Northcoast 500 Loop - TVR T350C - Write up

[Bazzon]

This is a write up of the North Coast 500 loop i did back in September, I’ve waited so long to post it as the TVRCC club asked me to write it up for their monthly Sprint magazine, i thought i would wait till the magazine was released before posting online. So to any of the TVRCC members you will have seen this in Februarys issue of Sprint.

So the Car

A standard 3.6l TVR T350C,

SPRINT7 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

The Plan

Since owning the car, we have taken it to all three weddings we have been to this year, and when one of my wives friends was getting married in Airth on Saturday 5th September we wanted to take it to this one in Scotland. We live in Warwick so this was already a decent outing for the car.

Having spent some time on the Isle of Skye a few years ago, Helen suggested it might be an opportunity to visit the Scottish Highlands again. I agreed this seemed like a great idea, so we both arranged a week off work.

As part of the planning I spent a lot of time looking researching the best routes. A lot of the online advice suggested the roads to Skye, which are fantastic, but as I had driven these before I kept searching and discovered the North Coast 500 loop.

After seeing a Pistonheads feature where they travelled this this route in the new MX5 I thought we could try this ourselves in the TVR.

Surprisingly my wife thought this was a good idea and would be an adventure, so we discussed the best way route and stop off points. About 2 weeks before leaving Helen booked all the accommodation and I took the car to Dom at TVR Power. He raised the car 10mm as otherwise I knew that fully loaded it would be scraping on the arches.

We wanted to avoid driving any section of the route twice and planned to travel up the West coast, around the North coast of Scotland and back down the East coast, a total of 1,800 miles.
SPRINT1 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Thursday 3rd September, Warwick - County Durham - 200 miles

Both set of parents still live in County Durham who this made a ideal stop off for the first night, The TVR was packed i made sure we had plenty of tools just incase, i took the usual extra oils and a selection of fuses and relays as well as a extra throttle cable and a 5L Jerry Can for when we were in the highlands.

SPRINT2 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

SPRINT5 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

This was a uneventful 200 mile motorway journey, M69 - M1 - M18 - A1, with a little stop of at weatherby services.

SPRINT8 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr


The car was stored in my Grandfather garage over night, this allowed me to checked we had n=no leaks or problems before we start the proper trip.

SPRINT10 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Friday 4th September, County Durham - Airth Castle - 200mile

ROUTE WE PLANNED - https://goo.gl/maps/zDpRt

The sensible route would have been up the A1 to Edinburgh and then to Airth, but as we wanted to come back down the east coast we decided to cross the country from County Durham to Carlise and then head up the M6 to Scotland.

The usual way would be to drive along A66, which is nice and easy, but being from this area originally I could resist the option to drive one of my favourite roads, the A686, otherwise known as The Hartside pass.

We travelled towards Barnard Castle, then on to Middleton in Teesdale and took the B2677 towards Alston. This is a stunning road that winds up the dale passing High Force Water Fall and a couple of winter Ski Slopes. The closer you get to Alston the more the road opens out with some nice sweeping bends and great visibility. The Views from Alston moor are stunning, but you need to keep look out for sheep on the road!

SPRINT13 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

SPRINT19 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

We dropped into Alston where the main street is cobbled, which was not very comfortable in the TVR! From Alston, you could head North on the A689 but we went slightly in the wrong direction to drive the wonderful A686. This is the road in Issue 057 of EVO Magazine (July 2003). They do a feature test with the TVR T350C, where they compare it to the Clio V6, VX220 and the EVO FQ 300.

The road heads out of Alston and climbs up to 1903 feet at the summit, where the Harassed Cafe is very popular stop off point with local car guys and bikers on a Sunday morning.
From the cafe it is a lovely winding downhill run with some great hairpins and the road is smooth all the way down to the bottom.
SPRINT12 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

SPRINT31 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

SPRINT23 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

SPRINT32 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

We then head North on the M6 towards Scotland, the M6 then become the A74 which we follow all the way up to Glasgow,

SPRINT35 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Here the scenery starts to become mountainous and we took the M73 towards Falkirk. Here we stopped at the Falkirk wheel, which is a rotating boat lift connecting the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal, and a remarkable feat of design and engineering

SPRINT39 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

SPRINT44 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

SPRINT48 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

From Falkirk it was a simple ride to Airth Castle where we spent two nights and enjoyed a good wedding!

Airth_004 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Airth_005 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

[Bazzon]

Sunday 6th September, Airth Castle - Lochcarron - 220 miles

ROUTE WE PLANNED - https://goo.gl/maps/aTlVo

This was the day we arrived in the highlands. A couple of our friends kindly took our wedding clothes back to the Midlands with them, which freed up a vast about of space in the TVR and ment I could now see out of the rear screen!

We left Airth and travelled up the M9 towards Stirling, leaving the M9 at Junction 10 and onto the A84 which headed into Loch Lomond National park. We did see a few speed checks in this area, mainly in 30 limits though.

At Lochearnhead we took the the A85 to Tyndrum and then the A82. These were good roads but busy with a lot of caravans and campervans. The A82 travels up through Glencoe and we stopped of at the ski slope for a break. This road was great and although it was busy in places, there were plenty of overtaking opportunities.

SPRINT58 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

glencoe_001 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

glencoe_003 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr


SPRINT63 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

SPRINT71 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

The A82 took us into Fort William and was exactly how I remembered it from when I travelled to Skye. It is a great driving road but gets busier as it nears Fort William and run alongside the Lochs.

We stopped in Fort William for a quick break and to refuel. This was the last tank of high octane fuel until Inverness, so I made sure to fill the tank and jerry can.
We travelled north out of Fort William on the A82 up through Spean Bridge, running alongside Loch Lochy, and at Invergarry took the A87. This road runs along Loch Garry towards Loch Duich and we turned on to the A890 at Auchtertyre, away from Skye and so the traffic became lighter.

Here the mist/seafret started to close in and the road became single track. It started to feel more isolated and the scenery became very dramatic with plenty of opportunity to stop and savour every view. We continued on the A890 to Strathcarron, and then the A896 into Lochcarron.

Lochcarron_001 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Driving though Lochcarron on a misty Sunday evening was beautiful. The town was very tranquil and we stayed in the Old Manse B&B which was a traditional Scottish B&B with good off road car parking and an unbeatable view of the Loch. We walked along to the local (and only!) pub for our evening meal, which was very welcoming and agin looked directly over the Loch.

Lochcarron_005 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Lochcarron_010 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Lochcarron_011 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Monday 7th September, Lochcarron - Lochinver (including Applecross) - 180 miles

ROUTE WE PLANNED - https://goo.gl/maps/B7B6P


When we woke on the Monday morning the mist had lifted and Lochcarron was beautiful. We started the day with a fantastic Scottish breakfast and packed the car.

Lochcarron_morning_001 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Lochcarron_morning_002 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Today included the infamous Applecross road so I was pleased we had a good weather. We drove out of Lochcarron on the A896 up to Tornapress, where we turned left onto the Applecross pass. You cannot miss this as there is a massive sign warning of the dangers of the pass which rises to 2053 feet.

Applecross_001 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

The pass is single track and includes some great hairpins. As we climbed it became misty, meaning it was difficult to spot oncoming traffic and we missed some of the views, but as we dropped down towards Applecross the mist cleared and it was as picturesque as we expected. We encountered little traffic, as we did this route early on a Monday morning, but I imagine it could be a procession on a weekend in the summer.

Applecross_003 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Applecross_005 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

SPRINT96 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

SPRINT109 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Applecross consisted of only a few houses, a pub and some public toilets, but the road to get there is a must.
Most would head back over the pass, but we continued hugging the coast travelling North from Applecross. There are some spectacular views of Skye and Rasaay along this stretch and the road is single track up to Fearnberg. Progress was slow due to the nature of the roads with lots of blind bends and crests, but worth it for the views when we got to Shieldaig.
From here we took the A896 towards Kinlochewe where again the road was mainly single track, but as it runs through the bottom of the Glen it is nice and open. Here progress was faster, with great visibility and the scenery makes you feel so small as everything is so vast.

SPRINT111 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

SPRINT113 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

SPRINT115 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Applecross_018 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

SPRINT119 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

From Kinlochewe we travelled North on the A832 where the road became a proper carriageway again and it was a bit more relaxing as I didn't have to be prepared to stop or reverse every so often. The road runs along the side of Loch Maree and North up to Gairloch.

Leaving Gairloch on the A832 the road narrowed again down to single track but it was nice and open over moorland. Through Poolewe on the A832 it started to run along the edge of Loch Ewe, and then turned inland at Drumchork where the road becomes a normal carriageway again. Progress was faster along this stretch and the A832 is a absolute pleasure so stick with it (not like there another option!) until it meets the A835 towards Ullapool.

This is where we met the campers and caravans again as it is a transit route. Staying on the A835 around Loch Broom and into Ullapool we stopped for a look around and some chips. After a day of seeing only occasional croft houses, arriving at a port the size of Ullapool was a bit of a shock.

IMG_1734 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

IMG_1748 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

IMG_1761 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Ullapool_001 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Once again we headed north, on the A835 from Ullapool, which was my favourite part of this day as the roads were wide with fast flowing bends. The scenery was desolate, meaning visibility for overtakes was good and with the sun getting lower over the mountains it was just fantastic. At Ledmore the A835 becomes the A837, and this stretch is again fast and smooth, with good visibility. We passed Ardveck Castle on Loch Assent and made our way to Lochinver, down the superb A837.

Ullapool_003 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Ullapool_002 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

We Stayed at Kirkaig Lodge B&B which was outside Lochinver, up a narrow single track road. The drive was for this B&B was a bit sketchy in the TVR and it was catching the ground in places, but we received a very warm welcome and the rooms were fantastic; nice and modern and with great views of the Loch.

We drove back into Lochinver for an evening meal and Steve, the owner of the B&B, offered us the use of his Landrover to avoid taking the TVR up and down the drive. However, the TVR made it without too much difficulty and we ate at Peet’s restaurant. This was a great surprise and not at all what we were expecting. The food was good quality and well cooked. I would suggest booking if you plan to eat here though as it seemed to be very popular.

This section of the route, whilst not being the most mileage, was the longest driving day due to the nature of the roads.

[Bazzon]

Tuesday 8th September, Lochniver - John O Groats - 150 miles

ROUTE WE PLANNED - https://goo.gl/maps/G5LQ1

We left Kirkaig Lodge, back through Lochinver and took the B869 (known locally as the costal road). This was another single track road, with plenty of sheep which do not move and often force you to drive around them.

IMG_1844 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

IMG_1853 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Lochniver_coast_002 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

There were some great views with tight hairpins and a few miles in we passed through a little village and then a really nice sandy beach. The road then became very narrow with walls and barriers keeping you away from steep drops, but the costal views were spectacluar. We climbed to Drumbeg, where the road was once again often blocked with sheep and sheep poo!

Parts of this road were really steep with unsighted crests but after Drumbeg the road climbed steeply and opened out. This last section before you join the A894 is to be savoured in places as due to the nature of the mountains and lochs it feels as though you are on top of the world.

Lochniver_coast_004 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Lochniver_coast_003 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

We joined the A894 to be greeted with a smooth road and great views of Loch Gleann Dubh and were soon at the Kylesku Bridge. This is a beautiful curved bridge stretching over the loch and was one of the highlights of the trip for me.

Kylesku Bridge 006 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Kylesku Bridge 008 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Kylesku Bridge 003 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Kylesku Bridge 009 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

From the Kylesku Bridge we stayed on the A894 all the way to Laxford bridge. This is a good road and very enjoyable to drive with long sweeping bends but as it pulls away from the coast at Rhiconich it becomes single track again. However, there is so little traffic up there it never bothered us too much.

The run down into Durness is single track with great views inland towards the Loch and along the bay into Durness.

IMG_2117 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Durness has a little petrol station and a shop but the main attraction here is the Smoo Caves, which are well worth a stop to stretch your legs. We walked down into the caves where there is also the option of a boat tour.

smoo_002 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

The A838 leaves Durness and is single track around Loch Eriboil. It was a really enjoyable drive around the Loch and we followed a group of bikers we had met in Durness. This section felt like the countdown into John O’Groates, although it still felt like a long way.

IMG_1925 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

IMG_2165 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

From Hope the A838 became dual lane again, making progress faster, and we travelled over the Kyle of Tongues bridge which was really beautiful.

IMG_2064 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

From Tongue the A838 becomes the A836 and we were back on single track. This was a shorter stretch but I found this section more frustrating as we kept meeting campers and caravans. However, it then opens up to a dual lane road which runs all the way along the north coast to Thurso. This section was really enjoyable and the miles to John O’Groates seemed to fly by but there were plenty of sheep to watch out for and more bikers as well. The landscapes here changed very quickly and the further east you travel the flatter it becomes.

smoo_004 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

IMG_2174 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

We drove through Thurso and rejoined the A836 for the final stint into John O’Groates where the road was more busy and the scenery much flatter.

IMG_2195 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

IMG_2197 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

We stopped at John O’Groates for a little look around and the typical photos. After some food we made our way to The Anchorage B&B, which is a lovely new house on the road to the Duncansby Head Lighthouse. We had a really good stay here, everything was immaculate and we had exclusive use of an upstairs lounge.

John o groates 002 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

John o groates 001 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

john o groates 003 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

IMG_2240 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

john o groates 001 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Unfortunately the night we stayed in John O Groats was very cloudy and I was disappointed we did not get to see the Northern Lights.

Wednesday 9th September, John O Groats - Inverness - Elgin - 160 miles

ROUTE WE PLANNED - https://goo.gl/maps/Tt07z

It had been really windy overnight which had blown the car cover off and the car was filthy from dirt that had been blown over from the surrounding fields.

We had a great breakfast though and then drove out to the Duncansby Head Lighthouse.

john o groates 002 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

From John O Groats there are two options; either head back to Thurso then down the A9 or travel south on the A99 to Wick. I had read the A9 was the better road, but that ment driving back on a road we had already used and so instead we went south to Wick. This was not the most interesting road but the mileage goes fast and Helen finally got the courage to drive the TVR and did the last 3 miles into Wick (the only 3 miles she drove!).

IMG_2289 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

IMG_2295 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

IMG_2308 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

From Wick we continued South on the A99 where there were probably some fantastic costal views but it was so foggy that we missed these. The A99 eventually meets the A9 which we followed this south. Again this was not the most exciting of roads, but the scenery was pleasant and we made good progress.

IMG_2325 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

We stopped at Dunrobin Castle near Golspie for a break and some photos and then continued on the A9 all the way to Inverness. Here were started to feel as though we were back in civilisation as the towns increased in size and the roads got busier.

dunrobin castle 003 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

dunrobin castle 002 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

We passed a few speed camera vans on the way into Inverness, where we were finally able to fill up with high Octane fuel again, and parked up in a multi story in the city centre.

IMG_2393 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

After a couple of days of seeing very few people it felt strange to be in a proper city, but inverness was beautiful although unfortunately I left the camera in the car.

IMG_2402 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

From Inverness we travelled East along the A96 towards Elgin. This was a normal busy A road that passed through towns and villages. We Stayed in Ardgye House, which is a large family owned Country House set in large grounds and was a lovely place to stay.

IMG_2406 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Ardgye house 001 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

As the weather was sensational the owners of Ardgye House recommended we drove to Findhorn Village which is on the coast and we had a great walk along the front of this beautiful little village and a very good evening meal in the beer garden of the local pub.

Findmore 001 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

findmore 002 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Thursday 10th September, Elgin - Knockhill - North Berwick - 210 miles

ROUTE WE PLANNED - https://goo.gl/maps/qdO71

Chatting with the owners of Ardgye House in the morning, we realised we had missed seeing the Northern Lights overnight.

The original plan for this day was to leave Elgin and head to Aberdeen and then Perth, but this was a less interesting route and the owners or Ardgye house warned us there was a oil conference in Aberdeen so it would be very busy.

I remembered an article in EVO magazine about the A939 which travels through the Cairngorms. This road started in Nairn, which we had driven though the day before, so not wanting to backtrack we decided to continue through Elgin and down the A941. This is through the Glen of Rothes, which is on the Whiskey Trail route and we joined the A939 at Tomitoul, just inside the Cairngorms.

Cairngorm 002 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Cairngorm 001 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

This road took us up to Lech Ski centre, the highest bar in Scotland. This road was brilliant and may have been the best driving road of the whole trip for me; really east and flowing with great views.

Cairngorm 003 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Cairngorm 005 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

IMG_2550 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Cairngorm 007 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Cairngorm 008 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

The A939 joins the A93 at Bridge of Gairn, which we continued along, passing Balmoral Castle and Braemar Castle.

The A93 then runs along a flat open section before starting to climb to the Glenshee Ski centre, with wide open roads which were really good fun.

IMG_2651 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Cairngorm 009 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

From the Glenshee ski centre the scenery starts to become greener and more agricultural. We passed through Perth and onto the M90, where we made a little detour to Knockhill Race circuit. There was not any particular event happing but I enjoyed the look around.

Knockhill_001 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

We rejoined the M90 towards Edinbrugh, passing over the Forth Road Bridge onto the M8 and around the Edinbrough Bypass. We then took the B196 towards North Berwick along the coast road.

IMG_2664 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

IMG_2707 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

We passed some signs for Myreton Motor Museum which we thought might be worth a look. It was quite small and £7 each to get in, but it is great that it is managing to survive.

IMG_2797 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

IMG_2775 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Continuing into North Berwick we kept passing golf courses, and later found out there are something like 20 courses within a 30 mile radius.

We stayed at Milleur House B&B in North Berwick, a modern house run by a nice couple who made us very welcome.

We walked into North Berwick for fish and chips on the seafront as it was a lovely sunny evening and then walked along the beach to have a look in the rockpools before going back through the town and over the golf courses to the B&B. North Berwick was a really nice town and we enjoyed our stay there.

IMG_2812 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

IMG_2880 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Friday 11th September, North Berwick - Co Durham

ROUTE WE PLANNED - https://goo.gl/maps/UQEMS

We had a lovely home cooked breakfast at Milleur House B&B before setting off for a more simple journey back South down the A1. We did detour along the costal road to Bamburgh Castle then into Seahouses.

Bam castle 001 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

North Berwick 001 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Seahouses 003 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Seahouses 001 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Then we got stuck in all sorts of traffic on the A1 North of Newcastle, eventually making our way back to my parents in County Durham.

A1 003 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

The trip was a total of 1483 miles, plus another 200 to travel back to Warwick on Sunday 13th but with no failures or issues and hardly any oil used I was so happy with how strong the TVR was and now have complete faith in it.

Bish 001 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

Bish 003 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

We both really enjoyed the trip and cannot believe we did the whole North coast of Scotland without ever seeing one drop of rain!

Then in November of the back of this trip i was asked to display the car at the NEC at the classic car show, no the TVRCC club stand.

IMG_3691 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

IMG_3696 by Adrian Barron, on Flickr

If you’ve got to the end of this, well done and thanks for reading

Adrian

[akadk]

Simp!y awesome

Thanks for sharing

[stevemiller]

Really enjoyed your run through your choice of route. I have been reading as many threads on this subject as I can and view as much youtube videos as possible. My wife, son and myself will at least pick up the NC500 and possibly some of the other routes available late April, we cannot wait!

[magpies]

brilliant read = must do this run

[Red Devil]

Excellent write up.

All of those Highland roads (and more) are mentioned in this thread - http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

If you are going as far as the lighthouse at Duncansby Head, park up then follow the path from this finger post - https://goo.gl/maps/ogdG9L3Dw5k
The view to the south on the east side of the Head is spectacular and totally different from the one to the west - https://goo.gl/maps/nD7BqbpBytj

[justin220]

Superb! Really enjoyed that. I really miss my old T350

[Bazzon]

Thanks Everyone, pleased you enjoyed the read

justin220 said:

Superb! Really enjoyed that. I really miss my old T350

Justin, i seem to remember you cars from when you used to post on the Cliosport site.
Thanks for the comments

[Tickle]

Great read, this is exactly what owning a performance car is about to me.

Thanks for sharing your words and fantastic pictures.

[Wozy68]

Absolutely fab thread and great detail. Well done and many thanks for sharing

[Mr Tidy]

Brilliant write-up - thanks!

Reminds me of a trip I did with the missus back in May 2008 from Berkshire, up the East coast as far as Inverness then back down the West coast. The Highland roads are fantastic! (Shame we didn't have a TVR, just my BMW 123d)

After reading your post I think I need to have another go - and I've got a Z4 Coupe now!

[Lgfst]

Great write up and a great read!

The TVR is beautiful. Bet it was good to drive that around that route.

I've done some of those roads myself, albeit in a transporter van and trailer. Had to pick up a 2 tonne fishing boat from Culkein Drumbeg that was damaged in a storm. The road from Lochinver to Culkein Drumbeg was a bit worrying to say the least, especially with the boat on the back.

I really want to get the NC500 done but I can't fit it in this year sadly.

[vikingaero]

Thoroughly enjoyed this Adrian. Reminds me of the late George Bishop in Car Magazine where the journey is as important as the destination.

[coppice]

And for those with even longer memories RAB Cook of Motor did a very atmospheric piece about taking a Jensen FF to Caithness and Sutherland inthe late 60s ; some years later Car's Phil Llewellin (who had been just about everywhere) described the road from Ullapool to Durness as one of the best in the world - and I wouldn't disagree, having first gone up there - crikey- 32 years ago . Back in Spring in my Caterham I hope ....

[chevronb37]

Fantastic stuff! I've been kicking around the idea of a NC500 trip with my family recently. The TVR looks like a great car to do it in as well. Thanks for such a comprehensive post. Now, should I take the Lotus or the Porsche...?

[coppice]

Lotus- Gordon Murray told me that given the choice of one car and one road it would be an S3 Elan and Torridon . And I wouldn't argue....

[Red Devil]

Lgfst said:

I've done some of those roads myself, albeit in a transporter van and trailer. Had to pick up a 2 tonne fishing boat from Culkein Drumbeg that was damaged in a storm. The road from Lochinver to Culkein Drumbeg was a bit worrying to say the least, especially with the boat on the back.

Just as well you weren't going any further east. Beyond Nedd it's steep as well as twisty - https://goo.gl/maps/cq5H9mKMEo62
I took this photo last year from next to the Armco by the passing place sign.

coppice said:

some years later Car's Phil Llewellin (who had been just about everywhere) described the road from Ullapool to Durness as one of the best in the world - and I wouldn't disagree, having first gone up there - crikey- 32 years ago . Back in Spring in my Caterham I hope ....

Not long to go before I'm back up there again. - http://www.timeanddate.com/countdown/launch?iso=20...

[zeb]

proper road trip...thanks for sharing

[Allyc85]

Stunning car in a stunning country! Thanks for sharing your trip!