Glencoe Road Trip

So you're going to the North of Scotland via Glencoe - What should you look out for?

Driving from the South on the A82 all roads meet at Crianlarich. A favourite comfort stop is the next village along Tyndrum. Tyndrum is a key stopping off point on the West Highland Way, the long distance walking route from Milngavie to Fort William, some 90+ miles long.

Stop at the Green Welly Shop in Tyndrum - they have a number of great shops to browse, along with a cafe and petrol station. You will see from the busy busy car park that this is a very popular spot. Leave around an hour to stop, relax and browse (including tea!)

Also in Tyndrum is the Good Food Cafe - it is a "fish and chip shop" but with a difference. It tries to source and sell local products where possible. - worth a stop.

After a refreshing stop in Tyndrum, head North on the A82 towards Bridge of Orchy. After the Bridge of Orch hotel the scenery starts to open up and you pass the German bridges, just before the Horse Shoe Bend ( you will know it when you see it!!). At the top of the hill - make sure that you stop for a snack at Errol's snack van - you can't miss it in the big layby.

The Stag in the picture above was taken at the van. The views from the snack van are superb so well worth stopping here for tea and a bacon roll and fantastic views and just visit The Green Welly Shop for some retail therapy!!

Back on the road you will pass the big rock with a Rowan Tree growing from it's core.

On your left you will see Lochan na h - Achlaise. This is a very popular spot for photographers to stop. You will see two examples at www.highlandscapes.co.uk - A Reflective Day and Frozen Times. Frozen Times has also been included in our very poular greetings card range.

Heading on from Lochan na h - Achlaise, the road starts to rise and the mountainscape opens before you with Buchaille Etive Mor dominating the skyline. The Buchaille - or The Great Shepherd of Etive is my favourite mountain, as you can see from the many photographs on the website.

Just before the mountain you will see the signs for the Glencoe Ski Centre. This little road is well worth a detour if you have time. Firstly you will come across Black Rock Cottage - this is a Highland Bothy and is available for rent! What a great place to spend New Year!!

Further on you will come to the actual Ski Centre itself. 2007/08 was a cracking year for Ski-ing in Scotland with excellent Snow levels and conditions. If it's open the centre also has a cafe with the most amazing panoramic views down the glen.

On the opposite side of the road is Kings House Hotel, built in 1750, but modernised since, it still retains that rustic charm. It is one of the most amazingly located hotels in the world. Check out reviews here.

Next part of the journey coming soon.....