Highlands

[Riley Blue]

john_1983 said:

Riley Blue said:

Tesco, Wick?

Would be worth checking but I looked at the Tesco website 5 weeks ago and i don't think they listed Momentum at the Wick store. It looks on Streetview that they only have one unleaded grade as well

I last filled up there in May 2019 but only buy 99RON and have binned my receipts so you may well be right.

[Red Devil]

john_1983 said:

The Gleaner in Thurso (Bridgend filling station) has 99ron - going clockwise that's your last until Inverness I think

Skiach Services at Evanton 20 miles north of Inverness is a Gleaner station and definitely has Super UL.
https://www.gleaner.co.uk/services/service-station... (zoom in on the map and click on the yellow pin)
https://goo.gl/maps/yUYrRr69tn5c1jyH6

Btw, Gleaner is 98RON, not 99. Lochbroom Filling Station in Ullapool switched from Gleaner to Jet in 2018. Jet Ultra is 97RON.

john_1983 said:

Riley Blue said:

Tesco, Wick?

Would be worth checking but I looked at the Tesco website 5 weeks ago and i don't think they listed Momentum at the Wick store. It looks on Streetview that they only have one unleaded grade as well

Er, have another look. - https://goo.gl/maps/EXDzKteaRaUBrtXM6
The pumps all have 3 dispensers. Same as all Tesco Superstore stations that I've ever visited. L to R: Petrol E10/Petrol E5 (Momentum)/Diesel.

[john_1983]

Red Devil said:

Er, have another look. - https://goo.gl/maps/EXDzKteaRaUBrtXM6
The pumps all have 3 dispensers. Same as all Tesco Superstore stations that I've ever visited. L to R: Petrol E10/Petrol E5 (Momentum)/Diesel.

Aye but I think they are both E10 - the logo above the nozzle changes to a Momentum logo from the usual green Unleaded logo - see this one at my nearest Tesco:

https://goo.gl/maps/3TYvMvBghtTWWXZh7

Pumps are Diesel - Momentum - E10

[Red Devil]

Ah, good point, ISWYM. Two E10 fuel lines side by side on the same delivery stand and no Momentum. If so, I wonder why they don't stock it at that location.

I've done at least one trip to the Highlands every year from 2009 to 2019 but only ever visited Wick once (stayed overnight in 2010).
I don't recall what Tesco were offering there back then as I took octane booster as insurance until reaching Ullapool.
Never needed it in subsequent years as I changed cars and the new (to me) one had/has an aftermarket standalone ECU with switchable custom maps.

The Tesco website is a much use as a chocolate teapot. Their FAQ page:

Which Tesco Petrol Filling Stations sell Momentum99?
Most Tesco Petrol Filling Stations across England, Scotland and Wales stock Momentum99, but please check store locator for details

Great, but when you do - https://www.tesco.com/store-locator/wick/north-rd/... - there is b****r all detail, so you need to 'phone.
Each filling station has a separate number 0345 677 XXXX but you still end up with the usual "We are experiencing high call volumes blah blah blah".
Cue being kept on hold for an indeterminate period. I gave up 'cos it's about as rewarding as watching paint dry...

[Riley Blue]

I've WhatsApp'd Tesco asking why their store locator doesn't show fuel grades available at each filling station and received a reply about checking my Clubcard details, points and vouchers - so I've asked for a voice call back...

ETA - reply received:

"We do have it listed on our store locator pages if a filing station has Momentum, where it says 'Facilities, counters and ranges' If you look under car care it will say there if a store stocks it however I've passed your feedback on around the overall information on fuel types to see if we can add this in future."

I've checked my local Tesco and it is listed as above however I suggested it isn't a logical place to look,

"That's not a logical place to look though; under 'Petrol Station' > 'Learn More' is where I (and others) have been searching - hopefully it can be changed."

and had this further reply:

"I agree as I looked there first too, it's the common sense place to look so hopefully we can get that updated."

Edited by Riley Blue on Wednesday 6th July 10:00

[john_1983]

There is a way to check, and I've found it after some searching. If you click on Store Details and then scroll down to the Car care bit, click on the blue arrow next to it and it shows you - see links below for Westhill (which has Momentum) and Wick (which doesn't).

https://www.tesco.com/store-locator/westhill/endea...

https://www.tesco.com/store-locator/wick/north-rd


Why they hide it like this I have no idea.


Edit - posted whilst Riley updated his post above

[ianrb]

john_1983 said:

There is a way to check, and I've found it after some searching. If you click on Store Details and then scroll down to the Car care bit, click on the blue arrow next to it and it shows you - see links below for Westhill (which has Momentum) and Wick (which doesn't).

https://www.tesco.com/store-locator/westhill/endea...

https://www.tesco.com/store-locator/wick/north-rd


Why they hide it like this I have no idea.


Edit - posted whilst Riley updated his post above

I've just checked the entry for Blairgowrie (which doesn't sell Momentum), and there is no 'Car Care' section. But for Perth Extra there is a 'Car Care' section & they do sell Momentum. Is that the way it's supposed to work, or is the entry for Blairgowrie defective?

[john_1983]

ianrb said:

I've just checked the entry for Blairgowrie (which doesn't sell Momentum), and there is no 'Car Care' section. But for Perth Extra there is a 'Car Care' section & they do sell Momentum. Is that the way it's supposed to work, or is the entry for Blairgowrie defective?

Don't know, but I see what you mean. AFAIK any store with a petrol station should have a 'Car care' section, and that's where you see if they have Momentum.

Would be handy if they listed Momentum directly under the the station opening hours, with either a green tick if they have it or a red cross if they don't. Their website isn't the best really...

[Who me ?]

For those venturing to pastures north, may I recommend a registration on Petrol prices.com. This site usually shows stations selling higher grade fuel.
On another theme. Has anyone watched the latest AA ADVERT on TV. Smmbo & I agree on a bridge in Glencoe, and a view of Corran ferry from the north. Any other ideas?

[GetCarter]

[Who me ?]

Havent seen that one ,yet.

[Red Devil]

ianrb said:

john_1983 said:

There is a way to check, and I've found it after some searching. If you click on Store Details and then scroll down to the Car care bit, click on the blue arrow next to it and it shows you - see links below for Westhill (which has Momentum) and Wick (which doesn't).

https://www.tesco.com/store-locator/westhill/endea...

https://www.tesco.com/store-locator/wick/north-rd


Why they hide it like this I have no idea.


Edit - posted whilst Riley updated his post above

I've just checked the entry for Blairgowrie (which doesn't sell Momentum), and there is no 'Car Care' section. But for Perth Extra there is a 'Car Care' section & they do sell Momentum. Is that the way it's supposed to work, or is the entry for Blairgowrie defective?

Yes, it appears that it is indeed the way it works.

I already knew that the Perth Extra has Momentum as the nearby Travelodge is my regular overnight stop on the long drag from my home turf up to the Highlands.
So does the one on the A94 in Scone. Further north, there are 3 in Inverness, Inshes Retail Park, Eastfield Way, and Dores Road. Also Dingwall and Tain.
The only Tesco north and west of those is in Ullapool but it's just a store: no petrol station.

[lobster940]

Here's a question - maybe one for GetCarter as he's relatively local?

We're heading up to stay with friends in Wester Ross (Poolewe) in January. We've previously only been to see them in the summer.

How perilous do roads get around there, in wintry conditions? The A832 will obviously be the main access road - will be using it both from the Braemore Junction and Achnasheen directions. We also have friends in Lochcarron so will be heading down the A896 as well.

I'm assuming the S2 A832 will be better ploughed/gritted than the S1 A896?

We'll be taking my Jag X358 on winter tyres - will bring some snow socks as well.

How many facilities/services/restaurants are open up there in the winter? Will the Applecross Inn be open (I assume the Bealach na Ba will be next to impassable)?

[GetCarter]

lobster940 said:

Here's a question - maybe one for GetCarter as he's relatively local?

We're heading up to stay with friends in Wester Ross (Poolewe) in January. We've previously only been to see them in the summer.

How perilous do roads get around there, in wintry conditions? The A832 will obviously be the main access road - will be using it both from the Braemore Junction and Achnasheen directions. We also have friends in Lochcarron so will be heading down the A896 as well.

I'm assuming the S2 A832 will be better ploughed/gritted than the S1 A896?

We'll be taking my Jag X358 on winter tyres - will bring some snow socks as well.

How many facilities/services/restaurants are open up there in the winter? Will the Applecross Inn be open (I assume the Bealach na Ba will be next to impassable)?

Roads near the sea are very rarely icy or snowed in... but the further you go inland the more problematic it can become. Achnasheen is often a problem.
Having said that, it's only about 1 in 3 Januarys that we get snow to road /sea level.
If it does snow, just make sure you get out AFTER the snow plough!
Most places are shut in Winter, but the Applecross Inn and the Shieldaig bar are open all year (worth checking website in case of illness etc).
Bealach na Ba is impassible after a decent amount of snow... but the plough keeps it open most of the time. The coast road to Applecross (where I live) is open 99% of winter.

If you get decent weather it's the best time for a drive, virtually zero traffic (though VERY short days).

ETA Jan 2021 and 2011 were the only winters when getting from Shieldaig to Lochcarron was a problem. With very few exceptions, only 4x4s made it.

Jan 2021

Edited by GetCarter on Thursday 28th July 10:37

[lobster940]

Glorious - and thanks for the pics. Sitting here in South East London wishing it was 30 degrees colder and I was at Slattadale gazing out over Loch Maree over Eileann Sùbhainn and the mountains of Letterewe.

I suppose, if I get snowed in trying to make it through Achnasheen to Inverness, I can always turn around and go all the way back to Braemore Junction and onwards via the A835 along Loch Glascarnoch. Although I understand that route was also blocked last year.

I can think of worse places to be properly stranded than our friends' cottage in Poolewe - better Internet than home, fire, spaniel, cat and some of the greatest views in the world.

[lobster940]

Also good to hear the Applecross Inn will be open - my wife would be very upset if I took her there to find it closed.

Regarding the coast road, I've only ever driven it anti-clockwise (and never down from Applecross to Toscaig), so if the Bealach is shut then it's no great loss to pick my way back along the 30-odd miles back to Shieldaig.

Does that chap still park that 1943 Chevrolet G506 (I think) just uphill from Ardheslaig?

[GetCarter]

lobster940 said:

Also good to hear the Applecross Inn will be open - my wife would be very upset if I took her there to find it closed.

Regarding the coast road, I've only ever driven it anti-clockwise (and never down from Applecross to Toscaig), so if the Bealach is shut then it's no great loss to pick my way back along the 30-odd miles back to Shieldaig.

Does that chap still park that 1943 Chevrolet G506 (I think) just uphill from Ardheslaig?

Chevie gone I'm afraid.

Road to Toscaig has some nice walks off to the right.

Coast road is a really good drive, and in fact it's best driven clockwise for the views of Upper Loch Torridon (here in spring)

[Red Devil]

GetCarter said:

Coast road is a really good drive, and in fact it's best driven clockwise for the views of Upper Loch Torridon (here in spring)

April this year. "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud"
(no daffodils in sight though)

[RSTurboPaul]

GetCarter said:

lobster940 said:

Here's a question - maybe one for GetCarter as he's relatively local?

We're heading up to stay with friends in Wester Ross (Poolewe) in January. We've previously only been to see them in the summer.

How perilous do roads get around there, in wintry conditions? The A832 will obviously be the main access road - will be using it both from the Braemore Junction and Achnasheen directions. We also have friends in Lochcarron so will be heading down the A896 as well.

I'm assuming the S2 A832 will be better ploughed/gritted than the S1 A896?

We'll be taking my Jag X358 on winter tyres - will bring some snow socks as well.

How many facilities/services/restaurants are open up there in the winter? Will the Applecross Inn be open (I assume the Bealach na Ba will be next to impassable)?

Roads near the sea are very rarely icy or snowed in... but the further you go inland the more problematic it can become. Achnasheen is often a problem.
Having said that, it's only about 1 in 3 Januarys that we get snow to road /sea level.
If it does snow, just make sure you get out AFTER the snow plough!
Most places are shut in Winter, but the Applecross Inn and the Shieldaig bar are open all year (worth checking website in case of illness etc).
Bealach na Ba is impassible after a decent amount of snow... but the plough keeps it open most of the time. The coast road to Applecross (where I live) is open 99% of winter.

If you get decent weather it's the best time for a drive, virtually zero traffic (though VERY short days).

ETA Jan 2021 and 2011 were the only winters when getting from Shieldaig to Lochcarron was a problem. With very few exceptions, only 4x4s made it.

Jan 2021

Edited by GetCarter on Thursday 28th July 10:37

For the avoidance of any doubt, I can confirm that visiting Scotland in January in a FWD car with summer tyres almost on their wear markers is... 'interesting'... lol

[Hoofty]

Red Devil said:

GetCarter said:

Coast road is a really good drive, and in fact it's best driven clockwise for the views of Upper Loch Torridon (here in spring)

April this year. "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud"
(no daffodils in sight though)

Such a great view! Here in June this year (while the rest of the country experienced a heatwave ) - much less lonely clouds



And September last year, when things were brighter and rainbows were seemingly round every corner:



Nick