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) 
A82 Road Trip – hero image

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 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?

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.

Want more? Check out our facebook page

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

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.

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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.

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