Discussion
assadahmed said:
Hey thanks for the info. Yes, leaving out the other half of the A832 was my mistake.
Applecross was left out on purpose as I drove the N500 last year so thought a new route would be better. I can still part of the route for the 3rd day though.
I think we might have met by the way? Did you attend any Essex Hoons in the past, around 2 or 3 years back I think.
If you've done the NC500 then you can't afford to miss the A93 this time. I second option #5 from Red Devil aboveApplecross was left out on purpose as I drove the N500 last year so thought a new route would be better. I can still part of the route for the 3rd day though.
I think we might have met by the way? Did you attend any Essex Hoons in the past, around 2 or 3 years back I think.
assadahmed said:
I think we might have met by the way? Did you attend any Essex Hoons in the past, around 2 or 3 years back I think.
Breakfast* Hoon & Display**, July 2014.* Bosworths at Finchingfield - https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Both of us captured by the lens of BobTurner.
** Spitfires Merlins and Motors at Duxford.
Henry agrees with you. 
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkAT82-R0S8
Actually I reckon the B976/A939 section is even better than the A93.
More of a challenge and less traffic.
@1:16 in the video - https://goo.gl/maps/pBo8giCZNUF2
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkAT82-R0S8Actually I reckon the B976/A939 section is even better than the A93.
More of a challenge and less traffic.
@1:16 in the video - https://goo.gl/maps/pBo8giCZNUF2
The B976 isn't really that great for driving, poor visibility and single track do not a good road make.
I've driven it quite a lot in the past couple of years and I think my favourite bit is still just north of the Spittal of Glenshee, you climb slightly then the glen just opens up in front of you, great visibility, twisty, up and down and the tarmac is the best I've ever encountered.
Can always properly grab the car by the scruff of the neck there.
I've driven it quite a lot in the past couple of years and I think my favourite bit is still just north of the Spittal of Glenshee, you climb slightly then the glen just opens up in front of you, great visibility, twisty, up and down and the tarmac is the best I've ever encountered.
Can always properly grab the car by the scruff of the neck there.
Patrick Bateman said:
The B976 isn't really that great for driving, poor visibility and single track do not a good road make.
Really?https://goo.gl/maps/QtFvUow1Rwv
https://goo.gl/maps/mckSWqUCLam
Driving is not always about maximum attack.
And single track is not a problem when you're the only vehicle on it.
Going outwith the tourist season (as I do) helps considerably.
It's still the A939 for me.
https://goo.gl/maps/6zwdQ7teFyP2
https://goo.gl/maps/4Dzm8Ai4NMU2
https://goo.gl/maps/wfUP62VkmSK2
Many talk of the drive through the Bealach na Ba, but few drive the Bealach na Gaoithe, which in my view is a lot more challenging - Not for the feint hearted in midwinter! Dashcam footage.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OENMhuXIz6k&fe...
Nice cafe at the end in Diabaig mind!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OENMhuXIz6k&fe...
Nice cafe at the end in Diabaig mind!
It does still have some excellent sections but the visibility on quite a few potentially interesting bits isn't great in general I find. Often leading up to a blind crest and a passing place.
You can't really go wrong with the whole route though. Even in the middle of summer you just get up at the crack of dawn and you'll likely have the entire stretch from Bridge of Cally to Grantown to yourself.
You can't really go wrong with the whole route though. Even in the middle of summer you just get up at the crack of dawn and you'll likely have the entire stretch from Bridge of Cally to Grantown to yourself.
Dr Jekyll said:
What's it like around Applecross/Torridon/Poolewe in the winter? Are there any times when it's likely to be impassable or are you normally OK with reasonable luck?
Low levels are almost always fine as long as you travel behind the snow plough (if we get any - snow I mean!). The high routes are sometimes closed in heavy snow. The worst bit is actually in the middle by Achnasheen, as you get the coldest temps there.Here in Torridon, at sea level, we hardly ever see a minus temp. (Too close to the Gulf Stream)
GetCarter said:
Many talk of the drive through the Bealach na Ba, but few drive the Bealach na Gaoithe, which in my view is a lot more challenging - Not for the feint hearted in midwinter!
On the list for my next solo trip in 2018. GetCarter said:
Nice cafe at the end in Diabaig mind!
Diabaig was the location for the external hotel and village scenes in the 1996 movie Loch Ness.http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12687880.Villag...
Can anyone recommend some hostels / cheap B&Bs dotted around the highlands? I'm fairly flexible with where I stay. I've found a good one in the North of Skye, but that's it so far.
I will obviously have to return during 2018, but I'm just not sure when. Possibly March/April. I have been doing way too much reading, and there are lots of things I want to do!
I will obviously have to return during 2018, but I'm just not sure when. Possibly March/April. I have been doing way too much reading, and there are lots of things I want to do!
Patrick Bateman said:
The B976 isn't really that great for driving, poor visibility and single track do not a good road make.
.
Driving single track is another skill best learnt by watching the locals. You will find them passing vehicles from the opposite direction without any need to stop, using the passing places ( usually marked by a white diamond on a pole), and using something not taught , but learnt- ANTICIPATION. .
VISIBILTY -or rather advanced sighting of oncoming vehicles is best done by looking for a line that gives you best forward sight on bends etc, and NOT being afraid to use horn to give advance warning of approach ,if necessary.
Pulse said:
Can anyone recommend some hostels / cheap B&Bs dotted around the highlands? I'm fairly flexible with where I stay. I've found a good one in the North of Skye, but that's it so far.
YH mail. Not going to mention it on here in case I can't get a room for myself. I will obviously have to return during 2018, but I'm just not sure when. Possibly March/April. I have been doing way too much reading, and there are lots of things I want to do!
I'll be up there again in April next year, at our usual base in Ullapool.
100 IAN said:
LOL....just spotted myself down in the bottom left corner. 
Can I have a copy of the picture please? Good way to remember a great few days driving.
'ere ya go: http://stevecarter.com/McL1.jpgCan I have a copy of the picture please? Good way to remember a great few days driving.
...and you might want to send this link to 'orange stripe'
http://stevecarter.com/McL2.jpg
Glenuig Inn near Arisaig has a bunkhouse and a decent beer selection. Just stopped there last night myself after a drive up to Gairloch and back.
Unfortunately had to return unplanned to Leeds this morning. Set off at 4.30am. Glen Coe by moonlight in a roaring M3 was spine tingling. Heading up the tree lined straights towards Tyndrum just mesmerising.
Unfortunately had to return unplanned to Leeds this morning. Set off at 4.30am. Glen Coe by moonlight in a roaring M3 was spine tingling. Heading up the tree lined straights towards Tyndrum just mesmerising.
Patrick Bateman said:
Which is great but when folk can often be in the middle of the road, it's never going to be the place to push on.
I didn't say push on. But try driving around towns where there's cars parked on both sides with room for only one through the middle and see how folks react. Basically they have no idea how to handle the situation. Then take two locals on a single track highland road, and watch how they react and anticipate to make best use of passing spaces and wider bits of the road. Gassing Station | Roads | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff