Best route - Essex to Skye

eschaton

Once in Central Scotland, either up the M9 by Perth then Fort William (about 8 miles away) or head towards Callander and head for Fort William that way.

There isn't much between the two routes although the Fort William one via Callander is slightly quicker IIRC if you want to use Fort William as a rest point.

Tomtom was well aware of the bridge when I last went.

Explore Skye a bit when you are there as you will cover Portree in about 30 minutes

Hintza

The route I would take is the one suggested on Google Maps. The only bit I wouldn't be sure about is how to get over to the West, I normally take the A66. But if you guys down south reckon the A14 is better I wouldn't argue you with you.

The Loch Lomond road is fine until you reach Tarbet and will be a bit slow after that until the end of the Loch. That section of road is where I was brought up so I know every overtaking point, but it is a raod to be careful on.

For a good run timing is everything and if you can avoid Glasgow between 4-6pm (3-5pm on a Friday) and weekends (for Loch Lomond) then it won't be too bad. Once past Crianlarich there are plenty of places to overtake any slow traffic.

torbrex

A9, a86, a82, a87

vikingaero

I agree with the A84/A85 (Callander/Stirling).

About 3 years ago I was on holiday in Fort William. Got a puncture and was chatting to a local in the tyre shop. He had relatives in Hatfield and drove regularly to visit them and recommended that route after I'd mentioned the delays at Loch Lomond.

Hintza

What I find amusing is this mention of delays on Loch Lomond and many of you come from the south where you guys have real delays.

Driving to Norwich is normally a joy until you come off the motorway at Newark, then you become suicidal.

Enjoy Loch Lomond and Glen Coe it's a great drive and can be a lot of fun.

Rolandtheroadie

Hintza wrote: »

What I find amusing is this mention of delays on Loch Lomond and many of you come from the south where you guys have real delays.

Driving to Norwich is normally a joy until you come off the motorway at Newark, then you become suicidal.

Enjoy Loch Lomond and Glen Coe it's a great drive and can be a lot of fun.

Off to Great Yarmouth again this year, found the route from there to motorway a pain too.

OP, ok, I like my motorbike (twisty roads) but the A85 is a lovely road. I normally get to it via the A84 and always enjoy my days out.

The Loch Lomond route is normally my return and although it's still enjoyable, it always seems so much more congested with less opportunity to make progress.

eschaton

If travelling from Scotland to South England - I find leaving at midnight ends up with an easy drive and no traffic problems

Rolandtheroadie

eschaton wrote: »

If travelling from Scotland to South England - I find leaving at midnight ends up with an easy drive and no traffic problems

True, although walking around Paignton from 9am till you get apartment keys at 4pm is a bit worse than the traffic.

eschaton

scotsman4th wrote: »

True, although walking around Paignton from 9am till you get apartment keys at 4pm is a bit worse than the traffic.

I was lucky, stayed in Babbacombe and got on very well with the owners. Getting in at 9am was never a problem

They sold up late last year so won't be so lucky in future

pinkteapot

Thanks all! We are studying the map again.

One week to go, woohoo!