Help me PH! Road Trip suggestions for winter..
Discussion
Would really appreciate thoughts from the wealth of experience that there is on here to help give the missus a great birthday.
Scenario:
It’s her 50th in November, so obviously I’m trying to plan something for our week off. Covid has closed so many opportunities though.
However, she loves driving and has just bought an E85 Z4 roadster that she is in love with.
So in my mind…Road Trip! Some nice roads and a memorable opportunity to bond with her new car,a few walks/pub lunches and accommodation each night as we progress around these driving routes.
Question for the masses:
What roads or journeys are of a decent length and are picturesque, that you like, with pub stops/walks along the way as a bonus?
How far apart they are is my problem to link together, as is sourcing accommodation, but any insight would be greatly appreciated and if you can link any, or suggest accommodation/pubs/sights, then that would just be a bonus.
Just any days that you've spent where you thought "that was bloody lovely" would be really helpful so I can try to tie them in together to make a route
Starting in Leeds, but that's minor info.
Thanks in advance.
Scenario:
It’s her 50th in November, so obviously I’m trying to plan something for our week off. Covid has closed so many opportunities though.
However, she loves driving and has just bought an E85 Z4 roadster that she is in love with.
So in my mind…Road Trip! Some nice roads and a memorable opportunity to bond with her new car,a few walks/pub lunches and accommodation each night as we progress around these driving routes.
Question for the masses:
What roads or journeys are of a decent length and are picturesque, that you like, with pub stops/walks along the way as a bonus?
How far apart they are is my problem to link together, as is sourcing accommodation, but any insight would be greatly appreciated and if you can link any, or suggest accommodation/pubs/sights, then that would just be a bonus.
Just any days that you've spent where you thought "that was bloody lovely" would be really helpful so I can try to tie them in together to make a route
Starting in Leeds, but that's minor info.
Thanks in advance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4A-_zg3nTNo
NC500 recent review here and hes informative with places to stay too.
NC500 recent review here and hes informative with places to stay too.
I guess your first consideration is whether you plan to go abroad or staycation. Obvioulsy no-one can predict what the travel restrictions will be then, so it's managing risk.
The obvious UK place is Scotland, and the NC500 always comes up. The reality is that almost any road north of Stirling is an amazing drive.
However the time of year makes some traditional Scotland roads not as good due to high chance of rain and low cloud. Conversely the roads are much, much quieter. The Scottish weather is also completely different on the east and west coasts - rainfall and sunshine hours are statistically 2x different.
For the Highlands at that time of year I'd suggest 2 possible approaches:
1. Focus on the north east. The weather will be better, and in the autum/winter one of the nicer things to go see is the roaring sea crashing against the cliffs. The north east has lots of this, including many locations you can watch from the car - ie you dont need to go out and get soaked. There's also a lot of very short walks from car parks. With a smaller car like that you are perfect fro exploring some of the smaller roads and places - eg there's a few small and picturesque harbours in the various small villages between Dornoch and Wick, usually a hundred or two meters off the main road down soem winding road, ideal in a smaller car and also something you can see from the car if the weather is not nice for getting out (eg Baebea, Whaligoe steps, Duncansbay stacks). I'd also consider going over to Orkney as part of this. The ferry from near John O Groats to St Margaret's hope and then drive up around the islands over the Chrichill barriers.
2. Other approach is to base in one place and then pick day trip drives based on the weather forecase on that day. Typically on any given day one of the corners of the highalnds has ok weather. And most people do not realise that if you are based centrally then it is a short day trip to any corner, leaving you plenty of time to drive around that corner. Lairg / Rosehall is a good location to do this from (my parents did this a few years ago, albeit in a infinetaly more boring X1... they staying a the Highland Shooting Centre cottage - https://goo.gl/maps/H9xRhycJVPR3RyaX6).
The obvious UK place is Scotland, and the NC500 always comes up. The reality is that almost any road north of Stirling is an amazing drive.
However the time of year makes some traditional Scotland roads not as good due to high chance of rain and low cloud. Conversely the roads are much, much quieter. The Scottish weather is also completely different on the east and west coasts - rainfall and sunshine hours are statistically 2x different.
For the Highlands at that time of year I'd suggest 2 possible approaches:
1. Focus on the north east. The weather will be better, and in the autum/winter one of the nicer things to go see is the roaring sea crashing against the cliffs. The north east has lots of this, including many locations you can watch from the car - ie you dont need to go out and get soaked. There's also a lot of very short walks from car parks. With a smaller car like that you are perfect fro exploring some of the smaller roads and places - eg there's a few small and picturesque harbours in the various small villages between Dornoch and Wick, usually a hundred or two meters off the main road down soem winding road, ideal in a smaller car and also something you can see from the car if the weather is not nice for getting out (eg Baebea, Whaligoe steps, Duncansbay stacks). I'd also consider going over to Orkney as part of this. The ferry from near John O Groats to St Margaret's hope and then drive up around the islands over the Chrichill barriers.
2. Other approach is to base in one place and then pick day trip drives based on the weather forecase on that day. Typically on any given day one of the corners of the highalnds has ok weather. And most people do not realise that if you are based centrally then it is a short day trip to any corner, leaving you plenty of time to drive around that corner. Lairg / Rosehall is a good location to do this from (my parents did this a few years ago, albeit in a infinetaly more boring X1... they staying a the Highland Shooting Centre cottage - https://goo.gl/maps/H9xRhycJVPR3RyaX6).
Thanks for the replies, folks, especially eein for your detailed reply - I'm glad you've said what you did as I was plotting a route through the lakes, into Glasgow and onto Fort William, so I'll bin that!
I'll look into the other suggestions thanks,and having a base isn't something I'd thought of - I was a little edgy that different accommodation each night might be a bit of a chore for her in winter, when they day's gone by 4pm, so I'll definitely look more into that idea.
Much appreciated all (and yes, sorry, UK based idea for reasons that have been mentioned!)
I'll look into the other suggestions thanks,and having a base isn't something I'd thought of - I was a little edgy that different accommodation each night might be a bit of a chore for her in winter, when they day's gone by 4pm, so I'll definitely look more into that idea.
Much appreciated all (and yes, sorry, UK based idea for reasons that have been mentioned!)
I'm fairly risk-averse, especially when it comes to keeping the missus happy!
The more I look into this, the more I think drive to Edinburgh on day one and stay the night (she like the odd 'dress up' evening) and then drive to a base in the Highlands on day two and just do days out from there. Also no pressure if she fancies doing something different (or nothing at all) on any particular day.
Only problem is there appears to be a complete dearth of Air B&B in Lairg / Rosehall as you suggest (I can't open the link you sent to the shooting cottage, and can't find any mention of it on Google). I would like to get her somewhere nice to stay, better than a posh bothy at least!
I really appreciate your input though, has really helped me focus on a plan.
The more I look into this, the more I think drive to Edinburgh on day one and stay the night (she like the odd 'dress up' evening) and then drive to a base in the Highlands on day two and just do days out from there. Also no pressure if she fancies doing something different (or nothing at all) on any particular day.
Only problem is there appears to be a complete dearth of Air B&B in Lairg / Rosehall as you suggest (I can't open the link you sent to the shooting cottage, and can't find any mention of it on Google). I would like to get her somewhere nice to stay, better than a posh bothy at least!
I really appreciate your input though, has really helped me focus on a plan.
You cannot beat a trip to Ireland (North and South) for hospitality. Go from Cairnryan to Larne, round the Antrip coast to Donegal, down to Galway, Kinsale, Dublin and back home via Holyhead. Easily made into a shorter trip
Days will be short in November.
Weather will likely be wet and windy.
You could check into some pretty special hotels as your Mrs is 50.
I am too in early Nov!!
Days will be short in November.
Weather will likely be wet and windy.
You could check into some pretty special hotels as your Mrs is 50.
I am too in early Nov!!
I don't want to be one of those people that doesn't reply, so thank you for all of your suggestions, which I was looking into all of. However her Z4 needs new cam seals, oil filter housing/seals and of course a flush and a change at the same time.
I've offered to pay for this horrendous bill as a partial present, which puts me in the good books but means the holiday is something more achievable in November - basically, shorter - so just need to find a couple of nights in a nice house with a log fire!
Road trip can then happen when things are a bit less crazy and it's not winter. Thank you though for your input; it won't be wasted
I've offered to pay for this horrendous bill as a partial present, which puts me in the good books but means the holiday is something more achievable in November - basically, shorter - so just need to find a couple of nights in a nice house with a log fire!
Road trip can then happen when things are a bit less crazy and it's not winter. Thank you though for your input; it won't be wasted
Note that a fancy car is not essential. I've done a couple of road trips to the highlands in the last 12 months. One recently in my 760Li and one last year flying up to inverness and hiring the cheapest little s
tbox (Hyundai i10). Both were hugely enjoyable and I could not say the stbox trip was any less driving fun - there's something to be said about "drove it like I stole it".
tbox (Hyundai i10). Both were hugely enjoyable and I could not say the stbox trip was any less driving fun - there's something to be said about "drove it like I stole it".eein said:
Note that a fancy car is not essential. I've done a couple of road trips to the highlands in the last 12 months. One recently in my 760Li and one last year flying up to inverness and hiring the cheapest little stbox (Hyundai i10). Both were hugely enjoyable and I could not say the stbox trip was any less driving fun - there's something to be said about "drove it like I stole it".
I would have to agree. tbox (Hyundai i10). Both were hugely enjoyable and I could not say the stbox trip was any less driving fun - there's something to be said about "drove it like I stole it".I flip a coin (weather dependant) between Hyundai i20 and elderly MB SL.
(actually the Hyundai is a better all-rounder)
GreatGranny said:
I would try the Lakes if it's just a few days. Note that most rental properties will only do 3 nights minimum.
Plenty to do if the weather is crap. Pick somewhere near the villages/towns and you'll be within walking distance of some great pubs/cafes/restaurants.
The Lakes is a good shout but if you want somewhere a bit quieter try Northumberland around Seahouses / Bamburgh area is nice.Plenty to do if the weather is crap. Pick somewhere near the villages/towns and you'll be within walking distance of some great pubs/cafes/restaurants.
so, when you do get round to it..
..anywhere in Scottish Highlands would get my vote with early starts to get to accommodation before nightfall if 'roadtriping' every day.I would also probably consider fitting some all-season/winter tyres if heading off the beaten track. Edinburgh is essential if you haven't been before. I stayed very central last time I went there in a Motel One just off Princes Street, which was fab (felt vaguely 'boutiquey' for the price). Heading up the coast to Edinburgh there are also plenty of nice places to visit/pass through. Holy Island/Lindisfarne/Bamburgh on the Northumberland coast, then heading through Berwick on Tweed. Alternatively heading into Scotland via the Lakes down the west side, I would always favour staying in Coniston at The Sun (room2 my fav) or The Black Bull. The Drunken Duck at Outgates is a fab Lakes retreat and a lovely Pub/Rest for a special occasion. They have some really nice rooms/suites which are very self-contained with own entrances. The Lakes option would also lend itself to a scenic stop off at The Inn at Whitewell in The Forest of Bowland, Lancashire, again lovely rooms and a fab restaurant experience.
..anywhere in Scottish Highlands would get my vote with early starts to get to accommodation before nightfall if 'roadtriping' every day.I would also probably consider fitting some all-season/winter tyres if heading off the beaten track. Edinburgh is essential if you haven't been before. I stayed very central last time I went there in a Motel One just off Princes Street, which was fab (felt vaguely 'boutiquey' for the price). Heading up the coast to Edinburgh there are also plenty of nice places to visit/pass through. Holy Island/Lindisfarne/Bamburgh on the Northumberland coast, then heading through Berwick on Tweed. Alternatively heading into Scotland via the Lakes down the west side, I would always favour staying in Coniston at The Sun (room2 my fav) or The Black Bull. The Drunken Duck at Outgates is a fab Lakes retreat and a lovely Pub/Rest for a special occasion. They have some really nice rooms/suites which are very self-contained with own entrances. The Lakes option would also lend itself to a scenic stop off at The Inn at Whitewell in The Forest of Bowland, Lancashire, again lovely rooms and a fab restaurant experience.
Edited by billzeebub on Thursday 17th September 18:04
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