Highlands

[Red Devil]

If you're into your driving, may I suggest not using Scotland's most boring/dangerous road - the A9? After the A939/A95 junction take the next left onto the B970. This will take you all the way to Kingussie. Turn left onto the A86 and rejoin your original route after Newtonmore.

Also, you're going via Glencoe and omitting the 'Scotsburgring' (B863 loop round Loch Leven). For shame! You'll need a dram or two at the Clachaig Inn afterwards...

Do you have a particular reason to visit Callender? I would take the A821 over Duke's Pass to Aberfoyle. Then A81/A873/A84 to J10 of the M9 at Craigforth.

Which car? Legacy for effortless progress. Mini for hardcore fun - just remember to bring your headache pills!

[mini1380cc]

Red Devil said:

If you're into your driving, may I suggest not using Scotland's most boring/dangerous road - the A9? After the A939/A95 junction take the next left onto the B970. This will take you all the way to Kingussie. Turn left onto the A86 and rejoin your original route after Newtonmore.

Also, you're going via Glencoe and omitting the 'Scotsburgring' (B863 loop round Loch Leven). For shame! You'll need a dram or two at the Clachaig Inn afterwards...

Do you have a particular reason to visit Callender? I would take the A821 over Duke's Pass to Aberfoyle. Then A81/A873/A84 to J10 of the M9 at Craigforth.

Which car? Legacy for effortless progress. Mini for hardcore fun - just remember to bring your headache pills!

Cheers, looks like you know the good routes. I have changed the route as you suggested, as I'm happy to alter it in any way. I only put Callander in for some lunch. Also looking forward to dinner at the Clachaig Inn.


Here is the revised map.
https://goo.gl/maps/u7SAz

For Mini:
More of an event.
Would be first proper outing this year.
Tends to be a talking point with the friendly folks at stops/camp sites.

For GTB:
Can hear ourselves think, won't need ear defenders.
Far more reliable.
Don't need Tetris packing skills.
Way less fuel stops.
Still reasonable fun at 280bhp.

[Hooli]

Take the Mini, no question.

[Major Floater]

www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Trelawnyd,+Rhyl,+Flintsh...

This is the plan starting on Monday for the forth annual "lap" although I'll be going anti-clockwise with the first night in Braemar. Probably a few more daily miles than ideal but could be shortened if the buttock pain is too severe, a Honda Fireblade is the chosen transport....

[GetCarter]

Major Floater said:

www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Trelawnyd,+Rhyl,+Flintsh...

This is the plan starting on Monday for the forth annual "lap" although I'll be going anti-clockwise with the first night in Braemar. Probably a few more daily miles than ideal but could be shortened if the buttock pain is too severe, a Honda Fireblade is the chosen transport....

Missing out Applecross... is that a time/miles thing?

[Red Devil]

Also it's amazing how many people plot a route via Glencoe, yet omit the 'Scotsburgring'!

[Major Floater]

I realise the serious omissions, there'll be quick run up and down the Bealach but with doing a loop round Moidart and the Corran ferry I didn't want too much pressure on hence the compromise. That was the thinking, too many great roads, not enough time.

[GetCarter]

Major Floater said:

I realise the serious omissions, there'll be quick run up and down the Bealach but with doing a loop round Moidart and the Corran ferry I didn't want too much pressure on hence the compromise. That was the thinking, too many great roads, not enough time.

[Who me ?]

Red Devil said:

Also it's amazing how many people plot a route via Glencoe, yet omit the 'Scotsburgring'!

OR- amazing how few have never driven this road in the middle of winter in some ancient clapped out J2 Diesel RWD ( 1500 dead weight derv engine over front wheels and no power steering and after a few years the stub axles got as tight as anything despite the grease pumped in ) and loved it. It might sound a nice drive out in summer ,but when there's no alternative in the middle of winter ( and don't forget in those days there were all sizes of vehicle to contend with), it's not so funny.

[Noelsy74]

Found this road about 20 miles south of Elgin not sure where . Had been sent upto to work in Elgin and ended up in a national park I think .was in the van and must be the best road I've ever driven on



Sorry about the music I'd been driving for seven hours and needed something lively

[JM]

Looks like the B9007.

Carrbridge to Nairn-Forres.

Edited by JM on Sunday 22 June 23:12

[mini1380cc]

Just back from this trip:

https://goo.gl/maps/u7SAz

I got lost a few times which put the total to 500 miles instead. It has been years since I had a break up north and I forgot how beautiful our country is. The Lecht and B970 was probably my favourites, with a nice slow drive down the A86/A82. Can also recommend the Clacaigh Inn.

Glad I taken my Subaru and not the Mini, I under estimated how much st a woman needs to bring for 2 nights camping.

Might have an SP30 through my door soon, from the long stretch at Glencoe.

Edited by mini1380cc on Monday 23 June 10:22

[Depthhoar]

You didn't know it but you went more or less past my house! B970 in the village of Insh.

Great route. Glad you enjoyed it. I count myself very lucky to be able to drive in such scenery and on interesting roads every day.

[mini1380cc]

Another point I should note is that every road, even the little single tracks were in far better condition than Edinburgh's inner roads. Hang your heads in shame CEC!!

Lots of fresh tarmac between Pitlochry and Braemar.

Edited by mini1380cc on Monday 23 June 11:43

[skatty]

JM said:

Looks like the B9007.

Carrbridge to Nairn-Forres.

Edited by JM on Sunday 22 June 23:12

Yep i think you are right, i was over it last week on the motorbike..

[vrsmxtb]

If anyone's interested, here are my edited highlights from this years Highland adventure!

Apologies to Steve C, I still owe you that drink - was that busy I didn't get a chance to contact you!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154284...

[GetCarter]

vrsmxtb said:

Apologies to Steve C, I still owe you that drink - was that busy I didn't get a chance to contact you!

No prob. Major Floater turned up... three's a crowd!

[Red Devil]

JM said:

Looks like the B9007.

Carrbridge to Nairn-Forres.

- CLICKY

mini1380cc said:

The Lecht

+1

mini1380cc said:

and B970 was probably my favourites

Thought you might.

Edited by Red Devil on Wednesday 25th June 23:56

[LeighW]

Currently on day 5 of a 9 day camping trip in my T5 camper - first time out in it. Staying at a site in Balmacara for 3 nights, planning to go up to Applecross and, time permitting, maybe as far as Torridon tomorrow. If anyone's up there tomorrow, and you're held up by me, apologies in advance... By the way, this is Scotland, so how come I got sunburnt today!?

Edited by LeighW on Thursday 26th June 19:34

[GetCarter]

LeighW said:

Currently on day 5 of a 9 day camping trip in my T5 camper - first time out in it. Staying at a site in Balmacara for 3 nights, planning to go up to Applecross and, time permitting, maybe as far as Torridon tomorrow. If anyone's up there tomorrow, and you're held up by me, apologies in advance... By the way, this is Scotland, so how come I got sunburnt today!?

Edited by LeighW on Thursday 26th June 19:34

Just FYI the Extreme Celtman Triathlon starts in Torridon (Shieldaig actually) 5 a.m. on Saturday. You might either want to be here to watch, or avoid if you don't want the traffic.

I'd recommend you come this far. It's proper lovely here and the weather looks fine :0)