A82 Along Loch Lomond
Shortly due to make my way up to Bunree Site and wondered if the A82 route along Loch Lomond is still as difficult to navigate towing a van as previous posts some years ago seem to suggest. All advice welcome.
Comments
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I've not used A82 for a few years but if it's any help this morning I have just used the A84/A85 to Maragowan(Killin) and will use the A85/A82 to Bunree on Friday. I know this is an OK route. Was very surprised this morning as I had the A84 to myself!!
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I agree, Ian, the A82 isn't a problem. However, the large vehicles coming the other way in the more narrow sections are. Confident or not, it's not the road of choice for most sensible people towing relatively fragile caravans.
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Hi POP one weve just been to bunree, we went up the A82 but when you get to Tarbet dont turn right carry straight on keep on the road until you come to inverary and turn right follow road to the end and turn left this will take you to connell just up from
Oban over connell bridge follw road all the way to Bunree, plus nice scenery this way, hope this helps can give you fall directions if you want them.0 -
The A82 can be a bit hairy in certain places if towing a twin axle and there is an oncoming large HGV. Just need to be careful and if need be slow right down to almost a stop. On a bend oOne HGV's mirror touched the rear of our caravan even though we were
stationary, but no damage.0 -
As the Old Man Said ==> You're going WHERE
?? Well If I
were you, I wouldn't start from 'ere !!Honestly, there has been a great improvement in the A82 alongside Loch Lomond, Probably as good as it can be made, short of filling in the western edge of the loch completely.
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Even with nearly 40 years towing experience under our belt, the A82 is not the road of choice for us. We have done it several times and we have a small caravan, but you are very reliant on the oncoming HGVs and Coaches being aware and in the case of Coach
drivers who are also doing a verbal tour for their passengers this is often not the case. I call the 20+ miles passed Loch Lomond a "knicker changing" experience, lol.0 -
"I call the 20+ miles passed Loch Lomond a "knicker changing" experience, lol. "
You should try it in the passenger seat of a LHD motorhome, Patmau! It's not a particularly relaxing drive either way, you either have a wall on one side or a drop into the loch. Not much room for manoeuvre. The improvements at Pulpit Rock are a huge
help though - a chance to catch your breath and enjoy the view. If you're a confident driver and willing to take things slowly, there's no reason why you shouldn't give it a go. But beware the coaches and their mirrors!0 -
Best tip given to me was wait in picnic layby for coach or HGV going your way, then nip in behind them. That gives you protection, and forewarning.
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Best tip given to me was wait in picnic layby for coach or HGV going your way, then nip in behind them. That gives you protection, and forewarning.
Until they have to reverse for another HGV/Timber wagon coming in the opposite direction!
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Best tip given to me was wait in picnic layby for coach or HGV going your way, then nip in behind them. That gives you protection, and forewarning.
Until they have to reverse for another HGV/Timber wagon coming in the opposite direction!
Well on a busy day you might discover why the club has a Club Chaplain, But thats for another post
Good Night
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Did the drive up the A82 from Lomond to Oban today. I'd worried myself sick about it reading posts but hubby was confident.
We've only been caravanning/towing since September and we have a big van 23 foot but hubby is a confident driver.
Here's the logic he used:
- If the mirrors fit the van will fit
- The van follows the car
- If in doubt slow down
- Don't worry about the traffic behind you - pull in when you can and let them past
- The A82 is a main route and HGVs and Coaches all of which are bigger than caravans use it all the time
So I know it was out of peak season and maybe it's different in high season but it really wasn't that bad at all. We've been on far narrower A roads. At this time of year you have good visibility due to lack of foliage along the Loch road so you can see
if large vehicles are approaching. It feels far worse than it is because of the high cliff on your left but actually if you are on the road you're not going to hit the edge. There are loads of places to pull in and let traffic pass so you can take it slowly.
The tips to follow another larger vehicle through are good ones. Maybe we got lucky but there's been recent road improvements and if you're a confident driver and take it steady it shouldn't pose any problems. What was actually worse was the stage over
to Oban after we left the loch when we were driving through snow!!I'm really glad we chose to go this way rather than the route which would have added 25 miles to the journey.
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Glad you got through to Oban safe and well. Enjoy your stay.
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Did the drive up the A82 from Lomond to Oban today. I'd worried myself sick about it reading posts but hubby was confident.
We've only been caravanning/towing since September and we have a big van 23 foot but hubby is a confident driver.
Here's the logic he used:
- If the mirrors fit the van will fit
- The van follows the car
- If in doubt slow down
- Don't worry about the traffic behind you - pull in when you can and let them past
- The A82 is a main route and HGVs and Coaches all of which are bigger than caravans use it all the time
So I know it was out of peak season and maybe it's different in high season but it really wasn't that bad at all. We've been on far narrower A roads. At this time of year you have good visibility due to lack of foliage along the Loch road so you can see
if large vehicles are approaching. It feels far worse than it is because of the high cliff on your left but actually if you are on the road you're not going to hit the edge. There are loads of places to pull in and let traffic pass so you can take it slowly.
The tips to follow another larger vehicle through are good ones. Maybe we got lucky but there's been recent road improvements and if you're a confident driver and take it steady it shouldn't pose any problems. What was actually worse was the stage over
to Oban after we left the loch when we were driving through snow!!I'm really glad we chose to go this way rather than the route which would have added 25 miles to the journey.
Write your comments here...
Did the drive up the A82 from Lomond to Oban today. I'd worried myself sick about it reading posts but hubby was confident.
We've only been caravanning/towing since September and we have a big van 23 foot but hubby is a confident driver.
Here's the logic he used:
- If the mirrors fit the van will fit
- The van follows the car
- If in doubt slow down
- Don't worry about the traffic behind you - pull in when you can and let them past
- The A82 is a main route and HGVs and Coaches all of which are bigger than caravans use it all the time
So I know it was out of peak season and maybe it's different in high season but it really wasn't that bad at all. We've been on far narrower A roads. At this time of year you have good visibility due to lack of foliage along the Loch road so you can see
if large vehicles are approaching. It feels far worse than it is because of the high cliff on your left but actually if you are on the road you're not going to hit the edge. There are loads of places to pull in and let traffic pass so you can take it slowly.
The tips to follow another larger vehicle through are good ones. Maybe we got lucky but there's been recent road improvements and if you're a confident driver and take it steady it shouldn't pose any problems. What was actually worse was the stage over
to Oban after we left the loch when we were driving through snow!!I'm really glad we chose to go this way rather than the route which would have added 25 miles to the journey.
The problem with the road is traffic coming the other way. There are some truck drivers who simply assume their size and weight give them the right to drive like idiots. They are a minority but they are there and if you meet them at the wrong spot then you
could be in trouble.Personally I avoid it and think the route through Callender is just as quick and is safer. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but you need to be aware of its reputation.
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