A83 road, road in Scotland
The A83 is a main road in Argyll and Bute connecting Tarbet near Loch Lomond to Campbeltown on the Kintyre peninsula, running nearly 100 miles through rural countryside. The route follows the eastern shore of Loch Fyne, passes through Glen Croe, and crosses the well-known Rest and Be Thankful pass at about 800 feet elevation.
The original military road was built in 1753 by soldiers as part of efforts to control and unify the region following earlier uprisings. A stone carved with 'Rest and Be Thankful' marks this historic route and commemorates the difficult work of its builders.
The name 'Rest and Be Thankful' originates from a stopping place where travelers historically paused to feel grateful after navigating a difficult route. Today, visitors still use this spot to rest and take in the surrounding views.
Weather and landslides can unpredictably close the road, particularly after heavy rain, so check conditions before traveling. When closures occur, traffic is diverted onto an old parallel military road that is narrow and requires slower driving.
The old military road used as a diversion during closures is so narrow that vehicles must travel in groups and follow special procedures to meet safely. This unusual arrangement is a relic from the 1700s and shows how much the infrastructure of this remote region remains shaped by its past.
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