Drumbeg Loop
Drumbeg Loop
4.5
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
1 within 3 miles
Attractions
2 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Mark SKirkwall, United Kingdom1 contributionDrive it. Worth the Experience.We stayed at the B&B Tor Druim in Drumbeg. Highly recommend. Only stayed one night on the way from the Orkneys to Skye. Could have much longer. The loop road out from Unapool/Kylesku Bridge for we uninitiated Americans was exhilarating and harrowing with blind hairpin turns and amazing views. It was a good primer for our next day's traverse on the Applecross Road though! Recommend to take the plunge!Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten January 13, 2024
- Sara HMelbourne, Australia118 contributionsBrilliant but not for the inexperienced driverBrillliant. BUT don't even consider if if you're not a confident and experienced driver. Lots of blind corners on cliff edges with no barriers. Or hairpin bends, ditto. Single lane with passing places, and you need to be able to reverse. 25% inclines that go over the summit and then direclty down the other side with an immediate 90degree turn above a steep, steep hill down to a stream.. and no barriers. We loved it. Dramatic, romantic and incredible scenery. Everyone says Applecross is the drive to do, but compared with the Drumbeg Loop it's a picnic in the park. Do not drive it in a camper.Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 29, 2024
- Paul BChirnside Park, Australia1,123 contributionsIf you have the time and patience, this is a spectacular drive.Headed to Lochnivor from the direction of Ullapool and decided to give this ring road a crack. All single line with passing bays (some quite tight) and a number of camper vans so you will need a lot of time and patience. Your average speed will be around 30 mph and at times it is difficult to stop and take photos of the scenery. We are going to remember thisbpart of our trip for a long time as it was spectacular. About 2 hours from the A894/A837 Junction south, to Lochniver and then rotating up north and then east (clockwise) before getting to Unapool/Kylesku.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 13, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
201 reviews
Excellent
157
Very good
37
Average
5
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Sofia S
Solihull, UK20 contributions
May 2021 • Solo
This road is one of the most terrifying I have ever driven in my life. The North part was actually closed for repairs a few days after I drove it and I can see why. I don’t think I’ll ever do that again, that’s for sure, but if you have time and stop often, the views are incredible.
There are plenty of sharp turns and straight drops to the sea that make you feel like you will end up going for a swim. Barriers seem to be optional around these parts
It’s far tougher to drive than the Bealach Na Ba in Applecross, and that’s hard enough as it is
Still, you need to do it at least once in your life
There are plenty of sharp turns and straight drops to the sea that make you feel like you will end up going for a swim. Barriers seem to be optional around these parts
It’s far tougher to drive than the Bealach Na Ba in Applecross, and that’s hard enough as it is
Still, you need to do it at least once in your life
Written June 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roundy
Horsham, UK3,140 contributions
Jun 2021
We loved this Mad Wee Road as they call it, driving it in our convertible. My husband loves a driving challenge!
We started at the top end of the loop, going anti clockwise, and we actually went for the first half an hour only passing 1 car, 2 cyclists and 1 motorhome, between about 10 and 10.30am so no issues with passing on the single track, and there were passing places.
We were awestruck by the view above Drumbeg which was stunning, but even before that we enjoyed all the other views plus the deer ambling over the road the other side of the village! So much to see. Then down the other side was the beautiful Clashnessie beach and we stopped at the car park by the beach and took a walk to the Clashnessie Falls, about 20mins walk up a path - not much water going over them in June, but an impressive scale for a small river nonetheless.
After that we headed onwards to the stunning Clachtoll and Achmelvich beaches which look like something out the Caribbean under a blue sky if you are lucky like us - except for the water temp (hubby had a paddle).
When we got to the end of that road we continued into Lochinver and sampled a pie from the renowned Lochinver Larder which was great, eating it in the neighbouring park with views over a loch. Loved this day exploring.
We started at the top end of the loop, going anti clockwise, and we actually went for the first half an hour only passing 1 car, 2 cyclists and 1 motorhome, between about 10 and 10.30am so no issues with passing on the single track, and there were passing places.
We were awestruck by the view above Drumbeg which was stunning, but even before that we enjoyed all the other views plus the deer ambling over the road the other side of the village! So much to see. Then down the other side was the beautiful Clashnessie beach and we stopped at the car park by the beach and took a walk to the Clashnessie Falls, about 20mins walk up a path - not much water going over them in June, but an impressive scale for a small river nonetheless.
After that we headed onwards to the stunning Clachtoll and Achmelvich beaches which look like something out the Caribbean under a blue sky if you are lucky like us - except for the water temp (hubby had a paddle).
When we got to the end of that road we continued into Lochinver and sampled a pie from the renowned Lochinver Larder which was great, eating it in the neighbouring park with views over a loch. Loved this day exploring.
Written June 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
janerT5076SN
Shrewsbury, UK60 contributions
Jun 2022
Beautiful scenery. Fantastic, largely deserted beaches. The road is not for a novice or a nervous driver. My husband loves that time of road and has plenty of experience in driving them. There are plenty of passing places, if you know how to use them.
There are any number of places to stop for a snack.
There are any number of places to stop for a snack.
Written July 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sara H
Melbourne, Australia118 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Brillliant. BUT don't even consider if if you're not a confident and experienced driver. Lots of blind corners on cliff edges with no barriers. Or hairpin bends, ditto. Single lane with passing places, and you need to be able to reverse. 25% inclines that go over the summit and then direclty down the other side with an immediate 90degree turn above a steep, steep hill down to a stream.. and no barriers. We loved it. Dramatic, romantic and incredible scenery. Everyone says Applecross is the drive to do, but compared with the Drumbeg Loop it's a picnic in the park. Do not drive it in a camper.
Written May 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fergie17
Edinburgh, UK625 contributions
Sep 2020
This is the most scenic and in my opinion the best part of the North Coast 500.
It is a single track road with plenty of passing places and is suitable for Camper Vans.
There is loads of scenic places to stop, including waterfalls, beaches, a light house and numerous walks to suit all abilities.
We spent 7 hours doing this part of the route and could have spent longer.
If in the area do not miss this route.
It is a single track road with plenty of passing places and is suitable for Camper Vans.
There is loads of scenic places to stop, including waterfalls, beaches, a light house and numerous walks to suit all abilities.
We spent 7 hours doing this part of the route and could have spent longer.
If in the area do not miss this route.
Written September 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Misti66
Isle of Man, UK303 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
This has to be the most terrifying journey I have ever taken. Very narrow single track road with passing places ( some not very large!) but with huge dips, hare-pin bends, blind summits, 25% downhill gradients and sheer drops. Thankfully quite quiet when we drove it, apart from the odd camper van. The road has been resurfaced in parts, with tarmac but the edges aren’t finished off and are very very rough. My advice is to not come off the road for everything, as seemingly punctures are very very common as the rough tarmac shreds the tyres easily. The scenery is absolutely gorgeous, if you can look, we were too busy trying to stay alive! I have rated the road as 5 because it’s gobsmackingly amazing but the experience was probably a 1! So pleased we did it, but never again!!
Written April 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark S
Kirkwall, UK1 contribution
May 2023 • Couples
We stayed at the B&B Tor Druim in Drumbeg. Highly recommend. Only stayed one night on the way from the Orkneys to Skye. Could have much longer. The loop road out from Unapool/Kylesku Bridge for we uninitiated Americans was exhilarating and harrowing with blind hairpin turns and amazing views. It was a good primer for our next day's traverse on the Applecross Road though! Recommend to take the plunge!
Written January 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Netti C
4 contributions
Sep 2015 • Couples
We visit this area twice every year. It is a beautiful part of the world to visit for which I have given lots of detail about below, but firstly remember to be courteous to others when driving on these roads by taking into account the following:
1. Please keep an eye in the distance for oncoming traffic so you can stop in a passing place or slow down in time to go past other vehicles.
2. The passing places are signposted so that it is quite clear that is its function, it is not for parking whilst you take photos or even to go walking! There are some spots on the road where you can do this so please use them.
3. Please be considerate and give way to traffic coming uphill, some of the hills are rather steep gradients and it is much easier to start again from a passing place when you are going downhill.
4. Use your mirrors and allow overtaking at suitable passing places by locals and those working in the highlands, not everyone wants to drive at sight seeing speed.
Now for the sightseeing side side of things:
First to be mentioned is a large lay-by situated where and old part of the single track road used to be between Lochinver and the turn off for Achmelvic. Nearly at the top of the hill, the view of the 5 surrounding mountain ranges including Suilven, which is similar to the shape of sugar loaf mountain, can all be seen all in a row with a magnificent view of the rugged and wooded land in-between. If you are lucky you will see this on a clear day however it is equally dramatic if there are clouds around the tops of the peaks. This view must be one of the very best in the highlands.
Whilst passing take time to enjoy the beach at Achmelvic, although they do not allow dogs on this beach. There is a large car park near the beach where you can walk from the beach and take a further walk along the coastline to see the ruins of an old mill which straddles a stream for its power which drove the mill stones. There are also guided walks for this so see the tourist info for the area regarding this. (There is a shorter walk to this from a small gravel car parking space just before you get to Clachtoll).
Just before you get to Clachtoll from Lochinver, as you pass a small loch notice the piles of stones on the rocks by the road - they look a little like Gnomes sat up there.
Other good beaches are at Clachtoll and Stoer there is parking at Clachtoll beach.
On the other side or Stoer take the road out to the lighthouse where you may possibly will see some whales or dolphins and even sharks from the view points there. There is also a walk from the lighthouse to see the sea stack "The Old Man of Stoer, its a long way and a rough walk in places but it is a very beautiful coastline with the chance of seeing whales and dolphins so take some lunch and be prepared for a change in the weather. On your return there is a small snack caravan but disappointingly every time we have been the lady who runs it hasn't stocked a fair bit of the menu on show and so we have had to go elsewhere to eat. A word of caution though the car parking there is very busy and in places it can be very muddy and some vehicles have gotten stuck so be careful parking.
At Clashnessie you can park next to a beautiful beach and can take some lovely walks there. The decent to the beach from the roadside parking is down a very steep bank but it is a lovely beach particularly at low tide where you can get past the rocks and around to a small beach which is cut off when the tide in in. You can also go on a walk to Clashnessie falls from the car park but be careful to stick to the path. The bottom of the falls are very impressive and with waterproofs on we stood under the falls. They are quite high and the water comes down with a lot of force even when there isn't much coming down. If you back-track a little and walk around the side of the falls (on the left of them) and then upwards you will see some smaller falls that come from the loch that supplies them. It is very tranquil up there and rather warm in the sun, but be careful not to go too close to the top of the falls.
Further along the road towards Visit Crafts on the Croft at Culkien Drumbeg, it may be very compact but there is a lot fitted into the little shop there including a wide range of both local and Scottish made crafts and lovely Arran jumpers knitted by a local lady. In Drumbeg stop for tea at the teashop in and/or visit the little village shop there which sells all sorts including many deli items and ice cream.
At the end of this road go to the Kylesku hotel for a lovely meal, we have been a few times now and have always been impressed with the surroundings, food and service. There are also usually boat trips from the pier next to the hotel and one year we took one of these to see the seals on the islands (as it is a sea loch). We were also shown the magnificent geology surrounding the loch and could see what is the highest waterfall in the UK however it was a mere trickle when we went. Also in Kylesku is a geology visitor centre which is worth a visit and also make sure you drive over Kylesku Bridge which has been on TV adverts for cars and Ikea. There is parking and a viewpoint with a history of the loch displayed just after the bridge which looks back towards Kylesku.
Keep safe and I hope you enjoy driving in this area as much as we do and do stop and sample what the locality has to offer as it is a lovely part of the world.
1. Please keep an eye in the distance for oncoming traffic so you can stop in a passing place or slow down in time to go past other vehicles.
2. The passing places are signposted so that it is quite clear that is its function, it is not for parking whilst you take photos or even to go walking! There are some spots on the road where you can do this so please use them.
3. Please be considerate and give way to traffic coming uphill, some of the hills are rather steep gradients and it is much easier to start again from a passing place when you are going downhill.
4. Use your mirrors and allow overtaking at suitable passing places by locals and those working in the highlands, not everyone wants to drive at sight seeing speed.
Now for the sightseeing side side of things:
First to be mentioned is a large lay-by situated where and old part of the single track road used to be between Lochinver and the turn off for Achmelvic. Nearly at the top of the hill, the view of the 5 surrounding mountain ranges including Suilven, which is similar to the shape of sugar loaf mountain, can all be seen all in a row with a magnificent view of the rugged and wooded land in-between. If you are lucky you will see this on a clear day however it is equally dramatic if there are clouds around the tops of the peaks. This view must be one of the very best in the highlands.
Whilst passing take time to enjoy the beach at Achmelvic, although they do not allow dogs on this beach. There is a large car park near the beach where you can walk from the beach and take a further walk along the coastline to see the ruins of an old mill which straddles a stream for its power which drove the mill stones. There are also guided walks for this so see the tourist info for the area regarding this. (There is a shorter walk to this from a small gravel car parking space just before you get to Clachtoll).
Just before you get to Clachtoll from Lochinver, as you pass a small loch notice the piles of stones on the rocks by the road - they look a little like Gnomes sat up there.
Other good beaches are at Clachtoll and Stoer there is parking at Clachtoll beach.
On the other side or Stoer take the road out to the lighthouse where you may possibly will see some whales or dolphins and even sharks from the view points there. There is also a walk from the lighthouse to see the sea stack "The Old Man of Stoer, its a long way and a rough walk in places but it is a very beautiful coastline with the chance of seeing whales and dolphins so take some lunch and be prepared for a change in the weather. On your return there is a small snack caravan but disappointingly every time we have been the lady who runs it hasn't stocked a fair bit of the menu on show and so we have had to go elsewhere to eat. A word of caution though the car parking there is very busy and in places it can be very muddy and some vehicles have gotten stuck so be careful parking.
At Clashnessie you can park next to a beautiful beach and can take some lovely walks there. The decent to the beach from the roadside parking is down a very steep bank but it is a lovely beach particularly at low tide where you can get past the rocks and around to a small beach which is cut off when the tide in in. You can also go on a walk to Clashnessie falls from the car park but be careful to stick to the path. The bottom of the falls are very impressive and with waterproofs on we stood under the falls. They are quite high and the water comes down with a lot of force even when there isn't much coming down. If you back-track a little and walk around the side of the falls (on the left of them) and then upwards you will see some smaller falls that come from the loch that supplies them. It is very tranquil up there and rather warm in the sun, but be careful not to go too close to the top of the falls.
Further along the road towards Visit Crafts on the Croft at Culkien Drumbeg, it may be very compact but there is a lot fitted into the little shop there including a wide range of both local and Scottish made crafts and lovely Arran jumpers knitted by a local lady. In Drumbeg stop for tea at the teashop in and/or visit the little village shop there which sells all sorts including many deli items and ice cream.
At the end of this road go to the Kylesku hotel for a lovely meal, we have been a few times now and have always been impressed with the surroundings, food and service. There are also usually boat trips from the pier next to the hotel and one year we took one of these to see the seals on the islands (as it is a sea loch). We were also shown the magnificent geology surrounding the loch and could see what is the highest waterfall in the UK however it was a mere trickle when we went. Also in Kylesku is a geology visitor centre which is worth a visit and also make sure you drive over Kylesku Bridge which has been on TV adverts for cars and Ikea. There is parking and a viewpoint with a history of the loch displayed just after the bridge which looks back towards Kylesku.
Keep safe and I hope you enjoy driving in this area as much as we do and do stop and sample what the locality has to offer as it is a lovely part of the world.
Written April 23, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
soulsister331
Drumbeg, UK68 contributions
Jun 2016
As someone who lives and works on this stretch of road in a fragile economy, it does not help when people from outwith the area advise prospective visitors to not attempt this road in anything larger than a 4 door saloon! This road is quite suitable for camper vans and towing caravans as far as Clachtoll if you are coming from the Lochinver side. After that, it's unsuitable for towing caravans, camper vans etc are absolutely fine! We have far bigger Vehicles delivering in the area every day so don't be put off!
We are heavily reliant on tourism around this area and reviews like the previous one are potentially damaging to our local economy! In fact I would go so far as to say that the road is probably less suited to low slung sports cars who treat this road like the Indy 500!
We are heavily reliant on tourism around this area and reviews like the previous one are potentially damaging to our local economy! In fact I would go so far as to say that the road is probably less suited to low slung sports cars who treat this road like the Indy 500!
Written June 30, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Comanche4
Brynamman, UK53 contributions
Sep 2014 • Couples
The drive deserves a 4 Star rating. My review is really in respect of the Local shop in Drumbeg.
Every year we include the drive along the B869 off the A894 to Lochinver and it is always well worth it, this year we drove it three times stopping overnight at various places surrounded by breath taking scenery, on one occasion we stopped on the car park at the viewpoint in Drumbeg for the night.
The Drumbeg Hotel was again friendly and the pint good and well priced as is their food.
Unfortunately, the local shop, which is advertised as 'magnificent' is overpriced. For example 70 cl of Famous Grouse was priced at £18.00 (one litre costs £18 in Tesco) so I thanked the guy and he returned it to the shelf and I left to wait for my other half. I was surprised to see she had bought the Grouse and asked why, she said as she was settling up the guy behind the counter said “don’t forget your husbands whiskey” and added the bottle to her selection of groceries. Very sharp, very sharp indeed mister but you just lost a customer, albeit once a year. It wasn’t so much the price of the Scotch but the way he `conned` my partner.
I notice on their website they brag `positive comments` but just the three and one meaningless review from `The Guardian` and strangely no negative comments, it will be interesting to see if this review is posted.
Every year we include the drive along the B869 off the A894 to Lochinver and it is always well worth it, this year we drove it three times stopping overnight at various places surrounded by breath taking scenery, on one occasion we stopped on the car park at the viewpoint in Drumbeg for the night.
The Drumbeg Hotel was again friendly and the pint good and well priced as is their food.
Unfortunately, the local shop, which is advertised as 'magnificent' is overpriced. For example 70 cl of Famous Grouse was priced at £18.00 (one litre costs £18 in Tesco) so I thanked the guy and he returned it to the shelf and I left to wait for my other half. I was surprised to see she had bought the Grouse and asked why, she said as she was settling up the guy behind the counter said “don’t forget your husbands whiskey” and added the bottle to her selection of groceries. Very sharp, very sharp indeed mister but you just lost a customer, albeit once a year. It wasn’t so much the price of the Scotch but the way he `conned` my partner.
I notice on their website they brag `positive comments` but just the three and one meaningless review from `The Guardian` and strangely no negative comments, it will be interesting to see if this review is posted.
Written October 8, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Has anyone driven the Drumbeg Loop in a 7.5m motorhome. I am well acquainted with narrow Scottish roads and have done the Bealach an Ba in my motorhome but not this loop yet. Thanks, Davy.
Written January 16, 2023
Hi
We were in a car, so I cannot vouch for diving a motorhome on the road. We noticed a few motorhomes on the loop. They struggled as the road is narrow, hilly and there are not a huge number of passing places.
Written May 3, 2023
We're planning a roadtrip coming up from Achiltibuie and then continuing north through Kylesku. We'll be passing through the Drumbeg Loop, but not in an actual loop.
Which way is the more scenic drive: hugging the coast, or through Loch Assynt?
Written April 13, 2017
hi Kyle
Take the coast route, it's just awesome.
Loch Assynt (alongside Quinaig) is beautiful but the coast road beats it every time. The roads fine, just don't go too fast, which you won't want to anyway!
I know the area well, very jealous!! Alison
Written April 18, 2017
Showing results 1-3 of 3
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing