The journey from Invergarry to the Isle of Skye, along the winding A87, is much more than a mere drive. It is a pilgrimage through some of Scotland’s most awe-inspiring landscapes—a place where every curve in the road reveals a new masterpiece of nature. From the shimmering waters of Loch Cluanie to the towering peaks of the Cuillin mountains, this route offers an immersion in the wild beauty that has inspired poets, artists, and wanderers for centuries. For those who find solace in the embrace of nature’s grandeur, the A87 is a road that promises an experience unlike any other.
As you set off from Invergarry, the landscape starts to reveal its secrets almost immediately. The A87 cuts through dense forests, where ancient trees stand as silent sentinels of time. You’ll soon find yourself hugging the shores of Loch Garry, its tranquil waters mirroring the sky’s changing moods. This initial stretch offers a serene prelude to the dramatic scenery that lies ahead, gently easing you into the journey. It’s a drive that invites you to slow down, take in the sights, and let the magic of the Highlands work its spell. It’s no wonder that many who wander these roads find themselves captivated, their minds drifting back to these vistas long after they’ve returned home.
The Gateway to the Highlands: Loch Cluanie
As the road sweeps you closer to the heart of the Highlands, you’ll encounter Loch Cluanie, a man-made reservoir that feels as if it’s been there since the dawn of time. Flanked by rolling hills and rugged mountains, Loch Cluanie is a study in contrast its calm surface a stark counterpoint to the rough terrain that surrounds it. The loch’s shimmering waters, often reflecting the brooding sky, create a sense of timelessness that echoes through the landscape. It’s a place where you can almost hear the whisper of the wind carrying stories from an ancient past, tales of clans and kings, of battles and peace, of love and loss.
Here, the A87 begins to truly come into its own, offering vistas that can only be described as cinematic. The road follows the contours of the land, sometimes rising to give you a panoramic view of the loch, and at other times, descending to bring you close enough to the water that you can almost touch it. This is a place where the journey itself becomes the destination, where every turn offers a new perspective, a new reason to pause and soak in the scenery. For those who wandered through these lands in search of inspiration, Loch Cluanie is a muse like no other—a reminder of nature’s ability to create art on a grand scale.
The Majesty of the Cuillin Mountains
Leaving Loch Cluanie behind, the road leads you ever deeper into the Highlands, and soon, the Cuillin mountains come into view. These jagged peaks, often shrouded in mist, have an almost otherworldly presence, rising abruptly from the landscape as if they were the bones of the earth itself. The Cuillins are not just mountains; they are a symbol of the wild, untamed spirit of Scotland—a place where nature reigns supreme. The A87 offers some of the best views of these formidable giants, with the road winding its way through valleys that seem dwarfed by the sheer scale of the mountains.
Driving through this part of the Highlands, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of awe. The Cuillins have a way of making you feel small, in the best possible way—reminding you that there are forces in the world far greater than ourselves. The interplay of light and shadow on the mountain faces, the way the peaks seem to shift and change as you move along the road, creates a dynamic, ever-changing landscape. It’s a place that invites contemplation, where the natural world offers a glimpse into the sublime. Those who have wandered in search of beauty will find it here, in the rugged silhouettes of the Cuillins, standing tall against the sky.
The Hidden Gems Along the A87
While the grand vistas of Loch Cluanie and the Cuillin mountains often steal the spotlight, the A87 is also home to a number of lesser-known treasures that are worth seeking out. Along the route, small villages and hamlets appear like oases of civilization in the vast wilderness. Places like Cluanie Inn offer a chance to rest and reflect, to enjoy a meal while soaking in the surrounding beauty. These stops provide a deeper connection to the landscape, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who call this remote region home.
As you continue your journey, you might be tempted to wander off the beaten path, to explore some of the smaller roads that branch off from the A87. These detours can lead to hidden waterfalls, secluded glens, and ancient ruins that are often overlooked by those in a hurry to reach their destination. It’s in these moments of exploration that the true magic of the Highlands reveals itself—not just in the grand, sweeping landscapes, but in the quiet, hidden corners that offer a more intimate connection to the land. For those who wandered in search of adventure, the A87 is a road that rewards curiosity and a willingness to explore beyond the obvious.
A Journey Through Time
Driving the A87 is not just a journey through space, but also through time. The road is steeped in history, with many of the landscapes you pass through having witnessed events that shaped the course of Scottish history. From ancient battlefields to historic castles, the A87 offers glimpses into a past that is never far from the surface. Places like Eilean Donan Castle, which sits at the confluence of three sea lochs, are reminders of Scotland’s turbulent history, where clans once fought for control of these lands.
As you drive along the A87, it’s easy to imagine how different this landscape must have looked hundreds of years ago. The sense of history is palpable, and there’s a feeling that the land itself remembers the events that have unfolded here. For those with a keen interest in history, the A87 offers countless opportunities to explore Scotland’s past, to wander through the ruins of castles and forts, and to imagine the lives of those who once called this rugged land home. It’s a journey that connects you not just with the land, but with the people who have shaped its history over the centuries.
A Photographer’s Dream
For those with a passion for photography, the A87 is nothing short of a paradise. The ever-changing light, the dramatic landscapes, and the unpredictable weather create conditions that are perfect for capturing stunning images. Whether you’re an amateur with a smartphone or a professional with a full kit, the A87 offers endless opportunities to capture the beauty of the Scottish Highlands. From the reflections on Loch Cluanie to the mist-covered peaks of the Cuillins, there is no shortage of subjects to inspire your creativity.
The A87’s landscapes are not just visually stunning; they also offer a challenge to photographers, pushing them to find new ways to capture the essence of the Highlands. The interplay of light and shadow, the vibrant colors of the heather and bracken, and the sheer scale of the mountains all present unique challenges and opportunities. It’s a place where every photographer, whether seasoned or new to the craft, can find something to inspire them. For those who have wandered with a camera in hand, the A87 is a road that promises images that will stay with you long after the journey is over.
The Isle of Skye: A Fitting Finale
As you near the end of your journey along the A87, the road takes you to the gateway of the Isle of Skye. Crossing the Skye Bridge, you leave the mainland behind and enter a world that feels both ancient and timeless. Skye is a place of legends, where the landscapes are as dramatic as the stories that have been told about them. The Cuillin mountains continue to dominate the skyline, their presence a reminder of the wild, untamed nature of this island.
The A87 leads you directly into the heart of Skye, where the landscapes become even more varied and the sense of adventure grows even stronger. From the Fairy Pools to the Quiraing, Skye offers countless opportunities to explore and discover. It’s a fitting end to the journey, a place where the road finally meets the sea, and where the wanderer can find peace in the embrace of nature. For those who have wandered the A87 in search of something greater than themselves, the Isle of Skye offers the perfect conclusion a place where the journey and the destination are one and the same.
A Journey Worth Taking
The A87 is more than just a road; it’s a journey that stays with you long after the drive is over. It’s a place where the landscapes of Scotland come alive, where history and nature converge to create something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re drawn to the serene beauty of Loch Cluanie, the rugged majesty of the Cuillin mountains, or the hidden gems that lie along the way, the A87 offers a journey that is as much about the soul as it is about the senses. For those who have wandered in search of beauty, adventure, and inspiration, the A87 is a road that will call you back time and time again.
This is a journey that speaks to the heart of what it means to travel not just to move from one place to another, but to connect with the world around you, to see it with new eyes, and to find joy in the simple act of wandering. The A87 is a road that offers all of this and more of a journey that is as much about self-discovery as it is about exploring the world. For those who are ready to embark on an adventure, the A87 is waiting, with its landscapes, its history, and its endless possibilities. It’s a journey worth taking, a road that will lead you not just to the Isle of Skye, but to a deeper understanding of the beauty that lies within us all.
