Discussion
Pulse said:
Well, you're right - but the Drumbeg Loop is not to be missed!
Indeed, which is why we will be doing just that on the Sunday after Easter. 
Pulse said:
Plus we still managed to carry some speed through there as I recall - though I was in an MR2.
Certainly possible in parts of it, but not for example here or here. 
Guess what I'll be driving. 
Pulse said:
Thinking of exploring this bit beyond Ullapool tomorrow. What's your view, RD or GC
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Dornie/Achiltibu...
Personally I would turn left onto the A832 at the Achnasheen roundabout - https://goo.gl/maps/7N2frRyAUfK2https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Dornie/Achiltibu...
It's a far more varied and interesting drive via Gairloch to Breamore Junction imo.
Plus a friend of mine acquired Nectar bonus points between Achnasheen and Achanalt in 2015...
I would definitely recommend the Road to the Isles. I did that one too last September.
My visit included this extra loop at the far end - https://goo.gl/maps/pjZNR3UsQVw
Unfortunately the weather wasn't the best, hence the rather 'moody' pics.
Looks like we're just going to miss each other, RD. I am off home on Saturday, and it's a long drive home!
Agreed on hooking a left to take in Gairloch, Poolewe, etc. but I did that last time round. I’ve not been on that first section of A835, either - which I have read is pretty decent.
Noted re the Nectar Points. I’ll be sure to shop elsewhere.
Now if only the rain would stop...
Agreed on hooking a left to take in Gairloch, Poolewe, etc. but I did that last time round. I’ve not been on that first section of A835, either - which I have read is pretty decent.
Noted re the Nectar Points. I’ll be sure to shop elsewhere.
Now if only the rain would stop...
Pulse said:
Looks like we're just going to miss each other, RD. I am off home on Saturday, and it's a long drive home!
To where? So is mine. I'm in Kent... 
If you mean this Saturday (15th) then yes: this time next week I'll be somewhere on the A1/A1(M) en route to Dumbarton. From there I'll be doing this.
Thursday 20th - https://goo.gl/maps/qcPQU6HFK8p
Friday 21st - https://goo.gl/maps/Addy6EhDt9P2
Saturday 22nd - https://goo.gl/maps/aMthRhwEsBK2
Sunday 23rd - https://goo.gl/maps/aMthRhwEsBK2
Monday 24th - https://goo.gl/maps/QDwBopwTEYu
We use Ullapool as base camp. Saves all the faff of unpacking/repacking every evening/morning.
Pulse said:
Agreed on hooking a left to take in Gairloch, Poolewe, etc. but I did that last time round. I’ve not been on that first section of A835, either - which I have read is pretty decent.
Garve -> Breamore Junction - https://goo.gl/maps/ToF5JjaM2u92 - is one of my favourites. Especially the sweeping bends alongside Loch Glascarnoch. 
Pulse said:
Noted re the Nectar Points. I’ll be sure to shop elsewhere.
The 19 miles from Garve are blindingly quick. Well under 19 minutes if you're that way inclined...
In 8 years of regular visits I have yet to see a Nectar points issuing machine on it.
Pulse said:
Now if only the rain would stop...
Unfortunately next week doesn't look like being any better. 
it: I don't care. I just need to get away from the constant traffic down here!Much prefer your choice of car last year, btw. When it's not raining you just don't get the same buzz in a tin top.
Didn't make it out there today. We went to the Fairy Pools, and just got back. I did however do a 'quick' run out this morning before doing so. Yes, I know, I went all Blazin' Squad (I 'flip reversed' it), but it did allow for a sighting 'lap'.
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Dornie/Struan,+I...
Managed it in about 1hr30, with a fuel stop.
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/Dornie/Struan,+I...
Managed it in about 1hr30, with a fuel stop.
Red Devil said:
To where? So is mine. I'm in Kent...
If you mean this Saturday (15th) then yes
We use Ullapool as base camp. Saves all the faff of unpacking/repacking every evening/morning.
In 8 years of regular visits I have yet to see a Nectar points issuing machine on it.
it: I don't care.
Much prefer your choice of car last year, btw. When it's not raining you just don't get the same buzz in a tin top.
Swindon. It's about 10.5 hours without putting your foot down (which I don't bother on motorways - doesn't interest me)!If you mean this Saturday (15th) then yes
We use Ullapool as base camp. Saves all the faff of unpacking/repacking every evening/morning.
In 8 years of regular visits I have yet to see a Nectar points issuing machine on it.
Pulse said:
Now if only the rain would stop...
Unfortunately next week doesn't look like being any better. it: I don't care.Much prefer your choice of car last year, btw. When it's not raining you just don't get the same buzz in a tin top.
Yep, this Saturday. I'm going to get an early start and make the most of the road to Fort William, and around Loch Lomond.
Ullapool is a great base camp, although I was just saying to my road trip partner from last year that I was missing being on the road. We stayed in a different B&B each night last year.
Same here re the Nectar Point Machines. In fact, I saw NONE last time we were up here, and I've seen none so far (touch wood).
The rain didn't quite stop for my early morning run today, but no problem. It was dry enough to take corners at an entertaining speed, and it's a lot more stable doing it in the Audi.
Talking of that, you're right - there is nothing like being able to take the roof off. I made a rash decision with the S1, and although it's good in many ways, it isn't a sports car. It was however VERY good on Skye this morning, and I did wonder last year what it'd be like to have a bit more power under the bonnet. Would I swap an MR2 for it (again) though? Nope. Not for all the power you can give.
I am wondering about a trip next year, perhaps in a different car again. Elise 220 Sport / Cup is the current favourite, or perhaps a Ginetta G40R. I'm also thinking of popping back up in October time for a few days and renting whatever the cheapest thing is and taking a quick spin out, to do a bit more sighting.
ETA: Oh and last year, I had the roof down about 80+% of the time in the MR2 - despite some decidedly dodgy weather at times!
Pulse said:
GetCarter said:
Highland Caterham Hire
Will they pick you up from the airport? I have been tempted, but I'd want to do a LOT more miles than they allow as standard. I was thinking of doing a lot of sighting - perhaps 2-3 days and around 1000 miles or so.Also this lot: https://www.visitscotland.com/info/transport/highl...
Pulse said:
I am wondering about a trip next year, perhaps in a different car again. Elise 220 Sport / Cup is the current favourite, or perhaps a Ginetta G40R.
I'll have a Series 1 Elise Sport and a supercharged VX220 for company next week. Pulse said:
GetCarter said:
Highland Caterham Hire
Will they pick you up from the airport?Pulse said:
I have been tempted, but I'd want to do a LOT more miles than they allow as standard. I was thinking of doing a lot of sighting - perhaps 2-3 days and around 1000 miles or so.
No problem if your pockets are deep enough. Additional miles (over the 120 per day allowance) are charged at 65p/mile for the SV's and £1.25/mile for the CSR2002
Pulse said:
I'm also thinking of popping back up in October time for a few days and renting whatever the cheapest thing is and taking a quick spin out, to do a bit more sighting.
Likewise. I will probably need another fix by then. Won't be renting though.Unless you're planning to reach Inverness by train, you'll still need a taxi (or bus) from the airport plus a taxi from Elgin.
Two changes of transport is a right faff plus Inverness station is 9 miles west of the airport and you need to head east!
The irony is that there was a station at Dalcross but it closed over 50 years ago thanks to a certain Richard Beeching.
There have been plans for a replacement for over a decade but it's only now that some progress is occurring.
The planned location is next to the airport link road - https://goo.gl/maps/NmJNKiBiAjH2
Two changes of transport is a right faff plus Inverness station is 9 miles west of the airport and you need to head east!
The irony is that there was a station at Dalcross but it closed over 50 years ago thanks to a certain Richard Beeching.
There have been plans for a replacement for over a decade but it's only now that some progress is occurring.
The planned location is next to the airport link road - https://goo.gl/maps/NmJNKiBiAjH2
Original plans for a 2 week tour around the Highlands has been severely curtailed due to family issues. Never mind, we'll do it all one day, when time permits, for sure.
In the meantime, we have a 5 day, 4 night abridged version. So a quick belt, up from Bromley Kent, to Glencoe and back. We have to take in Whitby and Malvern on the return leg, for various reasons so the overall route looks like this now. https://goo.gl/maps/AAKeKU8xNPu Leaving home 9th May in the TVR! Just under 4 weeks now, all mapped out, accommodation booked, etc. Can we book the sun please? Can't wait!!!
In the meantime, we have a 5 day, 4 night abridged version. So a quick belt, up from Bromley Kent, to Glencoe and back. We have to take in Whitby and Malvern on the return leg, for various reasons so the overall route looks like this now. https://goo.gl/maps/AAKeKU8xNPu Leaving home 9th May in the TVR! Just under 4 weeks now, all mapped out, accommodation booked, etc. Can we book the sun please? Can't wait!!!
Edited by pb450 on Thursday 13th April 10:18
Would I be correct in thinking that the detour from the A68 to Edmundbyers is for lunch? - https://goo.gl/maps/vzh8MuXDYiL2
If so, you might like to consider this alternative route from Scotch Corner - https://goo.gl/maps/jLFnhVhguFn
I can still remember one particular southbound trip when I followed a Sag making spirited progress.
Epic blat until he turned off right to Middleton-in-Teesdale here - https://goo.gl/maps/43iBD3bexwA2
I think that image will show you why I always pick the B6278 rather than the A68. If you havent done it before, you should.
I have nothing against the A68 but being the main route through the borders it gets most of the traffic.
It's especially frustrating if you encounter an LGV with an attendant camel train.
Overtaking opportunities are limited due to an abundance of white paint.
When one does present itself the driver behind the truck is often half asleep and misses it.
Stay on the A69 Corbridge bypass and reach Bellingham via Chollerford - https://goo.gl/maps/PQtBxMgfF3n
Liking your choice of Kielder. I always go that way: stopping at the Tower Know Visitor Centre for some tucker.
This little fellow took a shine to my friend's baguette...
Meanwhile this one has a beady eye on my cake...
While I'm thus distracted, this thieving git nicked some!
The location right next to Kielder Water is superb. We had the terrace outside all to ourselves. The peace and stillness that afternoon was magical.
If so, you might like to consider this alternative route from Scotch Corner - https://goo.gl/maps/jLFnhVhguFn
I can still remember one particular southbound trip when I followed a Sag making spirited progress.
Epic blat until he turned off right to Middleton-in-Teesdale here - https://goo.gl/maps/43iBD3bexwA2
I think that image will show you why I always pick the B6278 rather than the A68. If you havent done it before, you should.
I have nothing against the A68 but being the main route through the borders it gets most of the traffic.
It's especially frustrating if you encounter an LGV with an attendant camel train.
Overtaking opportunities are limited due to an abundance of white paint.
When one does present itself the driver behind the truck is often half asleep and misses it.
Stay on the A69 Corbridge bypass and reach Bellingham via Chollerford - https://goo.gl/maps/PQtBxMgfF3n
Liking your choice of Kielder.
I always go that way: stopping at the Tower Know Visitor Centre for some tucker.This little fellow took a shine to my friend's baguette...
Meanwhile this one has a beady eye on my cake...
While I'm thus distracted, this thieving git nicked some!
The location right next to Kielder Water is superb. We had the terrace outside all to ourselves. The peace and stillness that afternoon was magical.
Probably nothing hugely revelationary to contribute, other than to reflect on an excellent few days in Scotland with a small group of friends last week.
Our two highlights, among many great drives:
Our two highlights, among many great drives:
- B976/A939, Craithie to Tomintoul, then Speybridge. One of my favourite driving experiences to date. Excellent weather and lack of traffic made this well-sighted and flowing route a delight. Not hugely challenging, but lots of opportunity to stitch together flowing third-gear bends.
- A896, Kinlochewe to Tornapress. Starting out as a single-track road across the bottom of a valley, well-surfaced and with a 'rally special stage' feel to it. Great visibility in general, and lots of passing places, but occasional blind crests keep progress sensibly in check. The road then opens out into a wider two-lane road which winds up and down, and along the coastline, with plenty of opportunities to push on.
Edited by C70R on Thursday 13th April 13:08
Red Devil said:
Would I be correct in thinking that the detour from the A68 to Edmundbyers is for lunch? - https://goo.gl/maps/vzh8MuXDYiL2
If so, you might like to consider this alternative route from Scotch Corner - https://goo.gl/maps/jLFnhVhguFn
I can still remember one particular southbound trip when I followed a Sag making spirited progress.
Epic blat until he turned off right to Middleton-in-Teesdale here - https://goo.gl/maps/43iBD3bexwA2
I think that image will show you why I always pick the B6278 rather than the A68. If you havent done it before, you should.
I have nothing against the A68 but being the main route through the borders it gets most of the traffic.
It's especially frustrating if you encounter an LGV with an attendant camel train.
Overtaking opportunities are limited due to an abundance of white paint.
When one does present itself the driver behind the truck is often half asleep and misses it.
Stay on the A69 Corbridge bypass and reach Bellingham via Chollerford - https://goo.gl/maps/PQtBxMgfF3n
Liking your choice of Kielder. I always go that way: stopping at the Tower Know Visitor Centre for some tucker.
I think the apparent diversion to Edmundbuyers may have been my fault, due to lack of experience with multiple locations on Google Maps. If so, you might like to consider this alternative route from Scotch Corner - https://goo.gl/maps/jLFnhVhguFn
I can still remember one particular southbound trip when I followed a Sag making spirited progress.
Epic blat until he turned off right to Middleton-in-Teesdale here - https://goo.gl/maps/43iBD3bexwA2
I think that image will show you why I always pick the B6278 rather than the A68. If you havent done it before, you should.
I have nothing against the A68 but being the main route through the borders it gets most of the traffic.
It's especially frustrating if you encounter an LGV with an attendant camel train.
Overtaking opportunities are limited due to an abundance of white paint.
When one does present itself the driver behind the truck is often half asleep and misses it.
Stay on the A69 Corbridge bypass and reach Bellingham via Chollerford - https://goo.gl/maps/PQtBxMgfF3n
Liking your choice of Kielder.
I always go that way: stopping at the Tower Know Visitor Centre for some tucker.My intended route goes through Edmundbuyers, tracking the B6306 and B6320 (then onto an unnamed road up through Kielder) leaving that chunk of the A68 out altogether. https://goo.gl/maps/be3nytVCDa12
Red Devil said:
Stay on the A69 Corbridge bypass and reach Bellingham via Chollerford - https://goo.gl/maps/PQtBxMgfF3n
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