Touring in Scotland
Discussion
Sassanach alert - please be kind!
Hi chaps, I'm heading up your way on Sat; thanks for the info gleaned so far from the Scotland threads. Quick few questions if I may;
Based on your advice, amongst other things, We're planning on doing two loops:
Wester Ross Loop
Ullapool -> A385 -> Garve -> A382 -> Achnasheen -> A890 -> Lochcarron -> A896 -> Applecross -> Sheildaig -> A896 -> Kinlochewe -> A832 -> Gairloch -> Dundonnell -> A835 -> Ullapool
Ben More Loop
Ullapool -> A835 -> Elphin -> A837 -> Lochinver -> B869 -> Drumbeg -> A894 -> Badcall -> A838 -> Lairg -> A839 -> Oykel Bridge -> A837 -> Elphin -> Ullapool
Currently we've set aside a day for each, but my other half/navigator/photographer wants to spend some time looking for Nessie
, so may have to compromise a little - therefore, can anyone suggest how long each will take for someone who doesn't know the roads going at a 'spirited' but not loony pace?
We're also planning at various points to take in the A82 Rannoch Moor (last done at VMax in a Transit Minibus), A83 to Lochgilphead, A85 Oban to Crianlarich (happy memories in my Celica), A816 Lochgilphead to Oban, A939 past the Lech (where I learned to ski - go Scottish Norwegian Ski School!) and the A93 Gallowsheil to Bridge of Cally.
Any recommended roads in the area we've missed?
Finally, we're planning nightstops in the areas of New Galloway (Sat - booked), Oban (Sun), Inverness (Mon), Ullapool (Tues/Weds), Aberdeen (Thurs - booked), Perth (Fri) - any suggestions of better locations or good B&Bs in any of these areas?
Thanks guys - if you see a blue Chimaera,
, and point me towards the nearest petrol station with Optimax (I know, I know!) or SUL....!!
Thanks in advance
>> Edited by Nick_Chim on Friday 12th August 07:21
>> Edited by Nick_Chim on Saturday 20th August 22:09
Hi chaps, I'm heading up your way on Sat; thanks for the info gleaned so far from the Scotland threads. Quick few questions if I may;
Based on your advice, amongst other things, We're planning on doing two loops:
Wester Ross Loop
Ullapool -> A385 -> Garve -> A382 -> Achnasheen -> A890 -> Lochcarron -> A896 -> Applecross -> Sheildaig -> A896 -> Kinlochewe -> A832 -> Gairloch -> Dundonnell -> A835 -> Ullapool
Ben More Loop
Ullapool -> A835 -> Elphin -> A837 -> Lochinver -> B869 -> Drumbeg -> A894 -> Badcall -> A838 -> Lairg -> A839 -> Oykel Bridge -> A837 -> Elphin -> Ullapool
Currently we've set aside a day for each, but my other half/navigator/photographer wants to spend some time looking for Nessie
, so may have to compromise a little - therefore, can anyone suggest how long each will take for someone who doesn't know the roads going at a 'spirited' but not loony pace? We're also planning at various points to take in the A82 Rannoch Moor (last done at VMax in a Transit Minibus), A83 to Lochgilphead, A85 Oban to Crianlarich (happy memories in my Celica), A816 Lochgilphead to Oban, A939 past the Lech (where I learned to ski - go Scottish Norwegian Ski School!) and the A93 Gallowsheil to Bridge of Cally.
Any recommended roads in the area we've missed?
Finally, we're planning nightstops in the areas of New Galloway (Sat - booked), Oban (Sun), Inverness (Mon), Ullapool (Tues/Weds), Aberdeen (Thurs - booked), Perth (Fri) - any suggestions of better locations or good B&Bs in any of these areas?
Thanks guys - if you see a blue Chimaera,
, and point me towards the nearest petrol station with Optimax (I know, I know!) or SUL....!! Thanks in advance
>> Edited by Nick_Chim on Friday 12th August 07:21
>> Edited by Nick_Chim on Saturday 20th August 22:09
Ullapool -> A385 -> Garve -> A382 -> Achnasheen -> A890 -> Lochcarron -> A896 -> Applecross -> Sheildaig -> A896 -> Kinlochewe -> A832 -> Gairloch -> Dundonnell -> A835 -> Ullapool
As I'm sure you know (!) I know these roads very well. On a Sunday morning at 07.00 in early May (i e. few cars on the entire route), and with no stops it's less than 4 hours driving fast.
Best guess: in August (caravans), with a few stops (one for lunch at Applecross or Shieldaig) +/- 7 hours.
e mail me if you need further info (i.e. sometimes the pump at Applecross runs out of fuel!)
Tip. Try and leave Ullapool early to avoid the crowds.
Steve
www.Shieldaig.org
>> Edited by GetCarter on Friday 12th August 08:24
As I'm sure you know (!) I know these roads very well. On a Sunday morning at 07.00 in early May (i e. few cars on the entire route), and with no stops it's less than 4 hours driving fast.
Best guess: in August (caravans), with a few stops (one for lunch at Applecross or Shieldaig) +/- 7 hours.
e mail me if you need further info (i.e. sometimes the pump at Applecross runs out of fuel!)
Tip. Try and leave Ullapool early to avoid the crowds.
Steve
www.Shieldaig.org
>> Edited by GetCarter on Friday 12th August 08:24
Nick,
Head here www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/redpoint/redpoint/ You might be lucky, and spot Jay Kay in his Enzo
I blasted the T350 down the road into Badachro., last New Year...........don't miss it!
>> Edited by mad-dot on Friday 12th August 10:17
Head here www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/redpoint/redpoint/ You might be lucky, and spot Jay Kay in his Enzo
I blasted the T350 down the road into Badachro., last New Year...........don't miss it!
>> Edited by mad-dot on Friday 12th August 10:17
The single track road (going via Torness) on the South side of Loch Ness is well worth a drive or two. Generally much quieter, faster and much more enjoyable than the tourist infested A82 of the North side. You can do some excellent Nessie spotting at the "beach" at Dores. There's a pub/hotel just there if you get bored looking.
DOn't know which way you are going, but from there I go would go Fort Augustus, Invermoriston, A887 via Cluanie and on towards Kyle (stopping at Eilean Donan for the mandatory photo stop!), and from there across the A890 to Strathcarron, where you can go left towards Applecross or right via Achnasheen.
John
>> Edited by JohnS on Friday 12th August 13:30
DOn't know which way you are going, but from there I go would go Fort Augustus, Invermoriston, A887 via Cluanie and on towards Kyle (stopping at Eilean Donan for the mandatory photo stop!), and from there across the A890 to Strathcarron, where you can go left towards Applecross or right via Achnasheen.
John
>> Edited by JohnS on Friday 12th August 13:30
Thanks for the quick replies guys.
Mad - Have included Redpoint on the route now - thanks
John - We are planning to do A887 / A87 from Inverness to Kyle, and had thought about the south side of Ness - def. doing that now.
Baz - we'll be on the west side of the country on Sunday, so probably won't make it to the event - thanks for the invite though.
Thanks all - wish me luck - see you on the roads!
Nick.
Mad - Have included Redpoint on the route now - thanks
John - We are planning to do A887 / A87 from Inverness to Kyle, and had thought about the south side of Ness - def. doing that now.
Baz - we'll be on the west side of the country on Sunday, so probably won't make it to the event - thanks for the invite though.
Thanks all - wish me luck - see you on the roads!
Nick.
Thanks to all for the info – we’re not long back, here’s a quick report and a few photos by way of thanks!
Steve, I am extremely jealous that you have the Wester Ross loop on your doorstep – it’s like your own personal Nurburgring – a touristfahren with something to suit all tastes for sure!
I see what you mean about the run down to Lochcarron
- and they have just finished resurfacing it (still some BEAR vans working along it, and they hadn’t put the white lines down yet) – I’ve been on bumpier racing circuits! Highlight was watching an Italian registered FIAT struggle past an Italian Motorhome before I rattled both of their windows! 
There was the sobering sight of a rather bent Punto at the rail bridge at the bottom though – I guess the local chavs don’t always get it right!
The top of the Pass of Cattle into Applecross was a little limited in visibility - those of you who fly will know what I mean when I say it's the first time I’ve driven IFR!
But it was fine most of the way around;
We did it in about 6 with a couple of stops; you of course would have the benefit of this sign we saw:
In fact the standard of roads was excellent – smooth, well engineered and whoever puts the passing places in knows their stuff! That is with the exception of a few of the ‘B’ and unclassified roads which are more suitable for a WRX than a fully laden Chimaera
[for others’ reference, the unclass past Loch Sionascaig to Inverkirkaig was the worst – several exhaust scrapes at very low speeds, but they are in the process of re-surfacing it!)
Thanks for the tip about heading out to Redpoint:
Although that extra 15 miles did make things ‘interesting’ on the fuel stakes – we arrived in Ullapool on fumes!!
Finally a few more thanks and a public apology...
Thanks to the town of Dornoch for pushing the boat out to celebrate a TVR in the town:
And a thousand apologies to the lady in the green Skoda on the A75 who flashed at me as I pulled in from an overtake 300 yards in front of her – it was the third time I’d been flashed at that day (the first two were in England) for the crime of ‘overtaking’. What you were actually flashing me for was to warn me there was a Battenburg parked just around the next corner – you are an angel and didn’t deserve the Italian gesture to the sky that you got.
For the record:
Petrol Stations / SUL:
For the assistance of drivers of similarly ‘small tanked & thirsty’ cars I personally noted that SUL was available (at August 05) at:
The guy at the Shell in Ullapool also said that SUL was available at Shell in Contin, but we didn’t (need to) confirm this.
Hotels of note:
Kilchrenan House B&B – on the waterfront at Oban -Room 5 has an unbelievable view over the harbour.
Harbour Lights Hotel – just up from the Shell in Ullapool; some rooms have a nice view over the Loch.
Dornoch Castle Hotel in Dornoch - good room, good food, lovely town!
Thanks again; see you on the roads up there again soon.
>> Edited by Nick_Chim on Saturday 20th August 22:12
Steve, I am extremely jealous that you have the Wester Ross loop on your doorstep – it’s like your own personal Nurburgring – a touristfahren with something to suit all tastes for sure!
I see what you mean about the run down to Lochcarron
- and they have just finished resurfacing it (still some BEAR vans working along it, and they hadn’t put the white lines down yet) – I’ve been on bumpier racing circuits! Highlight was watching an Italian registered FIAT struggle past an Italian Motorhome before I rattled both of their windows! There was the sobering sight of a rather bent Punto at the rail bridge at the bottom though – I guess the local chavs don’t always get it right!
The top of the Pass of Cattle into Applecross was a little limited in visibility - those of you who fly will know what I mean when I say it's the first time I’ve driven IFR!
But it was fine most of the way around;
GetCarter said:
On a Sunday morning at 07.00 in early May (i e. few cars on the entire route), and with no stops it's less than 4 hours driving fast.
We did it in about 6 with a couple of stops; you of course would have the benefit of this sign we saw:
In fact the standard of roads was excellent – smooth, well engineered and whoever puts the passing places in knows their stuff! That is with the exception of a few of the ‘B’ and unclassified roads which are more suitable for a WRX than a fully laden Chimaera
[for others’ reference, the unclass past Loch Sionascaig to Inverkirkaig was the worst – several exhaust scrapes at very low speeds, but they are in the process of re-surfacing it!) Thanks for the tip about heading out to Redpoint:
Although that extra 15 miles did make things ‘interesting’ on the fuel stakes – we arrived in Ullapool on fumes!!
Finally a few more thanks and a public apology...
Thanks to the town of Dornoch for pushing the boat out to celebrate a TVR in the town:
And a thousand apologies to the lady in the green Skoda on the A75 who flashed at me as I pulled in from an overtake 300 yards in front of her – it was the third time I’d been flashed at that day (the first two were in England) for the crime of ‘overtaking’. What you were actually flashing me for was to warn me there was a Battenburg parked just around the next corner – you are an angel and didn’t deserve the Italian gesture to the sky that you got.
For the record:
Petrol Stations / SUL:
For the assistance of drivers of similarly ‘small tanked & thirsty’ cars I personally noted that SUL was available (at August 05) at:
- BP (Ultimate) A82 north of Fort William
- BP (Ultimate) Ayr
- ESSO (Supreme) Lochgilphead
- ESSO (Supreme) A85 north of Oban (Chim ran fine on this – in fact best MPG of the trip!)
- BP (Ultimate) A82 through Inverness
- Shell Ullapool (SUL not Optimax - My Chim didn’t notice the difference!) - also had a very well stocked ‘motoring accessories’ section.
The guy at the Shell in Ullapool also said that SUL was available at Shell in Contin, but we didn’t (need to) confirm this.
Hotels of note:
Kilchrenan House B&B – on the waterfront at Oban -Room 5 has an unbelievable view over the harbour.
Harbour Lights Hotel – just up from the Shell in Ullapool; some rooms have a nice view over the Loch.
Dornoch Castle Hotel in Dornoch - good room, good food, lovely town!
Thanks again; see you on the roads up there again soon.
>> Edited by Nick_Chim on Saturday 20th August 22:12
I'm off to Applecross in 2 weeks time for a lads weekend, several cars and bikes going up. I know the roads / area well enough, just wondering if there's anything "local" that we can do i.e. quad biking, 4x4 abuse etc. can't see much on t'internet.
Any pointers appreciated.
p.s. like the low-vis photos, I've got a great video of the same with a JCB looming out of the clouds.
Any pointers appreciated.
p.s. like the low-vis photos, I've got a great video of the same with a JCB looming out of the clouds.
that almost got me - pretty much cloud coloured!workshy fop said:
I'm off to Applecross in 2 weeks time for a lads weekend, several cars and bikes going up. I know the roads / area well enough, just wondering if there's anything "local" that we can do i.e. quad biking, 4x4 abuse etc. can't see much on t'internet.
Any pointers appreciated.
p.s. like the low-vis photos, I've got a great video of the same with a JCB looming out of the clouds.
If you like mountain biking, there is an excellent ride out of Applecross up that big hill, at the top you look down onto Loch Kishorn, beautiful scene, then head around the coast back to Applecross, about an hour or so ride. Drove over one weekend just for the bike ride, camped at Applecross, and if you camp there and wonder what the big piles of shite are in the campsite, wake up early and the camp is usually full of deer.
And for the poor motorist who frequent the M25 daily, or any other motorway for that matter south of Penrith, look at the fantastic pics on this site, note the clear uncongested roads and eat your heart out, I dont know how you put up with it..
workshy fop said:
Do a bit of mountian biking, but haven't got room to take the bikes this time, plus some drink will be taken so probably not up for cycling this time.
Any other pointers, anything within 50 miles really. quads, rafting etc?
If you go into the Ben Damph Bar next to the Torridon Hotel (like that's going to be a problem!) they have a big noticeboard in there with lots of ads... kayaking etc - worth checking out if you're passing. Just watch out for Jordie in the kilt, buy him a dram and you'll spend all evening getting rounds in!
Steve
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