A few months ago I wrote about the Putty Road, which I think is one of the best driving roads especially in Australia. There is another road that I was lucky to drive recently which I think is better in so many ways. The road in question is the A83 which runs from Arrochar to Campbeltown on the west coast of Scotland. I usually drive up the Loch Lomond side to get to onto the A83 but this time I went on the other side along the banks of Loch Long which is a better drive these days, so much quieter. There are sections of the road near Arrochar that would have never been touched in decades, whereas the Loch Lomond side has been developed and ruined because it’s been straightened but then again it is the main thoroughfare north.

It’s not the best car however it was a manual which made it better. I had a Vauxhall Corsa, it did manage to get us from A to B safely enough. It revved well and if you rung its neck you could maintain speed through the bends with swift gear changes and minimal use of the brakes. There are only a couple of bends on this road that have the potential to catch you out and so for the most part you can sit on 60 mph quite comfortably without making the passengers anxious or sick and no chance of kangaroos jumping out in front of you.

The scenery is stunning, from the Rest and be Thankful to the loch sides and down the coast the A83 just keeps on surprising you till you finally arrive into Campbeltown. I’ve driven this road many times and this time being autumn gave it a whole new look. We were treated to the autumnal essence everywhere on a cold crisp day and there were even glimmers of a blue sky breaking through fluffy clouds.

Scotland is very pretty and the west coast in my opinion is by far the jewel in the crown and to be treated to fine weather along the way is a bonus. The changing light on the trees is a joy to watch as is the wild life that will appear when you still yourself.

My next trip was going to be off to somewhere exotic but I think I am going to make every effort to return to Scotland in late summer and explore once and for all the many places that I have only seen on TV. Once you get out of the city and onto one of the many B roads you are treated to a driver’s paradise.