October · Good
Autumn colour in the glens, cheap accommodation and quiet roads. Weather is unpredictable, so build slack into the plan.
Verdict
Good
Where to base
Inverness, Fort William or Ullapool
Roads in the Atlas
12
Checked by the Drivers Atlas desk
Scored and written by the Drivers Atlas editorial desk, drawing on driven routes across the UK and Europe, mapping data and member road reports. Seasonal notes are reviewed against published closure dates and reopened each spring. How we score roads.
Last reviewed 20 May 2026
Context
Single track roads, sea lochs and mountain passes, with weather that decides how good your day is going to be far more than the calendar does.
Roads
Applecross, Scottish Highlands
Britain's highest road climbs via hairpins to a wild moonscape pass above Applecross.
11.5 mi · Rating 9.9 / 10
Frequently closed by snow and ice from November to March
Wester Ross, Scotland
A lochside single track with views straight across to Skye and the Cuillins.
15.5 mi · Rating 9.4 / 10
Occasional storm closures but lower and gentler than Bealach na Ba
Glen Coe, Scottish Highlands
A sweeping run through Rannoch Moor beneath the brooding Buachaille Etive Mor.
18.6 mi · Rating 9.4 / 10
Snow and wind can close Rannoch Moor sections in winter
Sutherland, Scotland
A remote NC500 highlight of sea lochs, switchbacks and empty moorland roads.
28 mi · Rating 9.3 / 10
Exposed to high winds and occasional snow
Isle of Skye, Scotland
A high single track skirting the surreal landslipped pinnacles of the Trotternish ridge.
8.1 mi · Rating 9.3 / 10
High winds and fog frequently affect the summit
Kintail, Scottish Highlands
A fast sweeping glen road beneath the jagged Five Sisters of Kintail ridge.
23.6 mi · Rating 9.2 / 10
Snow and wind common in the glen during winter
Argyll, Scotland
A dramatic zigzag climb through Glen Croe famous for its recurring landslides.
8.1 mi · Rating 8.9 / 10
Landslip prone, frequently closed after heavy rain
Wester Ross, Scotland
A narrow, twisting sea loch road with constant views over to the Applecross hills.
15.5 mi · Rating 8.9 / 10
Can be affected by winter storms
Cairngorms, Scotland
Britain's highest classified road climbs a bleak ski pass above Glenshee.
9.9 mi · Rating 8.8 / 10
The highest main road in the UK, regularly closed by snow
Wester Ross, Scotland
A flowing highland road that skirts a spectacular hidden gorge and waterfall.
11.8 mi · Rating 8.7 / 10
Can be affected by winter snow showers
Caithness, Scotland
Two tight hairpin descents drop the A9 into a dramatic cliffside river gorge.
3.7 mi · Rating 8.5 / 10
Steep hairpins can ice in winter
Ayrshire, Scotland
A coastal optical illusion road where cars appear to roll uphill on their own.
5 mi · Rating 8.2 / 10