Top five scenic drives in Scotland

SCOTTISH motorists are spoilt for choice when it comes to scenic drives in Scotland. Here are some of our top picks.

Glasgow to Fort William

Voted Britain’s best road in 2010 - quite a feat, given it was once considered one of the worst - the A82 from Glasgow to Fort William takes in cinescopic views of Loch Lomond, Glen Coe, and Fort William, and it branches off into a variety of beatific destinations throughout the west of Scotland and Highlands.

Tarbert to Isle of Islay

From the A83, turn into the funnel-like BB8001 and enjoy grand views of the Arran mountains. Further on, the B842 will speed you along to the fishing village of Carradale. Once you reach Campbeltown, turn north at the A83 until you reach West Loch Tarbet, where you can catch a ferry to Islay. Shame the whisky’s off-limits, mind.

Dalmally to Tobermory

Oban, often referred to as the Gateway of the Isles, is reached from Dalmally via the A85, From Oban, catch a ferry to Craignure on the Isle of Mull, and continue on to the A849 North to Salen. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Tobermory (made famous by the sort-of eponymous television series, Balamory) via the A849 and A848, which is the very definition of ‘picture-postcard’.

Bruar to Kinloch Rannoch

A particularly beautiful stretch of the A9, Bruar to Kinloch Rannoch runs through the heart of rural Perthshire. Turning onto B847, passing through Calvine, Struan and Trinafour.

Balloch to Trossachs Pier

Sumptuous views of Loch Lomond to enjoy on this drive as you pass the A82 through Arrochar and Crianlarich, and then the A85 via Glen Ogle and Lochearnhead. Once you reach Trossachs Pier via A821, you can climb aboard the vintage steamship Sir Walter Scott, a vessel that affords wonderful views of Loch Katrine.