Why this road
Few main roads anywhere change so much in two hours: from the wooded shores of Loch Lomond to the bare, wide moor and then the steep, dark walls of Glen Coe. The A82 is also the fastest road, so you lose nothing by driving it, but you will want to stop often. The moment the Buachaille Etive Mòr appears at the edge of the moor is one of the great sights of Scotland.
The route
- ABalloch
Start at the southern end of Loch Lomond. The road runs north along the western shore.
- 1Tarbet
Beyond Tarbet the road gets narrower and twistier, squeezed between the loch and the hills.
- 2Crianlarich
Leave the loch behind and climb into the Highlands, with Ben More rising to the east.
- 3Bridge of Orchy
A hamlet with a hotel and an old bridge. Shortly after, you pass Loch Tulla and climb onto Rannoch Moor.
- 4Glencoe
Through the glen past the Three Sisters to the village. The visitor centre explains the 1692 massacre and the walks.
- BFort William
Along Loch Linnhe to Fort William, at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain.
Stops worth it
A lay-by just past Bridge of Orchy, looking over the loch and its old pine trees towards the mountains.
The big car park in the middle of Glen Coe, facing three massive ridges. Busy, but worth it.
Thirty minutes for the visitor centre or a short walk. Or turn into Glen Etive before the glen for a quiet single-track side trip.
Light and the best time
Through Glen Coe you drive west. In the morning the sun is behind you and lights the north-east face of Buachaille Etive Mòr as it appears at the edge of the moor. The Three Sisters face north, onto the road, so they rarely get direct light: soft morning light or broken cloud shows them best. In the afternoon you look into the sun on the way down the glen. Leave Balloch by about 7:30 am and be in Glen Coe mid-morning.
April to October, with May and September best: long days, fewer midges and less traffic. July and August are busy and the midges are out in force. The road is open all year, but in winter snow and ice are common on Rannoch Moor and in the glen.
By vehicle
One of Scotland's great rides, with sweeping curves across the moor and through the glen. Watch out on the narrow Loch Lomond stretch, and for weather on the moor.
Roof down across Rannoch Moor is a highlight, but showers come quickly. Pack something warm.
Easy on a good main road, but heavy with lorries and coaches in summer. Use the lay-bys to stop.
A classic camper route. The Loch Lomond section is narrow, so take it slowly and let faster traffic pass.
Good to know
No tolls. The A82 is a busy main road with lorries and coaches, and roadworks along Loch Lomond are common. Park only in lay-bys and car parks, never on the verge in Glen Coe. Fuel up in Balloch, Tyndrum, Ballachulish or Fort William, there is none on Rannoch Moor. The UK drives on the left.
Route checked against OpenStreetMap on 2 November 2026. Roads, closures and rules change: always check before you go and follow local signs.
Questions
How long is the drive from Loch Lomond to Glencoe and Fort William?
About 2 hours from Balloch to Fort William without stops. With stops in Glen Coe, plan at least half a day.
Where is the best viewpoint in Glencoe?
The Three Sisters viewpoint in the middle of the glen, and the view of Buachaille Etive Mòr near the eastern entrance of the glen.
Is the A82 a scenic route?
Yes, it is both the main road and the scenic road, along Loch Lomond, across Rannoch Moor and through Glen Coe.
When are the midges worst in Glencoe?
Roughly June to August, especially on calm, damp evenings. Bring repellent, or come in May or September.