Discussion
Oh dear. I suppose it was only a matter of time until the sanctimonious brigade that are destroying PH finally invaded this thread.
There is no shortage of roads particularly in the NW Highlands that can be enjoyed at or below the NSL. The Tongue to Lairg road in particular is an absolute blast at 50-60 mph. Can't wait until I go back.
There is no shortage of roads particularly in the NW Highlands that can be enjoyed at or below the NSL. The Tongue to Lairg road in particular is an absolute blast at 50-60 mph. Can't wait until I go back.
Edited by plenty on Wednesday 13th August 13:53
GetCarter said:
I think you missed the 
You carry on driving at the NSL down there and we'll drive to the conditions up here
Lucky you if you don't have any police up there but if you do lose your license, you could always spend the time composing a new version of "Bonnie Scotland I Adore Thee" You carry on driving at the NSL down there and we'll drive to the conditions up here
Edited by GetCarter on Wednesday 13th August 13:38
.plenty said:
Oh dear. I suppose it was only a matter of time until the sanctimonious brigade that are destroying PH finally invaded this thread.
Back to topic, there is no shortage of roads particularly in the NW Highlands that can be enjoyed at or below the NSL. The Tongue to Lairg road in particular is an absolute blast at 50-60 mph. Can't wait until I go back.
...and of course Applecross.Back to topic, there is no shortage of roads particularly in the NW Highlands that can be enjoyed at or below the NSL. The Tongue to Lairg road in particular is an absolute blast at 50-60 mph. Can't wait until I go back.
Zed44 obviously has some 'issues' with Highland roads. He tells us he nearly falls asleep as they are boring, he complains about caravans, the 'paucity' of roads and the ''fools" that drive on them. He's giving us old folk a bad name
I'm leaving him to his issues and am pressing the good old 'ignore button'.Bye Bye Zed44
GetCarter said:
plenty said:
Oh dear. I suppose it was only a matter of time until the sanctimonious brigade that are destroying PH finally invaded this thread.
Back to topic, there is no shortage of roads particularly in the NW Highlands that can be enjoyed at or below the NSL. The Tongue to Lairg road in particular is an absolute blast at 50-60 mph. Can't wait until I go back.
...and of course Applecross.Back to topic, there is no shortage of roads particularly in the NW Highlands that can be enjoyed at or below the NSL. The Tongue to Lairg road in particular is an absolute blast at 50-60 mph. Can't wait until I go back.
Zed44 obviously has some 'issues' with Highland roads. He tells us he nearly falls asleep as they are boring, he complains about caravans, the 'paucity' of roads and the ''fools" that drive on them. He's giving us old folk a bad name
I'm leaving him to his issues and am pressing the good old 'ignore button'.Bye Bye Zed44
I don't think he has "issues". He has an opinion which is valid and is supported by his personal experience. He's not telling other people not to come or actively putting them off. He went with an open mind and this is his opinion.
Speed limits are always a bone of contention. It's irritating when people are sanctimonious and it's also irritating when people try to play the hero and act like the NSL doesn't exist.
Scotland and Wales are both wonderful to drive in and I love them both. A lot of it comes down to a little luck with time of day/year and traffic and he seems to have lost out.
I hope this doesn't end in my getting the boot because I love this thread and all the contributions are valid to me. I've experienced both the GetCarter Scotland the Zed44 Scotland - they both exist. Do I still love Scotland - hell yes.
I'd forgotten this thread was about otherwise I'd have put some pics up when I was up there at the tail end of July in that week of amazing weather. In contrast to Zed44 I had an awesome time on roads that I'm lucky enough to know pretty damn well having spent most summers from my youth up there, followed by many, many riding and climbing trips. Grippy tarmac in pretty good condition, albeit a few more holes than there were the last time I was up, probably due in part to the last few winters. The roads are pretty lumpy in places but to me that is more than half the enjoyment, especially the section between Gruinard and the western end of Loch Maree where the new stuff starts. Miraculously little traffic I thought too given the amazing weather and the fact it was slap bang in the middle of summer holidays!
Get Carter, I wasn't based that far away from you over near Laide. I'm jealous you live up there full time! Nothing beats that place, no matter what the weather is doing.
There were only two disappointments while I was up there: that the Ceilidh Place was closed on the Saturday we wanted to head in and drink decent coffee for a few hours while reading the papers (the cafe above the outdoor shop just doesn't cut it as an alternative, any suggestions for a decent coffee if the absence of the CP?); and that the campsite at Achmelvich has experienced a surge in popularity and absolutely ruined what was a stunning location by filling it with blubbery Glaswegians in hideous swimsuits who would be far better taking a holiday in Alicante or Marbella or indeed anywhere else a long, long, long way away. Actually, the first disappointment meant that we ended up eating dinner in the Kylesku Hotel instead which was just superb so I can't complain too bitterly!
I did notice that many tourists are totally oblivious to etiquette of single track roads but in the summer you just have to accept that no matter where you are in the country, it isn't solely an issue in the north of Scotland. One hilarious encounter was a foreigner in a rented Astra who basically drove off the road in front of me as I patiently waited opposite the passing place, right into a massive rock hiding between the road and the passing place itself. As I was about to get out and offer help to swap the wheel over (I had the buzzgun in the back so thought it polite), he drove off with said flat...presumably with a rather pissed girlfriend in the front seat given her side had taken the impact and the car had bounced a foot in the air. Strange people.
Anyway, a rather awesome week and a rather expensive bill for SUL and many bottles of Millers CVL Turbo but who cares when you're having fun? Not many times you can go cliff jumping into crystal blue and reasonably warm seas, nor do the full An Teallach ridge with perfect visibility for the entire day. In fact the only 'bad' day was the Saturday and as that was spent in the car and in hotels eating I don't really consider it bad, just different. Deer were crazy after dark though, you really couldn't press on as they were everywhere especially through Inchnadamph (which incidentally translates as Field of the Deer or similar) and between Dundonnel and Gruinard. Oh, and the French camper on the way down from Durness who decided to do 20mph and not shift...yeah, he might have had some language used against him when he was between me and my dinner!
On the argument of speed limits being broken, I'd argue that if you're uncomfortable with speeding on wider roads you're possibly going faster than reasonable when it comes to the narrower stuff where you're often dealing with blind crests and turns. Everybody makes judgements, they don't always have to be the same as those made by someone else, but there's no need to get all sanctimonious just because somewhere chooses to turn a blind eye to a speed limit where you would not. As a prime example you can have some serious fun on the road from Kinlochewe to Shieldaig (awesome run to do just to get dinner) but there are plenty of times where to even reach the NSL is inappropriate.
Get Carter, I wasn't based that far away from you over near Laide. I'm jealous you live up there full time! Nothing beats that place, no matter what the weather is doing.
There were only two disappointments while I was up there: that the Ceilidh Place was closed on the Saturday we wanted to head in and drink decent coffee for a few hours while reading the papers (the cafe above the outdoor shop just doesn't cut it as an alternative, any suggestions for a decent coffee if the absence of the CP?); and that the campsite at Achmelvich has experienced a surge in popularity and absolutely ruined what was a stunning location by filling it with blubbery Glaswegians in hideous swimsuits who would be far better taking a holiday in Alicante or Marbella or indeed anywhere else a long, long, long way away. Actually, the first disappointment meant that we ended up eating dinner in the Kylesku Hotel instead which was just superb so I can't complain too bitterly!
I did notice that many tourists are totally oblivious to etiquette of single track roads but in the summer you just have to accept that no matter where you are in the country, it isn't solely an issue in the north of Scotland. One hilarious encounter was a foreigner in a rented Astra who basically drove off the road in front of me as I patiently waited opposite the passing place, right into a massive rock hiding between the road and the passing place itself. As I was about to get out and offer help to swap the wheel over (I had the buzzgun in the back so thought it polite), he drove off with said flat...presumably with a rather pissed girlfriend in the front seat given her side had taken the impact and the car had bounced a foot in the air. Strange people.
Anyway, a rather awesome week and a rather expensive bill for SUL and many bottles of Millers CVL Turbo but who cares when you're having fun? Not many times you can go cliff jumping into crystal blue and reasonably warm seas, nor do the full An Teallach ridge with perfect visibility for the entire day. In fact the only 'bad' day was the Saturday and as that was spent in the car and in hotels eating I don't really consider it bad, just different. Deer were crazy after dark though, you really couldn't press on as they were everywhere especially through Inchnadamph (which incidentally translates as Field of the Deer or similar) and between Dundonnel and Gruinard. Oh, and the French camper on the way down from Durness who decided to do 20mph and not shift...yeah, he might have had some language used against him when he was between me and my dinner!
On the argument of speed limits being broken, I'd argue that if you're uncomfortable with speeding on wider roads you're possibly going faster than reasonable when it comes to the narrower stuff where you're often dealing with blind crests and turns. Everybody makes judgements, they don't always have to be the same as those made by someone else, but there's no need to get all sanctimonious just because somewhere chooses to turn a blind eye to a speed limit where you would not. As a prime example you can have some serious fun on the road from Kinlochewe to Shieldaig (awesome run to do just to get dinner) but there are plenty of times where to even reach the NSL is inappropriate.
Ffffaster said:
Bit harsh chaps.
I don't think he has "issues". He has an opinion which is valid and is supported by his personal experience. He's not telling other people not to come or actively putting them off. He went with an open mind and this is his opinion.
Speed limits are always a bone of contention. It's irritating when people are sanctimonious and it's also irritating when people try to play the hero and act like the NSL doesn't exist.
Scotland and Wales are both wonderful to drive in and I love them both. A lot of it comes down to a little luck with time of day/year and traffic and he seems to have lost out.
I hope this doesn't end in my getting the boot because I love this thread and all the contributions are valid to me. I've experienced both the GetCarter Scotland the Zed44 Scotland - they both exist. Do I still love Scotland - hell yes.
Fair comment... Whether they are issues or opinions, As stated, I agree this isn't the place to start lecturing people on speed limits. There are good drivers, average drivers and bad drivers that drive too slow and too fast. They are talked about on other threads. Life is too short to get into internet argumets, nobody ever wins. I don't think he has "issues". He has an opinion which is valid and is supported by his personal experience. He's not telling other people not to come or actively putting them off. He went with an open mind and this is his opinion.
Speed limits are always a bone of contention. It's irritating when people are sanctimonious and it's also irritating when people try to play the hero and act like the NSL doesn't exist.
Scotland and Wales are both wonderful to drive in and I love them both. A lot of it comes down to a little luck with time of day/year and traffic and he seems to have lost out.
I hope this doesn't end in my getting the boot because I love this thread and all the contributions are valid to me. I've experienced both the GetCarter Scotland the Zed44 Scotland - they both exist. Do I still love Scotland - hell yes.
Ennoch said:
There were only two disappointments ..... and that the campsite at Achmelvich has experienced a surge in popularity and absolutely ruined what was a stunning location by filling it with blubbery Glaswegians in hideous swimsuits who would be far better taking a holiday in Alicante or Marbella or indeed anywhere else a long, long, long way away. Actually, the first disappointment meant that we ended up eating dinner in the Kylesku Hotel instead which was just superb so I can't complain too bitterly!
Yep.. Achmelvich is either perfect or rubbish. We tend to go in Spring and early in the morning. Last few times we haven't seen a soul. Click on it (probably twice) for full size
Kylesku is great isn't it. So glad they bought it, and are doing a good job. They are adding more rooms this winter.
Edited by GetCarter on Wednesday 13th August 21:09
Lancs Dave said:
I'm not joining the speed debate but did want other drivers to get pinged by an unmarked car like I did at Achanalt in 2012.
Nice to hear good reports about Kylesku hotel. Got 2 nights there next month :-)
Sorry to hear that. Tends to be Sundays they are there.Nice to hear good reports about Kylesku hotel. Got 2 nights there next month :-)
Careful at Kylesku
Kylesku is great. Ten or fifteen years ago I remember it as being one of those typical Highland places that wanted your money but really disdained actually having to work to get it. A complete contrast now, the service is friendly and quick, the food awesome and the drinks list pretty decent too (of more benefit to you than it was for me last month seeing as I had to drive after!). One of the waiters is a bit of a petrolhead while the older waitress reminds me massively of Clarissa Dickson Wright. Same dry humour too so great craic. Not cheap but then no decent places are up there. If you're after a coffee on the way up then the Ceilidh Place in Ullapool is good for that. The view down Glen Dubh and Glen Coul is amazing too, especially in the summer twilight. A nice spot to camp at the other end too.
It's a shame but the Achnasheen to Garve road tends to be done at the speed limit for me now, I've seen too many Sunday afternoon coppers sat at the side of the road down there...even in the middle of winter when we've been heading back down from climbing on Liathach or Ben Eighe late afternoon. Probably because it's only twenty minutes out of Inverness. The section of road between Garve and Contin is, when it's quiet, one of the greatest sections anywhere in Scotland. Simply awesome.
It's a shame but the Achnasheen to Garve road tends to be done at the speed limit for me now, I've seen too many Sunday afternoon coppers sat at the side of the road down there...even in the middle of winter when we've been heading back down from climbing on Liathach or Ben Eighe late afternoon. Probably because it's only twenty minutes out of Inverness. The section of road between Garve and Contin is, when it's quiet, one of the greatest sections anywhere in Scotland. Simply awesome.
A fairly terrible pic but it was drizzling heavily and eleven o'clock at night (Glen Coul to the left and Glen Dubh to the right). :
The weather's a bit inclement up there this week though (these are from my old man at Laide):
Wasn't quite like that when I was up there though, well aside from that one day. You can't beat a week of climbing and riding every day followed by a swim in the sea every night:
The weather's a bit inclement up there this week though (these are from my old man at Laide):
Wasn't quite like that when I was up there though, well aside from that one day. You can't beat a week of climbing and riding every day followed by a swim in the sea every night:
Edited by Ennoch on Wednesday 13th August 22:22
Lancs Dave said:
I'm not joining the speed debate but did want other drivers to get pinged by an unmarked car like I did at Achanalt in 2012.
Oi! Kindly desist from wishing your misfortune on the rest of us. 
Proof reading fail methinks: have you imbibed too much single malt?
plenty said:
Oh dear. I suppose it was only a matter of time until the sanctimonious brigade that are destroying PH finally invaded this thread.
A debate for another place. This thread should be kept for imparting information. Particularly for those who are not so familiar with the region plenty said:
There is no shortage of roads particularly in the NW Highlands that can be enjoyed at or below the NSL. The Tongue to Lairg road in particular is an absolute blast at 50-60 mph. Can't wait until I go back.
If you get a completely clear run (it's all about when you go - i.e. before the tourists turn up. ) so is this one: 3 times in 5 visits. 
Apologies, now corrected.
It was April, 5pm, nice day, long straight, empty road. Just into 3 figs and initially a DD charge (reduced to CD) got me 6 month ban, (reduced to 4 months) + fine. I'm not an irresponsible driver. 30yr clean driving licence, gone.
It was April, 5pm, nice day, long straight, empty road. Just into 3 figs and initially a DD charge (reduced to CD) got me 6 month ban, (reduced to 4 months) + fine. I'm not an irresponsible driver. 30yr clean driving licence, gone.
Edited by Lancs Dave on Thursday 14th August 18:10
Just a heads up... Bank holiday weekend (on Sat 30th August). The Bealach na Ba (Aplecross road) will be closed for mad cycle race. Usually closes at about 10.30 a.m. If you are doing it that day, do it clockwise and get to the start of the hill before 10 a.m. If you do it counter clockwise you happen upon about 350 cyclists. The whole area will be packed that day though.
Lancs Dave said:
Apologies, now corrected.
It was April, 5pm, nice day, long straight, empty road. 3 figs and initially a DD charge (reduced to CD) got me 6 month ban, (reduced to 4 months) + fine. I'm not an irresponsible driver. 30yr clean driving licence, gone.
Gosh, that sucks. It was April, 5pm, nice day, long straight, empty road. 3 figs and initially a DD charge (reduced to CD) got me 6 month ban, (reduced to 4 months) + fine. I'm not an irresponsible driver. 30yr clean driving licence, gone.
Could the great and good on here give us some inside knowledge into where and when to be even more cautious than usual? Like Lancs Dave, I am not irresponsible, but with an open road it is easy to make a mistake or not glance down at the speedo in time.
I know about Glen Coe near the Bridge of Orchy hotel.
Could we have a more comprehensive list of know traps and high alert areas? Points on maps would be great.
I can see this being of huge use to those of us that go up to enjoy both the scenery and the roads.Ffffaster said:
Gosh, that sucks.
Could the great and good on here give us some inside knowledge into where and when to be even more cautious than usual? Like Lancs Dave, I am not irresponsible, but with an open road it is easy to make a mistake or not glance down at the speedo in time.
I know about Glen Coe near the Bridge of Orchy hotel.
Could we have a more comprehensive list of know traps and high alert areas? Points on maps would be great. I can see this being of huge use to those of us that go up to enjoy both the scenery and the roads.
From Achnasheen west to Lochcarron, and north to Gairloch, in 17 years and +/- a quarter of a million miles, I have seen one 'hair dryer' speed trap. That was before Glen Docherty in 2002. There are regular speed cameras just south of Ullapool, occasionally in Achanalt (see above!) and near Garve.Could the great and good on here give us some inside knowledge into where and when to be even more cautious than usual? Like Lancs Dave, I am not irresponsible, but with an open road it is easy to make a mistake or not glance down at the speedo in time.
I know about Glen Coe near the Bridge of Orchy hotel.
Could we have a more comprehensive list of know traps and high alert areas? Points on maps would be great.
I can see this being of huge use to those of us that go up to enjoy both the scenery and the roads.I'll assume we all slow right down to the NSL anywhere near a village. If you don't you'll get shafted not just by the bill, but by the locals. (Rightly so).
The best bit of advice is to go on to the Northern Constabulary website, as each week, they publish a list of all the mobile camera locations.
Also, there are no mobile cameras, cars, pedestrians, cyclists...or anything living on the roads (apart from deer and sheep) at 5 a.m on a Sunday in June (which is when I like to drive). You could lie in the road for several hours and not see a car at this time \/
However, deer are a real problem as they are terminally stupid and will often run towards a car rather than away from it.
In winter the N W coast is almost empty:
HTH
Deer usually graze at the side of the road, but as said, can be unpredictable. I used to find ( slightly further south on the West coast) that in summer sheep tend to do likewise, but in winter, before the sun gets up they love to lye on the tarmac as it's warmer usually in the middle of the road and most times don't move, but there is the chance they will .
GetCarter said:
You could lie in the road for several hours and not see a car at this time \/
That looks like the weather we had in 2009. Not a cloud to be seen anywhere. Better than when the Google car was there.
Who me said:
Deer usually graze at the side of the road, but as said, can be unpredictable. I used to find ( slightly further south on the West coast) that in summer sheep tend to do likewise, but in winter, before the sun gets up they love to lye on the tarmac as it's warmer usually in the middle of the road and most times don't move, but there is the chance they will .
Sheep are like Martini - "Anytime, any place, anywhere!" 
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