Rest and Be Thankful

The Rest and Be Thankful: Scotland’s Scenic Gateway

The Rest and Be Thankful is one of Scotland’s most iconic and picturesque routes, linking regions rich in natural beauty and cultural history. Nestled within the Arrochar Alps, this high mountain pass is renowned for its breathtaking views and rugged landscapes. While it is a favourite for tourists and locals alike, the road faces significant challenges that require constant maintenance and attention. In this blog, we’ll explore the road’s importance, its difficulties, and the long-term strategies being considered for its future.

If you plan to use the Rest and Be Thankful, I highly recommend checking the Traffic Scotland website in advance. That has live traffic information and will display any notifications of closures or restrictions to this and other vital roads in Scotland.

Where Is the Rest and Be Thankful?

The Rest and Be Thankful lies on the A83 road in Argyll and Bute, connecting Arrochar in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park to the west coast of Scotland. It is named after the viewpoint at the top of the pass, where weary travellers pause to rest after climbing the steep hills. The A83 links Glasgow and the western coastal towns, including Inveraray, Oban, and Campbeltown. Without this road, these remote areas would be far more challenging to access, limiting regional tourism and trade.

Close to the Rest and Be Thankful is one of the National Park Gateways. You’ll see the viewpoint pinned on the map below.

 

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Landslide Challenges and Ongoing Maintenance

One of the most significant issues the Rest and Be Thankful faces is frequent landslides, particularly during heavy rainfall. Due to its steep slopes and unstable geology, the pass is prone to debris and rockfalls, leading to road closures and significant delays for motorists. Landslides have been a recurring problem for decades, with major incidents causing multiple disruptions in recent years.

Extensive protective measures have been put in place to address these challenges. These include debris catch fences, which help to reduce the impact of falling rocks and prevent them from reaching the road, as well as drainage systems designed to manage water flow and reduce erosion. However, despite these efforts, the threat of landslides remains, especially during extreme weather events.

Works to Protect the Road

Given the critical importance of the A83 to local communities and the economy, Transport Scotland has implemented ongoing works to maintain and protect the route. This includes regular inspections, slope monitoring, and emergency response teams on standby during periods of heavy rain. Temporary solutions such as diversion roads, known as the “Old Military Road,” have been used when landslides block the main route.

In addition to short-term measures, significant investment has been made in long-term protection projects. These include installing more robust rockfall barriers, creating catch pits to trap debris, and conducting geological studies to understand better the risks surrounding slopes pose.

Long-Term Plans for the Route’s Future

While current efforts help manage the situation, there are growing calls for a more permanent solution to ensure the safety and reliability of the A83. Transport Scotland is exploring various long-term options, including constructing a tunnel or a viaduct to bypass the most landslide-prone sections. A tunnel would offer a weatherproof and landslide-resistant alternative, ensuring that traffic can flow uninterrupted regardless of weather conditions.

Although such large-scale projects would involve significant costs and time, they are seen as necessary to secure the future of this vital route. Until a long-term solution is implemented, the cycle of landslides and road closures will likely continue, causing inconvenience to those who rely on the road.

National Park Gateway Sign

Supporting Local Communities and Businesses

The road closures caused by landslides inconvenience travellers and significantly impact local businesses and communities. Many rely on tourism, which is heavily dependent on accessible transport links. Prolonged closures can reduce visitor numbers, affecting accommodation providers, restaurants, and attractions.

Local organisations and businesses have called for faster progress on long-term solutions. Continued investment in the A83 is essential for supporting the region’s economy and maintaining its status as a popular tourist destination.

Despite its challenges, the Rest and Be Thankful remains an exciting part of exploring Scotland. Whether you’re driving through on a road trip or stopping to take in the views, it captures the wild beauty of the Highlands. I always look forward to a trip over the Rest and Be Thankful, as I will usually be on my way to experience some of the most peaceful and enjoyable locations in the National Park, including Pucks Glen, Loch Goil, and other gems on the Cowal Peninsula.

Rest and Be Thankful Viewpoint

The Scenic Beauty and History of the Route

Travelling the Rest and Be Thankful offers unrivalled views of the surrounding mountains, glens, and lochs. The name has a historical origin—soldiers constructing the original military road in the 18th century inscribed “Rest and Be Thankful” on a stone at the summit, a reminder of the arduous climb. Today, travellers continue to stop at the viewpoint, enjoying the panoramic vistas of Glen Croe.

A section of the exhibition at Glasgow Riverside Museum is dedicated to history. See the video below for an appeal they launched in 2010.

Alternatives to Using the Rest and Be Thankful

When the Rest and Be Thankful is closed due to landslides or maintenance work, travellers have two main alternative routes:

Via Tyndrum and Inveraray

This alternative involves taking the A82 north from Tarbet, passing through Crianlarich and Tyndrum before heading south on the A819 towards Inveraray. While scenic in its own right, this diversion adds significant time to the journey, making it less convenient for regular travellers. However, it offers a chance to pass through some of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes, including Glen Falloch and Loch Awe.

By Ferry from Gourock to Dunoon

Another alternative is to head south to Gourock and take the ferry across the Clyde to Dunoon. From Dunoon, the A815 provides a route northwards, eventually connecting back to the A83 near Inveraray. This option can be particularly appealing for those looking for a more scenic and varied journey, combining road and sea travel.

Both alternative routes highlight the importance of the Rest and Be Thankful in providing a more direct connection across this part of Scotland.

Western Ferries - Gourock to Dunoon

Thanks for reading

Words and photography by Paul Saunders. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Scotland.

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