NC500 trip in a 12c, any tips?
Discussion
As per the title going mid September anti-clockwise and most accommodation is booked along the way (with off road parking), are there any particular things to look out for? My main concern is passing places on some of the route as I've read they can be very narrow. Is there a function to bring mirrors in with engine running if needed? Appreciate any advice, thanks.
The main concern would be scrapping the front spoiler / underneath the car if you go on some small roads (consider fitting a lift if you intend to do a lot of road trips).
The width is not an issue, most will be very worried to scrap your car...just stop and let people manoeuvre around you
The width is not an issue, most will be very worried to scrap your car...just stop and let people manoeuvre around you
Hi, just got back last week after covering a lot of the NC500. As everyone has said lift would be the most useful help. Never had any issues with passing places, wing mirrors etc. but the dips and camber changes can be a challenge with a low car.
Not sure if this bit is actually on the 500 but it’s typical of the wonderful scenery you will encounter, enjoy!
Not sure if this bit is actually on the 500 but it’s typical of the wonderful scenery you will encounter, enjoy!
Didn't think that 'lift' could be retro fitted? and I have carbon front and rear splitters. Mirrors dip in reverse but only lenses, so how do you bring them in when running? Sorry if I missed something I'll try the down switch and any help or further advice is truly appreciated, thanks.
Edited by macdeb on Sunday 11th July 17:43
I would suggest missing out the section from Newton, along the B869 through Drumbeg and then round to Lochinver. It is very narrow, very uneven, twisty, and with no decent sight lines. I bottomed the car out at 20mph somewhere around Drumbeg, then met a camper van coming the other way, then the heavens opened as I attempted the longest reverse of the trip. I would stay on the A894 to Loch Assynt, then turn right along the A837 to take in Lochinver (maybe as a lunch stop). There is a pie shop in the village that is popular. Then just double back along the A837.
For a positive route suggestion, after Bettyhill divert down Strathnaver on the B871 then take the B873 to Altnaharra. This is a stunning road, narrow, but with great sight lines and very quiet. The hotel at Altnaharra will serve you coffee or lunch, then come back up the A836 to Tongue. This is another stunning driving road.
For a positive route suggestion, after Bettyhill divert down Strathnaver on the B871 then take the B873 to Altnaharra. This is a stunning road, narrow, but with great sight lines and very quiet. The hotel at Altnaharra will serve you coffee or lunch, then come back up the A836 to Tongue. This is another stunning driving road.
Just back from a week doing the NC500.
If you stay on the main route you’ll be fine, even the Ballach na Ba to Applecross. If you go on the spectacular small coastal routes you’ll get in trouble with width/ride height.
As above I’d definitely give that road a miss. Just about ok in my old Boxster but not suitable for a McLaren imho.
If you stay on the main route you’ll be fine, even the Ballach na Ba to Applecross. If you go on the spectacular small coastal routes you’ll get in trouble with width/ride height.
As above I’d definitely give that road a miss. Just about ok in my old Boxster but not suitable for a McLaren imho.
Edited by pattyg on Sunday 11th July 22:36
macdeb said:
Didn't think that 'lift' could be retro fitted? and I have carbon front and rear splitters. Mirrors dip in reverse but only lenses, so how do you bring them in when running? Sorry if I missed something I'll try the down switch and any help or further advice is truly appreciated, thanks.
Turning the mirror adjustment switch through 180 degrees (i.e. from 12 o’clock to 6 o’clock) should fold the mirrors in with the engine running.Edited by macdeb on Sunday 11th July 17:43
You’re right about lift, it cannot be retrofitted.
Very many miles of the route have "edgeless" tarmac with no kerbs.
There tends to be a sharp edged 6" drop off into gravel that will cut the inner sidewall of your tyre if you do mis position a wheel.
Fantastic thing to do ...... but don't ever loose concentration for even a second. It's also woth knowing where you could get another tyre from up there if needed.
There tends to be a sharp edged 6" drop off into gravel that will cut the inner sidewall of your tyre if you do mis position a wheel.
Fantastic thing to do ...... but don't ever loose concentration for even a second. It's also woth knowing where you could get another tyre from up there if needed.
Not 12c specific advice, but I'd plan to spend much longer on the west coast than on the east. Worth doing detours into Skye and some of the other inland central highlands too. It's nice having done the whole route, but if I were doing it again I'd probably just do the western side and wiggle around it.
You should have no problems width wise. You WILL bottom out if you're not hanging around, Lift is only any good when there is time for it to function, which, on the NC500, means zero time so it doesn't really matter if you don't have lift.
If not already fitted I'd add some skid plate protection like Sliplo or similar. Enjoy your trip, I've done it many times.
If not already fitted I'd add some skid plate protection like Sliplo or similar. Enjoy your trip, I've done it many times.
Wrong car for road trips? Yeah, useful reply thanks. Wrong roads, further afield? Yeah, I drove to Spain (not ferry) around France, Italy, Switzerland etc few times now so again another useful reply thanks. I've never driven NC500 hence request for tips. Really appreciate all other constructive replies and will take any further advice people may have, cheers.
macdeb said:
Wrong car for road trips? Yeah, useful reply thanks. Wrong roads, further afield? Yeah, I drove to Spain (not ferry) around France, Italy, Switzerland etc few times now so again another useful reply thanks. I've never driven NC500 hence request for tips. Really appreciate all other constructive replies and will take any further advice people may have, cheers.
macdeb said:
Wrong car for road trips? Yeah, useful reply thanks. Wrong roads, further afield? Yeah, I drove to Spain (not ferry) around France, Italy, Switzerland etc few times now so again another useful reply thanks. I've never driven NC500 hence request for tips. Really appreciate all other constructive replies and will take any further advice people may have, cheers.
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