B869

This article is about the current B869 from Unapool to Lochinver.
For the former B869 (now A839) at Lairg, see B869 (Lairg).

The B869, which gained its number in the late 1920s, is a truly fantastic drive along single-track roads, with steep hills and unexpected switchbacks. I suspect that the road is only ever used by those who have to and tourists, as you really wouldn't want to be driving it to get from Lochinver to Unapool!

The first (and probably busiest) part of the B869 is at the Lochinver end. Don't be fooled - it's empty in the Winter, but is nightmarish in the summer when tourists head for its beaches. This part is surprisingly habited. After 1.5 miles we reach Torbreck, where the road to Achmelvich leads off, along with a good bit of traffic. Trust me, it's a really nice beach.

After another 3 miles of thrilling ups and downs (with a tiny bit of single carrigeway) we reach Clachtoll and Stoer, one of two fairly big settlements. If going Southbound, you can see the Split Rock at the end of Clachtoll Beach. Then we leave the coast momentarily and enter the main village. Just after, you reach a junction with a minor road for (deep breath) Culkein Stoer, Balcladich, Raffin, Clashmore and Achnacairn. Oh, and a rather nice lighthouse.

The route goes round into Clashnessie, which is a kind-of halfway mark. We've now gone past a fairly busy west coast, but now we turn right into a sparsely populated rugged wilderness. On the bright side, the driving gets more thrilling.

Between Kylesku and Nedd

After around 6 miles, we reach Drumbeg, the only other fairly decent settlement on the road, followed 2 miles later by Nedd. Then we leave the coast for good and bumble around the hills of the highlands until we meet the A894 a couple of miles south of the Kylesku Bridge.

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