Road trip to Scotland

[c.neil59458]

Having bought my 2007 XK Convertible last winter and ironed out most of the issues from a very underused car I decided it was time to stretch it's legs a little. So off we set on September the 18th 2021 headed from Doncaster to destination Leith to see the Royal Yacht. The plan was overnight there, then drive to Inverness for a 3 night stay and a bit of sightseeing. The car had only seen the Nottinghamshire countryside since 2013 and I thought she deserved a trip out.

Heading north up the A1 from Doncaster we went onto the A68 in preference to going straight up the A1 and over the A66, a road I have driven many times before. An interesting road to the border the A68 if you like undulations and blind summits! The wife did not. Past Consett to Corbridge, (word of warning, I would bypass the last Cafe in England unless you liked the 1960's). We then crossed the border and headed to Jedburgh via Otterburn and up to Dalkeith and to our overnighter in Leith. The Royal Yacht is fantastic and well worth a visit!

Next day we set off for Inverness over the new Forth bridge up the M90 northbound then the A9 past Rannoch Moor heading for Perth and Pitlochry up through Aviemore and onto Inverness. A very pleasant journey with little traffic.

We had a few days out around Inverness that I would recommend.

Fort George is a must see as is Culloden battlefield the site of the last battle between English forces and the Jacobite’s.
Findhorn is a beautiful fishing village on the Elgin Road past Nairn and a walk around the Moray Firth headland is well worth the effort. (I was based up there in the late 70's when I was in the RAF, so it was nice to re-visit).

Heading home, we took the A82 along Loch Ness to Fort Augustus and Spean Bridge. The Commando Memorial is a must stop at Spean Bridge and is very heart moving with all the tributes in the memorial garden.

Onto Fort William and Onich before turning east on the A82 and heading for Glencoe. The drive through Glencoe is an absolute must do and even in pouring rain was fabulous - we will be going back next year in the hope of better weather. Onto Tyndrum, then Tarbert, and down past Loch Lomond. The A82 past Loch Lomond is a bit of a bind but great if you are not in a rush which we were not.

Further south to Glasgow which was s a bit of a pain so will try and amended route next year possibly via Sterling.

From there straightforward onto M74 - A66 - A1 and home - eventually - it was a long old drive

So.... If you have never driven Glencoe, I would highly recommend it - awe inspiring!

The Jag never missed a beat, averaged just over 31 MPG, and covered 988 miles - what's not to like!

[andypryce]

Good stuff and exactly what a GT car is for! My wife wants to see the royal yacht, I am less keen so I might not show her your post

[mike020150]

A great trip if you love grand scenery (which I do). Keep your eyes peeled for XK model section trips as things get back towards the 'new normal'. Come and join in. We've been to some similarly spectacular places over the years. You can't beat any of the XK range as grand tourers. They really fulfil the role in style and comfort to say nothing of their ability to bring a smile to your face! Mike.

[Jambo1964]

Great roads, and I'm lucky enough to have them close enough that I've driven (and ridden) them many times. Glencoe is indeed awe inspiring and is worth driving in both directions if you get a chance.

If I can be a pedant for a moment, one point of correction is that the redcoat army that fought at Culloden was a British army, not English. We were well past the union of the Crowns and the union of parliaments at that point in 1746. It contained four Scottish regiments some of which (I think) evolved into names which still existed in name in the army into the 20th century. Likewise, there were different nationalities in the Jacobite army including Irish and French, and their unfulfilled expectations were that many English jacobites would 'come out' as they made their way south. Their retreat from Derby is one of the great 'what if's' of British history.

Anyhow, enough of history - I actually came here with an alternative for anyone heading south through Glencoe. I agree that the A82 past Loch Lomond is not the best, so here's my alternative suggestion -

- Just before entering Tyndrum, take the junction off to the right for Oban on the A85.
- The A85 is a nice road, but you're not going to Oban... after about 13 miles, pass through Dalmally and take the junction to the left for Inveraray on the A819. Fantastic road, with an early view of Kilchurn Castle on the right on an island on Loch Awe.
-Follow the A819 into Inveraray, arguably a nicer spot to stop than Tyndrum...
- From Inveraray follow the A83 signposted for Glasgow.
- Follow the A83 as it hugs the coast of Loch Fine, and then as it cuts inland to climb up to the 'Rest and Be Thankful' scenic viewpoint. This is the best way to drive it because the best views are driving 'down' the glen from the car park at the top.
- Follow the A83 to Arrochar. At this point you can continue on the A83 to Tarbet, and turn right onto the A82 towards Glasgow, having missed the twisty bits of the A82 further north OR
- At Arrochar, branch right onto the A814 and again follow the loch side (road is a bit narrower here) until passing Garelochhead, and just before the Faslane naval base, take the left at the roundabout for the A817 'Haul Road' which again comes out on the A82 on Loch Lomond side, but a bit further south again.

The A82 takes you right into Glasgow, or if you want to go across country the A811 heads east towards Stirling and is a nice drive with good views of the castle. At Stirling the M9 can be picked up for connections south etc.

[mike020150]

Great directions and awesome scenery. Mike.