Discussion
Thought there would be some appreciation in this thread for what I found at my mums. Seems that the 'North Coast 50' existed in the 60's...
A favourite part of the country for my folks, we spent a lot of time in the North West, fishing, walking etc. The love for the area is ingrained in me.
A favourite part of the country for my folks, we spent a lot of time in the North West, fishing, walking etc. The love for the area is ingrained in me.
SWIMBO said:
nice write up. 
Just a small point for those who are unfamiliar with the territory.SWIMBO said:
Monday 9 May - Glenspean Lodge Hotel, Roy Bridge
Once clear of Glasgow and past Clydebank we got onto the A82 (Rest & Be Thankful viewpoint) which we did the day before with the McMustang Meet, A814 to Arochar, A83 to Inverary
Rest and be Thankful is not on, or even nearby, the A82. It's more than 6 miles beyond Arrochar on the A83 - https://goo.gl/maps/hCzkw58KNNQ2Once clear of Glasgow and past Clydebank we got onto the A82 (Rest & Be Thankful viewpoint) which we did the day before with the McMustang Meet, A814 to Arochar, A83 to Inverary
L555BAT said:
Anyone done a Highlands trip camping somewhere different each night? How was it?
There's a campsite near Dornie on Get Carter's route, handy to stop at for night time pictures of Eilean Donan or a quick detour to Skye. You just turn up and pitch and someone comes to collect the site fee in the evening. I think it was £9 per night. DelicaL400 said:
L555BAT said:
Anyone done a Highlands trip camping somewhere different each night? How was it?
There's a campsite near Dornie on Get Carter's route, handy to stop at for night time pictures of Eilean Donan or a quick detour to Skye. You just turn up and pitch and someone comes to collect the site fee in the evening. I think it was £9 per night. towser said:
DelicaL400 said:
L555BAT said:
Anyone done a Highlands trip camping somewhere different each night? How was it?
There's a campsite near Dornie on Get Carter's route, handy to stop at for night time pictures of Eilean Donan or a quick detour to Skye. You just turn up and pitch and someone comes to collect the site fee in the evening. I think it was £9 per night. Edited by GetCarter on Sunday 22 May 15:56
I'm guilty of reading these forums a great deal more than contributing, so I'd also like to say a very big thank you to those on this thread and in particular to GetCarter and Red Devil for taking the time to post all the really helpful information on here.
After a good three months of anticipation, we've just got back from a three day trip round what must be the finest roads in the UK, having taken a sleeper train to Inverness and then hired a Caterham from near Elgin. Each to their own, but for me the Caterham (a 1.8 SV K series) was perfect for this trip. It was so well suited to the narrow single track roads, and rock solid in sunshine, rain and even hail, plus great fun without going north of the NSL. It also brought out smiles everywhere we went and when we were behind slower traffic on the single track roads it wasn't typically very long before they pulled in to a passing place and waved us through.
Day 1 started near Elgin, dropping south into the Cairngorms via Tomintoul and Grantown-on Spey. We then headed west past Cawdor and Culloden, through Inverness to Beauly, Achnasheen and Applecross. The views round to Shieldaig were as spectacular as GetCarter has often shown us on here and then it was on to Torridon, Gairloch and Poolewe. This was skirting round Loch Maree...
We got to Ullapool at 8pm just in time for beer, a good supper and some scenic views as the sun set an hour or so later...
We woke to a fairly rainy Saturday on Day 2 and having topped up at the petrol station in Ullapool, found the car was reluctant to start. Massive thanks to the guys in their very lovely lightweight 964 who suggested application of a can of water repellant on the air filter, as we were then off and running again up to Lochinver and Kylesku.
After a break in Durness and then the brilliant road round Loch Eriboll to Tongue we headed south through Altnaharra and Bonar Bridge to Dornoch for the next overnight stay.
Final day was short, dropping down to Loch Ness before back into the Cairngorms and very reluctantly handing the car back. The view over Loch Ness was dramatic...
A lot has been written on here and elsewhere about most of the route and it more than lived up to expectations. The three sections that surprised most, in case you find yourself nearby, were:
The short, but beautifully flowing A949 from Bonar Bridge to Dornoch
The B9176 over Struie Hill from the Dornoch Firth down to Dalmore by the Black Isle. We nearly decided to head down the A9 to save time but were so glad we didn't - this was a brilliant road.
And finally the B862 from Dores, to the east of Loch Ness, doubling back on the B851 to Croachy & Farr. We thought this was a means to an end, enabling a view of Loch Ness and then linking briefly to the A9 before back into the Cairngorms, but in fact it turned out to be freshly laid blacktop being finished off (best to avoid on a weekday for a few weeks more while they finish it, but deserted and work free at the weekend) and was a rollercoaster of crests and bends.
It seemed that most people enjoyed seeing a Caterham out and about and we were as careful to move over for bikers and faster traffic as others were to give way to us. Slowing right down for road bikes and dog walkers also brought out the smiles and thumbs up. All in all it was a fabulous three days and a wonderful driving experience.
After a good three months of anticipation, we've just got back from a three day trip round what must be the finest roads in the UK, having taken a sleeper train to Inverness and then hired a Caterham from near Elgin. Each to their own, but for me the Caterham (a 1.8 SV K series) was perfect for this trip. It was so well suited to the narrow single track roads, and rock solid in sunshine, rain and even hail, plus great fun without going north of the NSL. It also brought out smiles everywhere we went and when we were behind slower traffic on the single track roads it wasn't typically very long before they pulled in to a passing place and waved us through.
Day 1 started near Elgin, dropping south into the Cairngorms via Tomintoul and Grantown-on Spey. We then headed west past Cawdor and Culloden, through Inverness to Beauly, Achnasheen and Applecross. The views round to Shieldaig were as spectacular as GetCarter has often shown us on here and then it was on to Torridon, Gairloch and Poolewe. This was skirting round Loch Maree...
We got to Ullapool at 8pm just in time for beer, a good supper and some scenic views as the sun set an hour or so later...
We woke to a fairly rainy Saturday on Day 2 and having topped up at the petrol station in Ullapool, found the car was reluctant to start. Massive thanks to the guys in their very lovely lightweight 964 who suggested application of a can of water repellant on the air filter, as we were then off and running again up to Lochinver and Kylesku.
After a break in Durness and then the brilliant road round Loch Eriboll to Tongue we headed south through Altnaharra and Bonar Bridge to Dornoch for the next overnight stay.
Final day was short, dropping down to Loch Ness before back into the Cairngorms and very reluctantly handing the car back. The view over Loch Ness was dramatic...
A lot has been written on here and elsewhere about most of the route and it more than lived up to expectations. The three sections that surprised most, in case you find yourself nearby, were:
The short, but beautifully flowing A949 from Bonar Bridge to Dornoch
The B9176 over Struie Hill from the Dornoch Firth down to Dalmore by the Black Isle. We nearly decided to head down the A9 to save time but were so glad we didn't - this was a brilliant road.
And finally the B862 from Dores, to the east of Loch Ness, doubling back on the B851 to Croachy & Farr. We thought this was a means to an end, enabling a view of Loch Ness and then linking briefly to the A9 before back into the Cairngorms, but in fact it turned out to be freshly laid blacktop being finished off (best to avoid on a weekday for a few weeks more while they finish it, but deserted and work free at the weekend) and was a rollercoaster of crests and bends.
It seemed that most people enjoyed seeing a Caterham out and about and we were as careful to move over for bikers and faster traffic as others were to give way to us. Slowing right down for road bikes and dog walkers also brought out the smiles and thumbs up. All in all it was a fabulous three days and a wonderful driving experience.
GrandTourer said:
Great write up.
Snap! Better weather though (April 19th 2015).
GrandTourer said:
And finally the B862 from Dores, to the east of Loch Ness, doubling back on the B851 to Croachy & Farr. We thought this was a means to an end, enabling a view of Loch Ness and then linking briefly to the A9 before back into the Cairngorms, but in fact it turned out to be freshly laid blacktop being finished off (best to avoid on a weekday for a few weeks more while they finish it, but deserted and work free at the weekend) and was a rollercoaster of crests and bends.
The B851 seldom features in this thread as it doesn't fit naturally into a route which most people are using.The road was improved a decade ago when the Farr wind farm was built.
Another one is being planned next door to it in Glen Kyllachy - https://goo.gl/maps/V9PhZvxkopH2
That road from Farr to Findhorn Bridge is a nice little blat as well - https://goo.gl/maps/DfKRqwaBTeo
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@57.304051,-4.106219...
I love reading this thread and all the adventures everyone has on these wonderful roads.
We are planning a road trip at the moment and are heading up to the West Coast on the 3rd of August.
Me and my brother now live in the North East of England near Durham and will be travelling up to my mums house in Laurencekirk to then travel across with my little brother in his car towards Aviemore.
On day one we plan to leave before the earlybird and head across the hills towards Aviemore. We plan to detour as much as we can to miss out the A9 and more congested roads.
This is about the route we will take. Any roads I have missed out? We love driving and on windy roads with loads of corners rather than motorways.
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Aviemore,+Highland...
We are planning a road trip at the moment and are heading up to the West Coast on the 3rd of August.
Me and my brother now live in the North East of England near Durham and will be travelling up to my mums house in Laurencekirk to then travel across with my little brother in his car towards Aviemore.
On day one we plan to leave before the earlybird and head across the hills towards Aviemore. We plan to detour as much as we can to miss out the A9 and more congested roads.
This is about the route we will take. Any roads I have missed out? We love driving and on windy roads with loads of corners rather than motorways.
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Aviemore,+Highland...
mak250300 said:
Me and my brother now live in the North East of England near Durham and will be travelling up to my mums house in Laurencekirk to then travel across with my little brother in his car towards Aviemore.
On day one we plan to leave before the earlybird and head across the hills towards Aviemore. We plan to detour as much as we can to miss out the A9 and more congested roads.
Er, according to your route map it starts in Aviemore not Laurencekirk...On day one we plan to leave before the earlybird and head across the hills towards Aviemore. We plan to detour as much as we can to miss out the A9 and more congested roads.
If you're planning to avoid the A9 why are you using it between Aviemore and Inverness?
Or vice-versa: I can't tell which way round you're going.
mak250300 said:
This is about the route we will take. Any roads I have missed out? We love driving and on windy roads with loads of corners rather than motorways.
I'm struggling with it because you appear to have lumped at least two, if not more, day's travel into a single map. Can you break it down into each day and showing your overnight stops? I'm particularly curious about your detour on the A861 along the southern shore of Loch Eil. I ask because I wouldn't pick the Mallaig-Armadale ferry to go to/from Skye. My choice would be via the Mam Ratagan pass. Btw, what route are you taking from Co. Durham? As you like windy roads there are some real crackers in the border counties.
Thanks for the reply Red Devil. Sorry it was confusing I shouldn't post things after a long shift at work. I am only taking the A9 from Aviemore to Gairloch as this is the only road I seem to know that takes me to Gairloch. We used to holiday there every year near Poolewe and this was the road we took.
We have all been planning this trip for a few months now and I have a Clio 182 and so does one of my brothers and my other brother has a 172 cup he will be taking so should be fun.
This is day one...Start at Laurencekirk -via Aviemore- Sleep at Gairloch
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Laurencekirk,+Ab...
This is day two...Start at Gairloch -via Applecross- Sleep at Portree
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Gairloch,+Highla...
This is day three...Start at Portree-possibly heading North and then down the West coast of Skye-Sleep at Fort William
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Portree,+Highlan...
Day four will be Fort William back to Laurencekirk.
Could you put the location of the Mam Ratagan? I seem to find it on a map for Glenelg. Do I need to take the small ferry across?
We have all been planning this trip for a few months now and I have a Clio 182 and so does one of my brothers and my other brother has a 172 cup he will be taking so should be fun.
This is day one...Start at Laurencekirk -via Aviemore- Sleep at Gairloch
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Laurencekirk,+Ab...
This is day two...Start at Gairloch -via Applecross- Sleep at Portree
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Gairloch,+Highla...
This is day three...Start at Portree-possibly heading North and then down the West coast of Skye-Sleep at Fort William
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Portree,+Highlan...
Day four will be Fort William back to Laurencekirk.
Could you put the location of the Mam Ratagan? I seem to find it on a map for Glenelg. Do I need to take the small ferry across?
mak250300 said:
Thanks for the reply Red Devil. Sorry it was confusing I shouldn't post things after a long shift at work. I am only taking the A9 from Aviemore to Gairloch as this is the only road I seem to know that takes me to Gairloch. We used to holiday there every year near Poolewe and this was the road we took.
Some ideas for you to ponder. mak250300 said:
This is day one...Start at Laurencekirk -via Aviemore- Sleep at Gairloch
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Laurencekirk,+Ab...
Turn right instead of left at Carrbridge, then B9007 to Ferness, A939, and B roads via Cawdor and Culloden - https://goo.gl/maps/vkmKFUUphYS2https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Laurencekirk,+Ab...
It's longer but much more fun. Ideal for your Clios. The big plus point is it avoids the A9 until you have to use it to get past Inverness.
mak250300 said:
This is day two...Start at Gairloch -via Applecross- Sleep at Portree
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Gairloch,+Highla...
This will take you over the Mam Ratagan pass to the Glenelg-Kylerhea ferry - https://goo.gl/maps/sBcjmHMbKVN2https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Gairloch,+Highla...
Again it's longer but far superior than via the bridge at Kyle of Lochalsh plus you won't be in a camel train with the coaches..
If the weather is kind stop at the parking space near the top. The view across the head of Loch Duich to the Five Sisters of Kintail is stunning.
mak250300 said:
This is day three...Start at Portree-possibly heading North and then down the West coast of Skye-Sleep at Fort William
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Portree,+Highlan...
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Portree,+Highlan...
You'll be seriously missing out if you begin by heading south straight from Portree.Go this way - https://goo.gl/maps/MbW9Fin44JT2 - it would be criminal to visit Skye and not include The Quiraing.
It's another road where you get a great view from the top - https://goo.gl/maps/VoTzDnotdR92
There is too much haze in Streetview but a clear day will give you this superb panorama of the mountains on the mainland.
If you have time you might want to consider including the B8083 to Elgol as well - https://goo.gl/maps/JCUPZ85oHpy
A great view of the Cuillins from the harbour. Again if it's a clear day (no haze), take the unclassified road to Glasnakille.
Go to the turning point at the end for a seascape of the Small Isles and the Ardnamurchan peninsula in the far distance.
mak250300 said:
Could you put the location of the Mam Ratagan? I seem to find it on a map for Glenelg. Do I need to take the small ferry across?
See above. Yes, you will need to take that one if you want to get to Skye. It's the shortest sea crossing and the ferry itself is unique.It's the only one of its kind in the world still in service - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_Glenachulish#cite...
Plus if you're really lucky you might be treated to this - https://www.facebook.com/GlenelgSkyeFerry/videos/v...
GrandTourer said:
After a good three months of anticipation, we've just got back from a three day trip round what must be the finest roads in the UK, having taken a sleeper train to Inverness and then hired a Caterham from near Elgin. Each to their own, but for me the Caterham (a 1.8 SV K series) was perfect for this trip. It was so well suited to the narrow single track roads, and rock solid in sunshine, rain and even hail, plus great fun without going north of the NSL. It also brought out smiles everywhere we went and when we were behind slower traffic on the single track roads it wasn't typically very long before they pulled in to a passing place and waved us through.
What was the hire experience like? I know the area well and am aware of the Caterham hire folk so just curious. Quite keen on giving it a go sometime (depending on me fitting in it!)
s2kjock said:
What was the hire experience like? I know the area well and am aware of the Caterham hire folk so just curious. Quite keen on giving it a go sometime (depending on me fitting in it!)
Couldn't fault any part of the whole experience. If you know the outfit, you're probably already up to speed on how much Boyd knows about Caterhams. He put loads of effort in to ensure everything worked well for us, both in the preparation ahead of time and when collecting the car. Looking at tripadvisor, it seems we are not the only ones who have had an awesome time. Gassing Station | Roads | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff