Discussion
AdvocatusD said:
Thanks both. I'm not looking to do massive speeds. It's just that the Applecross road from memory had to be done at 20 - 30 mph a lot of time due to the quality of the roads/narrowness and traffic. That wasn't fun unless it is just the scenery you're after. We're really just looking enjoy fun roads that can be enjoyed at the NSL and some nice twisties. 
A long straight line doesn't pose much of a challenge and can be licence endangering!
The Bealach na Bà is the nearest thing to an Alpine pass that you will find in the UK. Other reasons to go are the food at the Applecross inn and the coast road via Inverbain to Shieldaig. It's about the scenery more than speed (the first half along the western side has good sightlines and easily negotiated at more than 30mph). We go before the tourist (and midge!) season begins and I can't remember the last time I saw any traffic before reaching the A896 junction. A long straight line doesn't pose much of a challenge and can be licence endangering!
Edited by Red Devil on Wednesday 2nd July 02:53
Thanks guys.
Could I trouble you to mark your favourite spots for scenery, photographs and anything else on the Gmap link? Want to put these on the route and make sure I stop and take it in!
http://goo.gl/maps/91r3B
Could I trouble you to mark your favourite spots for scenery, photographs and anything else on the Gmap link? Want to put these on the route and make sure I stop and take it in!
http://goo.gl/maps/91r3B
Good views both East and West from viewpoint on left hand side just as you reach Lochcarron (just after "Stromeferry (No ferry)" sign.
Not a lot between Strathcarron and Garve (don't be tempted to speed on long straight stretches after Achnasheen as popular polis site), although semi-tunnel along shore of Lochcarron "fun" if you have something tasty to boot through it. Some OK vistas between Garve and Ullapool, that will be obvious when you see them. You could travel a short distance along the Gairloch road (junction about 5 miles before you reach Ullapool) for a nice view down the Loch - can't remember what it it called, but obvious parking area on right hand side.
Ideally you would go via Gairloch rather than Garve for much more impressive scenery (and roads), but if pushed for time I guess your route is faster (?)
North of Ullapool is where it gets much better, and decent viewpoints etc are pretty obvious so no need really to highlight in advance. Kylesku, just after bridge on left, is a must stop, as is at some point on descent into Durness (lovely long view North to the sea). Thereafter, well known one on East side of Loch Eribol on your left just before you leave the Loch and head East, and Tongue causeway worth a stop either on it, or view from either side high up.
Run down to Lairg, take your pick - plenty open moorland views and if you end up doing it on a quiet sunny late afternoon/evening there is not much to touch it driving wise in Scotland.
Kylesku hotel great for lunch (excellent seafood - esp the platter) - Ullapool I usually go to the Ceilidh Place as parking not too difficult. I'd also say collect some chocolates from Cocao Mountain in Durness, but don't think you'll have time.
Not a lot between Strathcarron and Garve (don't be tempted to speed on long straight stretches after Achnasheen as popular polis site), although semi-tunnel along shore of Lochcarron "fun" if you have something tasty to boot through it. Some OK vistas between Garve and Ullapool, that will be obvious when you see them. You could travel a short distance along the Gairloch road (junction about 5 miles before you reach Ullapool) for a nice view down the Loch - can't remember what it it called, but obvious parking area on right hand side.
Ideally you would go via Gairloch rather than Garve for much more impressive scenery (and roads), but if pushed for time I guess your route is faster (?)
North of Ullapool is where it gets much better, and decent viewpoints etc are pretty obvious so no need really to highlight in advance. Kylesku, just after bridge on left, is a must stop, as is at some point on descent into Durness (lovely long view North to the sea). Thereafter, well known one on East side of Loch Eribol on your left just before you leave the Loch and head East, and Tongue causeway worth a stop either on it, or view from either side high up.
Run down to Lairg, take your pick - plenty open moorland views and if you end up doing it on a quiet sunny late afternoon/evening there is not much to touch it driving wise in Scotland.
Kylesku hotel great for lunch (excellent seafood - esp the platter) - Ullapool I usually go to the Ceilidh Place as parking not too difficult. I'd also say collect some chocolates from Cocao Mountain in Durness, but don't think you'll have time.
s2kjock said:
Good views both East and West from viewpoint on left hand side just as you reach Lochcarron (just after "Stromeferry (No ferry)" sign.
...
Thanks very much! Keep 'em coming!...
s2kjock said:
, although semi-tunnel along shore of Lochcarron "fun" if you have something tasty to boot through it.
Stradale! 
AdvocatusD said:
Thanks guys.
Could I trouble you to mark your favourite spots for scenery, photographs and anything else on the Gmap link? Want to put these on the route and make sure I stop and take it in!
http://goo.gl/maps/91r3B
Plockton is worth a stop for nice scenery before you get started on the trip proper.Could I trouble you to mark your favourite spots for scenery, photographs and anything else on the Gmap link? Want to put these on the route and make sure I stop and take it in!
http://goo.gl/maps/91r3B
Further north, Corrieshalloch Gorge could be worth a stop, then after Ullapool the short detour to Rhue can be worthwhile and just a bit further north Ardmair bay. Also stopping off at the Knockan Cragg visitor centre gives a toilet stop and great views as well as interesting information.
s2kjock said:
Good views both East and West from viewpoint on left hand side just as you reach Lochcarron (just after "Stromeferry (No ferry)" sign.
Here.s2kjock said:
You could travel a short distance along the Gairloch road (junction about 5 miles before you reach Ullapool) for a nice view down the Loch - can't remember what it it called, but obvious parking area on right hand side.
Loch Broom.
s2kjock said:
Kylesku, just after bridge on left, is a must stop,
Also the viewpoint further up the hill here.
here are several places just east of Durness - for example here.
s2kjock said:
well known one on East side of Loch Eribol on your left just before you leave the Loch and head East,
s2kjock said:
and Tongue causeway worth a stop either on it, or view from either side high up.
s2kjock said:
Run down to Lairg, take your pick - plenty open moorland views and if you end up doing it on a quiet sunny late afternoon/evening there is not much to touch it driving wise in Scotland.
static2010 said:
Cant remember where this was...
Red devil, belated many thanks for your route suggestions earlier in the thread. The route back south from Inverness avoiding the A9 was an utter cracker, especially the A93 (made even more entertaining trying, and largely failing, to keep up with some nutter on a hoon in an ST170).
Also your route from New Lanark to Lincolnshire was superb as well, there was a particularly entertaining bit of road leading down to Kielder.
Thanks again, perfect PH community spirit, helped make the holiday.
Also your route from New Lanark to Lincolnshire was superb as well, there was a particularly entertaining bit of road leading down to Kielder.
Thanks again, perfect PH community spirit, helped make the holiday.
s2kjock said:
Tongue causeway worth a stop either on it, or view from either side high up.
A few pics from a couple of years back. Can't remember the exact year as it's always sunny. Will start planning the annual long weekend soon.Just off Tongue Causeway looking south.
And the other side
Down towards Lairg (or might be just after we turned East again)
Applecross Loop
Near Gairloch if I remember correctly.
On the way to Ullapool
Looking out at the North Sea south of Wick
vrsmxtb said:
Red devil, belated many thanks for your route suggestions earlier in the thread. The route back south from Inverness avoiding the A9 was an utter cracker, especially the A93 (made even more entertaining trying, and largely failing, to keep up with some nutter on a hoon in an ST170).
Also your route from New Lanark to Lincolnshire was superb as well, there was a particularly entertaining bit of road leading down to Kielder.
Thanks again, perfect PH community spirit, helped make the holiday.
Glad you enjoyed them. Also your route from New Lanark to Lincolnshire was superb as well, there was a particularly entertaining bit of road leading down to Kielder.
Thanks again, perfect PH community spirit, helped make the holiday.
I'll stop now otherwise the roads will get too crowded. 
jock mcsporran said:
Down towards Lairg (or might be just after we turned East again)
The profile of the mountain in the background - Ben Klibreck - is the big clue.It is after you turned East. The B873 about two thirds of the way along Loch Naver.
jock mcsporran said:
Applecross Loop
The layby here. A pic I posted on page 4 is from the other side of the hill behind you.jock mcsporran said:
Near Gairloch if I remember correctly.
Nope. About 20 miles south as the crow flies and a LOT more by road! This one is overlooking Loch Torridon near Kenmore.
jock mcsporran said:
On the way to Ullapool
Looking East over Gruinard Bay.Little Loch Broom near Badcaul.
jock mcsporran said:
Looking out at the North Sea south of Wick
Just south of Latheron.Edited by Red Devil on Monday 7th July 02:18
Red Devil said:
static2010 said:
Cant remember where this was...
jimbop1 said:
GetCarter said:
Glen Docherty is fun, though you can't do it at NSL I'm afraid. It's against common sense. Between Achnasheen and Kinlochewe:
I need to go here!Also want that picture as a poster..
As it used to be.
Also at the end of this vid (with Bill Paterson, Aly Bain, and Owen Hand) @1:16
Should be compulsory viewing for all the
English tourists who don't have a clue about single track roads... 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQZownCGnYg - @1:16
Also at the end of this vid (with Bill Paterson, Aly Bain, and Owen Hand) @1:16
Should be compulsory viewing for all the
English tourists who don't have a clue about single track roads... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQZownCGnYg - @1:16
RD- looks not q bad bit of single track from the photo . Compare that to the A830 Lochailort -Glenfinnan of late50's vintage( barely car width with massive drops ), or the A861 at Red Rocks ( Clovullin just past Corran ferry) ,which was just that -a bed of loose rock circa 1968 for about half a mile. Or perhaps the old B8007(Salen -Ardmurchan light). I drove it couple of years back and a great improvement. Last time I drove it in a van , it was put everything on floor ( it'd end up there anyway ,even at 20 ,which was fast for that stretch).
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