Discussion
stroberaver said:
Red Devil said:
I didn't say anything about being flung anywhere. The majority of the route should have little traffic and fun doesn't necessarily mean going fast. It's just as much about being in tune with the road and enjoying the flow....
Staying in Ullapool means you're reasonably close to the Corrieschalloch Gorge (on the A832 just west of the A835 at Breamore Junction), so you could do that the next day if you're short of time.
Looks like a nice, sweeping road in places that would be fun to pick up the pace and get into a good rhythm. But I know that's not what my passengers would appreciate. They'd be happiest on the straightest, smoothest route. But I'm glad to hear the A9 is ok at the moment, outside of tourist season. It was certainly a pretty easy, quick, straightforward run when I used it to come back from the Highlands nearly 3 years ago.
Or take to the minor/single track roads anywhere in the Highlands for that matter.
Something which is almost inevitable to reach many of the best photographic locations.
stroberaver said:
Although I understand the average speed cameras are due to go on soon, if they're not already?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-29552083ASCS will do nothing to stop this sort of driving which is the real problem on that road.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjf9SPCEchw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqW5_1oRBgA
And this one north of Inverness where there aren't any (yet).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWJ1fFnBzus
stroberaver said:
Thanks for the tip about Corrieschalloch Gorge, will look into it.
Feck, those videos are bad. Couldn't believe the trucker in the first one, some people need pulling from their vehicles and shooting in the head before they kill someone else.
I thought the red Skoda was doing anything too heinous at first, taking one car at a time although he wasn't doing it very smoothly or with much forward planning. My jaw dropped when he pulled out in front of the oncoming hgv though.
I can't see what average speed cameras are going to do to change the mindset of that kind of loon though. They need a short, sharp fright, maybe in the form of some rough justice at the hands of an angry traffic cop. It's a pity the millions being spent on the cameras couldn't have been used to fund a few more traffic cops who could throw the book at that kind of driving. But anyone stuck behind an hgv or dawdling driver under the specs cameras will know its their average speed being monitored, so they're not going to be put off pulling a crazy overtake which isn't going to increase their average by much. But maybe that's a topic for a different thread.
I thought the red Skoda was doing anything too heinous at first, taking one car at a time although he wasn't doing it very smoothly or with much forward planning. My jaw dropped when he pulled out in front of the oncoming hgv though.
I can't see what average speed cameras are going to do to change the mindset of that kind of loon though. They need a short, sharp fright, maybe in the form of some rough justice at the hands of an angry traffic cop. It's a pity the millions being spent on the cameras couldn't have been used to fund a few more traffic cops who could throw the book at that kind of driving. But anyone stuck behind an hgv or dawdling driver under the specs cameras will know its their average speed being monitored, so they're not going to be put off pulling a crazy overtake which isn't going to increase their average by much. But maybe that's a topic for a different thread.
stroberaver said:
Feck, those videos are bad.
The truck one, why would the overtaken truck not ease off for a couple of seconds to allow the other one to pass easier? Although it is a bit of a pointless overtake as the remaining section to Perth is normally busy and there's more dual carriageway a few miles ahead, he wouldn't lose any time by not overtaking, but anyway it's poor from both HGV's I'd say.
Skoda, looks like the HGV was parked in the lay-bye and the Skoda driver never saw him indicate to pull out, maybe he was looking too far ahead, maybe the HGV didn't indicate till he was pulling out so Skoda man didn't expect his move. Looks bad and I'll bet everyone got a fright!
The last one at Tore looks like the overtaker thought he was still on dual carriageway, i'm presuming he was on the A9 northbound before the roundabout.
Average speed cameras wont do anything to prevent similar incidents and I agree the funds being wasted on the cameras should be used to fund extra patrols which actually concentrate on driving rather than speed.
JM said:
stroberaver said:
Feck, those videos are bad.
The truck one, why would the overtaken truck not ease off for a couple of seconds to allow the other one to pass easier?JM said:
Although it is a bit of a pointless overtake as the remaining section to Perth is normally busy and there's more dual carriageway a few miles ahead, he wouldn't lose any time by not overtaking, but anyway it's poor from both HGV's I'd say.
Nothing like so much for the overtakee. He was established in his lane and it was the right had one that was about to disappear. He may not have fully anticipated that the other driver would try anything so daft.JM said:
Skoda, looks like the HGV was parked in the lay-bye and the Skoda driver never saw him indicate to pull out, maybe he was looking too far ahead, maybe the HGV didn't indicate till he was pulling out so Skoda man didn't expect his move. Looks bad and I'll bet everyone got a fright!
If you look closely you will see that the cab of the HGV is already emerging from the layby with his indicator on when the oncoming car is alongside the Skoda. There is no way the Skoda driver can have failed to observe this if he had been keeping proper observation. He was an impatient ***** who didn't want to wait until the HGV had passed because the upcoming left hand bend would then rob him of the chance to get past. What makes it even worse is that only a few hundred yards further ahead is an upcoming d/c section (as is clearly shown by the blue sign @0:20). JM said:
The last one at Tore looks like the overtaker thought he was still on dual carriageway, i'm presuming he was on the A9 northbound before the roundabout.
I don't buy that explanation for one second. Even if he had been on the A9 before the roundabout, he has just passed a 
great pair of signs on either side of the carriage way informing drivers it's two way traffic and a 60mph limit. Not to mention the two cars and a van which have passed right next to him in the opposite direction. How much more information does he need before the penny drops? JM said:
Average speed cameras wont do anything to prevent similar incidents and I agree the funds being wasted on the cameras should be used to fund extra patrols which actually concentrate on driving rather than speed.
Look at the dashcam speed display on the second video I posted - 40mph max. There has been much talk on social media that journey times to Inverness have already increased even before the switch on. AIUI HGVs will be allowed to do 50mph instead of 40mph on the single carriageway sections. The reduced speed differential will mean even longer 'camel trains' together with intense competition to make overtakes on the d/c sections. If I'm right, I predict even more suicidal overtakes by desperate impatient drivers. Edited by Red Devil on Saturday 11th October 20:23
Well I've possibly picked the worst week in a while to head north. However regardless of the weather I love it up here. Heading north from Ullapool today up through Inverpolly estate to Lochinver, might do a slight detour to Achanaird beach to let the kids and dog run about. Will see how it goes with the weather. In a w210 e55 estate so if you see me give me a wave!
Edited by cat220 on Thursday 23 October 19:22
I know I've said this before, but if you're heading up this way, please keep an eye on http://trafficscotland.org/index.aspx - the A82 is currently closed just south of Ft. William. Diversion route is 161 miles long...
alangla said:
I know I've said this before, but if you're heading up this way, please keep an eye on http://trafficscotland.org/index.aspx - the A82 is currently closed just south of Ft. William. Diversion route is 161 miles long...
Stroll on, what's that all about, and can you still use the Corran ferry do you know? It looks not). cat220 said:
Well I've possibly picked the worst week in a while to head north. However regardless of the weather I love it up here. Heading north from Ullapool today up through Inverpolly estate to Lochinver, might do a slight detour to Achanaird beach to let the kids and dog run about. Will see how it goes with the weather. In a w210 e55 estate so if you see me give me a wave!
How great is Achnahaird beach! Have some excellent memories of that place.Edited by cat220 on Thursday 23 October 19:22
After 15 yrs in the Highlands I moved down to the Central belt early this year and I seriously miss it. I do NOT miss the feckin A9 though - hideously dangerous road full of utterly lunatic drivers.
TorqueDirty said:
cat220 said:
Well I've possibly picked the worst week in a while to head north. However regardless of the weather I love it up here. Heading north from Ullapool today up through Inverpolly estate to Lochinver, might do a slight detour to Achanaird beach to let the kids and dog run about. Will see how it goes with the weather. In a w210 e55 estate so if you see me give me a wave!
How great is Achnahaird beach! Have some excellent memories of that place.Edited by cat220 on Thursday 23 October 19:22
After 15 yrs in the Highlands I moved down to the Central belt early this year and I seriously miss it. I do NOT miss the feckin A9 though - hideously dangerous road full of utterly lunatic drivers.
Excuse the quality of the pics as these were taken on my phone...
Achnahaird
Achmelvich
Stac Pollaidh
One of the old bus
Despite the weather I'll be gutted to be going home.
Just settled down to watch "On Weirs Way"
Edited by cat220 on Monday 27th October 23:04
sjabrown said:
Road now open with traffic lights at the affected bridge. Still raining though.
Still raining - hardly newsworthy for FW,one reason for siteing the Aluminium plants in FW and Kinlochleven. Nurses at Raigmor maternity were said to know FW babies by their webbed feet 
Trying to workout where the fall was. I'd say somewhere between the end of 3mile water straight and Black rock ( the old BT repeater hut on the shore side was approx 5 mile from the town). But that section of road has undergone multiple upgrades since I first drove it and knew it.
Who me said:
Trying to workout where the fall was. I'd say somewhere between the end of 3mile water straight and Black rock ( the old BT repeater hut on the shore side was approx 5 mile from the town). But that section of road has undergone multiple upgrades since I first drove it and knew it.
South of Black Rock at Corrychurrachan bridge & Glenrighhttp://www.lochaber-news.co.uk/News/A82-partially-...
GetCarter said:
For anyone thinking of travelling coast to coast up here, the road is currently blocked at Garve due to a rockfall.
Thanks for this, heading back to Glasgow from Ullapool today, was considering the scenic route via the gairloch but with incidents popping up everywhere and travelling with the family I'm thinking the a9 might be the way to go. Btw I hate the A9!!cat220 said:
GetCarter said:
For anyone thinking of travelling coast to coast up here, the road is currently blocked at Garve due to a rockfall.
Thanks for this, heading back to Glasgow from Ullapool today, was considering the scenic route via the gairloch but with incidents popping up everywhere and travelling with the family I'm thinking the a9 might be the way to go. Btw I hate the A9!!Only one lane though so expect delays.
If you hate the A9 that much maybe avoid it altogether?
B roads from Raigmore to the A939 then A93 to Perth.
Motorway all the way from there to Glasgow.
The eastern side may be a bit less affected by the bad weather.
Best to check first though - http://trafficscotland.org/currentincidents/
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