NC500 hoon route
Discussion
I'm thinking about a trip around the NC500 route in late September - the reason I'm posting here is that there will be at least my 458 and a few other not much ground clearance cars involved. Some of the route has been described as "rugged".
Has anyone done this? Any particular tips? Places to avoid/stay? I have been up to John O Groats and all over the military road and up to Applecross before in the 458 and previous cars, so I know what Scotland is like (and how few petrol stations there are) but not the whole north coastal bit so any tips would be gratefully received.
Has anyone done this? Any particular tips? Places to avoid/stay? I have been up to John O Groats and all over the military road and up to Applecross before in the 458 and previous cars, so I know what Scotland is like (and how few petrol stations there are) but not the whole north coastal bit so any tips would be gratefully received.
Super unleaded petrol:
Inverness should be easy, usually use the large Tesco store on the outskirts.
In Thurso, the Gleanor (shell) garage.
In Ullapool, the Gleanor garage. Note there is no other super unleaded between Ullapool and Thurso.
Hotels:
Take a look at Dornoch Castle in Dornoch.
Also consider the Kylesku hotel for a lunch stop in the far NW. Superb seafood.
Inverness should be easy, usually use the large Tesco store on the outskirts.
In Thurso, the Gleanor (shell) garage.
In Ullapool, the Gleanor garage. Note there is no other super unleaded between Ullapool and Thurso.
Hotels:
Take a look at Dornoch Castle in Dornoch.
Also consider the Kylesku hotel for a lunch stop in the far NW. Superb seafood.
Edited by dazren on Thursday 21st July 16:33
dazren said:
Super unleaded petrol:
Inverness should be easy, usually use the large Tesco store on the outskirts.
In Thurso, the Gleanor (shell) garage.
In Ullapool, the Gleanor garage. Note there is no other super unleaded between Ullapool and Thurso.
Hotels:
Take a look at Dornoch Castle in Dornoch.
Also consider the Kylesku hotel for a lunch stop in the far NW. Superb seafood.
OFF topic - You guys using super unleaded in your 458? I was advised by Dick Lovetts to strictly use regular unleaded. In fact it also says this in the user manual?Inverness should be easy, usually use the large Tesco store on the outskirts.
In Thurso, the Gleanor (shell) garage.
In Ullapool, the Gleanor garage. Note there is no other super unleaded between Ullapool and Thurso.
Hotels:
Take a look at Dornoch Castle in Dornoch.
Also consider the Kylesku hotel for a lunch stop in the far NW. Superb seafood.
Edited by dazren on Thursday 21st July 16:33
MingtheMerciless said:
I'm thinking about a trip around the NC500 route in late September - the reason I'm posting here is that there will be at least my 458 and a few other not much ground clearance cars involved. Some of the route has been described as "rugged".
Has anyone done this? Any particular tips? Places to avoid/stay? I have been up to John O Groats and all over the military road and up to Applecross before in the 458 and previous cars, so I know what Scotland is like (and how few petrol stations there are) but not the whole north coastal bit so any tips would be gratefully received.
None of the roads on this route caused any problems. Only downside, is Applecross pass is better going up if you want to drift the arse out a bit.Has anyone done this? Any particular tips? Places to avoid/stay? I have been up to John O Groats and all over the military road and up to Applecross before in the 458 and previous cars, so I know what Scotland is like (and how few petrol stations there are) but not the whole north coastal bit so any tips would be gratefully received.
https://spark.adobe.com/page/fgzJ5/
Hotels:
Kinnettles Castle Hotel - Meh. Looks better than it is. Some rooms are a long way better than others.
Bunchrew House hotel - Must stay. Really good place to stop.
Forsshouse hotel - Excellent staff, cant fault it.
Inverlodge hotel - Looks crap, actually superb.
Torridon, meh.... Nice grounds and building but not worth going out of your way for. Parking was in a gravel patch round the back with trees that drop sticky stuff. Really.
- http://www.gille-brighde.com/ near Torridon is a great place to eat. You'll poo your pants driving down the road to get to it but its worth it. Not a rough road but narrow and some blind crests that will have you clenching.
Barcaldine castle - B&B castle, well worth a stay. Faultless service. Good restaurants in the area for evening meals.
Tigh na Sgiath Country House Hotel - Awesome place to stay. No evening meal (B&B), but order a takeaway and they will set the dining room out for you and serve it. Cool!
start - Kinnettles Castle Hotel, Forfar DD8 1TR.
133 miles
1. Leave on B9127 towards Douglastown onto A94. Turn right onto A954 towards Alyth.
2. Turn right at roundabout onto A926. Turn right on A93 (Braemar) towards waypoint PH10 7BB.
3. Stay on the A93 (Old military Road) until right turn to B976 (Tomintoul) at waypoint AB35 5TL
4. Turn left at end onto A939. Follow through the Cairngorms and have fun!
5. End of A939 turn left, and keep left onto A9 towards Perth and Inverness via waypoint PH26 3NT
6. Follow Satnav to Bunchrew House hotel via fuel stop IV2 3RH. Hotel at IV3 8TA
118 miles
1. Leave hotel right onto A862 following Satnav via A9 to waypoint KW10 6SF.
2. Fuel stops at 39miles - IV19 1EH, 105 miles - KW12 6UW
3. Stop at Dunrobin Castle KW10 6SF.
4. Dunnet Bay Distillery KW14 8XD
5. Fuel stop near destination at KW14 8PP
6. Follow Satnav to Forsshouse hotel KW14 7XY
118 miles
1. Leave hotel on A836 following Satnav to IV27 4PN
2. Fuel stops at 25miles - KW14 7SP, (crappy) 66 miles - IV27 4PN, 91 miles IV27 4SX
3. Turn right onto local road at Tongue onto A838 to Durness.
4. Follow Satnav to Inverlodge hotel IV27 4LU
122 Miles
1. Leave hotel onto A837 toward Ardvreck Castle, IV27 4HN
2. Fuel stop at 37miles - IV26 2SX, 77 miles - IV22 2NB, 92 miles - IV21 2BL
3. Follow A837 until Ledbeg/Ledmore and turn right onto A835 towards Ullapool
4. At Braemore Junction, turn right on A832 towards Gaireloch
5. Just here is Corrieshalloch gorge (waterfall).
6. Follow Satnav to waypoint IV22 2NB
7. At Kinlochewe, turn right on A896 towards Torridon
8. Arrive at hotel IV22 2EY
Edited by divetheworld on Saturday 23 July 13:33
Invest some time in the thread here:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
1) If your planning speeding bear in mind Police Scotland is planning to catch you.
2) I cant stress enough that this is a fantastic driving route and not a track. The best cars for most of the miles are hot hatches which can take the bumps and enjoy the curves etc. A supercar will make it round but your arse will snap shut like a cigar cutter now and again.
3) Its 500 miles of what would be a B road in England. One day is bonkers, two days is doable but three is optimal.
4) IMHO the route is flawed as the East section (A9) Thurso to Inverness is dull in driving terms but a nice cluster of small villages etc but to do the NC500 you'll have to include it. Consider taking in the west highlands (Glencoe etc) to access the route rather than a dull commute using the A9.
5) Accommodation: Just lower your expectations and things will be fine. FWIW The Smoo Cave Hotel in Durness was fine enough and the hotel in Sheildaig is a favourite of mine. The comments about Kylesku are spot on but ive not been there as its always full!
HTH
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
1) If your planning speeding bear in mind Police Scotland is planning to catch you.
2) I cant stress enough that this is a fantastic driving route and not a track. The best cars for most of the miles are hot hatches which can take the bumps and enjoy the curves etc. A supercar will make it round but your arse will snap shut like a cigar cutter now and again.
3) Its 500 miles of what would be a B road in England. One day is bonkers, two days is doable but three is optimal.
4) IMHO the route is flawed as the East section (A9) Thurso to Inverness is dull in driving terms but a nice cluster of small villages etc but to do the NC500 you'll have to include it. Consider taking in the west highlands (Glencoe etc) to access the route rather than a dull commute using the A9.
5) Accommodation: Just lower your expectations and things will be fine. FWIW The Smoo Cave Hotel in Durness was fine enough and the hotel in Sheildaig is a favourite of mine. The comments about Kylesku are spot on but ive not been there as its always full!
HTH
nigelonich said:
The comments about Kylesku are spot on but ive not been there as its always full!
We stayed at the Kylesku last year and yes, great pub, location and seafood. We got lucky and had a room in a brand new block but our friends were in the old building and less impressed. Very memorable stay tho' and you have to get the photo on the bridge because the motoring journo's have used it loads lately 
My son and I will also be doing the 500 at the end of September. We will be in my white Boxster 981.
Our itinerary as follows:
Sat 24 Sept. Drive up to Inverness.
Sun 25 Sept. Inverness to Wick.
Monday 26 Sept. Wick to Kylesku.
Tuesday 27 Sept. Kylesku to Applecross.
Wed 28 Sept. Applecross to home.
Will have the NC500 sticker on the car and really looking forward to the drive. Our accommodation is booked and any tips re sites en-route to visit/photograph would be much appreciated.
Our itinerary as follows:
Sat 24 Sept. Drive up to Inverness.
Sun 25 Sept. Inverness to Wick.
Monday 26 Sept. Wick to Kylesku.
Tuesday 27 Sept. Kylesku to Applecross.
Wed 28 Sept. Applecross to home.
Will have the NC500 sticker on the car and really looking forward to the drive. Our accommodation is booked and any tips re sites en-route to visit/photograph would be much appreciated.
Thank you for the excellent tips. We had a superb and mostly uneventful trip. Scotland is just driving Nirvana.
I did think the Kylesku Bridge was bigger even if it is spectacular and the "Wee Mad Road" behind it isn't ideal for Range Rover wide low Italian cars but still what an epic epic place Scotland is.
There is, however, no 3/4g coverage, there are few petrol stations and wireless seems to be a non priority. So you just drive [and suffer range anxiety]
I did think the Kylesku Bridge was bigger even if it is spectacular and the "Wee Mad Road" behind it isn't ideal for Range Rover wide low Italian cars but still what an epic epic place Scotland is.
There is, however, no 3/4g coverage, there are few petrol stations and wireless seems to be a non priority. So you just drive [and suffer range anxiety]
Did this route a couple of weeks ago. Fantastic!
Left my 911sc and Z3M Roadster S54 at home as expected poor weather, wife wanted decent luggage room and even the start is a long long motorway drag from deepest Somerset. Went instead in my F30 330D Msport which was superb and ideal for the job and combined strong performance with amazing economy on the motorway sections.
Route was as follows
1. Somerset to Glencoe in two days specifically to do the Skyfall shot on Loch Elive. Stayed at the Kings House Hotel which was basic but fit for purpose ( about to close for a big refurb)
2. Glencoe to Inverness - day mooching around chasing the Harry Potter express all the way to Mallaig (I know wrong direction!). Stayed at Inverness B&B which was very good
3. Inverness to Wick - spent all morning on the Black Isle out to Cromarty etc which was lovely. Overnight at Randolph House B&B which was superb
4. Wick to Durness - great drive and stayed at Hillside B&B which was fine
5. Durness to Ullapool - fantastic drive albeit weather broke. Stayed at Waterside House. Boutique with great views. Recommended and we really liked Ullapool.
6. Ullapool to Portree on Skye- amazing drive via Applecross. Stayed at charming Marine house on Portree Harbourside for two nights during which we did tour of Skye and visited Raasay - loved both!
Took two days to drive up and back. Trip was all about the scenery and not breaking records. Fantastic time of year with less traffic, no midges and changing leaves. Average day mileage was c 125 miles except the Ullapool/ Portree section ( not strictly NC500) which was longer but still ok. Chose to go anti-clockwise as I wanted to finish on the more spectacular west coast. Significant single track roads but unlike my usual routes in the South West, this is BIG county and passing places can be spotted well ahead so rarely any traffic snarl-ups if drivers are sensible. B&Bs not much cheaper than hotels but we preferred - all worked well and pub/restaurant meals every night
Saw very few classics/PH style cars except for a bunch of Audi Quatros on the 5th day. Pressing on and having fun!
Had high expectations and the trip actually exceeded them! Will definitely repeat and maybe clockwise this time.
Do it!
Left my 911sc and Z3M Roadster S54 at home as expected poor weather, wife wanted decent luggage room and even the start is a long long motorway drag from deepest Somerset. Went instead in my F30 330D Msport which was superb and ideal for the job and combined strong performance with amazing economy on the motorway sections.
Route was as follows
1. Somerset to Glencoe in two days specifically to do the Skyfall shot on Loch Elive. Stayed at the Kings House Hotel which was basic but fit for purpose ( about to close for a big refurb)
2. Glencoe to Inverness - day mooching around chasing the Harry Potter express all the way to Mallaig (I know wrong direction!). Stayed at Inverness B&B which was very good
3. Inverness to Wick - spent all morning on the Black Isle out to Cromarty etc which was lovely. Overnight at Randolph House B&B which was superb
4. Wick to Durness - great drive and stayed at Hillside B&B which was fine
5. Durness to Ullapool - fantastic drive albeit weather broke. Stayed at Waterside House. Boutique with great views. Recommended and we really liked Ullapool.
6. Ullapool to Portree on Skye- amazing drive via Applecross. Stayed at charming Marine house on Portree Harbourside for two nights during which we did tour of Skye and visited Raasay - loved both!
Took two days to drive up and back. Trip was all about the scenery and not breaking records. Fantastic time of year with less traffic, no midges and changing leaves. Average day mileage was c 125 miles except the Ullapool/ Portree section ( not strictly NC500) which was longer but still ok. Chose to go anti-clockwise as I wanted to finish on the more spectacular west coast. Significant single track roads but unlike my usual routes in the South West, this is BIG county and passing places can be spotted well ahead so rarely any traffic snarl-ups if drivers are sensible. B&Bs not much cheaper than hotels but we preferred - all worked well and pub/restaurant meals every night
Saw very few classics/PH style cars except for a bunch of Audi Quatros on the 5th day. Pressing on and having fun!
Had high expectations and the trip actually exceeded them! Will definitely repeat and maybe clockwise this time.
Do it!
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