RE: North Coast 500 in 24 hours
Discussion
I've done various setions of that route over the years, and I think a small sports car, like an MX-5 is perfect for the roads up there.
Applecross is well worth the stop, both the walled garden and the Applecross Inn are great. This is at the top of the Applecross pass earlier in April, that morning we had driven up the pass (roof down) and it started snowing for the last bit of the climb.
MR2 Bealach na Ba by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
Applecross is well worth the stop, both the walled garden and the Applecross Inn are great. This is at the top of the Applecross pass earlier in April, that morning we had driven up the pass (roof down) and it started snowing for the last bit of the climb.
MR2 Bealach na Ba by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
Stevenr said:
I'll work on the basis that if you're reading this you're not a local and driving in Scotland is either a pleasurable novelty you're well aware of or something on the 'to-do' list.
Bit ignorant to work on such a basis Mr Trent,we have the internet here too you know.
Wasn't he suggesting that locals will already know it so skip the article, not that they can't access it Bit ignorant to work on such a basis Mr Trent,we have the internet here too you know.
Stevenr said:
ewenm said:
Wasn't he suggesting that locals will already know it so skip the article, not that they can't access it
Well I did think about that too,best to make sure though 
Cheers!
Dan
Mad Jock said:
Thanks for that. Now these great roads that we have quietly known about for years will be inundated with idiots trying to do the "loop" faster than the last idiot who declared a time. What has been a quiet and relatively trafpol free region will become a Mecca for any Bib with a laser gun or a camera van. They will be rubbing their greedy wee hands at the prospect of nailing a few Sassenach drivers.
I know that this is not a Pistonheads initiative, so you don't deserve all of the blame, but if you don't get this done soon, watch your speed later. Those who want to stay at the likes of the Torridon Hotel will probably be more circumspect, and necessarily loaded!
Enjoy the route, but don't spoil it for the rest of us.
classic scottish welcome still alive and kicking I'm glad to see......I know that this is not a Pistonheads initiative, so you don't deserve all of the blame, but if you don't get this done soon, watch your speed later. Those who want to stay at the likes of the Torridon Hotel will probably be more circumspect, and necessarily loaded!
Enjoy the route, but don't spoil it for the rest of us.
Dan Trent said:
What he said! Working on the basis that if you live up there and are lucky enough have it on your doorstep there's nothing new I can tell you about how incredible it is! And, hopefully, convince a few folk you don't necessarily have to leave these shores to enjoy one of the most breathtaking drives on the planet.
Cheers!
Dan
We get bored of it and are heading south tomorrow to get away from it all for a few days Cheers!
Dan
Seriously though it's one of the better articles written about the area,growing up here we don't really appreciate it as much as we should.
I did a similar route last year in an older Caterham in 48 hours (including starting from Edinburgh). Was a hard slog in that thing and towards the end I was glad to out the car.
Not helped with the hire car breaking down and the hire co being a nightmare.
Heading up to Applecross this weekend with the same friend in his Mini GP. Can not wait to get up there again.
Not helped with the hire car breaking down and the hire co being a nightmare.
Heading up to Applecross this weekend with the same friend in his Mini GP. Can not wait to get up there again.
I did a slightly longer version of this route a few years ago. See below:
I would agree with others. Take your time and make a few over-night stops.
On our trip we stayed in Scrabster - great steak at the Upper Deck. Gairloch is definitely worth staying too, some nice hotels and places to eat there.
I would however stick to the A9 between Thurso and Latheron (see how my route misses Wick), as this is one of my all-time favourite bits of driving roads, called the Causewaymire. It's very desolate, so not picturesque, but it is very well sighted with long sweeping bends.
Also take a look at Dunnet Head - much more interesting than John O'Groats.
I was very fortunate to live on the North Coast from age 16-18, so I got to learn to drive up there. I wish I could get back more though, as I would love to explore the West Coast more, and stay at the Torridon one day.
Whatever route you choose I'm sure you wont be disappointed, as there is so much awesome in the Highlands!
I would agree with others. Take your time and make a few over-night stops.
On our trip we stayed in Scrabster - great steak at the Upper Deck. Gairloch is definitely worth staying too, some nice hotels and places to eat there.
I would however stick to the A9 between Thurso and Latheron (see how my route misses Wick), as this is one of my all-time favourite bits of driving roads, called the Causewaymire. It's very desolate, so not picturesque, but it is very well sighted with long sweeping bends.
Also take a look at Dunnet Head - much more interesting than John O'Groats.
I was very fortunate to live on the North Coast from age 16-18, so I got to learn to drive up there. I wish I could get back more though, as I would love to explore the West Coast more, and stay at the Torridon one day.
Whatever route you choose I'm sure you wont be disappointed, as there is so much awesome in the Highlands!
I did the Ft William - Applecross -> Ullapool -> Inverness in my now ex '10 Impreza 2 years ago. Can't wait to do the same, but in an open top car again. Stunning countryside, fab folks & local food. The Smoked Herring in Ullapool is worth a detour as well!
Oh, my (at the time) 78 year old Mum loved it too :waves: !!
Oh, my (at the time) 78 year old Mum loved it too :waves: !!
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