NC500 (north coast road)

[neilpatten]

I would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has posted on this subject here. I used this thread for advice and have just returned from a brilliant few days. We only did parts of the full route but everything exceeded our expectations - weather, roads, people, etc. It was very memorable and may not have happened without the advice in this thread. Thank you!

[maxwellwd]

Tam_Mullen said:

maxwellwd said:

john_1983 said:

maxwellwd said:

Have a question for the knowledgeable here. Not strictly NC500 related though, I have a flat in Kirriemuir in Angus and wondered if folks of this fine thread knew of any good driving roads/scenic roads/routes etc.

I have driven around Glen Isla, Glen Dole & Glen Clova. Just wondered is there more to see around the Cairngorns.

Blairgowrie north on the A93 as suggested above, and Cairn o' Mount (B974) through Fettercairn are the two obvious ones

Thanks John, good to know. Will certainly check them out.

I know you asked the question in May, but I would add a trip up Glen Esk to your list if youre still in the area, its actually off the road you'd take to Fettercairn. Its a dead end so an up and down, but a pretty good driving road.

I did do this in the summer actually, meant to reply sooner but saw the thread got bumped again. I actually now live up here, although not on the NC500 route but in Kirriemuir in Angus. Some great roads up here and not really much traffic to speak of compared to the south-east. We now have a camper as well so have a few trips planned. Glen Coe in two weeks and then Inverness next month. Any good spots, roads etc greatly appreciated.

[JamieF78]

The loop around Loch Ness is Bonnie but be warned it’s very busy. The south side less so mind you. Roadwise, the A887 is one of my favourites especially the bit through Kintail, an area worth exploring if you like the outdoors.

[maxwellwd]

JamieF78 said:

The loop around Loch Ness is Bonnie but be warned it’s very busy. The south side less so mind you. Roadwise, the A887 is one of my favourites especially the bit through Kintail, an area worth exploring if you like the outdoors.

Great to know, thank you! Will certainly check those out.

[mjf1]

Am I mad to consider doing this in 5-6 days in October?

[abzmike]

mjf1 said:

Am I mad to consider doing this in 5-6 days in October?

No.
Weather should be fine, midges will be fewer, may be fewer people if you avoid school hols, everything still open.

[sherman]

mjf1 said:

Am I mad to consider doing this in 5-6 days in October?

October may be wet but its not usually snowing yet.

The only thing to note is some attractions and hotels will shut in early October and stay shut until next April.

[ninepoint2]

mjf1 said:

Am I mad to consider doing this in 5-6 days in October?

Just avoid the October week school holidays would be my advice

[mjf1]

Ah that's (half term) when I was planning to go!