Scotland’s five best road trips – from spectacular castles to stunning rivers

AN author has ranked Scotland’s five best road trips – from spectacular castles to stunning rivers.

There are plenty of glorious sights to see, from the coasts to mountains, lochs to castles and everything in between.

Peter Irvine, who pens bestselling guide Scotland The Best, picked his favourite routes which highlight the best landscapes in the country.

His list, which appears in The Times, is as follows:

1. The Duke’s Pass, Trossachs

This windy road through magnificent scenery was originally built by the Duke of Montrose in the 19th century to improve access to his estate.

The section of the A821 that runs between Aberfoyle and Loch Achray makes up the bulk of it.

Peter said: “Although it gets busy; there are numerous possibilities for stopping, exploration and great views.

“There’s a good viewpoint about two and a half miles from Loch Achray Hotel, above the road and lay-by.

“A lovely seven-mile detour is recommended on the one-way Three Lochs Forest Drive around Loch Achray and two other lochs (Drunkie and Venachar).

“There’s good hill-walking here, as well as Loch Katrine at the bottom of the pass, with regular daily sailings and bike hire.”

2. Leaderfoot to Clintmains, Tweedside

This route, the B6356 between the A68 and the B6404 Kelso–St Boswells road, offers the best of the Borders, according to Peter.

He said: “This small road, busy in summer, links Scott’s View, Dryburgh Abbey and Smailholm Tower, and passes through classic Border/Tweedside scenery.

“At Dryburgh, it’s a 500m walk to the Wallace Statue (signed). Don’t miss “Irvine’s View” across the road and up the hill from Scott’s View, if you want to see the best of the Borders.”

3. Braemar to Linn of Dee, Deeside

Peter rated this “beautiful” drive for its spectacular scenery and river walks.

He said: “The Linn (rapids) is at the end of the road and the mighty Dee is squeezed until it is no more than 1m wide, but there are river walks and the start of the great Glen Tilt walk to Blair Atholl.

“Deer abound. The whole Deeside road here is fit for a queen (and a king).”

4. Glenfinnan to Mallaig, Lochaber

This very popular route on the NC500 is renowned for its “impressive and romantic” landscapes.

Peter says: “This is deepest Bonnie Prince Charlie country. Look out for the Prince’s Cairn sign about four miles from Lochailort, a small path to the left, where Bonnie Prince Charlie left for France at the end of his doomed campaign.

“This is an evocative spot demonstrating what a misty eye he had for magnificent settings. The A830 is a full-throttle biker’s dream. The road is shadowed by the West Highland Railway.”

5. Lochailort to Acharacle, Ardnamurchan

The coastal section of this “superb” route, off from the A830 above at Lochailort and turning south on the A861, was praised by Peter for its stunning scenery and nearby pub.

He said: “The coastal section of this great scenery is superb, especially in the setting sun, or in May when the rhodies are out.

“Glenuig Inn is a “green” pub to stop over and eat. A short detour takes you to Castle Tioram, which should not be missed, gazing across Loch Moidart to Eilean Shona, marooned at high tide on its rocky outcrop perch.”

We told how one of Scotland’s most picturesque rail routes has been voted the SEVENTH best in the WORLD.