Fastest route from M74 to Oban?

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ColinJ

Puzzle game procrastinator!
A friend is driving me up to Scotland and I said I'd work out the route so ... could you suggest the fastest route from the M74 to Oban?

We'd be getting towards Glasgow at about 16:30 on a Saturday, and setting off back from Oban at about 09:30 on a Friday.

The most straightforward way looks to be to head through Glasgow, over the Erskine Bridge and up the side of Loch Lomond to Crianlarich but I've a vague memory of my dad driving us via Callander instead because of possible traffic congestion in Glasgow.

Thanks for any help! :thumbsup:
 

Tim Bennet.

Entirely Average Member
Location
S of Kendal
I do this route very regularly. The route via the Erskine Bridge is slightly shorter, but if you get held up at all by traffic on the road beside Loch Lomond, then this advantage evaporates in no time. The general rule is in daytime and especially in summer (and more so at a weekend), then go via Callander.

However, there's been loads of roadworks south of Stirling which have made the alternative slower than normal. Last time I came through it looked nearly finished, but it's been looking like that for ages. Best check.

PS Watch the speed limits on the M8 through Glasgow.
 
I'd agree with Tim, Callander is definetly better, that's the way I always went except in Winter when traffic is much lighter on the A82. Haven't been for a while though, so I don't know how the roads and roadworks are at the moment.
 
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ColinJ

ColinJ

Puzzle game procrastinator!
Thanks.

I was leaning towards Callander anyway so that has helped me make my mind up. We'll check the traffic news on the way up and always have the option of going the other way if we need to.

The RAC and AA sites both suggest the two routes should take within a few minutes of each other, but the AA suggests that the journey will take 25 minutes longer than the RAC's time.
 

soulful dog

Veteran
Location
Glasgow
The only problem with the route via Callander is the roadworks for the A80 upgrade (from the M73 to the start of the M80), which is roughly 8 miles of driving at 40 miles an hour under the average speed cameras. The busy bit alongside Loch Lomond on what can be a narrow, twisty road at times, is generally a bit of a chore in the summer.

In terms of time, they will probably be fairly similar, the Callander route is probably easier driving though.
 
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ColinJ

ColinJ

Puzzle game procrastinator!
The only problem with the route via Callander is the roadworks for the A80 upgrade (from the M73 to the start of the M80), which is roughly 8 miles of driving at 40 miles an hour under the average speed cameras. The busy bit alongside Loch Lomond on what can be a narrow, twisty road at times, is generally a bit of a chore in the summer.
8 miles at 40 miles an hour would only take 12 minutes - that doesn't exactly sound like a huge problem! ;)

I got stuck on the M25 with my brother-in-law after going to Brighton to watch the Tour de France stage finish in 1994. We did a couple of miles at less than 1 mph - now that was really tedious! :wacko:
 

Mr Celine

Discordian
Also depends on the date you are travelling. The M74 extension is officially opening on 28th June which would make the Erskine Bridge and A82 route quicker. You could have cycled along the new motorway last week (£5 for charity IIRC).
 
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ColinJ

ColinJ

Puzzle game procrastinator!
I have asked two people and they both suggested that we go via Callander. It worked out well last time so we will probably go that way again.
 

Sassy14

Active Member
Location
Lanarkshire
Went up to Oban on Tuesday and we went via Loch Lomond. 10 mins through some road works but other than that no probs. Remember the Scottish schools went back mid August so roads are a little quieter now.
 

Bobby Mhor

Legendary Member
Location
Behind You
For scenery..
Take Erskine Bridge, join A82, drive alongside Loch Lomond until you reach Tarbet then take the A83 (DO NOT speed through Tarbet, radar trap there almost every day), down through Arrochar then head up over the 'Rest and be Thankful' carry on until Inverary where you head right onto the A819 to Loch Awe, then turn left A85 where you head through the Pass of Brander and it is a straightforward run to Oban along the A85..
Longer but amazing scenery.
 
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ColinJ

ColinJ

Puzzle game procrastinator!
My designated driver has decided that it is going to be the Callander route, but thanks anyway.

I had spotted 'Rest and be Thankful' on my OS map and liked the sound of it. maybe I will go that way one day and check it out for myself!
 
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ColinJ

ColinJ

Puzzle game procrastinator!
You very nearly go right past my house on the A82.

I'd invite you all in for tea and cake, but I guess you need to be places!! :giggle:
We have to try and get to a campsite in daylight or a tent will have to be erected in the dark, and we are setting off a bit late!

I'm hoping that we don't get midged while the tent is going up. (I am not actually using the tent - I have cadged a room in my sister's accommodation, but it would be mean of me to abandon my driver to her fate as soon as we get there!)
 
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