The A861 serves the communities of the remote Ardgour, Sunart, Moidart and Ardnamurchan areas Although the ends of this road are only 14 miles (23 km) apart (the direct link being by way of the A830 road) its total length is 80 miles (130 km).[2]
The last stretch to be built was the part from KinlochmoidarttoLochailort. It was opened on 29 July 1966 by the Minister of State for Scotland, George Willis M.P. Mr Willis described it as the longest completely new road to be built in Scotland since the days of Thomas Telford, 150 years earlier.[3]
The A861 is a long-way-round route in the Lochaber area of western Scotland, connecting the A830 Fort William to Mallaig road with itself via the shores of Loch Sunart.[4]
the A861 them continues to along the western shore of Loch Linnhe to Inversanda and where it strikes inland westwards through Glen Tarbert; the B8043 road leaving about half a mile from Inversanda to follow the southwesterly route
after passing through Achnalea the A861 resumes its coastal nature when it follows the north shore of Loch Sunart
near this is its only junction (other than its terminuses) with another A-road when the A884 road diverges
