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Topic: best route to oban from the south

andycc

31/7/2017 at 3:37pm
Location: wales
Outfit: abbey and a Tipi

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Hi all looking to go to Oban in August was woundering what the route from Tarbet to Inveraray then the A819 was like for towing. We have been to arisaig before and went via Sterling to avoid the head of loch lomond.Not sure which route to takeeither sterling route of the new and untried A819.
Many thanks in advance.
Andy C

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Fiona W

31/7/2017 at 5:09pm
Location: Ayrshire
Outfit: Auto-Sleeper MHs

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I used to go to Oban for work & took the way a tourist coach driver recommended - from Tarbet over The Rest & Be Thankful to Inveraray then up the A819 to Dalmally. The A819 is a good smooth road.
The A82 north of Tarbet has been improved - the section with the one-way system has been widened out into Loch Lomond, and Crianlarich now has a high level bypass that misses out the two tight bends at the railway bridge in town. I don't think it would be a problem - it's used by big lorries.
It's M-way to Stirling which is easier, however the A84 west of Callendar is quite narrow, tight & bendy along the shore until Strathyre - I've never towed, so they'll be others who'll advise but it needs a bit of concentration to drive.
Hope you have a great trip to Oban, loads to do & do get over to Mull.

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2024 = 20 sites / 41 nights. 2023 = 9/23. 2022 = 13/35. 2021 = 11/29. 2020 = 4/20. 2019 = 13/35. 2018 = 20/33. 2017 = 10/22. 2016 = 19/33. 2015 = 15 sites / 27 nights. Didn't count 1976 to 2014.

ficklejade

31/7/2017 at 6:23pm
Location: Isle of Mull
Outfit: 2 x Outwells Kairos 400 Caranex

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I see quite a lot of vans on this route and friends who tow always use it. There are a lot of long straights on the A83 section and there's been a fair number of accidents. The road surface after Loch Fyne Oysters where you get into the wooded section is a bit rough so take it easy and the two right hand bends at the end of this section are stinkers. When you turn right onto the A819 in Inverary - it's the first arch, take your time and line up carefully - it's a tad narrow but vehicles coming off the A83 have right of way. Tour buses get through it, so don't worry too much! Leaving Inverary, there's about three-quarters of a mile of fairly narrow slightly twisty road but after that it's fine though the bends at the top of the glen don't flow. The Lochawe side has a fair number of bends but a good width. Beware pedestrians crossing at the Kilchurn viewpoint just before joining the A85 - some of them have no road sense!

Heed the 30 limit (though I'm sure you will) in Lochawe and Taynuilt - favourite speed camera locations. Having reached Taynuilt be prepared for potentially the longest 12 miles to Oban - took a friend 1.5 hours on Tuesday last week but that was exceptional. It can be grindingly slow and people do get frustrated, especially if they've a ferry to catch. The section between Connel and Oban is a known accident black spot

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" When I die I don`t want my life to flash before me in an instant, I want it to be a 3 hour epic !"

irvine45

31/7/2017 at 6:28pm
Location: Staffordshire
Outfit: Sterckeman Comfort with Tuscan

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In June I towed all the way on the A82 with no problems. The road isn't as tight as it use to be, but keep your speed to about 40mph and it's a breeze.
This way you can stop at the Green Welly as there is some caravan parking there.
Enjoy your holiday

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ficklejade

31/7/2017 at 11:18pm
Location: Isle of Mull
Outfit: 2 x Outwells Kairos 400 Caranex

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The Inverary route is marginally quicker than the A82 route. Traffic is pretty heavy on the A82 with the tourist season and there have been three accidents on the Tarbet - Inverarnan section in the last four days resulting in the road being closed for quite a long time.

Yes, you can run the risk of a landslide at the Rest and Be Thankful but even if that happens you use the improved old Military Road and huge wagons can do this. It's a one way system, with usually an hour's wait either end. Landslips only tend to happen after prolonged (i.e. days) of heavy rain.

I would echo Fiona's comments about the section west of Callendar and there's not many places to pull off for a break or if you have a long queue behind you.

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" When I die I don`t want my life to flash before me in an instant, I want it to be a 3 hour epic !"

andycc

01/8/2017 at 7:43am
Location: wales
Outfit: abbey and a Tipi

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Hi all and thanks for all the advice. Not shore which way to go now. Do i stick to the route i know or does my adventurous side take me to new pastures mmm??? keep them coming.
Many Many Thanks

ficklejade

01/8/2017 at 9:23am
Location: Isle of Mull
Outfit: 2 x Outwells Kairos 400 Caranex

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Go wild, Andy! There's nothing to fear about the Inverary route!

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" When I die I don`t want my life to flash before me in an instant, I want it to be a 3 hour epic !"

Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!

Fiona W

01/8/2017 at 5:20pm
Location: Ayrshire
Outfit: Auto-Sleeper MHs

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You could even live dangerously & stop at Inveraray for a break. It's a "planned village" deliberately laid out to get the town out of the view from the castle to the loch. The castle is well worth a visit, was used in Downton Abbey. The jetty has some interesting old boats tied up at it. The main street (which you would miss when you head north at the first arch) has some quirky shops. Nice pub at the Black Bull. Interesting church at the top of town.

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2024 = 20 sites / 41 nights. 2023 = 9/23. 2022 = 13/35. 2021 = 11/29. 2020 = 4/20. 2019 = 13/35. 2018 = 20/33. 2017 = 10/22. 2016 = 19/33. 2015 = 15 sites / 27 nights. Didn't count 1976 to 2014.

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