Discussion
Rojibo said:
Day Two
Plan here is to head up the Cairngorns and over to Applecross all in the same day, here's the google maps link:
maps
Consider staying on the A939 through Grantown-on-Spey.Plan here is to head up the Cairngorns and over to Applecross all in the same day, here's the google maps link:
maps
Then the B roads to Inverness via Cawdor and Culloden - https://goo.gl/maps/FCBz4AJ93bk
If you fancy a bit of history/culture stop off at the Battlefield Centre - https://www.nts.org.uk/Visit/Culloden/
Being roughly halfway it might be convenient to have lunch there as well.
Another plus point for this route: it avoids the A9. No average speed cameras.
Rojibo said:
Day Three
Applecross to Rhiconich:
maps
I think I've got the important coast roads checked here, please tell me if I haven't. Rhiconich seems to be a good place to break up the Journey unless im missing something? This is to set us up for the run the next day.
You're missing the Glen Docherty viewpoint (turn right in Kinlochewe instead of left) - https://goo.gl/maps/3St9RFcaWcnApplecross to Rhiconich:
maps
I think I've got the important coast roads checked here, please tell me if I haven't. Rhiconich seems to be a good place to break up the Journey unless im missing something? This is to set us up for the run the next day.
Lunch in Ullapool: plenty of choice.
After Ullapool, maybe detour via Lochinver - https://goo.gl/maps/YGJmhrDaZMR2
And if you have time and are up for the challenge the B869 - https://goo.gl/maps/rqQ9PWQK1WT2
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Rojibo said:
Day Four
Rhiconich to Glen Coe
maps
So this is coming down that wonderful road I've heard all about on here, and then going over to the glen coe area to spend the night, I've been trying to avoid the A82 but Im not sure I can do much about that here.
If you want a mid morning coffee: the Pier Cafe in Lairg.Rhiconich to Glen Coe
maps
So this is coming down that wonderful road I've heard all about on here, and then going over to the glen coe area to spend the night, I've been trying to avoid the A82 but Im not sure I can do much about that here.
Culbokie Inn for lunch (off the A9 after the Cromarty Bridge).
You can't do much about the A82 but as compensation there is the B863.
aka the Scotsburgring - https://goo.gl/maps/LssAmBkkH1m
It would be a travesty to be so close and fail to do it.
Rojibo said:
Not really: it's only 300 miles and pretty much all motorway after the Erskine Bridge.I do a fair bit more than that in a day whenever I go up. My next trip in April will be c.460 (Kent to Perth).
You should be OK be on the M8/M74 through Glasgow as you won't be there during the peak period.
Moffat for lunch. Brodies/Claudio's/Cafe Ariete. Depends on what cuisine you fancy.
Rojibo said:
is it worth taking in the road from Skyfall while I'm here
Yes.Rojibo said:
I do wonder if I'm doing too little driving during the day, and could easily shave a day off? Car will be a new Cayman, so I don't suspect to have any issues with the roads, as it's not too big.
No, and I wouldn't even try. You can't savour the scenery if your foot is buried in the carpet. 
Plus you'll probably find yourself making quite a few stops for photo ops.
Thanks for all that, there is a lot to digest. Really appreciate all the help thats been given here. I feel like I'll get a lot more out of the trip now. I think I need to be wary of trying to see it all in one go, thats never going to happen, I suppose that's just a reason for more trips
Yeah it's not that long of a drive back, I suppose I was thinking it's going to be a boring drive, compared to the rest of it all. I can't say I enjoy motorway driving all that much. Seems like the 3 hours driving / lunch / 3 hours driving might be a perfect balance then. Guess I need to get some hotels booked!
Since you mention the Scotsburgring, I'll certainly do that, what are the hotels in Kinlochmore like? I've not been too blown away by the choices in Glen Coe, or could always head down to Loch Lomond and try and stay around there.
Yeah it's not that long of a drive back, I suppose I was thinking it's going to be a boring drive, compared to the rest of it all. I can't say I enjoy motorway driving all that much. Seems like the 3 hours driving / lunch / 3 hours driving might be a perfect balance then. Guess I need to get some hotels booked!
Since you mention the Scotsburgring, I'll certainly do that, what are the hotels in Kinlochmore like? I've not been too blown away by the choices in Glen Coe, or could always head down to Loch Lomond and try and stay around there.
Rojibo said:
Yeah it's not that long of a drive back, I suppose I was thinking it's going to be a boring drive, compared to the rest of it all. I can't say I enjoy motorway driving all that much. Seems like the 3 hours driving / lunch / 3 hours driving might be a perfect balance then. Guess I need to get some hotels booked!
If you don't like motorways try the old A74 which was reclassified as B roads when the motorway was built.https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/index.php?titl...
https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/index.php?titl...
Leave the M74 at J9 (Kirkmuirhill) and rejoin the A74(M) at Gretna Services - https://goo.gl/maps/AHBx26rgky62
You'll need to zoom in to see it because the route runs parallel to and very close to the motorway for most of the way.
I have included the detour to Moffat. If you don't plan on going there, stay on the B7076.
Our 4 car convoy used these roads on our way north from Gretna Green in April this year.
Much more fun and hardly any through traffic worth mentioning.
What little local stuff there is can be easily dispatched.
Rojibo said:
Since you mention the Scotsburgring, I'll certainly do that, what are the hotels in Kinlochmore like? I've not been too blown away by the choices in Glen Coe, or could always head down to Loch Lomond and try and stay around there.
I've always been passing through so never stayed in any of the hotels in the area.The reviews for the Loch Leven Hotel in North Ballachulish look OK.
Rojibo said:
Thanks for all that, there is a lot to digest. Really appreciate all the help thats been given here. I feel like I'll get a lot more out of the trip now. I think I need to be wary of trying to see it all in one go, thats never going to happen, I suppose that's just a reason for more trips
Yeah it's not that long of a drive back, I suppose I was thinking it's going to be a boring drive, compared to the rest of it all. I can't say I enjoy motorway driving all that much. Seems like the 3 hours driving / lunch / 3 hours driving might be a perfect balance then. Guess I need to get some hotels booked!
Since you mention the Scotsburgring, I'll certainly do that, what are the hotels in Kinlochmore like? I've not been too blown away by the choices in Glen Coe, or could always head down to Loch Lomond and try and stay around there.
Scotsburgring is a must... There are plenty B&Bs in Kinlochleven but getting a good meal in the village is a challenge! Loch Leven Hotel, or Isles of Glencoe are both reasonable. For eating I would recommend highly The Laroch in Ballachulish, looks nothing fancy outside (or inside) but the grub is top notch.Yeah it's not that long of a drive back, I suppose I was thinking it's going to be a boring drive, compared to the rest of it all. I can't say I enjoy motorway driving all that much. Seems like the 3 hours driving / lunch / 3 hours driving might be a perfect balance then. Guess I need to get some hotels booked!
Since you mention the Scotsburgring, I'll certainly do that, what are the hotels in Kinlochmore like? I've not been too blown away by the choices in Glen Coe, or could always head down to Loch Lomond and try and stay around there.
We go to Scotland annually. Usually during the last week of Sept or first week of October to avoid the tourists.
This time, we're thinking we'd like to avoid the tourists but also see if we can go as soon as springs breaks so that we can take in some of the snow caps? What would be the best time to go and what is the weather likely to be based on the last few years?
This time, we're thinking we'd like to avoid the tourists but also see if we can go as soon as springs breaks so that we can take in some of the snow caps? What would be the best time to go and what is the weather likely to be based on the last few years?
AdvocatusD said:
We go to Scotland annually. Usually during the last week of Sept or first week of October to avoid the tourists.
This time, we're thinking we'd like to avoid the tourists but also see if we can go as soon as springs breaks so that we can take in some of the snow caps? What would be the best time to go and what is the weather likely to be based on the last few years?
If you check out my page here >>> http://www.stevecarter.com/latest/latesttorridon.h... (scroll down to move backwards through each year)This time, we're thinking we'd like to avoid the tourists but also see if we can go as soon as springs breaks so that we can take in some of the snow caps? What would be the best time to go and what is the weather likely to be based on the last few years?
...you can pretty much see when the snow goes. Usually end March, but it'll come back from time to time all through April and even into May sometimes.
Easter this year is 1st April, so mid March if the weather is good would be the time, or after Easter but before the May bank Hols.
Well, that’s all the hotels booked. Now just counting down the days!
Will be in the Torridon Innom the 29th of March Mr Carter if you fancy a pint to say thanks for all the help.
One question, we’ll be headed up to Tounge on good Friday, will a lot of petrol stations and general shops be closed then?
Will be in the Torridon Innom the 29th of March Mr Carter if you fancy a pint to say thanks for all the help.
One question, we’ll be headed up to Tounge on good Friday, will a lot of petrol stations and general shops be closed then?
Rojibo said:
Well, that’s all the hotels booked. Now just counting down the days!
Will be in the Torridon Innom the 29th of March Mr Carter if you fancy a pint to say thanks for all the help.
One question, we’ll be headed up to Tounge on good Friday, will a lot of petrol stations and general shops be closed then?
99% will be open. You'll pass one in Ullapool that does Super U/L.Will be in the Torridon Innom the 29th of March Mr Carter if you fancy a pint to say thanks for all the help.
One question, we’ll be headed up to Tounge on good Friday, will a lot of petrol stations and general shops be closed then?
Thinking of a different route for the annual tour in the first week of October 2018. We've been around mainland Scotland, very, very thoroughly!
We'd like to see the outer Hebrides this time and make that the focus of our trip this time around.
We'll be there for 3 - 4 days.
What sort of route would people recommend to get the most out of our time? We'd start from Inverness or Fort William, I think.
I think we'd only be able to see Harris and Lewis given the time? Obviously we want to spend as little time as possible in ferries, etc! Are the ferries ok for low cars?
I understand bookings needs to be made early for this sort of thing, so getting on it now!
We'd like to see the outer Hebrides this time and make that the focus of our trip this time around.
We'll be there for 3 - 4 days.
What sort of route would people recommend to get the most out of our time? We'd start from Inverness or Fort William, I think.
I think we'd only be able to see Harris and Lewis given the time? Obviously we want to spend as little time as possible in ferries, etc! Are the ferries ok for low cars?
I understand bookings needs to be made early for this sort of thing, so getting on it now!
AdvocatusD said:
Thinking of a different route for the annual tour in the first week of October 2018. We've been around mainland Scotland, very, very thoroughly!
We'd like to see the outer Hebrides this time and make that the focus of our trip this time around.
We'll be there for 3 - 4 days.
What sort of route would people recommend to get the most out of our time? We'd start from Inverness or Fort William, I think.
I think we'd only be able to see Harris and Lewis given the time? Obviously we want to spend as little time as possible in ferries, etc! Are the ferries ok for low cars?
I understand bookings needs to be made early for this sort of thing, so getting on it now!
Well if you want Lewis & Harris, the best way is from Uig on Skye. From there you can get a ferry to Harris. There are few roads on Harris, just drive all of them, including the dead end to Luskentyre (fab beach). Also don't miss out the road to Hushinish in North Harris - nice drive and a decent beach at the end. Stornaway is a dump, but the west and NW of Lewis are lovely. You can then get the ferry from Stornaway to Ullapool and head south.We'd like to see the outer Hebrides this time and make that the focus of our trip this time around.
We'll be there for 3 - 4 days.
What sort of route would people recommend to get the most out of our time? We'd start from Inverness or Fort William, I think.
I think we'd only be able to see Harris and Lewis given the time? Obviously we want to spend as little time as possible in ferries, etc! Are the ferries ok for low cars?
I understand bookings needs to be made early for this sort of thing, so getting on it now!
Ferries are fine for low cars, though the tide does make a bit of a difference... if you're in a Lambo or similar, speak to the ferry master and he'll either put you on first or last (with bits of wood to help angles if needed).
There's sod all to do in the Outer Hebrides, so we only go when it's sunny ... ie NOT summer - this enables us to go on a spur of the moment decision, as the ferries are generally not full in Spring or Autumn... and Summers up here are generally wet (and of course the midges!) but when the weather is good it's one of the best places in the world... especially the beaches on Harris.
Edited by GetCarter on Saturday 20th January 12:27
av185 said:
Was lucky enough to have a week off May 6th last year.
Perfect weather for walking and serious driving. No midges, roads not yet infested with plodding 19mph tourists.
Did Glencoe Skye (photo) and Torridon.
Far preferable to September which is generally much busier and midges are a pita.
Perfect weather for walking and serious driving. No midges, roads not yet infested with plodding 19mph tourists.
Did Glencoe Skye (photo) and Torridon.
Far preferable to September which is generally much busier and midges are a pita.
GetCarter said:
Escort3500 said:
Brilliant pics and commentary Mr C, as usual. This is one of my favourite threads on PH 
Ta. Have another Harris shot for that!As the tide goes out at Losgaintir this entire area turns from turquoise to bright yellow:
GetCarter said:
Well if you want Lewis & Harris, the best way is from Uig on Skye. From there you can get a ferry to Harris.
We're thinking of this route. Is this workable over 24/36 hours? Looks like Ulapool - Harris - Skye for us. Anything obvious or we can improve on? The information available seems a little vague and the websites aren't easy to navigate.
GetCarter said:
There are few roads on Harris, just drive all of them, including the dead end to Luskentyre (fab beach). Also don't miss out the road to Hushinish in North Harris - nice drive and a decent beach at the end. Stornaway is a dump, but the west and NW of Lewis are lovely. You can then get the ferry from Stornaway to Ullapool and head south.
I want to see something unique, the road (slightly) less well-traveled and Lewis and Harris do seem to hit the mark. Will certainly drive every bit of it given the effort it's likely to take to get there!GetCarter said:
Ferries are fine for low cars, though the tide does make a bit of a difference... if you're in a Lambo or similar, speak to the ferry master and he'll either put you on first or last (with bits of wood to help angles if needed).
i won't be taking the Stradale this time as I'm really, really hoping my Flaminia Zagato will be good to go by then!GetCarter said:
There's sod all to do in the Outer Hebrides, so we only go when it's sunny ... ie NOT summer - this enables us to go on a spur of the moment decision, as the ferries are generally not full in Spring or Autumn... and Summers up here are generally wet (and of course the midges!) but when the weather is good it's one of the best places in the world... especially the beaches on Harris.
Well, it looks like 5 - 9 October.Do you think we're ok not to book the ferry until we know what the weather is going to be like the week before? The websites are very heavy on the "book on advance" bit!
I think we'll need to spend a night on Lewis/Harris to make the most of it and not feel completely exhausted. Any recommendation for good food and a comfy bed?
AdvocatusD said:
GetCarter said:
Well if you want Lewis & Harris, the best way is from Uig on Skye. From there you can get a ferry to Harris.
We're thinking of this route. Is this workable over 24/36 hours? Looks like Ulapool - Harris - Skye for us. Anything obvious or we can improve on? The information available seems a little vague and the websites aren't easy to navigate.GetCarter said:
There are few roads on Harris, just drive all of them, including the dead end to Luskentyre (fab beach). Also don't miss out the road to Hushinish in North Harris - nice drive and a decent beach at the end. Stornaway is a dump, but the west and NW of Lewis are lovely. You can then get the ferry from Stornaway to Ullapool and head south.
I want to see something unique, the road (slightly) less well-traveled and Lewis and Harris do seem to hit the mark. Will certainly drive every bit of it given the effort it's likely to take to get there!GetCarter said:
Ferries are fine for low cars, though the tide does make a bit of a difference... if you're in a Lambo or similar, speak to the ferry master and he'll either put you on first or last (with bits of wood to help angles if needed).
i won't be taking the Stradale this time as I'm really, really hoping my Flaminia Zagato will be good to go by then!GetCarter said:
There's sod all to do in the Outer Hebrides, so we only go when it's sunny ... ie NOT summer - this enables us to go on a spur of the moment decision, as the ferries are generally not full in Spring or Autumn... and Summers up here are generally wet (and of course the midges!) but when the weather is good it's one of the best places in the world... especially the beaches on Harris.
Well, it looks like 5 - 9 October.Do you think we're ok not to book the ferry until we know what the weather is going to be like the week before? The websites are very heavy on the "book on advance" bit!
I think we'll need to spend a night on Lewis/Harris to make the most of it and not feel completely exhausted. Any recommendation for good food and a comfy bed?
It would be pretty pointless going to Lewis and driving down to Tarbet on that route. You'll miss all the good bits, and spend more time on ferries than on the Outer Hebridian roads/decent scenery. And when I mean miss all the good bits... your route is probably the least interesting in those islands.
If you have already covered the Highlands I would suggest spending more time on the islands, they are very different. As has been mentioned getting of the main roads is a must, the place I stayed (in Carnish) has closed now, but the drive round to Carnish on the west coast of Lewis was a highlight.
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