Starting in Cromarty on the Black Isle, the A832 travels south alongside the Moray Firth to Fortrose, then turns west, heading inland.

From Gorstan the A832 heads west along Strath Bran to Achnasheen, alongside the Dingwall and Skye Railway.

After following the coast of Gruinard Bay the road crosses one more headland and descends to Little Loch Broom, now travelling south-eastwards.

It continues past the end of the loch, and along the Strath Beag valley through the village of Dundonnell.

It was built during the Highland Potato Famine of 1846–1847, to provide employment for crofters in exchange for oatmeal rations.

The road leaves the top of the gorge at Fain Bridge and continues across the open moors to the summit at an altitude of 332 metres (1089 ft), surrounded by the towering peaks of An Teallach, Sgurr nan Clach Geala and Beinn Dearg.