Road To The Isles Overview

The A830 travels from Fort William to Mallaig, following the historic Road to the Isles route (Rathad Iarainn nan Eilean). The winding drive to the coast captures the many landscapes of Scotland—stark mountain faces, dense forests, and sparkling lochs. Still single-lane in parts, the road often requires as much attention as the scenery. The West Highland Railway (originating in Glasgow) runs alongside the road, offering sublime views at a fast clip (4-5 per day, £9.20). In summer, “The Jacobite” steam train runs from Fort William to Mallaig (via Glenfinnan and the 21-arch viaduct) in the morning and back in the afternoon. (June and Sept.-Oct. M-F; July-Aug. M-F and Su. Departs Fort William at 10:20am and Mallaig at 2:10pm. £29, one-way £22.) Buses make the same trip. (1½hr.; July-Sept. M-Sa 3 per day, Oct.-June M-F 1 per day; £5.50.)

Driving In The Highlands. Many single-lane roads in the Highlands widen at regular intervals to form passing places for cars approaching head on or overtaking a slower vehicle from behind.

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