Have noticed that quite a few people on this BBS live in this area or have visited.

I am going up there from London in 2 weeks time and wondered the following.
1. How long do you reckon it will take.
2. Are there any good roads which are a must for a ride in the scooby.
3. Is there anything I should know about the area to make sure I have an enjoyable trip.

Thanks in advance.

Mark

 

Once you're past the M25, reckon on about 6 to 7 hours driving, plus stops, if you stick to the motorways (M40, M6, M74, M8), longer if you take any scenic routes.

All roads are good in a Scooby, but Tarbet to Oban via Inverary is a blast, as is Crianlarich to Fort William. These are main roads and, depending on day of the week, can be relatively free of traffic at this time of year.

The good news is that there are no speed cameras anywhere once you're past Dumbarton, the plods prefer good old-fashioned policing, generally in fully-liveried cars (Senators & Volvos) and, further north, Land Rovers.

Enjoy the trip.

Brian

 

Mark,

I visit a friend in Helensburgh and the journey, sensible for 90% of time, takes me about 6 1/2 hours including a stop for food and the necessary fuel top ups. I use M25, M1, M6 (Shap Fell is a lovely sight if the weather is clear ), and A74(M) which takes you straight into Glasgow, then M8 around Glasgow to the Erskine bridge (toll - 60p?) then on to Dumbarton where I would go left on the A814 to Helensburgh, but you probably want to go right on the A82 towards the Loch itself.

I am not an expert in the area road wise, but, whenever I'm driving around I notice the lack of traffic compared to the South East. This means, if you are so inclined, you can push the loud pedal down a little further than usual on the open roads. Also, if you are into golf the area is covered with courses, all in very good condition and well worth playing - I play at Cardross when I'm there and it is a good challenge.

Have a great trip

Yex - jealous

[This message has been edited by Yex (edited 16-02-2000).]

 

I live in Helensburgh & work in Watford at the moment. Normally takes about 6 hours, but that is heavily dependent on the time of day - it has taken up to 11 hours . The big problem is the M6 round Birmingham - once your past J12 it a pretty reliable 4 hours to Glasgow.

Roads around Loch Lomand itself are ok, but things get much better the further north you go. A82 from Crianlarich to Glencoe is worth a drive, also A83 to Inverary the round the coast to Oban. Don't forget to try some B roads (get an OS map) - try the B828 (off A83 at Rest & Be Thankfull), then through Hells Glen, or the road from Aberfoyle to Loch Katrine.

Brian's right about the lack of speed cameras, but take care on the lower stretch of the A82 (Dumbarton - Tarbet). This bit gets very busy on Saturday/Sunday evenings & Plod has been (rightly) clamping down after a couple of fatal accidents last year.

Be warned though - you'll hate the roads in the South East even more when you get back

 

Went Water Skiing Last Year at Loch Lomond.

We tried the B road from Rest & Be Thankful through Hell's Glenn as suggested by James.

THAT WAS A BELTER , Single Track , Billiard Table smooth in places and if you have a mate with communication equipement go down the road first.

The Road from Tarbet ( I think it was the A82 ) to Ardlui is quite good but beware big trucks.

 

The roads upthere are pure heaven.

The grip is much better as well as all the other plus points due to less oil /diesel spills and less worn surfaces. In the wet its like the dry in London- absolutely amazing.

All in all well worth the trip up, it beats track days in my opinion due to the varying challenges and the fab scenery to boot.Just don`t get carried away with the speed.

All the best Adrian

 

Never been there in my Scooby, but I hope to do a bit of a UK tour this year for my hols. A beautiful area with some great roads.

When I had a girlfriend in Glasgow, used to take me 6 to 12 hours from M25/M1 jct, depending on time of day. Avoid the M6 between J4 and J12, I always found them a nightmare - remember the tanker load of cows blood that spilled in summer 98 - 60 miles took over 8 hours, but I hope that was a one off

Now my new girlfriend lives in Manchester and I avoid the M6 between 7am/12am and 3pm to 7pm. I sometimes go up the M1

Don’t forget to check the oil/tyres/levels/lights, and above all have fun,

David

 

Mark

I stay in Glasgow.

See