Discussion
Eating out- it's local knowledge you need, not places plucked from a MAP. Similarly with nights out .I'll leave the paperwork to RD, to work out if he/she/it needs to go north/south/ east/west, or other points to find a good night out . But then, I've spent that much time up there that I'm still considered a native.
vrsmxtb said:
You misunderstand me I think gents, I have a possible internal transfer job opportunity in FW. Trust me, if Ullapool or similar was on the cards I'd be there in a flash!
Ah… okay… well the upside is (of course) the fab scenery… and driving north from FW (as you know) are some fab roads. Then there's Glencoe - which speaks for itself.Re eating out… to be fair, I haven't been there for a couple of years, so stuff may have changed. It certainly is up this way. Two new bistros in the past two years.
vrsmxtb said:
You misunderstand me I think gents, I have a possible internal transfer job opportunity in FW. Trust me, if Ullapool or similar was on the cards I'd be there in a flash!
If I had an offer of a good job with a decent salary etc but had to re-locate to FW area then I would seriously consider it. I wouldn't want to live in FW but somewhere not too far away, possibly North Ballachulish area, or on the north side towards Roy Bridge.
Don't know if that is any help or not, as we don't know what you want or expect...
vrsmxtb said:
You misunderstand me I think gents, I have a possible internal transfer job opportunity in FW. Trust me, if Ullapool or similar was on the cards I'd be there in a flash!
Hello. I'm a bit hungover but will put a few thoughts here:FW isn't a pretty town, but it generally is a friendly town. And a great base for all manner of outdoor activities. On a good winter skiing rivals the alps. Mountain biking facilities are first class. The leisure centre has a decent pool. Beaches are only 45mins away. Walking and climbing: I'm up in the hills a lot but it'll be years before I know my way round them all.
The town has most facilities you need. I'm biased but healthcare provision is excellent for both GP and hospital. Schools are okay. Supermarket shopping is somewhat limited with a Morrisons, a Lidl, a small Tesco and a couple of Co-ops but for big shops Inverness isn't too distant and Glasgow is only 2 hours away. Pubs are lively but a bit rough. There are excellent places to eat out (local knowledge is key, ignore tripadvisor). It does rain a lot: the saying is that if you can see the Ben it's about to rain, if you can't then it's already raining! And the joke about babies having webbed feet still circulates! Transport links are good given the geography: sleeper service to London is reliable. The roads to clog in summer but nothing compared to traffic problems down south. We just moan because it's easy to get used to empty roads and making progress!
Housing to rent isn't cheap (tourist market inflates prices) but is relatively cheap to buy.
The biggest nuisance I have is not being able to pop along to a motorfactors, or tools place on a Sunday when I'm needing something for the car. This takes a bit more planning.
That'll do for now as I'm needing more sleep.
Steven
sjabrown said:
Hello. I'm a bit hungover but will put a few thoughts here:
FW isn't a pretty town, but it generally is a friendly town. And a great base for all manner of outdoor activities. On a good winter skiing rivals the alps. Mountain biking facilities are first class. The leisure centre has a decent pool. Beaches are only 45mins away. Walking and climbing: I'm up in the hills a lot but it'll be years before I know my way round them all.
The town has most facilities you need. I'm biased but healthcare provision is excellent for both GP and hospital. Schools are okay. Supermarket shopping is somewhat limited with a Morrisons, a Lidl, a small Tesco and a couple of Co-ops but for big shops Inverness isn't too distant and Glasgow is only 2 hours away. Pubs are lively but a bit rough. There are excellent places to eat out (local knowledge is key, ignore tripadvisor). It does rain a lot: the saying is that if you can see the Ben it's about to rain, if you can't then it's already raining! And the joke about babies having webbed feet still circulates! Transport links are good given the geography: sleeper service to London is reliable. The roads to clog in summer but nothing compared to traffic problems down south. We just moan because it's easy to get used to empty roads and making progress!
Housing to rent isn't cheap (tourist market inflates prices) but is relatively cheap to buy.
The biggest nuisance I have is not being able to pop along to a motorfactors, or tools place on a Sunday when I'm needing something for the car. This takes a bit more planning.
That'll do for now as I'm needing more sleep.
Steven
Where do you suggest for eating out? I've been to a few of the top ten ones on trip advisor and been happy with them all.FW isn't a pretty town, but it generally is a friendly town. And a great base for all manner of outdoor activities. On a good winter skiing rivals the alps. Mountain biking facilities are first class. The leisure centre has a decent pool. Beaches are only 45mins away. Walking and climbing: I'm up in the hills a lot but it'll be years before I know my way round them all.
The town has most facilities you need. I'm biased but healthcare provision is excellent for both GP and hospital. Schools are okay. Supermarket shopping is somewhat limited with a Morrisons, a Lidl, a small Tesco and a couple of Co-ops but for big shops Inverness isn't too distant and Glasgow is only 2 hours away. Pubs are lively but a bit rough. There are excellent places to eat out (local knowledge is key, ignore tripadvisor). It does rain a lot: the saying is that if you can see the Ben it's about to rain, if you can't then it's already raining! And the joke about babies having webbed feet still circulates! Transport links are good given the geography: sleeper service to London is reliable. The roads to clog in summer but nothing compared to traffic problems down south. We just moan because it's easy to get used to empty roads and making progress!
Housing to rent isn't cheap (tourist market inflates prices) but is relatively cheap to buy.
The biggest nuisance I have is not being able to pop along to a motorfactors, or tools place on a Sunday when I'm needing something for the car. This takes a bit more planning.
That'll do for now as I'm needing more sleep.
Steven
Patrick Bateman said:
Where do you suggest for eating out? I've been to a few of the top ten ones on trip advisor and been happy with them all.
For an Indian: Spice Tandoori. For good pub-type grub and ale the Ben Nevis Inn at Achintee. For seafood: the Crannog. And half an hour away my current favourite place to eat out is the Laroch in Ballachulish. It's recently reopened and the meals are excellent. sjabrown said:
For an Indian: Spice Tandoori. For good pub-type grub and ale the Ben Nevis Inn at Achintee. For seafood: the Crannog. And half an hour away my current favourite place to eat out is the Laroch in Ballachulish. It's recently reopened and the meals are excellent.
Why ignore Trip Advisor if that echoes what you're saying? 
Spice Tandoori gets a bit of a mixed bag and have heard mixed things from people who'd tried it.
thole that put raw lamb, olives and grapes in a single curry. sja- years ago , there used to be a great night's out on Onich, and about. That's where I fell foul of the talons of Mrs (and after 45 years of marriage, I've no regrets). In the summer, lasses flock to the hotels in the area for work, which is not available in the islands( or did, I'd expect they still do ), and local blokes and island gals meet up. Tradition was that blokes had transport, and gals clubbed to buy some booze. There were dances in Kinlochleven and further afield .We took the gals to the dance. They "got off" with a bloke and got taken home. I'm saying lisle else- as in these days we were yet to meet. BUT- sja- the higland gals are so intoxicating - and so lovely-
Some great photos and appreciative words of the north Highlands in this month's Evo COTY write-up. From a base in Inverness, they've taken the usual clockwise route via Achnasheen to the Bealach & Applecross, north to Torridon, Kylesku (cover shot) and Durness but then they've gone all the way to JoG and the A9 down the east coast.
I've not heard it called to North Coast 500 before (sounds like a V8 Supercars event) but apparently it is a designated tourist route, presumably aimed at the summer's Campervan Grand Prix.
I haven't read all the text yet but the photography just reminds you how stunning the landscape and roads really are. Longing for a return trip.
I've not heard it called to North Coast 500 before (sounds like a V8 Supercars event) but apparently it is a designated tourist route, presumably aimed at the summer's Campervan Grand Prix.
I haven't read all the text yet but the photography just reminds you how stunning the landscape and roads really are. Longing for a return trip.
Edited by Mostro on Friday 30th October 19:48
Mostro said:
Some great photos and appreciative words of the north Highlands in this month's Evo COTY write-up. From a base in Inverness, they've taken the usual clockwise route via Achnasheen to the Bealach & Applecross, north to Torridon, Kylesku (cover shot) and Durness but then they've gone all the way to JoG and the A9 down the east coast.
I've not heard it called to North Coast 500 before (sounds like a V8 Supercars event) but apparently it is a designated tourist route, presumably aimed at the summer's Campervan Grand Prix.
I haven't read all the text yet but the photography just reminds you how stunning the landscape and roads really are. Longing for a return trip.
Yea… they launched it earlier this year: http://www.northcoast500.com/home.aspx Financed by the North Highlands Initiative - amongst others. Trying to get people further north as 99% stop at Edinburgh or Fort William. They don't mention that most of the hotels up here close tomorrow until Easter!I've not heard it called to North Coast 500 before (sounds like a V8 Supercars event) but apparently it is a designated tourist route, presumably aimed at the summer's Campervan Grand Prix.
I haven't read all the text yet but the photography just reminds you how stunning the landscape and roads really are. Longing for a return trip.
Edited by Mostro on Friday 30th October 19:48
The roads are completely empty again here - I drove 40 miles in the rush hour on Thursday before I saw my first car. Looking pretty too. Glen Shieldaig:
Enjoyed my long week up there recently, it really is fabulous when the weather behaves!
Scottys Trip Oct 2015 027 by mikey k V8VR, on Flickr
Kays from Scottys Trip 155 by mikey k V8VR, on Flickr
Scottys Trip Oct 2015 027 by mikey k V8VR, on FlickrKays from Scottys Trip 155 by mikey k V8VR, on FlickrPatrick Bateman said:
Not strictly roads content here but can anyone recommend a good weekend getaway around Easter for me and the Mrs.?
Highlands or Islands, suggestions welcome.
Not quite my nearest, but http://Torridon.com takes some beating.Highlands or Islands, suggestions welcome.
Recently did the Northcoast 500 in my TVR T350C,
Will try to do a write up at some point
Kylesku Bridge 006 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr
Lochcarron_001 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr
Airth_005 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr
More images on my FlickR - https://www.flickr.com/photos/30233693@N08/
Will try to do a write up at some point
Kylesku Bridge 006 by Adrian Barron, on FlickrLochcarron_001 by Adrian Barron, on FlickrAirth_005 by Adrian Barron, on FlickrMore images on my FlickR - https://www.flickr.com/photos/30233693@N08/
GetCarter said:
The hotel is expensive (voted best in Scotland), but the Inn is much cheaper. Check it out. Tis where most PH'rs stay
The hotel is very nice, but whenever I stay there, after dinner I tend to head to the Inn for beers and better atmosphere. The "Sir and Madam" stuff get's on our nerves.Gassing Station | Roads | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff