Route from Dumbarton to Ullapool in March?

[Riley Blue]

We're heading to Ullapool in March, stopping off at Dumbarton overnight en-route. Any thoughts route-wise from Dumbarton?

The A82/A833/A862 etc. is the obvious one but are we likely to enjoy the A87/ A890/ A892/A832 more in our '63 Riley?

[ianrb]

A82 to Fort William.
A830 to Mallaig.
Ferry to Ardvasar.
A851 to Broadford.
A87 to Uig.
Ferry to Tarbert.
A859 to Stornaway.
Ferry to Ullapool.

[Riley Blue]

I should have added that I need to be in Ullapool by about 5:00 the same evening.

[gdr]

From Dumbarton I would only go as far as Balloch on A82, the Loch Lomond section is prety grim. For scenic detour take the A811 and A821 to Aberfoyle, Dukes Pass on A821, then turn left onto A84 and left again onto A85. Option to go east to A9 at Ballinluig via Loch Tay or return to A82 at Tyndrum. Further north the usual options, but if time permits A87, A890 (or A896), A892 nicer than A82 all the way to Inverness. May be weather dependent of course.

[Riley Blue]

gdr said:

From Dumbarton I would only go as far as Balloch on A82, the Loch Lomond section is prety grim. For scenic detour take the A811 and A821 to Aberfoyle, Dukes Pass on A821, then turn left onto A84 and left again onto A85. Option to go east to A9 at Ballinluig via Loch Tay or return to A82 at Tyndrum. Further north the usual options, but if time permits A87, A890 (or A896), A892 nicer than A82 all the way to Inverness. May be weather dependent of course.

Thanks, that's very helpful. Although it's a transit day we prefer to drive a longer route rather than slog along in traffic. I'm not really wanting to head too far north-east (been there, done that) so the A87 / A890 / A896 is looking favourite at the moment.

Edited by Riley Blue on Wednesday 26th January 10:07

[Hoofty]

ianrb said:

A82 to Fort William.
A830 to Mallaig.
Ferry to Ardvasar.
A851 to Broadford.
A87 to Uig.
Ferry to Tarbert.
A859 to Stornaway.
Ferry to Ullapool.

- logistics aside, this is a great answer. The A859 is one of those roads I regularly relive when daydreaming. Just epic.