Single Track Roads

If you come to stay at Loch Riddon Bothy and arrive by car, you will almost certainly be faced with driving on single track roads as there are several such roads leading to key places; Dunoon (B836)and Tighnabruaich (A8003) being two of them.  Both these roads are single track in sections but parts are also two way.

Driving on these roads is a little different and there is a certain etiquette which will make you much more popular with regular road users.

Single track road with unmarked passing place

Sometimes it’s tempting to try and squeeze past an oncoming vehicle – this is not a great idea – the edges of the tarmac can be steep – I have seen vehicles stranded down some of these mini gorges.   It is also not good to go onto the grassy verges, not only because it can cause unsightly scarring visible for many weeks but also because there may be a hazard hidden in the grass – a hole / ditch / stone etc.

The preferred option is to look ahead and see whether the oncoming traffic can pull into a passing place or perhaps you can do this.  If you meet another vehicle unexpectedly one of you will have to reverse.  It’s definitely worth practising your reversing skills before you get here.  On some roads like the narrow road from near the Clachan of Glendaruel to the picturesque Otter Ferry (unclassified), there are very few passing places – you may have to reverse a long way!

Passing Place

Passing places are indeed the best places to pass.  Not only can you pull into one when something is coming towards you but also you can use these spots to allow following traffic, which may be travelling faster than you, to pass.  Sadly it is all too common to see a visitor driving very slowly along a single track road acquiring a long line of frustrated drivers behind him (or her).

Pulling into a Passing Place to allow the car behind to overtake

It is customary to show your appreciation of someone pulling over by a quick wave – you’ll probably get one back.  If you let someone pass you they’ll give you a ‘Thank you’ few flashes of their hazard lights.  If you are on a long stretch of road with several possible passing places one driver will pull over and flash the oncoming vehicle with his headlights – that means ‘Come on – I’ve pulled over for you’.

Of course bicycles and motor bikes should be treated in the same way.

Please allow Overtaking!

Some of the big logging trucks use these roads and it is best to try and keep out of their way!  And sometimes things happen which there is no real protocol for.  In this situation it’s best to stop and work out a plan.

Good Luck!

Pulling over for a logging truck