
Travelling the General Wade’s Military Road from Inverness to Fort Augustus
Scotland, europe
51 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the southern edge of the legendary Loch Ness, camera in hand, ready to capture some serious Scottish magic. That's General Wade's Military Road for you!
This road has some history, dating back to the 1720s when General George Wade decided to build a route across Ashie Moor. Turns out the first attempt was a bit of a fail in winter, so they rebuilt it in 1732. Keep an eye out for deer, they love hanging around here.
The B862 and B852 combine to make this twisty treat, but don't underestimate it! This road is narrow, like seriously narrow, so be prepared to use those passing places. And with all those blind bends, you'll want to keep your eyes peeled and your wits about you.
Snuggled in the Highlands, this 51km (32 mile) stretch between Inverness and Fort Augustus is pure scenic gold. It will take around an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes to drive without stopping, but you will want to stop! Breathtaking views are practically guaranteed around every corner, and the traffic is usually pretty light. Just watch where you park and soak it all in. Trust me, you will need to bring your camera!
Where is it?
Travelling the General Wade’s Military Road from Inverness to Fort Augustus is located in Scotland (europe). Coordinates: 54.5621, -2.1939
Road Details
- Country
- Scotland
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 51 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 54.5621, -2.1939
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere are the Gorges du Tarn located?
🇫🇷 France
Cruising through the Gorges du Tarn in France is an absolute must-do! This epic canyon, carved out by the Tarn River, straddles the Lozère and Aveyron departments. Think towering cliffs and that gorgeous blue-green water – seriously stunning. The D907bis, or ‘Route des Gorges du Tarn, is your ticket to ride. It's about 26.5 km (16.46 miles) of paved road winding from La Malène to Rivière-sur-Tarn. Budget around 40 minutes if you're driving straight through, but trust me, you'll want to stop! Speaking of which, this road has views for days inside the canyon. The road is narrow, so larger vehicles might struggle a bit. Keep your eyes peeled for rockfalls, and watch out for those tunnels and rocky overhangs. Summer gets crazy busy (mid-July to mid-August especially), so try visiting between March and November to beat the crowds. This drive has been wowing travelers since the first road was built back in 1905, and it’s easy to see why!
moderateWhere is Clue de Gréolières?
🇫🇷 France
Escape the French Riviera glitz with a drive through the spectacular Clue de Gréolières, a canyon hidden in the Alpes-Maritimes department. This gem, one of France's famous "balcony roads," offers an unforgettable experience. You'll find this canyon nestled in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. The D2 road (also known as Route Greolieres, Route de Thorenc, or Route de Gentelly), is a fully paved route carved by the Peyron river. Trust me, it lives up to the hype as one of the most stunning roads on the planet. The road is only 10.7 km (6.64 miles) long, winding its way from Gréolières (a charming Medieval village perched high) to Route du Castellaras (D5). Tucked away in the Parc naturel régional des Préalpes d'Azur, this road climbs to the Pas de Tous Vents, a mountain pass sitting at 1,052m (3,451ft). Expect a dramatic drive, full of narrow, dark tunnels carved right into the rock face, plus some seriously cool natural rock arches. Set aside about 13 minutes for the drive, not counting stops. Keep an eye out for potential rockslides – seriously, don't stop in the middle of the road. But, despite the caution required, the scenery is worth every bit of it. This short drive is truly exceptional and something you shouldn't miss if you're in the French Riviera. This gorge is also famous for its network of underground caves (some open to explore!). It's so extraordinary that it even starred in the James Bond film Goldeneye for that thrilling car chase scene!
extremeHow to get by car to Pre de Madame Carle?
🇫🇷 France
# Pré de Madame Carle: Alpine Adventure Awaits Tucked away in the Hautes-Alpes department of southeastern France sits Pré de Madame Carle, a stunning alpine meadow perched at 1,879m (6,164ft) above sea level. This is where the Pays des Écrins meets serious mountain country—think dramatic peaks, pristine glaciers, and some seriously rewarding views. The real star here is the road itself. Built back in 1934, the D204T is a fully paved 21.4 km (13.29 miles) drive from L'Argentière-la-Bessée that'll test your driving skills. We're talking genuinely narrow sections, tight hairpin turns, and steep climbs that max out at a lung-busting 13.4% gradient. It's intense, but totally doable if you respect the road. You'll find a cozy mountain refuge—Chalet Le Pré de Madame Carle—waiting at the top, plus a spacious car park where you can finally catch your breath. From here, adventurers can tackle the walking trail to Glacier Blanc or explore countless mountaineering routes through the Southern Alps. It's basically mountaineer central. Fair warning though: winter closes the road somewhere around the Claux tunnel (between Pelvoux village and the hamlet of Ailefroide), and avalanche danger is real. Summer? That's peak season, and I mean *peak*—nearly 150,000 visitors annually make this the most visited spot in Écrins National Park. Come prepared, check conditions before you go, and get ready for one heck of an alpine experience.
moderateDriving the Algarve: Road Logistics and Routes Around Albufeira
🇵🇹 Portugal
Okay, so you're thinking of driving around Albufeira, Portugal? Awesome choice! This place is the gateway to the Algarve's stunning coastline, and having a car is the best way to explore. Just a heads-up, driving here isn't *always* a breeze. First off, you've got two main options for cruising east to west. There's the A22, a super-modern motorway that'll get you where you're going fast. BUT, it's got electronic tolls – no cash accepted! Make sure your rental car has a transponder, or you'll have to track down a post office later to pay. Then there's the N125, the old coastal road. It's free, which is great, but it can be a bit of a zoo with tons of traffic and roundabouts. It's slower, for sure, but you'll wind through cute coastal towns and get amazing views of beaches like Praia da Falésia. Heads up about the Old Town in Albufeira. It's a total maze of tiny, steep streets. Seriously, some of those roads were NOT made for modern cars! And some are residents-only. If you're brave enough to venture in, prepare for some tight squeezes and limited visibility. Honestly, your best bet is to park outside the historic center and explore on foot. Trust me, you'll save yourself a headache! Good news: most of the year, the weather's on your side. Sunny days mean dry roads. Just remember that intense summer heat can bake the asphalt, which can wear down your tires. And in the winter, those older roads like the N125 can get slippery after a rain due to built up oil. So, check your tire pressure and cooling system before you hit the road, especially if you're headed to remote beaches. Renting a car is definitely the way to go here—it gives you total freedom. When you pick up your ride, double-check that it's set up for the A22 tolls to avoid any surprise fines. Toss some water in the car, too, because things can heat up fast. Gas stations are easy to find on the main roads, but they can be scarce if you venture inland towards the hills. All in all, driving around Albufeira and the Algarve is an amazing experience! Choose your road wisely (A22 or N125!), be extra careful in those historic town centers, and get ready to enjoy the ride. Plan your parking, watch for those toll signs, and soak up the freedom of the open road along the Atlantic coast. A little prep goes a long way!