DSR

While vacationing in Scotland next month, we plan to drive from Inverness to our next overnight stop in Callander. Trying to decide the best route to take. Does anyone know the fastest route? What would be the most scenic route? Any estimates on driving time? Thanks in advance.

twoflower

We did it the other way (Callander to Inverness) in half a day, as part of a full day's drive from Dunfermline to Inverness. As is our way, we did a lot of it on lesser roads. From Callander west then north to Killin (dramatic water-course racing through village),round north edge of Loch Tay and turn left on road signposted Fortingall but skip town and go north through forested road with castle on left to t-junction. Turn left and go past Lakes Rannoch and Tummel through Tummel Bridge, then keep northeast to join main road for Inverness at Dalwhinnie (I think).

twoflower

Sorry got interrupted, but you are going in other direction so should reverse all my lefts to rights etc!

janis

twoflower's route is interesting - but don't skip Fortingall. The thatched cottages are lovely and the village is the purported birthplace of Pontius Pilate. And DEFINITELY see the Falls of Dochart (in Killen)

The other reasonable route would be would be down the A82 along Loch Ness, through Ft William, visiting Glencoe, and then through Crianlarich (short detour into Killen) and on to Callander. On weekdays this route would be a little faster - but on weekends the traffic along Loch Lomond and through Ft William can slow you down a bit.

If you have not been through this area before I'd recommend this A82 route so you could see Urquhart Castle, Glencoe, Rannoch Moor and the Falls.

Don't worry about "fastest" -- Either route is an easy day's drive w/ time to stop at all the photo ops, castles, etc.

janis

Also meant to add - between Killen and Callander you can make another short detour into Balquhidder where you can see Rob Roy's and his wife's graves in the small churchyard.

sheila

Janis has rightly pointed out the two most obvious routes.

The first is marginally shorter than the other and more of it is on fast roads, if you stay on the main road to Ballinluig, then go to Aberfeldy, then Kenmore then the north side of Loch Tay.

I would expect to do that trip in 2 hours, (2 1/2 max) if I was in a rush.

The west coast route is the more scenic