Highlands of Scotland Drive
Scottish Northwest Highlands: Ullapool, Lochinver, Kyle of Tongue
Drive through the scenic Northwest Highlands of Scotland from Bettyhill round the Kyle of Tongue to Durness, Lochinver, Ardvreck Castle, Ullapool and Achiltibuie
The dramatic scenery of the Northwest Highlands of Scotland exceeds anything you may read about it, or any photographs you might see of it. This remote yet romantic landscape encompasses mountains, lochs, watery inlets like the Kyle of Tongue, lonely crofts and dramatic glens. There are crumbling castles and deserted beaches, boat trips to offshore islands, walking and wildlife, dramatic skies and pretty harbor towns like Lochinver and Ullapool. It's a very special part of Scotland.
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FACTS ABOUT THE HIGHLANDS OF SCOTLAND DRIVE
- The Highland Drive starts in Bettyhill and ends in Ullapool
- The drive is 118 miles (190km)
- The drive could be done in about 2.5 hours, without stopping, but you will want to stop, walk, take photographs and do some sightseeing so allow all day
- Most of this Highland Drive route is on single-track roads which are narrow and winding, so the driver should be prepared for this: another reason why frequent stops are recommended
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ROUTE FOR THE HIGHLANDS OF SCOTLAND DRIVE
This Highlands of Scotland drive starts in the village of Bettyhill, whose Strathnaver Museum should be seen before leaving. Head west out of Bettyhill on the A836, and in 12 miles (19km) you will reach the Kyle of Tongue. Here you'll find some of the best views in the whole Scottish Highlands.
At the Kyle of Tongue take the A838 across moorland to Britain's deepest sea loch, Loch Eriboll. The views and the scenery around the Loch are awe-inspiring, and the A838 eventually leads you to Durness. The area around Durness is noted for its fine sandy beaches.
From Durness the A838 continues and heads south with some of those wide and tempting beaches on one side and impressive mountain views on the other. When the road reaches Laxford Bridge turn right on the A894 towards the crofting village of Scourie.
Beyond Scourie there is even more breathtaking scenery as the road goes over Duartmore Bridge and on to Kylesku Bridge. Here is a point to break the journey if time allows, as there are boat trips from here up Loch Glencoul to see Eas Coul Aulin, which is Britain's highest waterfall.
At Kylesku drivers have a few options, depending on time and inclination. If keen to press on, take the A894 south from Kylesku, and this becomes the A837. To the right you can divert to Lochinver, but if time is tight then take the A837 left to Ledmore Junction and then the A835 south to journey's end at Ullapool.
At Kylesku you could also choose to take the slightly longer and more scenic route home. Seven miles (11km) south of Kylesku, take the A837 to the right. This leads around the lovely Assynt Peninsula and comes out at Lochinver.
At Lochinver take the single-track B869 along the coast to Stoer, and the beach at Clachtoll. Then comes another lovely beach at Clashnessie, and after this more views out to Handa Island. Continue on the B869 till it rejoins the A835 as above and turn right to Ullapool.
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Read about a Loch Ness drive by clicking here.
Read about an Isle of Skye drive by clicking here.
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