1800 mile trip to the Highlands
Discussion
Thought I'd share some pictures of my trip to the Scottish highlands in my Cayman.
I did this last year in my Impreza STi Spec C, which I ended up selling as it was a great car once up in the highlands but awful on the main roads/motorways on the way up and down.
We Started from Cambridgeshire area and headed up last Sunday.
All polished up and ready to go!
First stop was Woodhall Spa and Hotel near Weatherby, Got a cracking deal on dinner b & b, highly recommended but the car park wasn't great for the fussy parker
Monday was the rest of the journey to Drumnadrochit, near Inverness. We stayed at Kilmichael House a fantastic B & B.
Tuesday was a trip out to the west coast, first stop was a mooch round Ullapool. Lovely little town with a very nice little camp site, makes me miss my old VW camper.
Empty roads and great views.
Ullapool bay.
Coffee stop.
Only trouble with the west coast is the midgies! AAARGGHH horrible little things, almost bitten alive! but at least the car killed a few!
Wednesday was a trip to John O'groats stopping at Dunrobin Castle on the way, again even though its a main A road its still enjoyable (just watch for camera vans)
Dunrobin Castle
Lovely gardens at Dunrobin
Inside they have an old horse drawn fire engine and a selection of shiny helmets!
Then off to John O'groats.
From John O'groats we drove the North coast road across to Tongue then down on the 'middle road' to Lairg, would have been better to go the A9 back in hindsight but none the less a challenging drive back to say the least.
Its windy up North!
Follwing the theme of empty roads!
Thursday was my Birthday and we had a special treat in store for the evenings meal overlooking Loch ness.
But first some Driving.
Exploring the Black Isle in a hope to see Dolphins we set off to Fortrose. It didnt disappoint either, sorry no pictures - every time I looked through the camera the Dolphins popped up some where else! We saw around 10 dolphins feeding off shore which was lovely to see them in the wild.
On to Cromarty where we managed to parked right along the beach front. The weather couldn't have been better.
While we were at Cromarty I thought it would be great fun to get the 2 car ferry across to Nigg, but having watched a Mondeo and Golf struggle to not scuff the bumper on the entry I decided against it. I did ask the ferry operator if he could help out with additional ramps or wood but he was very reluctant! never mind.
Then a round trip round the Isle via Balblair then the long way back via Dingwall and Beauly again.
Dinner at Cobbs, Clansman Hotel. The panoramic top floor restaurant overlooks Loch Ness. We went last year and were promised the same excellent service and amazing food, this year was exceptional without a doubt!
Friday was the only day it rained so we took a chill out day and just lounged at the B & B
Saturday checkout and off to Matfen Hotel in Northumberland, good car park for the Porsche but not the best stay.
We drove along parts of Hadrians Wall, I was hoping to get a picture but again it was very busy.
We came back via the A68 then A1, had a nice little play with a motorbike, nothing too serious and of course it was much quicker than the Cayman, we settled in to sensible speeds and the fella gave a nice wave when we parted company. Nice to see some friendly driving/riding having a play but not getting silly.
Back home sunday with a final Mileage of !
I did this last year in my Impreza STi Spec C, which I ended up selling as it was a great car once up in the highlands but awful on the main roads/motorways on the way up and down.
We Started from Cambridgeshire area and headed up last Sunday.
All polished up and ready to go!
First stop was Woodhall Spa and Hotel near Weatherby, Got a cracking deal on dinner b & b, highly recommended but the car park wasn't great for the fussy parker
Monday was the rest of the journey to Drumnadrochit, near Inverness. We stayed at Kilmichael House a fantastic B & B.
Tuesday was a trip out to the west coast, first stop was a mooch round Ullapool. Lovely little town with a very nice little camp site, makes me miss my old VW camper.
Empty roads and great views.
Ullapool bay.
Coffee stop.
Only trouble with the west coast is the midgies! AAARGGHH horrible little things, almost bitten alive! but at least the car killed a few!
Wednesday was a trip to John O'groats stopping at Dunrobin Castle on the way, again even though its a main A road its still enjoyable (just watch for camera vans)
Dunrobin Castle
Lovely gardens at Dunrobin
Inside they have an old horse drawn fire engine and a selection of shiny helmets!
Then off to John O'groats.
From John O'groats we drove the North coast road across to Tongue then down on the 'middle road' to Lairg, would have been better to go the A9 back in hindsight but none the less a challenging drive back to say the least.
Its windy up North!
Follwing the theme of empty roads!
Thursday was my Birthday and we had a special treat in store for the evenings meal overlooking Loch ness.
But first some Driving.
Exploring the Black Isle in a hope to see Dolphins we set off to Fortrose. It didnt disappoint either, sorry no pictures - every time I looked through the camera the Dolphins popped up some where else! We saw around 10 dolphins feeding off shore which was lovely to see them in the wild.
On to Cromarty where we managed to parked right along the beach front. The weather couldn't have been better.
While we were at Cromarty I thought it would be great fun to get the 2 car ferry across to Nigg, but having watched a Mondeo and Golf struggle to not scuff the bumper on the entry I decided against it. I did ask the ferry operator if he could help out with additional ramps or wood but he was very reluctant! never mind.
Then a round trip round the Isle via Balblair then the long way back via Dingwall and Beauly again.
Dinner at Cobbs, Clansman Hotel. The panoramic top floor restaurant overlooks Loch Ness. We went last year and were promised the same excellent service and amazing food, this year was exceptional without a doubt!
Friday was the only day it rained so we took a chill out day and just lounged at the B & B
Saturday checkout and off to Matfen Hotel in Northumberland, good car park for the Porsche but not the best stay.
We drove along parts of Hadrians Wall, I was hoping to get a picture but again it was very busy.
We came back via the A68 then A1, had a nice little play with a motorbike, nothing too serious and of course it was much quicker than the Cayman, we settled in to sensible speeds and the fella gave a nice wave when we parted company. Nice to see some friendly driving/riding having a play but not getting silly.
Back home sunday with a final Mileage of !
Edited by Porkster on Tuesday 21st August 21:52
Edited by Porkster on Wednesday 22 August 11:55
Edited by Porkster on Wednesday 22 August 12:02
Edited by Porkster on Wednesday 22 August 12:05
Cheers, If you want to know road specfic which routes I've used I'll PM them to you (and any one who wants them)
Some of the routes were used by the Ecurie Ecosse tour.
I can't over emphasise how good these roads are, people tend to be very easy going to let you pass and some stunning scenery, although my wife has just reminded me some of it was a bit blurry lol
The B & B at Drumnadrochit is excellent has top quality rooms and is very car enthusiast friendly, even providing car cleaning facilities if you ask nicely.
Some of the routes were used by the Ecurie Ecosse tour.
I can't over emphasise how good these roads are, people tend to be very easy going to let you pass and some stunning scenery, although my wife has just reminded me some of it was a bit blurry lol
The B & B at Drumnadrochit is excellent has top quality rooms and is very car enthusiast friendly, even providing car cleaning facilities if you ask nicely.
rob.kellock said:
Great write up, some lovely roads up there.
Amazing mileage "just" visiting Scotland - I just did 1650 miles over 11 days via France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, France and back! Road trips are ace.
Yep! Its a tough whether you'd go to Europe instead. From my house I could either go to the German/Poland Boarder (Dresden way) on the same mileage as Inverness, excluding the ferry of course. Plus then there is the driving around.Amazing mileage "just" visiting Scotland - I just did 1650 miles over 11 days via France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, France and back! Road trips are ace.
Jim1556 said:
OP, great pics and write up!...
You're looking at a 14 mile, twisty descent...
Pyrenees even better - But for me its a toss up between the car and the pedal powered road bike.lumpystew said:
Great trip - you can't beat the highlands. Nice car also.
Er, with all due respect, you can - try the Alps!...You're looking at a 14 mile, twisty descent...
Edited by Jim1556 on Wednesday 22 August 02:21
Thanks everyone, I'm planning next years to include Cape Wrath and maybe a trip to Stornoway.
I've done alot of European trips, tours and rallies for work. Scotland is just excellent for road trips for those wishing not to be held up in masses of traffic. OK its not always got the weather like France, Swiss, Germany etc but it can certainly compete in terms of techincal driving, clear sightlines, quick roads and good places to stop for lunch and dinner.
I've done alot of European trips, tours and rallies for work. Scotland is just excellent for road trips for those wishing not to be held up in masses of traffic. OK its not always got the weather like France, Swiss, Germany etc but it can certainly compete in terms of techincal driving, clear sightlines, quick roads and good places to stop for lunch and dinner.
Thanks for sharing, love the pictures with all the different 'poses' from the Cayman which looks great in red.
That seafood platter looks amazing!!!
I went to the Highlands a couple of years ago and it was my favourite trip in the UK yet. Took the overnight train from Euston to Inverness and then rented a car (at least got a Focus which was fun to drive). Such great scenery, food and in general what a fantastic place.
Agreed with others that the Alps are not a bad alternative (which is why I keep my 997 in Milan):
That seafood platter looks amazing!!!
I went to the Highlands a couple of years ago and it was my favourite trip in the UK yet. Took the overnight train from Euston to Inverness and then rented a car (at least got a Focus which was fun to drive). Such great scenery, food and in general what a fantastic place.
Agreed with others that the Alps are not a bad alternative (which is why I keep my 997 in Milan):
Edited by RiccardoG on Wednesday 22 August 16:31
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