If you are touring the Highlands by car, a glance at the road map shows that there are large gaps in the road system. From Rannoch, there is no through road to the west. From Pitlochry to the north, you must always go round the central Cairngorms, as there is no direct road through the hills. Here are a few suggestions of round about 150 miles.
Round the Central Highlands: Leave Kinloch Rannoch eastwards and at the first junction continue straight ahead for Pitlochry. About the middle of the main street take A924 (Braemar). After 12 miles go left at Kirkmichael on B950 and a few miles further on left again on A93 (Braemar). Over the Devil’s Elbow to Braemar and continue eastwards to Balmoral/Crathie. Go left on B976, which five miles later joins A939. This continues by Corgarff, Cockbridge, the Lecht, Tomintoul, Bridge of Brown. Look out for signs for Nethybridge where you head for Coylumbridge and Aviemore. (If you miss the first turn, it is not critical, as there are two roads.) From Aviemore, take A9 and shortly after Dalnacardoch take the minor road for Trinafour and Rannoch.
Loch Tay & Glen Lyon: Leave Rannoch by the Schiehallion road and continue by B846 to Aberfeldy. There go south on A826 as far as Amulree, before going west on minor road by Loch Quoich to Kenmore (at the east end of Loch Tay). Drive along the south side of the loch to Killin, then continue by A827 for about six miles, before turning off left for the National Trust’s visitor centre at Ben Lawers. From the centre go north to Bridge of Balgie, then east down Glen Lyon to Fortingall and Coshieville, to return to Rannoch the way you set out. (As an alternative you might like to try the road going west from Killin up Glen Lochay, then over to Loch Lyon. This is a rough road and the gate between Kenknock and Loch Lyon may be locked. Be sure to leave time in case you have to turn back!)
Round the Central Highlands: Leave Rannoch by the little road for Trinafour and Dalnacardoch. Head north up the A9 to Dalwhinnie and continue by A86 and A82 to Fort William. Still on A82, go by Glencoe and Rannoch Moor to Crianlarich, then take A85/A827 to Killin. Come back to Rannoch as in no.2.
Round Loch Ness: Go to A9 as in no.3 and turn north. Shortly after the Slochd summit look for a minor road from Tomatin, which heads south-west up Strathdearn towards Dalmigavie Lodge. When you reach Farr, you have a generous choice of roads by the south side of Loch Ness towards Fort Augustus. Come back towards Inverness by the north side of Loch Ness (A82) and return to Rannoch by A9.
Aberfeldy and Pitlochry: Any route, but a drive from Rannoch to Aberfeldy and on by Pitlochry to Blair Atholl and Bruar, with a return by Glen Errochty, will be an excellent introduction to the Perthshire Highlands.
