
When was General Wade's Military Road built?
Scotland, europe
51 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the southern edge of the legendary Loch Ness on General Wade's Military Road. This isn't just any road trip; it's a trip through history! Built in the 1730s after the original route proved a bit *too* adventurous in winter, this road follows the path of General Wade's original military road. Keep your eyes peeled for deer—they're often spotted along the way.
The road is totally paved, so no need for a 4x4, but don't underestimate it! This twisty road, a mix of the B862 and B852, is narrow, with passing places aplenty. It's not for the faint of heart, with blind bends popping up all over the place, so take it slow and easy.
Stretching for 51km (32 miles) between Inverness and Fort Augustus, it's a photographer's dream. Budget about 60-75 minutes of pure driving time, but you'll want to factor in plenty of stops to soak up those views. There's generally not much traffic, so you can enjoy the peace and quiet. Just be mindful when pulling over to park. Trust me; the scenery is worth it!
Road Details
- Country
- Scotland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 51 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
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