Discussion
I've recently got back from a week up in Scotland with my Dad (1 night in Edinburgh - 5 nights in Fort Augustus - 1 night in Glasgow). It was great fun. Fantastic scenery and roads. We took my shedtastic MG which was actually rather well suited to the quick, but twisty roads. The most impressive thing for me was that even the main routes had very little traffic and absolutely amazing scenery. Everywhere was a scenic route. It's something I've wanted to do for a while, and being able to do it in my own car was great (we nearly decided to take my Mum's diesel Focus instead for boring reasons (far less likely to break down, costs a lot less to fuel)). I'm glad we didn't.
The weather we had was OK but not fantastic; although that said, it didn't detract from the roads/scenery at all.
This was on the road to Mallaig. Quite an enjoyable drive.
This was on the A82, on the way from Fort Augustus to Glasgow. There was some absolutely beautiful scenery along this road, although also quite a few caravans and people going dawdling a bit (presumably admiring the scenery) too.
I think one of my favourite roads was the A87 to Skye. The weather was very rainy, but somehow it added to the whole experience. The photo doesn't really do it justice, but it felt really awesome driving through this scenery in the rain, with the mountains shrouded in mist/cloud. I drove to Skye, but my Dad drove back (I'd had a bit of whisky at the Talisker distillery) which meant I could admire the scenery in more detail and take a couple of photos.
Glencoe was also lovely.
I'll definitely be going back to the Highlands again. It's a long way up from Essex, but rather effortless on the A1, although annoyingly, on the way back from Glasgow, the A66 (the main road linking the M6 to the A1) was completely closed, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as we instead decided to cut across the Yorkshire Dales which was excellent fun. We also had some very nice cheese on toast at the Wensleydale Creamery
The weather we had was OK but not fantastic; although that said, it didn't detract from the roads/scenery at all.
This was on the road to Mallaig. Quite an enjoyable drive.
This was on the A82, on the way from Fort Augustus to Glasgow. There was some absolutely beautiful scenery along this road, although also quite a few caravans and people going dawdling a bit (presumably admiring the scenery) too.
I think one of my favourite roads was the A87 to Skye. The weather was very rainy, but somehow it added to the whole experience. The photo doesn't really do it justice, but it felt really awesome driving through this scenery in the rain, with the mountains shrouded in mist/cloud. I drove to Skye, but my Dad drove back (I'd had a bit of whisky at the Talisker distillery) which meant I could admire the scenery in more detail and take a couple of photos.
Glencoe was also lovely.
I'll definitely be going back to the Highlands again. It's a long way up from Essex, but rather effortless on the A1, although annoyingly, on the way back from Glasgow, the A66 (the main road linking the M6 to the A1) was completely closed, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as we instead decided to cut across the Yorkshire Dales which was excellent fun. We also had some very nice cheese on toast at the Wensleydale Creamery
Edited by George7 on Monday 26th May 15:04
George7 said:
I'll definitely be going back to the Highlands again. It's a long way up from Essex, but rather effortless on the A1, although annoyingly, on the way back from Glasgow, the A66 (the main road linking the M6 to the A1) was completely closed, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as we instead decided to cut across the Yorkshire Dales which was excellent fun. We also had some very nice cheese on toast at the Wensleydale Creamery
There's a much more interesting way to get from the M6 to the A1. After Carlisle North services (Todhills) at J44 take the A689 to Alston. Then the B6277 to Barnard Castle. From there the B6277/A66 to Scotch Corner. I made a mistake coming back this year. I completely forgot to turn right in Middleton-in-Teesdale instead reaching Barnard Castle via the B6282 to Eggleston and then the B6278.Going slightly O/T it is amazing what you can end up finding after going off your intended route. In Barnard Castle I again took a wrong turning. I was clearly not on the B6277 as was my original plan. When I reached here I noticed the blue sign and decided to carry on instead of turning right for Scotch Corner. At the next T junction was another blue sign. I turned right and the road abruptly narrowed then plunged steeply through the trees with a very tricky hairpin bend half way down. At the bottom was a 90 degree left hand bend with what looked like an old toll house facing me. I had reached the bridge; but not any old bridge - on an otherwise nondescript country lane, this magnificent structure spanning the River Tees.
Unfortunately the weather was pretty dire. On a sunny day the river views would be stunning.
From the north bank
Upriver
Downriver
From the south bank
Toll house signs
GetCarter said:
coppice said:
Good job I'm there tomorrow ...
You in the Seven? I'll look out for you. ETA : New Cafe opens in Diabaig at 1 pm if you're going that far.
Red Devil said:
There's a much more interesting way to get from the M6 to the A1. After Carlisle North services (Todhills) at J44 take the A689 to Alston. Then the B6277 to Barnard Castle. From there the B6277/A66 to Scotch Corner. I made a mistake coming back this year. I completely forgot to turn right in Middleton-in-Teesdale instead reaching Barnard Castle via the B6282 to Eggleston and then the B6278.
Going slightly O/T it is amazing what you can end up finding after going off your intended route.
Looks good, will definitely give that road a go the next time I go up there.Going slightly O/T it is amazing what you can end up finding after going off your intended route.
Agreed about going off your intended route. Going across the dales was infinitely more pleasant than the A66, although it took much longer
It was such a pleasant area, my Dad and I are actually considering going to there for a holiday next year. AdvocatusD said:
I'd welcome a couple of suggestions please?
The issue is the mileage is usually limited to 100 miles a day. Do you have any suggestions that get around this?
If you google 'Sports car hire Highlands' you'll find Caterhams, MGs, Ferraris etc. All their websites give a clue as to how many miles are allowed without extra cost. (e.g. 101st mile will cost) Bear in mind how much you will save not driving 1300 mile round trip to London (for example)The issue is the mileage is usually limited to 100 miles a day. Do you have any suggestions that get around this?
Edited by GetCarter on Saturday 31st May 12:10
My trip is now booked for two weeks time, can't wait!
Working in Derby the week before, so it'll be Derby to Glasgow. Then Glasgow to Applecross and three nights at Applecross hostel. Then on to Achmelvich beach for two nights, then down to Lincoln for an MX5 Owners Club track day at Blyton park.
Working in Derby the week before, so it'll be Derby to Glasgow. Then Glasgow to Applecross and three nights at Applecross hostel. Then on to Achmelvich beach for two nights, then down to Lincoln for an MX5 Owners Club track day at Blyton park.
vrsmxtb said:
Yep, it is a great little place!
If you click on the link below and then on the pic, you'll see it MUCH bigger
http://stevecarter.com/random/achmelvichpan1.jpg
Edited by GetCarter on Sunday 1st June 07:47
vrsmxtb said:
Mr Carter, I believe I owe you a pint for sending me your little photography booklet! Applecross inn?
Sounds good. I should be around. Drop me a mail when you're here.ETA if the weather is good (and if you haven't done it before), I HIGHLY recommend a 3 hr trip out on the Seaflower - leaves from the Shieldaig pontoon. House opposite has sailing times.
Took this the other day:
Edited by GetCarter on Sunday 1st June 10:48
GetCarter said:
Sounds good. I should be around. Drop me a mail when you're here.
ETA if the weather is good (and if you haven't done it before), I HIGHLY recommend a 3 hr trip out on the Seaflower - leaves from the Shieldaig pontoon. House opposite has sailing times.
Took this the other day:
Cool, will do.ETA if the weather is good (and if you haven't done it before), I HIGHLY recommend a 3 hr trip out on the Seaflower - leaves from the Shieldaig pontoon. House opposite has sailing times.
Took this the other day:
Edited by GetCarter on Sunday 1st June 10:48
Looks good, I've been out on the whale watching rib out of Gairloch, but that was more of an open water trip. Is the Shieldaig one more of a scenic cruise?
vrsmxtb said:
Cool, will do.
Looks good, I've been out on the whale watching rib out of Gairloch, but that was more of an open water trip. Is the Shieldaig one more of a scenic cruise?
Yep, great for photography and they have an underwater 'rover' camera with TV screens on board. www.torridonseatours.comLooks good, I've been out on the whale watching rib out of Gairloch, but that was more of an open water trip. Is the Shieldaig one more of a scenic cruise?
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