‘The best road in the uk’

The A87 runs from Invergarry to Uig on the Isle of Skye. And it is amazing…

It’s hard to know where to start when it comes to riding a motorcycle in Scotland but, in my opinion, the A87 is the single best road anywhere in the UK. So let’s go there…

The A87 begins at Invergarry, a small village on the banks of Loch Oich on the A82, and runs along the Great Glen between Inverness and Fort William. It ends up nearly 100 miles further on to the west on the Isle of Skye, a fantastic two and a bit hours of riding out of your skin. Or as long as you like if you just want to stare at the scenery.

From Invergarry follow the A87 out of the village. The road is wide and open and as it starts to rise into the hills it passes between trees before bursting out into breath-taking views across Loch Garry.

The road itself is a bit bumpy these days – I remember ten years ago on one particular Bike road test when I discovered nerves and skills I didn’t know I possessed. But that was when it was fresh, jet black and grippy, since then the weather has taken its toll. Nevertheless it’s still a brilliant riding road.

At the top of the first climb the scenery switches and you’re now looking across Loch Loyne to the mountains beyond, and Cluanie

Forest. Here the A87 tightens up, and twists and turns as it drops – then suddenly turns left at a T-junction with the A877. The next stretch is a series of long, wide sweeps along the banks of Loch Cluanie, where you feel dwarfed by the mountains either side of you. Halfway along, the Cluanie Inn has rooms and food (or it used to) and the chance to fill up your tank at the pump – then back on the road, the A87 continues to weave and wander into Glen Shiel, and along the banks of the river Shiel.

As the hillside ridges close in it’s sobering to remember men have fought and died in battles along this stretch down the years. It’s easy to imagine the gunfire, shouting and much else besides as you bimble along.

After rounding the broad rock faces at Shiel Bridge, then passing Eilean Donan castle at Dornie (where the movie Highlander was filmed), the A87 continues its smooth, fast way towards the Kyle of Lochalsh, and over the bridge onto the Isle Of Skye. It’s a thrilling, open ride along the edges of several lochs up to Portree, the ‘capital’ of Skye – and then further north to the village port of Uig and the end of the A87. And I still says it’s the best road in the UK.

‘A fantastic two and a bit hours of riding out of your skin. Or as long as you like if you just want to stare at the scenery’