Coming to the UK

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Discussion

Len Woodman

Original Poster:

168 posts

120 months

Sunday 7th October 2018
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Hello,

I'm coming back to the UK for a visit in November. I hope to be going for a (quick) drive up to Scotland, following Reg Local's tracks. Can anyone give me an idea of what the weather can be like (yes I know it's Scotland!) in November. I do want to drive the Pass of the Cattle to Applecross. Is it likely to be impassable at that time of year? Is there anything I should be aware of? The last time I was in NW Scotland was in 1974, getting some practice in for the BSM High Performance Course.

A couple of other things - the best car rental rate I can get is with Europcar, but they have bad record here in Oz - charging several customers for one lot of damage etc. See http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-25/accc-sues-eu... What's the UK operation like? I always fully check and photograph when collecting and returning. I'm used to doing that with my fleet drivers! I have never had issues with other renters.

And - does anyone know a good LGV/HGV driving school in the Reading or Harrow area. I want to see if I can still drive an HGV in UK conditions. I have the appropriate Aussie licence - my UK one (a brown booklet) expired years ago.

Thanks

Len
Ps - I'm flying BA even after they let their systems be hacked and I had to stop my credit card etc........... doh!




Pumpkinz

119 posts

85 months

Tuesday 16th October 2018
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Len Woodman said:
Hello,

I'm coming back to the UK for a visit in November. I hope to be going for a (quick) drive up to Scotland, following Reg Local's tracks. Can anyone give me an idea of what the weather can be like (yes I know it's Scotland!) in November. I do want to drive the Pass of the Cattle to Applecross. Is it likely to be impassable at that time of year? Is there anything I should be aware of? The last time I was in NW Scotland was in 1974, getting some practice in for the BSM High Performance Course.
Good choice - utterly beautiful bit of road, but where isn't in the Highlands? I wouldn't normally expect access issues in November (although please note I was 8 months old in November 1974...)

My only experience with Europcar was a good one, but it was 15 years ago. Had the misfortune to end up somewhat too close to a stone wall reversing down a narrow lane in Cornwall. Didn't have damage waiver so could be stung for £500 for the deep scratches in the rear bumper. After handing back in at Milton Keynes had a call next day from originating depot and they offered to just take £150, which struck me as a result considering my naivete in not taking out the additional insurance.

LunarOne

5,762 posts

144 months

Wednesday 24th October 2018
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Personally I stick with Enterprise Car Rental. Never had a bad experience with them!

Len Woodman

Original Poster:

168 posts

120 months

Saturday 27th October 2018
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Many thanks,

I have got a good deal with Europcar with full insurance to cover any excess.

Also have booked two days with Mercedes trucks in Sheffield on the new Actros. And a day with Andy Morrison on the High Performance Course.

Looking forward to the great roads of Great Britain and the much higher driving standards than here in Sydney.

Len