Highlands

[GetCarter]

_Jonesy_ said:

GetCarter said:

I post a photo a day on my site (have done for 6 years) if you need a fix... http://SteveCarter.com

Just had a look at this, absolutely stunning photos.

PS Found your site very interesting, I'm a professional musician too and like your work.

Thanks Jonesy - cheque in the post

[nfcf]

So I'm doing my first tour of the highlands in just under a week and would really appreciate some feedback on the route. I've been following this thread for a while with this trip in mind so hopefully I am not too far of the mark.

Day 1 is going to be a bit of a slog up the M6 so I've got a couple routes I've done before planned for getting to Loch Lomond depending on how tried I am.

Day 2 - Less worried about this leg as I've done the areas near Oban/Fort William a few years ago but didn't do these roads. Lunch in Oban (remember eating a nice meal there before) and catching the last ferry across to Skye.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1g9trfYiW...

Day 3 - Trip round Skye probably with a packed lunch unless someone has a recommendation of somewhere that's a must try. Any thoughts on whether the route around should be clockwise or anti-clockwise? Depending on time will try to catch the Glenelg ferry back because it looks interesting.

Getting super unleaded from Kyle of Lochalsh, hence the slight detour.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=121t9ueWh...

Day 4 - Plan on picking up lunch from Lochinver Larder and visiting the Smoo Caves before dinner at Tongue Hotel. Not sure if this is the best route to get to Lochinver (seems a waste to do the same road twice!)

Does the petrol station at Ullapool do super unleaded fuel? I am struggling to find a defintive answer.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1icHE1IJD...

Day 5 - not sure if this is the best route or if the A836 would be a better option.

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1PnL4UCr3...

Day 6 - Probably stopping at Dalwhinnie Distillery before heading to Edinburgh.

Slight detour to Fort William for super unleaded (the car drinks the stuff at an alarming rate!)

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1dh3reH1z...

[GetCarter]

nfcf said:

Does the petrol station at Ullapool do super unleaded fuel? I am struggling to find a defintive answer.

I go there a few times a year and the answer is yes, but you never know up here... to make sure, just give them a ring 01854 612560 - bear in mind they sometimes run out! Bottle of octane boost in the boot always a good idea here.

[magpies]

[quote=nfcf]

Day 2 - Less worried about this leg as I've done the areas near Oban/Fort William a few years ago but didn't do these roads. Lunch in Oban (remember eating a nice meal there before) and catching the last ferry across to Skye.

Day 3 - Trip round Skye probably with a packed lunch unless someone has a recommendation of somewhere that's a must try. Any thoughts on whether the route around should be clockwise or anti-clockwise? Depending on time will try to catch the Glenelg ferry back because it looks interesting.

Day 6 - Probably stopping at Dalwhinnie Distillery before heading to Edinburgh.

Slight detour to Fort William for super unleaded (the car drinks the stuff at an alarming rate!)

For Lunch in Oban try the Cuan Mor on the sea front

If you like distilleries the also visit the Talisker Distillery on Skye

You will enjoy the Dalwhinnie to Spean Bridge road

[Red Devil]

nfcf said:

So I'm doing my first tour of the highlands in just under a week and would really appreciate some feedback on the route.

Not a lot of point in posting links to which access is denied.

nfcf said:

Day 3 - Trip round Skye probably with a packed lunch unless someone has a recommendation of somewhere that's a must try. Any thoughts on whether the route around should be clockwise or anti-clockwise? Depending on time will try to catch the Glenelg ferry back because it looks interesting.

Clockwise. Defintely take the ferry from Kylerhea to Glenelg. It's run by the local community and deserves support. Quite apart from the fact that it's by far the best way to get to/from the island.

nfcf said:

Getting super unleaded from Kyle of Lochalsh, hence the slight detour.

If you're happy with 97 Octane then you don't need to. The Co-op in Broadford has it (well it did on my last visit in 2015).

nfcf said:

Does the petrol station at Ullapool do super unleaded fuel? I am struggling to find a defintive answer.

Yes. I've never had a supply problem there in 8 years of annual visits to the Highlands. We usually use Ullapool as our base, so fill up there more than once during our trips. However, as GC said, octane booster would be a sensible precaution: I don't think super is readily available anywhere between Ullapool and Thurso although I have fortunately never needed to put it to the test.

[nfcf]

Red Devil said:

Not a lot of point in posting links to which access is denied.

Well that was somewhat idiotic of me...

I've changed the access from private to public and checked they work on my work PC this time (where I'm not logged in).

I'll mark the Broadford co-op on the map thanks for the hint.

GetCarter said:

I go there a few times a year and the answer is yes, but you never know up here... to make sure, just give them a ring 01854 612560 - bear in mind they sometimes run out! Bottle of octane boost in the boot always a good idea here.

Thanks was planning on taking a small bottle of octane booster but would prefer not to use it.

magpies said:

For Lunch in Oban try the Cuan Mor on the sea front

If you like distilleries the also visit the Talisker Distillery on Skye

You will enjoy the Dalwhinnie to Spean Bridge road

Might have been Cuan Mor I was thinking of it certainly is in the correct area being next to Oban distillery.

I'll drop into Talisker if I have sufficient time. Distilleries are normally worth a visit however with the tighter drink driving laws in Scotland I'll be taking a receptacle for the complimentary dram typically offered.

[Red Devil]

nfcf said:

Red Devil said:

Not a lot of point in posting links to which access is denied.

Well that was somewhat idiotic of me...

I've changed the access from private to public and checked they work on my work PC this time (where I'm not logged in).

I'll mark the Broadford co-op on the map thanks for the hint.

Day 2. All good
Day 3. Likewise
Day 4. The A832 to Gorstan and the A835 thence to Ullapool are both great roads for making very spirited progress.
          If you do go that way though, be careful on the A832 between Achnasheen and Achanalt.
          I's the most likely place that far north to get pinged. It cost a friend of mine 6 points plus a £400 fine.
          On top of that he had to attend court at Inverness. He lives and works in middle England
          So on top of the fine he had to fork out for a plane ticket and an overnight stay in a hotel. An expensive mistake!
          I prefer going the other way on the A832: a much more involving and rewarding drive with better scenery to boot.
          . https://goo.gl/maps/WHv2CyAJs222
 
          Beyond Ullapool you might want to consider these two options as well.
          To reach Lochinver - https://goo.gl/maps/yETD1gFYUBu
          After Lochinver - https://goo.gl/maps/rLrJnURwTvm
          The B869 is far from quick with plenty of blind bends and crests.
          It's not to everyone taste and needs to be driven with care.

Day 5. The A836 from Tongue to Lairg is superb: really quick for a single track road.
          Nothing wrong with your route though and makes a nice change from the obvious one.
          I particularly like the A839: it has a lovely rhythm to it.
          Almost totally devoid of traffic each time I have been on it as well.

Day 6. After Crieff I would go via Glendevon and Rumbling Bridge. More fun that way.
          Beyond Powmill there are two possible routes to Edinburgh.
          Either https://goo.gl/maps/68MtsjFD1mN2 or https://goo.gl/maps/PZwYzdt6Ms12   ...

[nfcf]

Thanks for the comments, it is much appreciated. I've updated my maps with the majority of your suggestions

Looking forward to next week, should be a blast.

[Janesy B]

Here's a vid (sped up 4x) of the drive from the Tongue causeway to Durness. Was a long old day driving from Inverness to Durness but we were rewarded with an epic sunset.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-mTUr5k6fM

Edited by Janesy B on Thursday 8th September 22:10

[Red Devil]

nfcf said:

Thanks for the comments, it is much appreciated. I've updated my maps with the majority of your suggestions

Looking forward to next week, should be a blast.

So am I.

Doing the Dalveen and Mennock passes on Saturday, staying with friends in Auchterarder that night, then heading north on Sunday via the A93/A939.
It is possible that our paths might cross later on. What will you be driving?

[leginigel]

I'm go up to the Highlands on Sunday to do some of the 500 route.We have a two night stop at Berwick-upon-Tweed from here cut across A6105,A697,B6362 to the A7 and around Edinburgh,we have stayed at Dunbar many times so just though a nice change to the A1 route.A9 to Dundee,A92 to Stonehaven though to Aberdeen then again a change I'm going to take the A944/A941 to Egin this is a very old road that has change little since the 1940s.A over night stay just out side Inverness in the very nice looking Riverview Guest House. a short drive to Nigg Ferry hope it's running.Next over night stop is Wick in the Harbour House B&B,then not sure to cut the corner and go to Thurso or up to JOGs,I have been there as a kid so only want to go if it's a good drive.From Thurso we keep to the coast along the A836/A838 turning left at Laxford Bridge to run alongside the three locks down to Lairg for a night in the Rhiconich Hotel.Then off to Kyle of Lockalsh via the A837 hoping eat in Ullapool on the way,cut back up the A832 to Tingle Creek Hotel.Over the bridge to Skye and hope to get the ferry across to Mallaig and eat in the cabin,following the A830 to Fort William,again keep close to the coast A82/A826 to Oban,here my wife has booked us in the Barcaldine Castle we have room in the turret with 360 degree views.From Oban we take tom tom route to Bishop Auckland for two nights in the Manor House Hotel this is a area we like but have never stayed so a nice wind down before going down to Essex.I'm going to take the Grand Cherokee more room for coats and wet gear,better on the small roads and she is doing 38 MPG when I start I will probably wish I had the 3 series and again if the weather is good and the hood could of been down I will really miss her.Any views on this route or to stops.

[johnwilliams77]

Octane booster = don't bother

[pb450]

Janesy B said:

Here's a vid (sped up 4x) of the drive from the Tongue causeway to Durness. Was a long old day driving from Inverness to Durness but we were rewarded with an epic sunset.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-mTUr5k6fM

Edited by Janesy B on Thursday 8th September 22:10

Great vid.

[Mad Jock]

leginigel said:

I'm go up to the Highlands on Sunday to do some of the 500 route.We have a two night stop at Berwick-upon-Tweed from here cut across A6105,A697,B6362 to the A7 and around Edinburgh,we have stayed at Dunbar many times so just though a nice change to the A1 route.A9 to Dundee,A92 to Stonehaven though to Aberdeen then again a change I'm going to take the A944/A941 to Egin this is a very old road that has change little since the 1940s.A over night stay just out side Inverness in the very nice looking Riverview Guest House. a short drive to Nigg Ferry hope it's running.Next over night stop is Wick in the Harbour House B&B,then not sure to cut the corner and go to Thurso or up to JOGs,I have been there as a kid so only want to go if it's a good drive.From Thurso we keep to the coast along the A836/A838 turning left at Laxford Bridge to run alongside the three locks down to Lairg for a night in the Rhiconich Hotel.Then off to Kyle of Lockalsh via the A837 hoping eat in Ullapool on the way,cut back up the A832 to Tingle Creek Hotel.Over the bridge to Skye and hope to get the ferry across to Mallaig and eat in the cabin,following the A830 to Fort William,again keep close to the coast A82/A826 to Oban,here my wife has booked us in the Barcaldine Castle we have room in the turret with 360 degree views.From Oban we take tom tom route to Bishop Auckland for two nights in the Manor House Hotel this is a area we like but have never stayed so a nice wind down before going down to Essex.I'm going to take the Grand Cherokee more room for coats and wet gear,better on the small roads and she is doing 38 MPG when I start I will probably wish I had the 3 series and again if the weather is good and the hood could of been down I will really miss her.Any views on this route or to stops.

I think that your geography is a little off. The Riconich Hotel is nowhere near Lairg. In fact, you will have driven past it (funnily enough, in Riconich) on the run from Durness to Laxford Bridge. If you reach Lairg to look for it, you will have to drive all the way back, some 40 miles.

You may well be using autocorrect, but it's LOCH, not LOCK (the three lochs, Kyle of Lochalsh). People have been hung for less up here!

[leginigel]

Hi Thanks for the pointer regards the Rhiconich Hotel,we just put in a search for hotels in Lairg,but it makes for a shorted drive from Wick.As for the "loch" coming from Essex I know no better and I'm very sorry and hope I have not up set the locals. So What would you recommend left at Laxford Bridge to Lairg or down the A984.

[Patrick Bateman]

Mad Jock said:

I think that your geography is a little off. The Riconich Hotel is nowhere near Lairg. In fact, you will have driven past it (funnily enough, in Riconich) on the run from Durness to Laxford Bridge. If you reach Lairg to look for it, you will have to drive all the way back, some 40 miles.

You may well be using autocorrect, but it's LOCH, not LOCK (the three lochs, Kyle of Lochalsh). People have been hung for less up here!

While we're on grammar, it's hanged.

[leginigel]

Please don't up set the locals I'm up there on Sunday !!

[GetCarter]

leginigel said:

Please don't up set the locals I'm up there on Sunday !!

I'm sending out the heavy mob!

[Mad Jock]

Patrick Bateman said:

Mad Jock said:

I think that your geography is a little off. The Riconich Hotel is nowhere near Lairg. In fact, you will have driven past it (funnily enough, in Riconich) on the run from Durness to Laxford Bridge. If you reach Lairg to look for it, you will have to drive all the way back, some 40 miles.

You may well be using autocorrect, but it's LOCH, not LOCK (the three lochs, Kyle of Lochalsh). People have been hung for less up here!

While we're on grammar, it's hanged.

It's spelling, not grammar.

[Patrick Bateman]

Not to appear too anal but in the context of hanged and hung, it's grammar.