Scotland driving distances
 

Can someoe tell me how long it would take t drive from Glasgow airport to Mallaig to catch a ferry to Armadale? Thanks.

I guess you wouldn't think it funny if I said, it depends how fast you drive?

It's just under 150 miles. You can probably only average 50 mph, so 3 hours- safer to leave 3 1/2

For this and any driving trip, I recommendthat you take a little time to famiiarize yourself with websites like www.viamichelin.com or www.mappy.com

Inestimably useful for route planning, mileage, driving time estimates, tolls, a map, etc.

Best wishes,

Rex

It will take you longer than you think and my advice is to leave yourself plenty of time. A one-day itinerary for us was to drive from Onich to Dunvagen via the scenic route. My main goal for going to Skye was to see the MacLeod castle in Dunvagen. But, being the only driver, the road was long and almost torturous. I also didn't pay enough attention to the timing of the ferries out of Mallaig. We caught the last ferry, by the time we got to the fork in the road, I didn't have enough in me to drive to the Castle and back to Portree. I know this doesn't answer your direct question, but I learned I couldn't have a specific goal in mind while stopping to enjoy the sights along the way, especially on an ambitious schedule.

Sheila (or maybe even I) could average 50mph on that route. But if you haven't driven extensively in the UK don't plan on that. ESPECIALLY if this is after a tiring transatlantic flight. plan on 35 to 40 mph average if you are lucky. Parts of the road can get congested depending on the time of year - especially around Ft William and you will slow waaaaay down if you are stuck behind a lorry, tour bus or caravan (travel trailer).

Plus there is a LOT to see enroute. Things like the awe inspiring Glen Coe and Glenfinnan. I would not plan less than 6 or 7 hours if you want to do any sightseeing along the way.

meant to include Neptune's Staircase in the places to stop along the way.

ttt... for Dorhill AND for Sheila...

Thanks for all the tips. Rex - that michelin site is great! We will take the day to get to Mallaig and take the ferry the next morning. And now we have some advice on things to enjoy along the way - thanks Janis. Now I need to post inquiry on B&Bs (Mallaig, Skye, Lewis/Harris.) Any suggestions are welcome.

Janis - can you tell me about Neptune's Staircase? Thank you.

Neptune's staircase is a string of 8 (I think it is 8 but it could be more) locks on the Caledonian Canal just outside Ft William on the road to Mallaig. The views of Ben Nevis are terrific and the locks are really fascinating. The water level rises almost 100 feet in only 500 or 600 yards and if you are there when boats are in the locks you can watch them operating the mechanisim.

Meant to include on my earlier post that you will also drive along the length of Loch Lomond on your route north from Glasgow. Stop in Luss - it is a lovely village w/ a pier out into the Loch and each cottage has a really beautiful garden . . . .

Its a beautiful road, but has narrow sections in the last third - you wouldn't want to rush.
Make sure the ferry will still be running when you arrive.Unless your destination is Armadale or nearby, the bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh may be faster.
If stopping for a meal, try the Glenfinnan House hotel.Turn left off the main road as you come into Glenfinnan, not far after Fort William.
The Jacobite monument is there too.

You're welcome, Dorhill.