ROAD TRIP / HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS
A82 Road Trip
The A82 is also a popular tourist route, offering scenic drives through Loch Lomond, Glencoe, and the Great Glen.

The route at a glance
Why this road trip is worth doing.
The A82 is also a popular tourist route, offering scenic drives through Loch Lomond, Glencoe, and the Great Glen
The A82 road is a major trunk road in Scotland, stretching for 175 miles from Glasgow to Inverness. It’s considered a vital artery for communities in the western Highlands, connecting them with the Central Belt.
Mapped and ready
See the route before you set off.
The genuine route overview and live map sit together, so you can understand the whole journey before opening the detailed directions.
Live hotel map
See exactly where you could stay.
Explore live hotels and holiday accommodation around Highlands & Islands, then compare the options that fit the route rather than booking somewhere miles out of the way.
Compare places to stay near Highlands →Live prices from Booking.com. Affiliate link: Days Out Now may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Affiliate links may earn Days Out Now a commission at no extra cost to you. Live prices and availability are set by the booking provider.
Route overview
The A82 is also a popular tourist route, offering scenic drives through Loch Lomond, Glencoe, and the Great Glen.
Follow the route
The A82 is also a popular tourist route, offering scenic drives through Loch Lomond, Glencoe, and the Great Glen
Full Itinerary
The A82 road is a major trunk road in Scotland, stretching for 175 miles from Glasgow to Inverness. It’s considered a vital artery for communities in the western Highlands, connecting them with the Central Belt.
Length:
175 miles (282 km)
Key Features of the A82:
Route:
Begins in Glasgow, heads west along the Great Western Road, crosses Rannoch Moor, bypasses Kinlochleven on Ballachulish Bridge, follows the Great Glen, and reaches Inverness.
Landmarks:
Includes the Bridge of Orchy, Loch Tulla Viewpoint, Glen Etive, and various points along the Great Glen and the Caledonian Canal.
Importance:
A key link from the Central Belt to the Scottish Highlands, supporting economic growth and tourism.
Improvements:
Transport Scotland has been working on various upgrades, including the Crianlarich Bypass and a section between Tarbet and Inverarnan.
Scenic Drives:
Known for its stunning scenery, including Loch Lomond, Glencoe Valley, and the Great Glen.
Notable Sections:
Loch Lomond:
The A82 follows the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, offering views of the loch and the surrounding hills.
Glencoe:
The A82 passes through Glencoe Valley, known for its dramatic mountains and historic significance.
Great Glen:
The A82 follows the route of the Great Glen, a geological feature that runs through the heart of Scotland.
Caledonian Canal:
The A82 crosses the Caledonian Canal on swing bridges.
How Long Will it Take To Complete This Trip?

The A82 is a stunning route that stretches 175 miles from Glasgow to Inverness, passing through Loch Lomond, Glencoe, the Great Glen, and the Caledonian Canal. The time it takes to complete the journey depends on factors like traffic, weather, and stops along the way.
- Non-stop drive: If you were to drive continuously, it would take around 4 to 5 hours.
- Leisurely trip: If you plan to stop for sightseeing, meals, and exploration, it could take a full day or more.
This route is known for its breath taking scenery, so taking your time to enjoy the views is highly recommended.
Want more? Check out our facebook page

The A82 is also a popular tourist route, offering scenic drives through Loch Lomond, Glencoe, and the Great Glen
Full Itinerary
The A82 road is a major trunk road in Scotland, stretching for 175 miles from Glasgow to Inverness. It’s considered a vital artery for communities in the western Highlands, connecting them with the Central Belt.
Length:
175 miles (282 km)
Key Features of the A82:
Route:
Begins in Glasgow, heads west along the Great Western Road, crosses Rannoch Moor, bypasses Kinlochleven on Ballachulish Bridge, follows the Great Glen, and reaches Inverness.
Landmarks:
Includes the Bridge of Orchy, Loch Tulla Viewpoint, Glen Etive, and various points along the Great Glen and the Caledonian Canal.
Importance:
A key link from the Central Belt to the Scottish Highlands, supporting economic growth and tourism.
Improvements:
Transport Scotland has been working on various upgrades, including the Crianlarich Bypass and a section between Tarbet and Inverarnan.
Scenic Drives:
Known for its stunning scenery, including Loch Lomond, Glencoe Valley, and the Great Glen.
Notable Sections:
Loch Lomond:
The A82 follows the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, offering views of the loch and the surrounding hills.
Glencoe:
The A82 passes through Glencoe Valley, known for its dramatic mountains and historic significance.
Great Glen:
The A82 follows the route of the Great Glen, a geological feature that runs through the heart of Scotland.
Caledonian Canal:
The A82 crosses the Caledonian Canal on swing bridges.
How Long Will it Take To Complete This Trip?
The A82 is a stunning route that stretches 175 miles from Glasgow to Inverness, passing through Loch Lomond, Glencoe, the Great Glen, and the Caledonian Canal. The time it takes to complete the journey depends on factors like traffic, weather, and stops along the way.
- Non-stop drive: If you were to drive continuously, it would take around 4 to 5 hours.
- Leisurely trip: If you plan to stop for sightseeing, meals, and exploration, it could take a full day or more.
This route is known for its breath taking scenery, so taking your time to enjoy the views is highly recommended.
Want more? Check out our facebook page
Before you go
Practical information.
Terrain
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Accessibility
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Toilets and refreshments
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Dogs
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Safety
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Seasonal considerations
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Build the whole day
Plan it without opening six tabs.
The route, hotel map, nearby ideas and free planning tools are all here when you need them.
See the shape of the journey
Return to the genuine route overview and interactive map before you set off.
Open the route map →Choose a base that makes sense
Compare live places to stay on the map instead of guessing from a list of names.
Explore the hotel map →Take the useful bits with you
Open the free Travel Club for route downloads, planning help and member savings.
Open the free Travel Club →Useful answers
A82 Road Trip FAQs.
How much time should I allow?
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Where does the itinerary begin?
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
What should I know about parking?
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
What accessibility information is available?
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Where can I find toilets and refreshments?
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Do I need to book ahead?
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Are there seasonal considerations?
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
What should I check before travelling?
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Where next?
More road trips in Highlands & Islands.
Keep the planning going with another mapped Days Out Now guide from the same area.
Days Out Now Free Travel Club
Take the useful bits with you
Join free for GPX route files and access to Days Out Now member benefits, including eligible days-out savings.
Join freeFor local businesses
Own somewhere visitors should discover near Highlands & Islands?
Showcase your accommodation, food stop, attraction or activity to readers already planning a trip to the area.
MAKE MORE OF YOUR DAY
Nearby places to visit, eat and stay
Nearby suggestions will load here.
MAKE MORE OF YOUR DAY
Explore more places on the map
Choose what you need, then use the map to compare locations and plan the rest of your day.









Leave a Reply