NC500 (north coast road)
Discussion
Davie said:
I
Has fueled the need to get away up north for a few days, ideally a child friendly hotel with some pampering / spa facilities on site (or nearby) to keep her ladyship relaxed. Had looked at Mull (just to tick it off the list) but seems a bit limited so any ex NC500 runners able to recommend any such places up the West coast?
Ideally a couple of locations over a couple of days so we can make our way along at a more sedate pace, more so the infant in tow gets a bit fed up after a few hours in the car... as does the missus.
On the East coast the Royal Marine Hotel in Brora has spa facilities and swimming pool etc. But as GC says I can't think of any on the North or West on the NC500 route. Has fueled the need to get away up north for a few days, ideally a child friendly hotel with some pampering / spa facilities on site (or nearby) to keep her ladyship relaxed. Had looked at Mull (just to tick it off the list) but seems a bit limited so any ex NC500 runners able to recommend any such places up the West coast?
Ideally a couple of locations over a couple of days so we can make our way along at a more sedate pace, more so the infant in tow gets a bit fed up after a few hours in the car... as does the missus.
Kinloch Lodge on Skye advertise spa/beauty treatments, which could be an option...
Thanks gents, as usual this threads delivers!
The little man is only 4 months so aside for dribbling on his t-shirts and periodically filling the car with a sort of rotting Cow & Gate milk aroma and sleeping for 23hrs a day, he doesn't really do very much but equally don' really want him stuck in his seat for hours on end whilst I get carried away with myself. Likewise, as much as she likes do such trips, attention span is limited and tends to get a bit annoyed when all four wheels aren't in constant contact with the road so a wee spa / dinner treat would be not only be deserved but also would help appease her and thus, more miles can be consumed.
Having exhausted Google and such like, suitable places seem a bit few and far between so doing the loop looks unlikely / unnecessary given the passengers / rapidly deteriorating weather so may opt to leave that for another day and investigate some other options first and whilst I'm not that bothered about doing the whole route, would like to get back to Applecross before the year is out but again accommodation seems a bit restricted... and a bit pricey even in November, relatively speaking.
As an aside, thinking about a shortened route, up to Inverness > towards Ullapool > Poolewe > Torridon > Applecross > Fort William > home but how doe the A382 compare scenery wise / beaches / places of interest to say, the section north of Ullapool? Or indeed it it even worth the extra time / distance as previously I've just cut over from Garve > Achnasheen > Kinlochewe then towards Applecross.
Cheers
The little man is only 4 months so aside for dribbling on his t-shirts and periodically filling the car with a sort of rotting Cow & Gate milk aroma and sleeping for 23hrs a day, he doesn't really do very much but equally don' really want him stuck in his seat for hours on end whilst I get carried away with myself. Likewise, as much as she likes do such trips, attention span is limited and tends to get a bit annoyed when all four wheels aren't in constant contact with the road so a wee spa / dinner treat would be not only be deserved but also would help appease her and thus, more miles can be consumed.
Having exhausted Google and such like, suitable places seem a bit few and far between so doing the loop looks unlikely / unnecessary given the passengers / rapidly deteriorating weather so may opt to leave that for another day and investigate some other options first and whilst I'm not that bothered about doing the whole route, would like to get back to Applecross before the year is out but again accommodation seems a bit restricted... and a bit pricey even in November, relatively speaking.
As an aside, thinking about a shortened route, up to Inverness > towards Ullapool > Poolewe > Torridon > Applecross > Fort William > home but how doe the A382 compare scenery wise / beaches / places of interest to say, the section north of Ullapool? Or indeed it it even worth the extra time / distance as previously I've just cut over from Garve > Achnasheen > Kinlochewe then towards Applecross.
Cheers
Davie said:
Thanks gents, as usual this threads delivers!
The little man is only 4 months so aside for dribbling on his t-shirts and periodically filling the car with a sort of rotting Cow & Gate milk aroma and sleeping for 23hrs a day, he doesn't really do very much but equally don' really want him stuck in his seat for hours on end whilst I get carried away with myself. Likewise, as much as she likes do such trips, attention span is limited and tends to get a bit annoyed when all four wheels aren't in constant contact with the road so a wee spa / dinner treat would be not only be deserved but also would help appease her and thus, more miles can be consumed.
Having exhausted Google and such like, suitable places seem a bit few and far between so doing the loop looks unlikely / unnecessary given the passengers / rapidly deteriorating weather so may opt to leave that for another day and investigate some other options first and whilst I'm not that bothered about doing the whole route, would like to get back to Applecross before the year is out but again accommodation seems a bit restricted... and a bit pricey even in November, relatively speaking.
As an aside, thinking about a shortened route, up to Inverness > towards Ullapool > Poolewe > Torridon > Applecross > Fort William > home but how doe the A382 compare scenery wise / beaches / places of interest to say, the section north of Ullapool? Or indeed it it even worth the extra time / distance as previously I've just cut over from Garve > Achnasheen > Kinlochewe then towards Applecross.
Cheers
Ullapool > Poolewe > Torridon > Applecross > Fort William is fab. You won't regret it.The little man is only 4 months so aside for dribbling on his t-shirts and periodically filling the car with a sort of rotting Cow & Gate milk aroma and sleeping for 23hrs a day, he doesn't really do very much but equally don' really want him stuck in his seat for hours on end whilst I get carried away with myself. Likewise, as much as she likes do such trips, attention span is limited and tends to get a bit annoyed when all four wheels aren't in constant contact with the road so a wee spa / dinner treat would be not only be deserved but also would help appease her and thus, more miles can be consumed.
Having exhausted Google and such like, suitable places seem a bit few and far between so doing the loop looks unlikely / unnecessary given the passengers / rapidly deteriorating weather so may opt to leave that for another day and investigate some other options first and whilst I'm not that bothered about doing the whole route, would like to get back to Applecross before the year is out but again accommodation seems a bit restricted... and a bit pricey even in November, relatively speaking.
As an aside, thinking about a shortened route, up to Inverness > towards Ullapool > Poolewe > Torridon > Applecross > Fort William > home but how doe the A382 compare scenery wise / beaches / places of interest to say, the section north of Ullapool? Or indeed it it even worth the extra time / distance as previously I've just cut over from Garve > Achnasheen > Kinlochewe then towards Applecross.
Cheers
These were all taken this year south of Ullapool on (or above!) the route you mention:
http://www.stevecarter.com/latest/latesttorridon17...
Edited by GetCarter on Thursday 19th October 13:20
It's been said before but those really are fantastic images... just a shame that the past two trips north for me were much like looking at the world through a tupperware box for the majority of the time!
Now hunting for somewhere spa based around Inverness, theory being an evening there then across to Applecross, night there and then home.
Just need to pray for a wee break in the weather... or at least, minimal rain!
Now hunting for somewhere spa based around Inverness, theory being an evening there then across to Applecross, night there and then home.
Just need to pray for a wee break in the weather... or at least, minimal rain!
Davie said:
It's been said before but those really are fantastic images... just a shame that the past two trips north for me were much like looking at the world through a tupperware box for the majority of the time!
Now hunting for somewhere spa based around Inverness, theory being an evening there then across to Applecross, night there and then home.
Just need to pray for a wee break in the weather... or at least, minimal rain!
Now hunting for somewhere spa based around Inverness, theory being an evening there then across to Applecross, night there and then home.
Just need to pray for a wee break in the weather... or at least, minimal rain!
It's all about timing!
Yesterday I drove to Kylesku, had a fab lunch, stayed in Lochiner and until 4 pm, hardly saw a cloud!
The day before I would have seen s
t!... the trick to the highlands is not to book in advance, but to go when the weather helps!Ha, that's the issue... getting anywhere these days requires planning that would make a medium sized invasion seems like a walk in the park. Plus having to haul arse up from the central belt usually means travelling through several seasons by the time you get to Perth! Gotta bitten last year... we were in Fort William on the mountain bikes, glorious day and having sat outside in t-shirts, headed home and by the time we hit Rannoch Moor we were doing 15mph and the snow was drifting. Welcome to Scotland!
Cheers!
Cheers!
The bridge felt a bit of a squeeze with it being down to one lane when I went over it a few times last weekend. Not sure how the wagons manage it!
My first time at the hotel as a diner since the refurb - can't say I was bowled over by the food but perhaps my expectations were unreasonably high.
Roads were cracking though - I used to arrange car club runs 10 years ago around the whole of the north west in the Spring and Autumn and expected it to be relatively busy nowadays, but quietest I have ever seen it. Great time of year to travel if you can find enough accommodation off season - just need to find a way to disable the LSBS on the car for maximum enjoyment!
My first time at the hotel as a diner since the refurb - can't say I was bowled over by the food but perhaps my expectations were unreasonably high.
Roads were cracking though - I used to arrange car club runs 10 years ago around the whole of the north west in the Spring and Autumn and expected it to be relatively busy nowadays, but quietest I have ever seen it. Great time of year to travel if you can find enough accommodation off season - just need to find a way to disable the LSBS on the car for maximum enjoyment!
GetCarter said:
It's all about timing!
Yesterday I drove to Kylesku, had a fab lunch, stayed in Lochiner and until 4 pm, hardly saw a cloud!
The day before I would have seen s
t!... the trick to the highlands is not to book in advance, but to go when the weather helps!Some of my favorite scenery, - you've stirred the Viper from any thoughts of hibernation in the Perthshire hills...........I'll be watching the weather for a last minute run out.
After weeks of reading this thread and wistfully staring out the office window... finally got something planned.
Granted, not the full NC500... time and good lady and small child in tow limits the amount driving but headed for the Great Glen for a couple of nights soon so the plan is to get to Applecross for lunch and a walk on 'the beach' assuming the weather doesn't scupper all our plans!
Struggled to find accommodation any further up that was a) not a million quid a night and b) child friendly and also wife friendly... but a compromise has been found so just need to pray for a decent spell and some empty roads!
It's the simple things in life...
Cheers!
Granted, not the full NC500... time and good lady and small child in tow limits the amount driving but headed for the Great Glen for a couple of nights soon so the plan is to get to Applecross for lunch and a walk on 'the beach' assuming the weather doesn't scupper all our plans!
Struggled to find accommodation any further up that was a) not a million quid a night and b) child friendly and also wife friendly... but a compromise has been found so just need to pray for a decent spell and some empty roads!
It's the simple things in life...
Cheers!
Quick question for GetCarter or one of the other locals: would April be a good time to go up? Was thinking it would be good balance between the lighter evenings, probability of good weather, and tourist traffic.
Also, is there a map of the highlands which clearly shows which roads are single track and which aren't? I'm not a fan of driving on single tracks, so would be keen to avoid these.
Thanks in advance
Also, is there a map of the highlands which clearly shows which roads are single track and which aren't? I'm not a fan of driving on single tracks, so would be keen to avoid these.
Thanks in advance
Synchromesh said:
Quick question for GetCarter or one of the other locals: would April be a good time to go up? Was thinking it would be good balance between the lighter evenings, probability of good weather, and tourist traffic.
Also, is there a map of the highlands which clearly shows which roads are single track and which aren't? I'm not a fan of driving on single tracks, so would be keen to avoid these.
Thanks in advance
April is probably the best month to come up... no midges, not so much traffic, longer days and even if it rains, it won't last.Also, is there a map of the highlands which clearly shows which roads are single track and which aren't? I'm not a fan of driving on single tracks, so would be keen to avoid these.
Thanks in advance
As for single track roads, well Lochcarron, Applecross, Shieldaig, Torridon, Gairloch are full of them (as well as other bits). Avoid them and you'll avoid some of the best scenery! If you do the NC500, you'll have to do at least 70 miles single track.
BTW If you’re a closet/shy caravan owner... don’t even think about it!
Edited by GetCarter on Thursday 30th November 15:59
Single track is fine... locals know what they are doing so as long as you give way and allow anybody closing in behind to pass, there's little to worry about though I had a couple of encounters with some sizable stags on the Applecross road... and there's some pretty horrific pot holes lurking around so driving anywhere at speed at night isn't much fun in something hard and equipped with rubber band tyres and crap lights!
GetCarter said:
April is probably the best month to come up... no midges, not so much traffic, longer days and even if it rains, it won't last.
Just what I wanted to hear. Thanks!GetCarter said:
As for single track roads, well Lochcarron, Applecross, Shieldaig, Torridon, Gairloch are full of them (as well as other bits). Avoid them and you'll avoid some of the best scenery! If you do the NC500, you'll have to do at least 70 miles single track.
BTW If you’re a closet/shy caravan owner... don’t even think about it!
BTW If you’re a closet/shy caravan owner... don’t even think about it!
Davie said:
Single track is fine... locals know what they are doing so as long as you give way and allow anybody closing in behind to pass, there's little to worry about though I had a couple of encounters with some sizable stags on the Applecross road... and there's some pretty horrific pot holes lurking around so driving anywhere at speed at night isn't much fun in something hard and equipped with rubber band tyres and crap lights!
Definitely not a caravanist, and have no fear of single track, just simply don't enjoy driving on them as much as full-width roads! 70 miles is bearable though, and like you say, worth it for the scenery.Shan't be driving in the dark if I can help it, hence going up after the clocks change late-March.
FYI - I would be seriously concerned about doing the NC500 for at least the next few months.
We have fibre optic cables going in here and complete road closures to Applecross, and the roads department seem to have gone awol. Consequently the local garage is doing 50+ punctures a week due to the complete absence of road repairs.
If you do come, don't drive through any puddles. Some of them are 9" deep. If you damage your car, please complain to Highland Council, and claim compensation.
One of these days, they'll use road tax to maintain roads!
We have fibre optic cables going in here and complete road closures to Applecross, and the roads department seem to have gone awol. Consequently the local garage is doing 50+ punctures a week due to the complete absence of road repairs.
If you do come, don't drive through any puddles. Some of them are 9" deep. If you damage your car, please complain to Highland Council, and claim compensation.
One of these days, they'll use road tax to maintain roads!
GetCarter said:
FYI - I would be seriously concerned about doing the NC500 for at least the next few months.
We have fibre optic cables going in here and complete road closures to Applecross, and the roads department seem to have gone awol. Consequently the local garage is doing 50+ punctures a week due to the complete absence of road repairs.
If you do come, don't drive through any puddles. Some of them are 9" deep. If you damage your car, please complain to Highland Council, and claim compensation.
One of these days, they'll use road tax to maintain roads!
To be fair, the A14 near me (Huntingdon) doesn't look too different.We have fibre optic cables going in here and complete road closures to Applecross, and the roads department seem to have gone awol. Consequently the local garage is doing 50+ punctures a week due to the complete absence of road repairs.
If you do come, don't drive through any puddles. Some of them are 9" deep. If you damage your car, please complain to Highland Council, and claim compensation.
One of these days, they'll use road tax to maintain roads!
I did wonder how long it would be before the huge increase in traffic on these routes would start to have a detrimental impact on the roads. Whilst I've not done the NC500, the roads up to an around Applecross have become a complete chore, did it at the tail end of last year and it wasn't nice for the large part of it. Granted, the single track, it's almost expected but what really gets me is when you're on nice smooth tarmac for miles, then hit one single crater... at least if the road is generally wrecked, you drive accordingly but it's the ninja ones that luck on what you think are nice sections that are the killers.
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