Discussion
GetCarter said:
Shaw Tarse said:
GetCarter said:
Looking at pics from Skye the Northern Lights look amazing, have you sen them or trees getting in the way?
http://www.stevecarter.com/latest/27-2-2023f.jpg
Rubbish quality version below:
By eye it just looked like faint monochrome pillars of light.
Tye Green said:
lizardbrain said:
I vote for binning the cairngorm leg. There is enough interesting roads and scenery for 4 days on the west side, and transiting to east doesn't make sense unless it's part of a wider journey.
there's great roads in the west and in the east. whilst enjoying breakfast check the weather and go east or west accordingly as it's often very different.plenty said:
The NW has the scenery but the Cairngorms section, specifically the A93/A939, is easily the best driving section in Scotland, ergo the UK, I never miss it on a trip north.
Everything south of Glencoe is more trafficked and less interesting than everything north (Borders not included), so I'd personally maximise my time further north. Callander, Aberfoyle etc. are good for a short excursion out of the central belt but really pale in comparison to everything further north and shouldn't be a priority on a four-day trip. It's only four hours from Perth to Blackburn so I'd look to finish in Perth Monday lunchtime before heading home.
That's unless you choose to include the Borders, but with only four days I'd not bother and save that for its own trip.
Hmm, interesting thoughts, makes me want to go East over the Cairngorms but maybe I should do shorter? Blackburn is work, home Cheltenham so makes sense going from work. Borders a bit unknown to me other than eCOTY a while back based around Hawick down to Kielder as I recall? Where else is 'East' other than the A93/A939?Everything south of Glencoe is more trafficked and less interesting than everything north (Borders not included), so I'd personally maximise my time further north. Callander, Aberfoyle etc. are good for a short excursion out of the central belt but really pale in comparison to everything further north and shouldn't be a priority on a four-day trip. It's only four hours from Perth to Blackburn so I'd look to finish in Perth Monday lunchtime before heading home.
That's unless you choose to include the Borders, but with only four days I'd not bother and save that for its own trip.
Griffit said:
Hmm, interesting thoughts, makes me want to go East over the Cairngorms but maybe I should do shorter? Blackburn is work, home Cheltenham so makes sense going from work. Borders a bit unknown to me other than eCOTY a while back based around Hawick down to Kielder as I recall? Where else is 'East' other than the A93/A939?
One the way up leave the A74/M74 at Moffat and go up the A701 / The Beeftub up to Edinburgh. That's a proper driving road and there are lots of interesting roads in the Borders, less traffic, roadworks and decent surfaces - not as spectacular as the Highlands though. Agree with your other choices, e.g. Crieff / Lochearnhead / Crianlarich / Glencoe etc. Don't miss that A93 drive either. Throw a trip round Skye in the mix - a spectacular place.Yahonza said:
One the way up leave the A74/M74 at Moffat and go up the A701 / The Beeftub up to Edinburgh. That's a proper driving road and there are lots of interesting roads in the Borders, less traffic, roadworks and decent surfaces - not as spectacular as the Highlands though. Agree with your other choices, e.g. Crieff / Lochearnhead / Crianlarich / Glencoe etc. Don't miss that A93 drive either. Throw a trip round Skye in the mix - a spectacular place.
A701 looks good. I usually go A702 and am going to Edinburgh 2 weeks before with family - not sure wife would be impressed by the diversion that time... Skype roads get mixed views as having poor surfaces?Griffit said:
Hmm, interesting thoughts, makes me want to go East over the Cairngorms but maybe I should do shorter? Blackburn is work, home Cheltenham so makes sense going from work. Borders a bit unknown to me other than eCOTY a while back based around Hawick down to Kielder as I recall? Where else is 'East' other than the A93/A939?
It would be a shame to get as far as Fort William and not do the drive through the Cairngorms. It isn't that far 'east' or out of your way if you're already headed to Fort William.Hi guys,
Looks like we're just about back to longer days and brighter weather!
I'm just planning my solo stag do trip for Friday 7th April to Thursday 13th - my 4th Highlands jaunt!
I know it will be busy over bank holiday weekend (only time I can go) but I just wondered if:
a - Are the roads mostly busy Skye/FW and below?
b - After bank holiday Monday does the traffic drop off or does it stay busy all that week?
Looks like we're just about back to longer days and brighter weather!
I'm just planning my solo stag do trip for Friday 7th April to Thursday 13th - my 4th Highlands jaunt!
I know it will be busy over bank holiday weekend (only time I can go) but I just wondered if:
a - Are the roads mostly busy Skye/FW and below?
b - After bank holiday Monday does the traffic drop off or does it stay busy all that week?
a) Don't know. Whenever my April Highlands visits have coincided with Easter I've always been well north of FW. by then. Irrespective of Easter I've always found Skye busier than other places..
b) Bearing a) in mind, ime Easter isn't such a big deal in Scotland compared with England: north of the border the Monday is not a Bank Holiday.
b) Bearing a) in mind, ime Easter isn't such a big deal in Scotland compared with England: north of the border the Monday is not a Bank Holiday.
My previous two Easter trips haven't been excessively busy although that was 2016 (Torridon) and 2017 (Skye and Harris).
Skye was definitely busier but it wasn't a level that grated.
As it happens we've got a trip book this Easter just outside of Dingwall, looks to have plenty of good places reachable within an hour's drive.
Skye was definitely busier but it wasn't a level that grated.
As it happens we've got a trip book this Easter just outside of Dingwall, looks to have plenty of good places reachable within an hour's drive.
Thanks for the replies guys.
I was hoping to also visit Cape Wrath and stay overnight in the Kervaig bothy but it sounds like the little Ferry service doesn't start until May. I'm not sure if there is a way to walk around the Kyle of Durness instead.
Has anyone any experience of staying in bothys?
I was hoping to also visit Cape Wrath and stay overnight in the Kervaig bothy but it sounds like the little Ferry service doesn't start until May. I'm not sure if there is a way to walk around the Kyle of Durness instead.
Has anyone any experience of staying in bothys?
Cpt Stirling said:
Steve, the Torridon does seem to cater for one nighters any longer, any alternatives of the same ilk/nearby?
The NC500 has changed accommodation enormously. Pre: most people booked in for several nights or a week. Now: Most book in for +/- 15 hours - meaning bedding and rooms needed to be changed / cleaned every day... hence many require min two nights.Here's a list of stuff round here: http://www.stevecarter.com/ansh/ansh7.htm ... but there are so many AirBnBs now, that may be the way to go.
ETA some of the AirBnBs are new and really good quality.
Cpt Stirling said:
Good man, cheers.
We’ve been visiting the Inn/Hotel for many years and I can’t help but think they will lose out on people like us touring around; of course others will gain. They must have weighed it up and know best.
I'm sure you're right re them losing out on loyal customers. Trouble is, they can sell every room three times over, even having hiked the price.We’ve been visiting the Inn/Hotel for many years and I can’t help but think they will lose out on people like us touring around; of course others will gain. They must have weighed it up and know best.
ETA ( a lot!).
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