It is bittersweet to write this. This is the last day’s itinerary from our 12 day tour of Scotland via the NC500. This is an easy paced day and we found ourselves at a loss when a few of our plans changed. It was out of our control and yet we found some other points of interest to visit. I’m going to suggest one of the activities we had to miss because, simply put, it looked incredible.
If you stayed in Fort William on the eve of Day 11 I cannot stress enough the absolute pleasure of getting a pastry breakfast from the Rain Bakery on Fort William High Street. I got there as soon as they opened and the pain au chocolat I bought for Mr W and I were hands down the best we’ve ever eaten.
It would be a good idea to check the mountain report for this morning’s activity before timing your day. We were unable to head up to the Ben Nevis viewpoint due to inclement weather conditions. But I hope you are able to. From afar this mountain range looked incredible. There are gondolas you can take up the mountainside for £25 per person. https://www.nevisrange.co.uk/mountain-report/
Before you scale the tallest mountain range in the United Kingdom head to the Ben Nevis viewpoint in Corpach which also happens to be a crossing for the Jacobite Steam Train. Seeing this icon from street level is quite something. The train passed over at 10:28hrs, a mere 13 minutes after it departed Fort William station.
Check the online schedule for the train at: https://westcoastrailways.co.uk/jacobite/timetables
From here head to the Ben Nevis Gondola Station. I anticipate you will need at least 90 minutes and hope it is as amazing as I expect it to be. Needless to say, dress warmly as it’ll be rather windy.
Upon leaving it is a good idea to load up with petrol and snacks in the immediate area. There are no facilities for the rest of the day and it can be a lengthy drive.
Head onto the Glencoe Viewing Point. I have notated a particularly big parking area for you to stop and drink in the scenery as it is a very busy and popular site. There are numerous places to stop and check out the Glencoe region but it wasn’t until we reached the viewing point at the What three words location below that we found a space. Driving through this area was beautiful and a nice final farewell to the mountains of Scotland.
There is a walk that is highly recommended on all the hiking sites for the Glencoe area and although we didn’t have the time there is no reason to suggest you won’t. I’m copying this for you below:
Loch Achtriochtan –
Allow 2-3hours – wild swimming is possible
‘Signal Rock loop walk – Ballachulish PH49 4HX
The car park at the site of the old Visitor Centre is unsigned, but can be found on north side of A82 1km west of turn off to Clachaig Inn. There are plenty of parking bays and an information board on the walks available; the route described here follows all the loops. The walk begins from the far (west) end of the car park on a tarmac path, with great views of Clachaig Gully. The path soon leads to a bridge over the River Coe; there are good views downstream where the river flows through a small gorge, and upstream with Bidean nam Bian as an impressive backdrop. Immediately over the bridge the path forks; take the left branch up the steps. This reaches a second junction in the forest; take the left fork again, which waymarked blue and black. Ignore a small branch path off to the left, following the Signal Rock sign as the path curves right. At yet another junction, this time with a big tree right at the junction, turn left uphill – waymarked in blue. Remember this point as you must return here after visiting Signal Rock. The path passes through a gate in the deer fence and then descends once more. Soon you’ll pass a junction with a branch path on the right signed for Torren Cottage only. Ignore this branch and continue up the steps to the foot of Signal Rock. This is climbed via steps round the back. Return back to the unmarked junction with the tree. Turn left onto a smaller path but before reaching the gate ahead turn right onto a well-made trail. After crossing some streams via planks this trail climbs the hillside ahead in a series of easy zig-zags, finally reaching the top of the hill after passing round the back. This is An Torr, and a better view can be gained by following a short branch path off to the right on the top, where a rocky outcrop has an open view through the trees. Continue following the An Torr path as it winds back downhill. When it joins another path, turn left (turning right soon rejoins the outward route to Signal Rock) and pass through a deer fence (there is a small gate on the right if the main gate is locked) and then emerges on the minor road in Glencoe. The great mountainside opposite is the western end of the Aonach Eagach – the ‘path’ that can be seen is the dangerously eroded route beside Clachaig Gully that is out of bounds to responsible walkers. Turn right along the road, passing the Clachaig Inn, where refreshments can be had. Immediately after passing the red iron snow gates beyond the Clachaig Inn turn right onto a well-made path. This heads back to the bridge over the River Coe and the car park beyond.’
With lunch in mind we stopped at the Loch Tulla viewing point by chance. It too is a busy area for sightseers making their way to the Isle of Skye from Glasgow but the views are incredible. Make the most of the time here to unwind. The next drive is 90 minutes long and is fraught with tight winding roads.
The 3 lochs drive is a private forestry road and costs £2 to enter. It is a beautiful 7 mile stretch of road in which flora and fauna are in abundance. There are several viewpoints over the 3 lochs you can stop at and many relaxing walks you can also complete. The road closes at 16:00hrs and the exit loops you back to the entrance to help you on your way.
As this may be your last day the timings of the activities are yours to decide upon. At the end of this itinerary you may choose to stay in Glasgow or return to Edinburgh. Should you head to Glasgow you will find easy passage to the Lake District or the many delights of the Northumberland National Park. I will link my Northumberland travel blogs below.
The itinerary for the last day in Scotland was no wayward winner. The common belief of ‘going out with a bang’ on one’s last day on vacation suggests that this itinerary is rather boring. My belief is that after 12 jam packed days, it was for the best to take it slower and appreciate the absolute rawness of Scotland before departing. It was nice to take it slowly and remind ourselves that the NC500 isn’t about the destinations but about the road itself.
I hope you find this outstanding road and tour everything you want it to be. I know we did. And more. We are planning to return in a few years once some international travel is achieved.
Thank you for sticking with this blog for so long. Tomorrow brings about the final highlight of the series and hopefully we’ll be tying it up in a neat and tidy tartan bow.
Highlight 12 of the NC500 – 3 Lochs Forest Drive
Framework Travel 