C63 (Argyll and Bute)

This is the former A8005 from Bridge of Orchy to Forest Lodge on Rannoch Moor. It is also the southerly section of the original course of the A82, before it was realigned in 1930-32. The road was originally built by Thomas Telford as one of his Highland Roads, to replace the earlier Military Road, which runs higher up the hillside.

We start at Bridge of Orchy, with the road meeting the A82 at the side of the Hotel. After a short straight to the west, we cross the River Orchy on its eponymous bridge, and turn sharp right to follow the river north. Across the Glen we can see the A82 traffic thundering by, while we travel more slowly along the undulating road. There are plentiful passing places - too many really - and then we turn westwards once more, to avoid Loch Tulla! We pass the Inveroran Hotel, and the Military Road, now the West Highland Way Long Distance Path, joins from the left, running along the road to the end. That end is not too far away, but first we turn north once more, pass the hikers car park and cross the Victoria Bridge. The road ends in front of Forest Lodge, with three tracks continuing. To the left, the track leads through to Glen Kinglass and Loch Etive, ahead is the West Highland Way, Telford's Road put to new uses and to the right is the drive to Black Mount.

Links

• Three Generations of the A82