Road with view to a thrill
Bond route in the Highlands voted the most stunning drive
IT is a breathtaking road trip made famous by Daniel Craig in the James Bond movie Skyfall.
Now the Crianlarich to Glencoe route has been recognised as Britain’s most awe-inspiring drive.
The West Highlands journey on the A82 goes through some of Scotland’s finest landscapes and is flanked by mountains, lochs and waterfalls. In the 2012 film Skyfall, Bond returns to his family home in the area with spy chief M.
The Crianlarich to Glencoe trip topped a list of Britain’s top 50 – with five from Scotland finishing in the top 20.
The North Coast 500 is fifth, the Trotternish Circuit on Skye, eighth, and Tornapress to Applecross, in Ross-shire, is 13th, with Glasgow to Inverness in 20th.
The list was created by Boundless, an events and experiences club for public sector workers.
It asked an expert panel to recommend the best roads to drive on before asking driving club members to vote for their favourite route.
Dan Read, motoring editor for Boundless Magazine, said: ‘Sometimes a great drive isn’t about a great car, it’s about the right road in the right place at the right time and there are plenty to choose from on this list.
‘The Crianlarich to Glencoe route is a worthy winner and Scotland features heavily in our list – not surprising when you consider the spectacular landscape the country offers.
‘This list showcases the best of Britain’s highways, byways and beautiful scenery.’
Mr Read added: ‘As well as some classic road trips, it also features a few surprises – the sort of hidden gems you only find with a little local knowledge.’
VisitScotland chief Malcolm Roughead said: ‘Scotland’s incredible scenery provides stunning surroundings no matter the mode of transport. But with dynamic driving routes criss-crossing the country it’s no surprise the awe-inspiring A82 from Crianlarich to Glencoe has been voted the best road trip in the UK.’
He added: ‘As well as long-established routes like the A82, the North Coast 500 and South West Coastal 300 have been a success for Scotland’s visitor economy.
‘They generate millions of pounds in additional spend to the surrounding areas as well as showing off the amazing landscapes and attractions on offer across the country throughout the year.’
Llanberis to Capel Curig via the A4086 in Wales, which takes in views of Snowdonia, was second overall, followed by Thwaite to Ingleton, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, in third place.
Mr Read said: ‘There’s something for everyone – whether you’re on two wheels or four and whichever corner of the country you call home.’