Western Coast Panoramic Road Itinerary
Discover the stunning beauty of Scotland with the Western Coast Panoramic Road. Starting in Ullapool and ending in Kyle of Lochalsh, this 161mi route passes through some of the most picturesque areas of the country.
The first stop is Gairloch, a charming village with plenty of outdoor activities and stunning views. Next is Torridon, home to some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in Scotland. Applecross is a great place to relax and take in the views of the Inner Sound and the Isle of Skye. The final stop is Plockton, a picturesque village on the shores of Loch Carron.
The best time to drive the Western Coast Panoramic Road is during the summer months, when the days are long and the landscapes are at their most vibrant. The roads are in good condition, making it suitable for all drivers. The experience of this road trip is second to none, with plenty of opportunities to take in the beauty of the Scottish countryside and make lasting memories.
Although this road trip can be enjoyed by everyone, it does require a certain level of budget. But with the amazing views and experiences available, it’s well worth it. So why not take a drive along the Western Coast Panoramic Road and see what Scotland has to offer?
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number of days
259 km
route length
high
budget
family
good for
on the left
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Ullapool
Distance 264 km
Driving time 4.5 h
Pace: modest
68.8 kWh
Airports
INV
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Ullapool is a picturesque fishing village in Scotland's Highland region, situated on the shores of Loch Broom. It is a great starting point for the Western Coast Panoramic Road, a scenic coastal drive along the west coast of Scotland.
Visitors to Ullapool can explore the town's history at the Highland Council Archive Centre, which houses a range of historical documents, photographs and maps. The Ullapool Museum is also worth a visit with its interesting collection of exhibits and artefacts centred around the area's maritime history. Stunning views of the loch can be enjoyed from the harbour, where you can take a boat trip to the Summer Isles. For those wanting to explore further, the surrounding area offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking and mountain biking.
The closest international airport to Ullapool is Inverness Airport (INV). Car rental companies are available at the airport, making it easy to start your road trip from Ullapool. Enjoy the stunning scenery of the west coast of Scotland and arrive at your destination in comfort and style.
1
Ullapool
- Gairloch
Distance 90 km
Driving time 1.3 h
Pace: fast
27.0 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the Ullapool - Gairloch stage of your road trip! This route is only 56 miles long and should take you less than two hours to complete. Along the way, you'll get to experience some of Scotland's most beautiful countryside, with stunning views of the sea and the hills. Pay special attention to the historical sites you'll pass on your journey, as they offer great insight into the area's past.
As you drive, you'll get to visit Ullapool, a picturesque fishing village with a great selection of shops and restaurants. Then, you'll pass through the beautiful area of Gruinard Bay, before arriving in Gairloch. Here, you'll find plenty of outdoor activities, including walking, cycling and golf.
This is just one stage of a larger tour, and for more information about attractions, accommodation, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route, make sure to check out the 'Itinerary' of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Gairloch - Scotland - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
Gairloch - Scotland - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.needpix.com
Gairloch - Scotland - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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2
Gairloch
- Torridon
Distance 48 km
Driving time 0.7 h
Pace: fast
14.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an unforgettable journey from Gairloch to Torridon! Enjoy the picturesque landscapes of the Highlands as you drive through the 30 mi of winding roads in less than an hour. Start your journey in Gairloch, a seaside village with a beautiful harbor and a fascinating history. Take a stroll along the beach, visit the Gairloch Heritage Museum and admire the stunning views of the Inner Sound and the Isle of Skye.
As you drive along the A896, you will be mesmerized by the breathtaking scenery of the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve. Be sure to take a detour to the Inverewe Gardens and marvel at the lush vegetation and the variety of plants and trees.
Your final destination is Torridon, a picturesque village surrounded by majestic mountains. Take a hike up the Torridon Hills and admire the stunning views of the lochs, the glens and the rivers. Visit the Torridon Wildlife Centre and learn more about the local wildlife, or take a boat tour to explore the area from a different perspective.
This is just one of the stages of your road trip, so remember to check the "Itinerary" for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your journey!
Torridon - Scotland - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.wallpaperflare.com
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3
Torridon
- Applecross
Distance 52 km
Driving time 1.1 h
Pace: modest
13.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the Torridon to Applecross road trip stage! This scenic route takes you through some of the most beautiful parts of Scotland, and is sure to be an unforgettable experience. With a total distance of 32 miles and a driving time of less than an hour, you can take your time and make sure to enjoy the sights along the way.
Starting in Torridon, you can explore the area’s ancient history. Be sure to stop by the Torridon Hills, a range of mountains that have been home to humans for thousands of years. From there, you can also visit the ruins of Torridon Castle, which was built in the 15th century.
Next, you’ll make your way to Applecross, where you can take in the stunning views of the Applecross Bay. Here, you can also visit the Applecross Heritage Centre, where you can learn more about the area’s history and culture.
As you make your way through this stage of your road trip, be sure to take in the beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Keep an eye out for historical sites, and be sure to take plenty of pictures! For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Applecross - Scotland - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.needpix.com
Applecross - Scotland - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
Applecross - Scotland - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.flickr.com
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4
Applecross
- Plockton
Distance 61 km
Driving time 1.0 h
Pace: modest
15.7 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip from Applecross to Plockton? This 38mi drive will take you less than 1 hour to complete and will be full of breathtaking views and interesting attractions.
Start your journey in Applecross, a small village in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland. Here you can take a stroll along the beach and admire the scenery of the Inner Sound and the Isle of Skye.
Continue your journey to Plockton, a picturesque village on the shore of Loch Carron. Don't forget to stop and take a photo at one of the many viewpoints along the way! Once you reach Plockton, take a walk around the harbour and explore the local shops.
As you drive, keep an eye out for historical sites, such as the ruins of Applecross Castle and the ruins of Duncraig Castle.
This is just one of the stages of your journey, and more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an amazing road trip from Applecross to Plockton!
Plockton - Scotland - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.flickr.com
Plockton - Scotland - Europe - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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5
Plockton
- Kyle of Lochalsh
Distance 14 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: slow
3.2 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip adventure? Start your journey in Plockton, Scotland and take a short 9-mile drive to the beautiful Kyle of Lochalsh. Along the way, you'll be able to take in the stunning scenery of the Scottish Highlands, including the picturesque Plockton Harbour, and the breathtaking views of Loch Carron. As you drive, be sure to keep an eye out for historical sites, such as the ruins of the old Plockton Castle, and the ruins of the old Kyle of Lochalsh Castle. Once you arrive in Kyle of Lochalsh, you'll be able to enjoy the stunning views of the Isle of Skye, and the tranquil waters of Lochalsh. There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Kyle of Lochalsh, such as fishing, kayaking, and sailing. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. So what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable road trip experience!
Kyle of Lochalsh - Scotland - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.flickr.com
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Kyle of Lochalsh
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Kyle of Lochalsh is a small town in the Highlands of Scotland that lies at the end of the Western Coast Panoramic Road. The town is located on the shores of Loch Alsh, which provides a stunning backdrop for the area. It is known for its beautiful views, with the Isle of Skye visible from the shore.
The town is a great place to explore the Highlands and is home to some of the most picturesque scenery in the region. Visitors can take a stroll along the seafront to enjoy the stunning views, or visit the local museum to learn about the area’s history. There is also a variety of independent shops in the town, offering a range of goods from local crafts to souvenirs.
The area is popular for outdoor activities, with plenty of trails for walking, biking and horse riding. There are also many opportunities for fishing, and boat trips can be taken from the harbor. Other activities include golf and sailing, with some of the best beaches in the region nearby.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Inverness Airport (INV). From there, it is a two-hour drive to Kyle of Lochalsh.
At the end of the Western Coast Panoramic Road, Kyle of Lochalsh is the perfect place to explore the Highlands. With its stunning views and variety of activities, it is an ideal destination for any traveler looking to experience the beauty of Scotland.
Kyle of Lochalsh - Scotland - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.flickr.com
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Western Coast Panoramic Road at a glance
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Start:
Ullapool
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End:
Kyle of Lochalsh
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Distance:
259 km
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Stay:
1 day
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Getting there:
Inverness Airport (INV)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Immerse yourself in the majestic scenery of Scotland's Western Coast with the Panoramic Road Trip, stretching from Ullapool to Kyle of Lochalsh. This remarkable 161-mile journey offers an array of stunning vistas, from the rugged coastline to the serene lochs, and introduces travelers to the rich cultural heritage of Scotland's quaint villages.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Ullapool: A vibrant fishing town that's a gateway to the Northern Highlands, with a bustling harbor and cultural events like the Ullapool Book Festival and Loopallu Music Festival.
- Gairloch: A haven for wildlife enthusiasts and hikers, offering boat tours to see dolphins and whales, and access to the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve.
- Torridon: A geological marvel with some of the oldest rocks in the world, the Torridon Hills provide challenging climbs and spectacular panoramas for mountaineers and photographers alike.
- Applecross: Accessible via the famous Bealach na Bà pass, one of the highest Roads in the UK, Applecross rewards visitors with tranquil beaches and historical sites like the Applecross Heritage Centre.
- Plockton: Often referred to as the 'Jewel of the Highlands', Plockton's palm trees, sheltered bay, and traditional cottages encapsulate Highland beauty.
Best Time to Go:
The optimal period for this Road Trip is from late spring to early autumn, with July and August providing the most reliable weather, vibrant flora, and opportunities to attend local festivals.
Potential Risks:
Travelers should be mindful of rapidly changing weather conditions and be prepared for some challenging driving on single-track Roads with passing places, especially on the Bealach na Bà pass, which can be closed in winter due to snow.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The Road includes part of the North Coast 500, often dubbed 'Scotland's Route 66', which has gained popularity as a comprehensive tour of the northern Highlands.
- The region is steeped in history, with numerous castles such as Eilean Donan near Kyle of Lochalsh, one of Scotland's most iconic and photographed castles.
- Gastronomy enthusiasts will enjoy the fresh local seafood, with chances to sample hand-dived scallops or attend the annual Lochcarron Food and Drink Festival.
A good choice for:
Embarking on the Western Coast Panoramic Road Trip is an extraordinary expedition through the heart of the Scottish Highlands. The route offers more than just a drive; it's a journey through time, nature, and culture that promises to leave an indelible impression on all who traverse its path.
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