A838 Loch Shin: Lairg to Durness
Cross the north-west Highlands on the A838 beside Loch Shin before joining the coast-bound road through Laxford Bridge. The long inland section is the reason to choose this route, with the far-north landscape as its finish.
Driving roads near Lairg and Durness. Nearby visits are optional. · 56 miles · 96 minutes estimated driving · Point-to-point
Photo: @ Dave Thompson / Geograph
Highlights along the way
Loch Shin
The inland A838 follows a long loch corridor through remote Sutherland country.
Loch Laxford
A transition from the inland lochs to the north-western coast-road landscape.
Before you set off
Services are widely spaced. Allow fuel margin, watch for deer and livestock, and plan for single-track sections and exposed weather. Check current road closures, vehicle suitability and weather before travel. Driving time excludes stops and live traffic. The route follows through-roads; all visits off the line are independent optional detours.