NC500 (north coast road)
Discussion
I did the NC500 a couple of weeks ago. I thought the section clockwise east from Durness-Thurso and back down the A9 to Inverness was pretty dull.
Maybe its me but if I did any again id double back at Durness back the way id came rather than complete the loop.
I left from Fort William so I managed to include Invergarry to Lochacarron which is an great route not actually on the NC500 but better than the Inverness to Lochcarron route the NC500 takes.
Oh and I went to Sandwood Bay near Kinlochbervie to the most remote beach in the UK. A 4.5 mile walk from the car park but an awesome, clean and quiet white sandy beach.
Maybe its me but if I did any again id double back at Durness back the way id came rather than complete the loop.
I left from Fort William so I managed to include Invergarry to Lochacarron which is an great route not actually on the NC500 but better than the Inverness to Lochcarron route the NC500 takes.
Oh and I went to Sandwood Bay near Kinlochbervie to the most remote beach in the UK. A 4.5 mile walk from the car park but an awesome, clean and quiet white sandy beach.
TartanPaint said:
Thurso onwards (clockwise) is good for tourists, but not for drivers.
The Causeymire A9 Thurso to Latheronwheel is a superb bit of road especially if you are heading North, the bridge over the railway line not long before Thurso can be interesting if you don't know/forget that it is there!
... as I moved into a passing place... and no, that's not a toilet! craig2003 said:
The Causeymire A9 Thurso to Latheronwheel is a superb bit of road especially if you are heading North, the bridge over the railway line not long before Thurso can be interesting if you don't know/forget that it is there!
That was the section where I saw a black Huracan, 911TT and a Ferrari maybe an F12 with a Police Scotland Traffic Car behind them.....nigelonich said:
I did the NC500 a couple of weeks ago. I thought the section clockwise east from Durness-Thurso and back down the A9 to Inverness was pretty dull.
Maybe its me but if I did any again id double back at Durness back the way id came rather than complete the loop.
I left from Fort William so I managed to include Invergarry to Lochacarron which is an great route not actually on the NC500 but better than the Inverness to Lochcarron route the NC500 takes.
Oh and I went to Sandwood Bay near Kinlochbervie to the most remote beach in the UK. A 4.5 mile walk from the car park but an awesome, clean and quiet white sandy beach.
You don't even have to double all the way back. The group on Saturday was going to up to Tounge but doubled back with me to Laxford bridge and back to Lairg. Is is about 30ish single track but cracking views and fun, not much traffic either. Maybe its me but if I did any again id double back at Durness back the way id came rather than complete the loop.
I left from Fort William so I managed to include Invergarry to Lochacarron which is an great route not actually on the NC500 but better than the Inverness to Lochcarron route the NC500 takes.
Oh and I went to Sandwood Bay near Kinlochbervie to the most remote beach in the UK. A 4.5 mile walk from the car park but an awesome, clean and quiet white sandy beach.
EL11SEG said:
Only advice I would offer is perhaps camp in Durness instead. Pub right next to campsite, camping overlooking the beach. Smoo cave to explore and Coco Mountain at Balnakeil Village. Search for Sango Sands for more info.
Avril
Advice taken thank you. Have booked there now believe it would be a better area. Looking forward to the weekend now. Little nervous as weather has turned a little... Avril
North Coast 500 run out for the Miller's, four glorious days. 19th to 22nd of April. We could not have been luckier, dry, few cars and stunning roads with stunning views. Just a few of the many photos taken. image from our NC500 run out.
![](http://thumbsnap.com/sc/YqsEU82W.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="http://thumbsnap.com/0Qgrl6Bj" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]http://thumbsnap.com/sc/0Qgrl6Bj.jpg)
Edited by stevemiller on Sunday 1st May 20:12
Edited by stevemiller on Sunday 1st May 20:14
Did most of the route a couple of weeks ago, weather was great and many empty roads.
Stayed the first night in the Tongue Hotel which was nice and met of all people there Jeremy Paxman, I believe he wasn't actually doing the NC500 though - I did ask him several times but he just wouldn't give me a straight answer !!
Anyway don't forget to keep an eye out for the local 'wildlife' :
A couple of other pics :
Stayed the first night in the Tongue Hotel which was nice and met of all people there Jeremy Paxman, I believe he wasn't actually doing the NC500 though - I did ask him several times but he just wouldn't give me a straight answer !!
Anyway don't forget to keep an eye out for the local 'wildlife' :
A couple of other pics :
Our NC500 trip is due to start in the next month, can't wait!
Slight dilemma though, my S3 is currently down on power and in need of a new clutch. With that in mind my in-law has offered use of his 2013 Boxster S.
I can sort out insurance through my current policy, but looking for some input from those that have done the route before.
Take the S3 or be brave and take the Porsche before he sells it?
Slight dilemma though, my S3 is currently down on power and in need of a new clutch. With that in mind my in-law has offered use of his 2013 Boxster S.
I can sort out insurance through my current policy, but looking for some input from those that have done the route before.
Take the S3 or be brave and take the Porsche before he sells it?
Sko77y said:
Our NC500 trip is due to start in the next month, can't wait!
Slight dilemma though, my S3 is currently down on power and in need of a new clutch. With that in mind my in-law has offered use of his 2013 Boxster S.
I can sort out insurance through my current policy, but looking for some input from those that have done the route before.
Take the S3 or be brave and take the Porsche before he sells it?
The scenery will be the same Slight dilemma though, my S3 is currently down on power and in need of a new clutch. With that in mind my in-law has offered use of his 2013 Boxster S.
I can sort out insurance through my current policy, but looking for some input from those that have done the route before.
Take the S3 or be brave and take the Porsche before he sells it?
Sko77y said:
GetCarter said:
The scenery will be the same
Haha! you know the roads, worth it or stick with mine?Matters not what you drive. The roads are sometimes twisty, sometimes fast, sometimes bumpy, sometimes smooth - it'll even out.
Something that won't break down is my best advice
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