The Touring Trail

The reason Fort William is chosen as the start point is that it represents a scenic gateway to the itinerary as tourers would pass through Glencoe from the south on their arrival.

It's worth pointing out that either Inverness or fort William would provide ideal start points for this loop.

Day 1:

Nevis Range Gondola, head out of Fort William about 5 miles and take the gondola up to 2150ft where you can enjoy and wholesome breakfast and fantastic views across towards Skye and the Inner Hebrides to the west and Monadhliath Mountains to the east.

http://www.nevisrange.co.uk/summer

Commando Memorial - Spean Bridge

Just outside Spean Bridge to the north the memorial offers great views back across towards Ben Nevis and the gondola.

http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/speanbridge/speanbridge/index.html

As you pass through Glen Garry into Glen Morriston you will pass Loch Cluanie and at the west end The Cluanie Inn. An excellent stop to admire the imposing hills in Glen Sheil and replenish the stocks for the road to Plockton. The Cluanie Dam is at the east end of the Loch and is an impressive sight when the sluice gates are open.

Drive onwards through Glen Sheil where you will pass the watershed (where the rivers start flowing to the west instead of the east) and the 5 Sisters of Kintail to Loch Duich where at Dornie you will be greeted by the splendid sight of Eilean Donan Castle. Take the path from the village up to Carr Brae for a breathtaking view of the castle and loch.

Pass on through Kyle of Lochalsh and onwards to Plockton where it's recommended to eat at the Plockton Inn 3* Inn with great seafood.

Day 2:

Head off round Loch Carron and stop in by the Attadale Gardens near Strathcarron

http://www.attadale.com/attadale_gardens.html

That and the Carron Pottery which has a craft shop and gallery.

http://www.carronpottery.com

Follow the loch round and onto the coastal road where you will be confronted with the Bealach na Ba - rising 2053ft over 5 miles of switchbacks and steep climbs.

http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/applecross/peninsula/index.html

Stop off at Applecross beach which is a massive dune and crescent beach looking out towards Raasay and Rona. This is a good place to stop off and take on sustenance at the Applecross Inn http://www.applecross.uk.com/inn (Green Tourism Silver) or if you can wait, head over to the Loch Torridon Country House Hotel http://www.lochtorridonhotel.com for a truly memorable meal.

Day 3:

Start off the day with some scenery by taking in the view across loch Torridon towards Beinn Alligin which rises straight out of the sea on the far side.

You can really open out your car on the A832 as you pass cross country towards Garve. After Garve there's Rogie Falls which provide a nice short walk to stretch the legs before offering amphitheatre views of the waterfalls.

http://walking.visitscotland.com/walks/northhighlands/214038

Heading towards Inverness on the A9 just south of tore you're able to stop in past the Black Isle Brewery where they offer tours of their organic brewery and a wee shop to pick up the best of Highland flavours.

http://www.blackislebrewery.com

Shoot on down to Aviemore and take the back road from the Slochd through Carrbridge and onwards. It's more scenic and will give a better driving experience. You can stop off at Loch Garten to spot the Ospreys raising their chicks in the summer months.

http://www.greentourism.org.uk/Default.aspx.LocID-008013001003001.htm

Eat at Aspect which is the MacDonald Highland Resort's signature restaurant.

Day 4:

See an amazing collection of native Highland animals at the Kincraig Highland Wildlife Park just south of Aviemore.

http://www.highlandwildlifepark.org/
 

Head on down through Laggan and past Ardverikie House - home to hit TV series, Monarch of the Glen.

http://www.ardverikie.com/

If you're feeling adventurous then swap 4 wheels for 2 and hire a mountain bike to ride Laggan Wolftrax for a mix of waymarked trails and amazing views. If you're not up to that then it's a great place to stop for some home baking and good tea or coffee.

http://www.basecampmtb.com/

Onwards back to your start point.