How long is the A939 Road?
Scotland, europe
95.9 km
646 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're heading to the Scottish Highlands, you HAVE to experience the A939, also known as Lecht Road or Old Military Road. Trust me, this isn't your average Sunday drive.
We're talking nearly 60 miles (96 km) of pure driving bliss, stretching from Nairn on the Moray Coast all the way down to Ballater, nestled in the Cairngorms National Park. Think rollercoaster vibes with some seriously steep sections hitting up to 20% gradient!
This road follows the route of an old military road from the 1700s, and it’s a fully paved masterpiece of curves and climbs. You'll be tackling some serious altitude, topping out at Lecht Pass at a whopping 2,119 feet (646m). That makes it one of the highest roads in the country, and a proper test for you and your ride. It also climbs up Dava Moor, Bridge of Brown, and Gairnshiel Summit.
Plan on around 1.5 to 2 hours to conquer this beauty without stopping, but you’ll want to stop! This is wild Scotland at its finest. Expect bumpy rides, isolated phone reception, and views that will blow your mind. Imagine bare landscapes, mountains as far as the eye can see, sheep chilling in the fields, and maybe even a glimpse of deer or other wildlife.
Be warned though, this road isn't for the faint of heart, especially in winter. It's often the first to close due to snowfall, so check conditions before you go. But if you're up for the challenge, the A939 is an absolute must-do. It's remote, it's scenic, and it's exactly the kind of road trip you dream about in Scotland. Just avoid the highway and embrace the wild!
Road Details
- Country
- Scotland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 95.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 646 m
- Difficulty
- easy
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