Visit Glencoe, Arisaig, Applecross and Fort William
Enjoy a magical 3 night road trip up the west coast of Scotland
This 3 night road trip would be better taken over 4 or 5 nights but if you are looking for a weekend break and want to experience the breathtaking beauty of the west coast of Scotland, then this if for you!
Take in the magnificent mountains of Glencoe and loch side views leading to Glencoe. Then take the infamous Road to the Isles up to Arisaig and past Glenfinnan Viaduct made famous in the Harry Potter movies. Then continue over the famous steep Bealach na Ba pass to remote and beautiful Applecross.
Day 1
From Four Seasons Campers (Loch Lomond Base) head north on A82 towards Glencoe.
Things to see and do:
• Stop at pretty village of Luss on Loch Lomond
• Get last minute suppliers at Green Welly Stop at Tyndrum
• Enjoy ‘healthy’ fish and chips from The Real Food Café in Tyndrum
• Stretch your legs along part of the West Highland Way at Bridge of Orchy and enjoy some great pub food at The Bridge of Orchy Hotel
• Visit National Trust Glencoe Visitors Centre
• Walk to the hidden valley in Glencoe https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/fortwilliam/lostvalley.shtml
Campsite: Red Squirrel -Glencoe
Driving Time 1 hour 15 mins from Four Seasons Campers
(Alternatively)
From here continue along the A82 towards Fort William and continue past Neptunes Staircase on the A830 towards Arisaig and Mallaig. The road runs parallel to the Jacobite Steam train railway line made famous in Harry Potter as the route the Hogwarts Express took. Turn off the A830 at Arisaig where there are an abundance of campsites and beautiful beaches that look towards the Inner Hebridean Islands of Eigg and Rhum.
Things to see and do:
• Stop at pretty village of Luss on Loch Lomond
• Enjoy ‘healthy’ fish and chips from The Real Food Café in Tyndrum
• Neptunes Staircase -series of canal locks that link the Caledonian Canal to the open sea and is well worth a visit. Watch Scandinavian yachts passing o the beautiful West Coast and Inner Hebrides.
• Glenfinnan Monument erected in memory of Jacobite rising and men who fought for Prince Charlie’s cause and the Glenfinnan Viaduct – a great engineering construction
• Jacobite West Highland Line made famous in the Harry Potter films by Hogwarts Express
• Stop at Loch Leven Seafood Café http://www.lochlevenseafoodcafe.co.uk/ for seafood (highly recommended by other customers!) 4 miles north east of Ballahulish Bridge for amazing oysters, scallops and langoustines
Campsite: Arisaig Sunnyside Camp Site
Driving Time: Four Seasons Campers to Arisaig 3hr 15min
Day 2
Travel to Mallaig and take the ferry to Skye (charge is only for a car so approximately £8) and do some sightseeing on Skye before heading towards the bridge to Kyle of Lochalsh and round through to Plockton where you can stop for lunch at either The Plockton Shores or The Plockton Inn. Continue on the A890 to Strathcarron then head west on the A896 over the Bealach na Ba to Applecross. This is not for the faint hearted and an alternative route goes via Sheildaig and round. The Applecross Inn is a must for amazing seafood and views! There is also a great sea kayaking rental place in Applecross.
Things to see and do:
• Visit the colourful town of Portree on Skye
• Eilean Donan Castle
• Coral Beach – 50 minute walk from car park and well worth it! https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/torridon/Coralbeach.shtml
• Supper at Applecross Inn….not to be missed…amazing seafood and atmosphere!
Campsite: Applecross Campsite
Day 3
From Applecross drive back over the A896 and down onto the A87 towards Eilean Donan Castle near Dornie which is a beautiful 13th Century castle and one of the iconic images of Scotland. Continue through Glen Sheil to Invergarry and drive south down the A82 to Loch Lochy.
Things to see and do:
• Detour down to Glenelg and visit the 2000 year old brochs
• Glenelg Inn for lunch
• Stop along way at Jacobite memorial places on A87
• Detour into Fort Augustus and watch boats sailing through series of canal locks
• Cycle along part of Caledonian Canal from Fort Augustus
Campsite: Glen Nevis Caravan and Camping site (Near Fort William)
Day 4
Drive Time: Gairlochy to Four Seasons Campers (Loch Lomond Base) 2 hr 45min