Scotland is a very beautiful country, known for its historic castles and the beautiful lakes. But certainly also from the of the Highlands. You can actually divide the country into two areas: the Highlands and the Lowlands. The Highlands cover the western and northern part of the country, they are often hilly or mountainous, contain many so-called 'lochs' (lakes and coves) and are sparsely populated. In terms of nature, this is by far the most beautiful region in the country. The Lowlands cover the part of the country that has hardly any serious hills or mountains. It is the most densely populated area and is concentrated in the south and east of the country. On this route, through both the Highlands and Lowlands, there is much to see and experience. I will explain a number of highlights below so that you can ultimately make the choice yourself.

The route starts with a wonderful drive on the A93, The Old Military Road, heading south through the beautiful Cairngorms National Park. Stop along the way for a photo or just to enjoy the views. After an hour's drive you will arrive in the village of Pitlochry.

Pitlochry:
Pitlochry is a small village, built in traditional Victorian style and located on the Tummel River. The first settlement in the area where the current Pitlochry was founded, dates from 1180. General George Wade wanted to open up the Scottish hinterland and built a road through the village between 1725 and 1737. In 1863 a train came through the village for the first time. The village has a railway station on the Highland Main Line railway, on the line between Inverness and Perth. If you drive through the main street you can still see some parts of the cast iron roofs from the Victorian era on the facades of the buildings. Nowadays, Pitlochry is a real tourist attraction. In the village there are two Whiskey distilleries (Edradour & Blair Atholl Distillery), both distilleries can be visited. Also worth mentioning is the Pitlochry hydroelectric power station in the Tummel, mainly known for its 310-meter salmon ladder.

The route continues and after 50 km you arrive in Killin where you can visit the Dochart waterfalls.

Killin's most beautiful tourist attraction are the waterfalls. These are located on the River Dochart, at the western end of Loch Tay. The Dochart River brings the water from the mountains to the village. Here the river narrows and the water drops in a narrowing around rocky protrusions and a series of small river islands. After a period of heavy rain, this is such a beautiful spectacle that many people from the village center come to see for themselves. A beautiful old bridge crosses the river and offers a fabulous view of the falls and the island of Inchbuie, the traditional burial place of the MacNab clan. This burial island can be reached through a gate from the middle arch of the old bridge. The waterfall is best viewed from the bridge, but that is self-evident. There are also enough restaurants for a short visit.

Immediately after the Dochart waterfalls you arrive in Loch Lomond & Trossachs; National Park. The park was established as the first ever national park in Scotland in 2002, is 1865 square kilometers in size and falls under IUCN (international union for international nature conservation). It includes Loch Lomond and the Trossachs with hills, forests and lakes. This route passes many of these lakes. At RP 9 you have a wonderful view over Loch Lubnaig, very worthwhile to make a short stop. The route continues on the A84 and then turns right onto the A821 The Duke`s Pass.

The Duke`s Pass:
A winding road through beautiful Trossach's landscape. Considered one of Britain's most beautiful driving roads, this popular public road leads you through some of the most picturesque parts of the Trossachs landscape. The road was originally built by the Duke of Montrose in the 19th century to improve access to his estate, and was later upgraded to accommodate the Victorian tourists who were drawn to the area after the publication of Sir Walter Scott's epic poem 'The Lady of the Lake' which takes place in this area.

On this route there is also the possibility to drive the 11 km long Forest Drive at RP 13. After paying a few pounds, this one-way road takes you along three picturesque Lochs: Lochan Reòidhte, Loch Drunkie and Loch Achray through the breathtaking Trossachs landscape.

The route continues via the A81 and you soon notice that you are in a more hilly area, so we leave the Highlands. A stop to eat can be made at Broadwood Farm which also has a gas station. After this it is an hour's drive to the end point of this route Hotel Tontine in Peebles.

In this route through both the Cairngorms National Park and the Loch Lomond & Trossachs; National Park is the enjoyment of pristine natural beauty from start to finish, so you will stop several times to enjoy it. The route starts in the Highlands with mountains of 1,000 m high, during the route you head south and you are surrounded by hills no longer 500 m high.

I rate this route with 5 stars, I have experienced for myself how beautiful the Highlands are and in particular the 2 national parks that visit this route.

Special locations:
RP 2 Pitlochry
RP 7 Falls of Dochart