Road to the Isles
Road to the Isles
5
Points of Interest & LandmarksHistoric Walking AreasScenic Drives
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A 50-mile trail through the rugged Scottish landscape.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
74 reviews
Excellent
59
Very good
12
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
0
jpseddie
Poole, UK75 contributions
Oct 2019
We did the "Road to the Isles Road Trip" from Fort William all the way and enjoyed it very much. fantastic scenery with mountains rivers and waterfalls all around. Half way point make sure you stop at the Glenfinnan monument and viaduct . For Harry Potter fans the viaduct is the scene from the second movie where the Hogwarts Express caught up with the flying Ford Anglia!. The Glenfinnan Monument has a visitor centre and lots of history surrounding Bonnie Prince Charlie and the views are simply amazing especially from the top looking down on the monument. We finally arrived at Mallaig just as the Jacobite Steam Train ( Hogwarts Express) was leaving ! :o)
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
YHZGlobetrotter
Waverley, Canada760 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We stopped to visit Fort William on our way North along Loch Ness. We tried several spots along the high street for lunch with no success. We were met with long lines or filled restaurants. We didn’t time it very well. We settled on a very lacklustre pizza. The high street was wonderful as far as shopping goes. There were lots of souvenir shops and interesting store fronts. It was also pedestrian only which made it extra convenient.
Written November 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
olliebeak
Prescot, UK49 contributions
I would like to suggest that anybody visiting the Scottish Highlands should take the time out to travel the 'Road to the Isles' - either by train or by car. The views are spectacular on a fine day (or dramatic if weather not so fine). The road starts from Fort William and is about 44 miles long.
There are many places of interest along the route which means that the 44 miles can take a whole day to complete the return journey! Banavie with it's flight of locks on the Caledonian Canal (Neptune's Staircase) and the Caledonian Bears Workshop. Corpach and the Treasures of the Earth Exhibition. Glenfinnan with the monument to the memory of the Highlander supporters of Bonnie Prince Charlie, the railway viaduct (used in Harry Potter movies) and spectacular views down Loch Shiel! Pretty little Loch Eilt surrounded by towering mountains and dotted with tiny wooded islands. Loch Ailort that opens out into the sea with magnificent views towards the Isles of Eigg, Rhum and Muck. The white church at Back Keppoch that featured in 'Local Hero'. At this point, I urge travellers to leave the signposted 'main road' and follow the signs for ARISAIG. Only a small fishing village but a fabulous place for a breather and an excuse to stretch your legs! This was the 'supposed birthplace' of the character 'Long John Silver' from Treasure Island! The whole area also features in Kidnapped - also by RL Stevenson - the man must have known and loved it well! Continue along your route following the 'scenic coastal route'. From here on you will come across the most beautiful bays and beaches that you can imagine! And the sublimely positioned Traigh Golf Course with it's tiny clubhouse just north of Arisaig. At this point the driver suffers a great dilemma - watching the road ahead with the concentration needed for 'passing places' and 'continental drivers used to driving on the OTHER side of the road' or joining their passengers in admiring the scenery! Eventually, the road leads you to the Silver Sands of Morar which is actually the mouth of the River Morar. (Loch Morar was used in the making of Rob Roy for the setting of one of Rob's homes and is also home to Nessie's lesser-known cousin, Morag!) At this point you can rejoin the main road into Mallaig for the final leg of the journey - unless you plan on taking the ferry 'Over the Sea to Skye'!
Mallaig is a busy fishing village with the usual array of souvenir shops, a small marine-life centre and an exhibition about the history of the town and the building of the railway that terminates there. There are some good places to eat around the town and an extremely good sea-food and fish shop situated in the railway building.
You will notice that I don't have much to say about Mallaig itself - but my review IS called 'The ROAD to the Isles'!
There are many places of interest along the route which means that the 44 miles can take a whole day to complete the return journey! Banavie with it's flight of locks on the Caledonian Canal (Neptune's Staircase) and the Caledonian Bears Workshop. Corpach and the Treasures of the Earth Exhibition. Glenfinnan with the monument to the memory of the Highlander supporters of Bonnie Prince Charlie, the railway viaduct (used in Harry Potter movies) and spectacular views down Loch Shiel! Pretty little Loch Eilt surrounded by towering mountains and dotted with tiny wooded islands. Loch Ailort that opens out into the sea with magnificent views towards the Isles of Eigg, Rhum and Muck. The white church at Back Keppoch that featured in 'Local Hero'. At this point, I urge travellers to leave the signposted 'main road' and follow the signs for ARISAIG. Only a small fishing village but a fabulous place for a breather and an excuse to stretch your legs! This was the 'supposed birthplace' of the character 'Long John Silver' from Treasure Island! The whole area also features in Kidnapped - also by RL Stevenson - the man must have known and loved it well! Continue along your route following the 'scenic coastal route'. From here on you will come across the most beautiful bays and beaches that you can imagine! And the sublimely positioned Traigh Golf Course with it's tiny clubhouse just north of Arisaig. At this point the driver suffers a great dilemma - watching the road ahead with the concentration needed for 'passing places' and 'continental drivers used to driving on the OTHER side of the road' or joining their passengers in admiring the scenery! Eventually, the road leads you to the Silver Sands of Morar which is actually the mouth of the River Morar. (Loch Morar was used in the making of Rob Roy for the setting of one of Rob's homes and is also home to Nessie's lesser-known cousin, Morag!) At this point you can rejoin the main road into Mallaig for the final leg of the journey - unless you plan on taking the ferry 'Over the Sea to Skye'!
Mallaig is a busy fishing village with the usual array of souvenir shops, a small marine-life centre and an exhibition about the history of the town and the building of the railway that terminates there. There are some good places to eat around the town and an extremely good sea-food and fish shop situated in the railway building.
You will notice that I don't have much to say about Mallaig itself - but my review IS called 'The ROAD to the Isles'!
Written July 20, 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GReyMaiden
Maidenhead, UK2,874 contributions
May 2018 • Family
If you’re in Fort William and have the time to take the 40 mile drive to Mallaig, this isn’t to be missed. Breathtaking views of lochs, mountains and the coastline await. Great driving road too. Also worth taking the scenic coastal detour for some untouched beaches with white sands and clear waters.
Written May 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
omega132857
Chichester, UK1,998 contributions
May 2021
Stuning just stunning. Of our trip all round some of Scotland. Fort William and the walks here wer my favorite place, It is just a beautifull place to be in. Ben Nevis is just round the corner. There are some great places to eat and drink too. just Enjoy.
Written July 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MontanaTraveler643
Kalispell, Montana271 contributions
Jun 2015 • Solo
Before others raise their eyebrows and wonder how anyone could rate this drive only average, let me explain. I made this journey alone in absolutely horrible weather. Years ago I made this journey in nice weather as a passenger, and it was a totally different experience. So...if you are fortunate to have nice weather on this journey, you most likely would give this road a superior review. However, if you have bad weather - and if you are driving - my advice is to let go of any positive expectations. The views are obscured, and you will have your hands full dealing with the traffic and road conditions.
Written May 19, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alison0001
13 contributions
a stunning drive most memorable even on a bad weather day.much nicer than the train and cheaper.the views are lovely all the way.
Written December 29, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
scotworldtraveller
Scotland322 contributions
We spent a wonderful day exploring the sites and villages along the road to the Isles although we did not expect to get sunburnt in March
Written March 30, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachana K
London, England, United Kingdom1 contribution
Aug 2012 • Friends
hi Eddie
it was wonderful trip by ur guidence ,we have fully enjoyed our first vist to Scotland.
thanks a lots,
it was wonderful trip by ur guidence ,we have fully enjoyed our first vist to Scotland.
thanks a lots,
Written August 30, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hb
Melbourne, Australia225 contributions
Oct 2019
Stunning memorable scenery. Even though it was a bit drizzly it was beautiful. The lochs are so beautiful. Small winding roads but good surface. pleasant little shops and pubs to stop at and good info centres.
Written December 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If I drive from Mallaig to Fort William, are the views as beautiful as the regular way?
Written May 11, 2017
Hi
I cant decide between taking the Jacobite steam train from Fort Williams to Arisaig, what will be your advice?
Do you enjoy the steam train more or the drive which allows you to stop as and when you like? Are there any difference between the 2 in terms of the scenery?
Written May 9, 2016
trying to find a phone number to advertise a holiday let in Arisaig
Written May 18, 2015
Hi, I would like to advertise on the Road to the Isles website as I have a holiday let in Arisaig which is gong to be ready from 20th June.
Kind Regards Jackie Smail
Written May 18, 2015
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