Càrn Bàn, Staffin, Isle of Skye

Driving on Single Track Roads

Driving on these roads requires thought and concentration. There are usually plenty of passing places, and these are usually, but not always, marked with a sign or with a striped pole. But unless you want to make yourself very unpopular, remember that these are passing and not parking places.

The trick on single track roads is to drive with a combination of consideration and assertiveness. In an ideal world, vehicles approaching one another should adjust their speeds so as to meet at a passing place. That way neither waits for the other, and both proceed at best speed.

Bear in mind that if the passing place is on the right and you reach it first, stop on the left side of the road opposite the passing place: pulling across to the right is as good a way to lose your no-claims bonus as any. Also bear in mind the - not always well respected - convention that traffic going downhill should try to be considerate to traffic going uphill.

You can't always see far enough ahead on these roads to plan well in advance, and the judgement can be a fine one. So think ahead, look as far ahead as possible, be prepared to give way and wait.  But when approaching that blind bend or summit, bear in mind one thought: if you met yourself coming the other way, could you both stop? And always remember the next corner could conceal an oncoming refuse truck or articulated lorry full of fish, or a flock of sheep or stag on the road.

Finally, don't let your concentration on what's coming the other way stop you keeping a close watch on your mirror. If someone comes up behind you, they're obviously travelling the road faster than you are. You should use a passing place to pull over and let them through. This is more than simple courtesy: the road signs on the right emphasise the point. And anyway, it is much more comfortable travelling these roads without that same white transit van sitting on your rear bumper.

Driving single track roads can be hard work, but they are part of the character of the Highlands and Islands. Think ahead and pay attention, and try not to be distracted by the stunning scenery in which so many of them are found.

Copyright © Càrn Bàn 1991 - 2007