North Coast 500

[nipod]

Has anybody done the NC500?

Any tips on things to not miss?

We will be doing this last week in July, starting at Loch Ness, travelling up the east coast, following the coastal road north and down the west coast, over 5 days.

[mr pg]

Try this link:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[gabbyone]

I am doing this 7 - 19 July. Have a 987 and 996. Live near Brum. Flying to INV. Hiring a Range Rover. Going clockwise. 4 lots of 3 nights. Kyle of Lochkalsh, Ullapool, Tongue and Thurso. Can't wait.

[Nurburgsingh]

Couple of us did this last year. Landed in Glasgow on Friday morning, drove to Inverness and then did the NC500 over the weekend. Dropped the hire car back on Sunday morning and came home. a couple of miles under 1000miles for the whole trip, and all at 40+MPG from the Audi A1.

Was far too rushed and a proper mental weekend, saw some weird stuff ( black devil goat at John O'groats) and some spectacular scenery... but we weren't hanging about so didn't really do the photo thing.

[ellroy]

Some of the best bits, between the frankly spectacular scenery, are the pubs and places to eat, especially if you like seafood.

In order of heading up from Glasgow:

Clachaig Inn, legendary climbing hang out in Glen Coe.
Applecross Inn, go over via the pass of the cattle, proper alpine single track.
If you venture onto Skye, I would, Talkisker distillery, Coruisk House (you need to book it's tiny, but brilliant), 3 Chimneys, Kinloch Lodge (Michelin Star, but not overly pricey)
Pub at Glenelg has possibly the nicest beer garden in the country looking over the narrows where you get the ferry to Skye.
Kylescu Hotel, lagoustines on a stick please!
Hootenanny live music pub in Inverness, folk downstairs, more rocky upstairs.

If you've got time a boat out of Elgol to see the Dolphins, seals, Sea Eagles etc is always good.

Also, if wanting a bit more tourist stuff, Fort George and Culloden battle field are worth a visit. As is the Castle at Eilean Donan.

[chris116]

Try this thread as well, lots of info in there.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[W12JFD]

I've just finished doing this on my motorcycle this weekend. 1400 miles on a GS 1200, rain, snow, sleet, hail, sunshine and the most spectacular roads I've ridden. Really enjoyed the scenery, pubs and food. My main thought is that it could be very frustrating in the car due to the lack of overtaking opportunities. Where the roads are clear there are opportunities to reach spectacular speeds. Even with a severe weather warning in place there were plenty of other vehicles moving around the coast. The high pass over to Applecross in the snow was beyond words, it looked like driving into the entrance to Valhalla!

[nipod]

I will be driving up from Norfolk in the Cayman, to Keswick and then onto Edinburgh, Loch Ness and then up and around. Over 5 days I'm hoping to take my time and explore a little. Hopefully the weather will be good by then.

[theDOCTOR]

Going up next week but will be sticking to the west coast, could not get any digs in GlenCoe so finishing in Fort William before the southern contingent head home via the Glen.
Cannot wait. Below is the basic route and Hotels we are using:

[woodysnr]

Enjoy ....the weather is said to be good next week .have stayed in Nevis Bank a few times and once at McKays Durness a fab place DO NOT miss out in going to Smoo Cave 5 mins from Hotel great place . Durness is a lovely stop over.

[jackal]

tons of info on my site on the times we've been:



http://www.jackals-forge.com/lotus/scotland%202015...

http://www.jackals-forge.com/lotus/993/skyetour/sk...

[m444ttb]

We're looking at doing this w/c 18th July. Just me, Mrs B and our 996.

[Sandy59]

Did most of the route a couple of weeks ago, weather was great and many empty roads.
Stayed the first night in the Tongue Hotel which was nice and met of all people there Jeremy Paxman, I believe he wasn't actually doing the NC500 though - I did ask him several times but he just wouldn't give me a straight answer !!

Anyway don't forget to keep an eye out for the local 'wildlife' :



A couple of other pics :

[woodysnr]

Great Pics ...we do live in a beautiful part of the country and stunning scenery. Just a pity we cannot always guarantee the weather up here

[woodysnr]

Jackal
Thanks for sharing your adventure I agree with every word and to see Applecross is a must as is Durness . Done both and would defiantly go back for more .