B869-Drumbeg Road is a truly fantastic drive in Scotland

Drumbeg Road (B869 Road) is a very scenic drive located in the Assynt district of Sutherland in Scotland. It’s said to be one of the finest scenic roads in the country.

B869-Drumbeg Road

Where is Drumbeg Road?

The road is located in the Highland council area in the northern part of the country.

How long is the B869 road?

Part of the scenic North Coast 500 (NC500), the road is 35.4km (22 miles) long, running from Lochinver (at the head of the sea loch Loch Inver) to Unapool.

How long does it take to drive the B869 road?

To drive the road without stopping will take most people between 1 and 1.5 hours.

Is the B869 road worth it?

This picturesque route has stunning views of lochs, mountains, and sea. Make sure you stop at Achmelvich and Clachtoll beaches - both spectacular beaches with turquoise waters and white sand.

Is the B869 road challenging?

The road is totally paved, but it’s not an easy drive. It’s a truly fantastic drive along a single-track road, with steep hills and unexpected switchbacks. It is not recommended for novice or nervous drivers because of these tight, and sometimes blind, bends. There are plenty of straight drops to the sea that make you feel like you will end up going for a swim. The road has steep sections, hitting a 25% maximum gradient through some of the ramps and tops out at 132m (436ft) above sea level. The road is not wide enough in most places to allow vehicles to pass one another. Due to its narrowness, it is not suitable for coaches and caravans.

When is the best time to drive the B869 road?

This stunning asphalted coastal road is empty in the winter but is nightmarish in the summer when tourists head for its beaches. It is surely one of the most scenic drives in Scotland, with plenty of passing places so you can stop frequently to take in the magnificent views of loch, mountain, and sea.