Highlands

[GetCarter]

Red Devil said:

Those belong to GetCarter. He runs a nice little sideline in hiring them out so that people can take pics like yours.

I've trained mine to walk along the pavement. Much safer.

[Red Devil]

Ah, the Shieldaig version of the 'walking bus' to school.

[DirrieMore]

On the Isle of Man we'd call that a leisure centre!

For the guy who thought Highlands road boring I'd say he who is tired of Highland roads is tired of life. Except the A9, obviously...

That said, in one respect I kind of agree. My Puma is fine on this wee rock, including the Mountain road (ok, it's no Elise or M3) but I fear it would be a bit inadequate for a run in God's country. Of course it'll sit at the NSL all day - heck, a Daewoo Matiz can do that - but really you need something that will do more. Back in the mid 90's I somehow managed to pilot a fully laden turbo diesel Cavalier from Kessock Bridge to Aultbea in an hour. I'd love to have taken my Accord Type R on a tour of Wester Ross but something else would probably have fallen off.

Like GC says, you drive to the conditions. I'd imagine few do licence losing speeds as livestock and weather not to mention road surface govern what would be really possible. That and the fact that the scenery is rather distracting.

[static2010]

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.

Edited by plenty on Wednesday 13th August 13:53

No shortage of them these days it seems...

[static2010]

Yell_M3 said:

I usually find the sheep quite orderly in Torridon...

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!

Brilliant!

[coppice]

I have driven in the far North West of Scotland for over 30 years and it is always worth the near 400 mile trip to do so.The appeal is a complex equation of scenery , weather and sublime roads. There may be relatively few of them North of the Great Glen of but the journey along them is never the same for a host of reasons, sometimes because of mood and often simply because the light is so different. It's something you notice acutely if you are in an open car under the mountains . For some it's a jolly , a tick on the must do list and the opportunity to convoy and do those oh so predictable 'here we are parked up in a layby shot'. Done it myself- who hasn't ? But the more I go (and I am back next week) the more I love it. I'd be quite happy to be in a tiny minority who understands the appeal and even though these pages sometimes suggest the PH demographic is found everywhere in the Highlands every day of the week it really isn't like that all thank God. Don't treat it as a trackday, don't ps off the locals , respect the majesty of the place and understand that a drive there is about so much more than the mechanics of driving and you'll be as addicted as I am ....

[cat220]

coppice said:

I have driven in the far North West of Scotland for over 30 years and it is always worth the near 400 mile trip to do so.The appeal is a complex equation of scenery , weather and sublime roads. There may be relatively few of them North of the Great Glen of but the journey along them is never the same for a host of reasons, sometimes because of mood and often simply because the light is so different. It's something you notice acutely if you are in an open car under the mountains . For some it's a jolly , a tick on the must do list and the opportunity to convoy and do those oh so predictable 'here we are parked up in a layby shot'. Done it myself- who hasn't ? But the more I go (and I am back next week) the more I love it. I'd be quite happy to be in a tiny minority who understands the appeal and even though these pages sometimes suggest the PH demographic is found everywhere in the Highlands every day of the week it really isn't like that all thank God. Don't treat it as a trackday, don't ps off the locals , respect the majesty of the place and understand that a drive there is about so much more than the mechanics of driving and you'll be as addicted as I am ....

Very well put!

[vrsmxtb]

coppice said:

I have driven in the far North West of Scotland for over 30 years and it is always worth the near 400 mile trip to do so.The appeal is a complex equation of scenery , weather and sublime roads. There may be relatively few of them North of the Great Glen of but the journey along them is never the same for a host of reasons, sometimes because of mood and often simply because the light is so different. It's something you notice acutely if you are in an open car under the mountains . For some it's a jolly , a tick on the must do list and the opportunity to convoy and do those oh so predictable 'here we are parked up in a layby shot'. Done it myself- who hasn't ? But the more I go (and I am back next week) the more I love it. I'd be quite happy to be in a tiny minority who understands the appeal and even though these pages sometimes suggest the PH demographic is found everywhere in the Highlands every day of the week it really isn't like that all thank God. Don't treat it as a trackday, don't ps off the locals , respect the majesty of the place and understand that a drive there is about so much more than the mechanics of driving and you'll be as addicted as I am ....

Spot on!

[Lancs Dave]

Aye. I usually get 4 trips a year in :-)

[crispyshark]

Hi guys,

I've found this thread so useful when planning a trip for my group next month.

Our group is made up of 4 couples in the following cars:

'03 Impreza Sportswagon (PPP)
B5 S4
BMW 525i
Skoda Octavia VRS

We've done other years 'hooning' in Europe but this one is to take the ladies along so they see that we aren't out a strip clubs when we say we are doing a driving holiday!

Here is our route/itinerary. Any comments welcome.

Day 1 Brentwood to Fort William: 510miles, 9hr 41 mins
http://goo.gl/maps/3tcgc

Via B863 aka "The Scotsburgring" at the end.

Day 2
Fort William to Ullapool via Applecross: 220miles, 5hr 53 mins

http://goo.gl/maps/xl8yI

Day 3
Ullapool Durness loop: 179 miles, 4hrs 39 mins
http://goo.gl/maps/tn6OV

Ullapool -> Kylesku -> Scourie -> Durness -> Tongue -> Lairg -> Ledmore Junction -> Ullapool

Day 4
Ullapool to Edingburgh: 226miles, 5hr 55 mins

http://goo.gl/maps/GxkbI

Takes us on the old military road…also past Culloden (famous battlefield) and also the village of Cawdor (made famous in Shakespeare’s Macbeth)

Day 5
Edinburgh to Brentwood: 384 miles, 7hr 21 mins
http://goo.gl/maps/Kq2GP

Must say I'm looking forward to a couple of nights of good seafood and Malt in Ullapool!

Cheers

Chris

[shackman]

I'm coming up to Lochcarron this weekend for a week, and can't decide between the A82 or the A9.

I have done both in the past, the A82 is the better driving road but get stuck behind something and you're there for some time.
Last time we came back by the A9 and it did seem better but not as interesting.

Looking to do the Applecross loop and visiting Sheildaig. My wife has bought some pictures off Get Carter so we would like to see the vista's first hand!

Have to look at Monty Halls cottage as well.

Can't wait!

What's the seafood restaurant like just outside Lochcarron going towards Applecross?

[cat220]

shackman said:

I'm coming up to Lochcarron this weekend for a week, and can't decide between the A82 or the A9.

I have done both in the past, the A82 is the better driving road but get stuck behind something and you're there for some time.
Last time we came back by the A9 and it did seem better but not as interesting.

Looking to do the Applecross loop and visiting Sheildaig. My wife has bought some pictures off Get Carter so we would like to see the vista's first hand!

Have to look at Monty Halls cottage as well.

Can't wait!

What's the seafood restaurant like just outside Lochcarron going towards Applecross?

I'd avoid the A9 at all costs. Congested and dangerous, not a great combination.

I can highly recommend the Applecross Inn for seafood, first class.

Cheers,
C

[plenty]

crispyshark said:

Here is our route/itinerary. Any comments welcome.

If it's an option for you, I'd suggest heading up the evening before your first "real" road trip day, and taking a chunk out of the miles required to get to Scotland. It's quite feasible to get from the M25 to Carlisle in the evening with a meal stop on the way. This way you'll start your first "real" day ready to enjoy the roads rather than having to cover ground on the first day to get there.

The time you gain would then allow you to enjoy some further detours such as the A821 winding through the Trossachs from Aberfoyle to Callander. On the final day I wouldn't bother with the A7 coast road (anything in England will feel anti-climatical after the Highlands) - the A68/A696 combo to Newcastle is both quicker and a more enjoyable drive.

[GetCarter]

shackman said:

What's the seafood restaurant like just outside Lochcarron going towards Applecross?

It's a specialist seafood place, so if that's your thing it's the biz. Hasn't got the atmos or views of the Applecross inn mind. Potting shed in Applecross also good.

I'd avoid the A9 if I were you.

Check out the new cafe/bistro in Diabaig. Worth the trip.

Afternoon tea in the posh Torridon Hotel - something from another age and worth it for the cakes! (Open to non residents).

Wave if you see me! (White S4 or RR)

[s2kjock]

Edinburgh to Lochcarron I use the A9 to Dalwhinnie, then turn off to Spean Bridge.

A82 through Glencoe great on a quiet day, but hate it in heavy summer traffic when overtaking opportunities are minimal.

[shackman]

GetCarter said:

It's a specialist seafood place, so if that's your thing it's the biz. Hasn't got the atmos or views of the Applecross inn mind. Potting shed in Applecross also good.

I'd avoid the A9 if I were you.

Check out the new cafe/bistro in Diabaig. Worth the trip.

Afternoon tea in the posh Torridon Hotel - something from another age and worth it for the cakes! (Open to non residents).

Wave if you see me! (White S4 or RR)

Thanks for that Steve,
My wife was given one of your prints for her retirement present. (School Teacher)

She loves it!

Yes we'll definitely look at the Diabaig café.

[crispyshark]

plenty said:

crispyshark said:

Here is our route/itinerary. Any comments welcome.

If it's an option for you, I'd suggest heading up the evening before your first "real" road trip day, and taking a chunk out of the miles required to get to Scotland. It's quite feasible to get from the M25 to Carlisle in the evening with a meal stop on the way. This way you'll start your first "real" day ready to enjoy the roads rather than having to cover ground on the first day to get there.

The time you gain would then allow you to enjoy some further detours such as the A821 winding through the Trossachs from Aberfoyle to Callander. On the final day I wouldn't bother with the A7 coast road (anything in England will feel anti-climatical after the Highlands) - the A68/A696 combo to Newcastle is both quicker and a more enjoyable drive.

Thanks Plenty!

I didn't mention it but we have all agreed to head up half day earlier to get the boring chunk of driving out the way....we are just planning on seeing where we end up!

Will check out the A821.

[Red Devil]

crispyshark said:

Here is our route/itinerary. Any comments welcome.

Day 1 Brentwood to Fort William: 510miles, 9hr 41 mins
http://goo.gl/maps/3tcgc

Via B863 aka "The Scotsburgring" at the end.

Day 2
Fort William to Ullapool via Applecross: 220miles, 5hr 53 mins

http://goo.gl/maps/xl8yI

Day 3
Ullapool Durness loop: 179 miles, 4hrs 39 mins
http://goo.gl/maps/tn6OV

Ullapool -> Kylesku -> Scourie -> Durness -> Tongue -> Lairg -> Ledmore Junction -> Ullapool

Day 4
Ullapool to Edingburgh: 226miles, 5hr 55 mins

http://goo.gl/maps/GxkbI

Takes us on the old military road…also past Culloden (famous battlefield) and also the village of Cawdor (made famous in Shakespeare’s Macbeth)

Day 5
Edinburgh to Brentwood: 384 miles, 7hr 21 mins
http://goo.gl/maps/Kq2GP

Must say I'm looking forward to a couple of nights of good seafood and Malt in Ullapool!

Cheers

Chris

Day 1 & 5 start/finish point - post says Brentwood: maps show Barkingside.

Day 1. Personally I would avoid the A82 along Loch Lomond. If you are behind a HGV with a following camel train any overtake will be difficult or even impossible. You are seriously missing out by not taking in the Dukes Pass though. Leave the A82 and go via A811/A81/A821/A84/A85 rejoining the A82 at Crianlarich. As you're not now doing a 500+ miles leg to FW in one day the extra 35 miles via Aberfoyle is insignificant. It will add between 60 and 70 minutes to the total journey time but, trust me, it's well worth it.

Days 2 & 3. Spot on.

Day 4. I am no fan of the A9 but unless you have a reason to visit Blairgowrie and/or Perth you might want to consider using a small part of it. Leave the A93 and take the B950/A924 via Pitlochry. The A9 is d/c south of there and feeds directly onto the M90 at the Broxden Junction roundabout.

Day 5. My preferred route from Edinburgh to the A74(M) is A702/A703/A701/B7026/A6094/A701/A72/A701 to Moffat. Unlike the A702, it's not a primary route so traffic is lighter and normally devoid of HGVs. Only one village of any size (Broughton) and fewer speed restrictions. The descent into Moffat down the Devil's Beef Tub is superb. Try doing it without braking.

I also don't much like the M6/M1. I leave the M6 at J44 south of Todhills services and take the A689 to Alston. Then the B6277 to Middleton-in-Teesdale and Barnard Castle. The section across the fells to Forest-in-Teesdale is epic. From Barnard Castle the B6277/A66 to Scotch Corner and then the A1/A1(M). More choice of stopping places and cheaper fuel to be found just off route (no rip-off motorway prices).

The other route I often use is the A68 to Jedburgh then the B6357/unclassfied through Kielder Forest to Bellingham followed by a slew of excellent B roads to Hexham and Barnard Castle.

It works for me as my sister lives in Lincolnshire so I often stay overnight. Consequently there's no pressure to get back to London the same day. Of course splitting the journey in two may not be an option for you.

Edited by Red Devil on Tuesday 19th August 13:55

[JM]

Red Devil said:

Leave the A93 and take the B950/A924 via Pitlochry. The A9 is d/c south of there and feeds directly onto the M90 at the Broxden Junction roundabout.

Less than 50% of the A9 is dual carriageway between Pitlochry and Perth, and it's normally a slow section of road at most times due to volume of traffic.

But as Blairgowrie can be very slow getting through it at times it could be as quick heading to Pitlochry, and it's a great wee bit of road.

But a stop of at Scoune Palace could be added as it is passed in the road into Perth.

But an alternative to miss the east side of Perth and avoid single carriageway A9 would be after Blairgowrie take the unclassified road to the right after the Beach Hedge, just at the Bridge over the River Isla and head for Stanley on the B9099, and then onto the dual carriageway A9.

[Podie]

Not been a great week weather wise, and the roads have proved challenging...



A82 was purgatory with all the tourist traffic, but everything else has been fun.

Chased the Jacobite express up to Mallaig, and did the "Ardnamurchan TT" this afternoon, and it was largely dry.