A82 Road Trip

A82 Road Trip – hero image

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.

Distance175 miles (282 km) 

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.

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Route overviewA82 Road Trip – route image
A82 Road Trip route overview.
Explore the live route

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

Map highlighting the A82 road trip route in Scotland with markers for key locations and a red car icon.

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?

A surreal landscape featuring a large clock set against a dramatic backdrop of mountains and a winding road.

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.

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An illustrated map with a red location pin, symbolizing exploration and travel.

A colorful hand-drawn map of Scotland divided into various regions, showcasing multiple bright colors with crayons.

Live hotel map

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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.

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The A82 is also a popular tourist route, offering scenic drives through Loch Lomond, Glencoe, and the Great Glen

Map highlighting the A82 road trip route in Scotland with markers for key locations and a red car icon.

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?

A surreal landscape featuring a large clock set against a dramatic backdrop of mountains and a winding road.

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.

Untitled design 8

Want more? Check out our facebook page

An illustrated map with a red location pin, symbolizing exploration and travel.
A colorful hand-drawn map of Scotland divided into various regions, showcasing multiple bright colors with crayons.

Before you go

Practical information.

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01 / Route map

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02 / Hotel map

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03 / Travel Club

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Where next?

More road trips in Highlands & Islands.

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