The drive
The A9 runs north through Perthshire and over the Drumochter Pass into the Cairngorms. It is roughly 165 miles to Drumnadrochit. With one comfort stop the journey takes about four hours.
Breaking the journey
Pitlochry sits roughly halfway and makes a sensible lunch stop. House of Bruar is the other common choice. Both add about 45 minutes and both are far better than a motorway service station.
Arriving late
If your flight lands after 6pm, consider staying in Edinburgh or Pitlochry and travelling north the next morning. The Highland roads are unlit and the scenery — which is the reason to come — is invisible in the dark.
What the vehicle actually holds
The Alphard and Vellfire seat seven, but seven seats and seven suitcases are different problems. With the rear row up, the boot takes about four 26-inch cases — hence four guests with full luggage. Five or more with checked bags means a second vehicle, and we say so before you book rather than at the kerb.
How weather changes the day
Four seasons in a day is not a joke here. We do not cancel for rain — we reorder. If Quiraing is clouded in we go to Neist Point and come back the next morning. That flexibility is the practical value of a private vehicle.
Plan This Journey
Tell us your dates and party size — we will confirm honestly what fits.
10-Day Grand Loop → Business Chauffeur → All Tours →
