turn for the Struie Road. Make sure you stop at the viewpoint if you take this route. You can carry on to Tongue and take the left after the memorial and head for Altnaharra that way as well. That’s all routes south covered.

Edited by leggly on Thursday 23 September 02:17

[nomis36]

Thanks
Whilst looking myself last night on google maps I noticed the road from tongue back down to the A9. Looking on street view it’s quite narrow with passing places but looks very scenic so may well go with that one although I’ll check out your other suggestions before we set off.

[s2kjock]

nomis36 said:

Thanks
Whilst looking myself last night on google maps I noticed the road from tongue back down to the A9. Looking on street view it’s quite narrow with passing places but looks very scenic so may well go with that one although I’ll check out your other suggestions before we set off.

That's possibly my favourite driving road in Scotland. Not sure how busy it is these days with NC500 related tourists flocking to the Highlands but if not too busy it is quicker than it looks, with lots of open bends - much fun to be had in or on a half decent set of wheels.

I would be very wary of deer though, especially early morning and dusk at this time of year - in fact, given your long days planned that is something to be aware of north of Perth.

[Tye Green]

so, 2 nights and 3 days return trip from south yorkshire to orkneys and you want a recommended return route??

google maps suggested return journey from Thurso (which is likely the most 'efficient' route ) is around 500 miles of boring main roads but omits about 500 miles of the country's best roads. frankly, I'd rather sell the car in thurso and get the train home than do that. why not book another 2 nights accomodation for the return journey and come back for more suggestions?

Edited by Tye Green on Thursday 23 September 23:59

[nomis36]

Tye Green said:

so, 2 nights and 3 days return trip from south yorkshire to orkneys and you want a recommended return route??

google maps suggested return journey from Thurso (which is likely the most 'efficient' route ) is around 500 miles of boring main roads but omits about 500 miles of the country's best roads. frankly, I'd rather sell the car in thurso and get the train home than do that. why not book another 2 nights accomodation for the return journey and come back for more suggestions?

Edited by Tye Green on Thursday 23 September 23:59

I used to do the same run in a truck in the same amount of time but without taking in a couple of decent roads and never got bored with it……even at the much lower speed limits!

[hiccy18]

If you don't mind taking a couple of hours longer if you head for Tongue>Altnaharra>Lairg you can aim for the Great Glen via Beauly/Drumnadrochit and come down the west coast via Fort William>Glencoe>Tyndrum>Loch Lomond and onto the M74 from Glasgow.