OV9

Also on my hit-list while back in the UK is revisiting Scotland. I didn't get to go back when I last returned in 2013 so it's been 10 years since last been there. Apart from catching up with friends in Glasgow I'm gonna head to Inverness to see another mate, then hopefully do some driving and potentially do the far North of Scotland as I never really got further North than the Inverness to Skye roads when I lived there.

So tips welcome - do I sign myself up to the NC500? Budget can probably run to three or four days staying in some cheapy B&Bs along the way. All tips for some epic driving for a few days are very welcome.

Steer clear of Greenock/Gourock. There be weirdos.

KiwiDave wrote: Thu Jan 30, 2020 1:03 am
do I sign myself up to the NC500?

Yes.

unzippy wrote: Thu Jan 30, 2020 4:00 am Steer clear of Greenock/Gourock. There be weirdos.

I feel the Nebpor tractor beam may be too strong...

The A835 from Inverness to Ullapool featured on Top Gear/Grand Tour and looked ace...

duncs500 wrote: Thu Jan 30, 2020 5:46 am

KiwiDave wrote: Thu Jan 30, 2020 1:03 am
do I sign myself up to the NC500?

Yes.

I get the impression the NC500 has become much more busy since we visited in 2017. Definitely go off peak time. Me and YK had to do some extra searching, for hotels which weren't fully booked in late June.... Which is how we ended up at that nice hotel with the view of Loch Shin! (And was decended upon by midges!)

The NC500 is magnificent, but of course there's other roads we've driven in the highlands (which aren't on a prescribed route) that are every bit as good if not better

Of course, the location of the *secret road* is only ever disclosed in person, so you're going to have to meet with some forum geeks, if you want to drive the greatest road in Scotland, Dave

Very happy to do that! No doubt while driving a Dacia Sandero...

Marv wrote: Thu Jan 30, 2020 8:07 am
Of course, the location of the *secret road* is only ever disclosed in person, so you're going to have to meet with some forum geeks, if you want to drive the greatest road in Scotland, Dave

Amen.

KiwiDave wrote: Thu Jan 30, 2020 8:12 am Very happy to do that! No doubt while driving a Dacia Sandero...

Still faster than either of my mighty chariots!

The Borders is full of brilliant roads that are generally quite quiet. NC500 is often 25mph queues of MoHos. We also have many fine micro breweries and cheese.

KiwiDave wrote: Thu Jan 30, 2020 8:12 am Very happy to do that! No doubt while driving a Dacia Sandero...

Hire a caterham Like Marv did.

And yes secret road access is very tightly governed.

mik wrote: Thu Jan 30, 2020 8:12 am

Marv wrote: Thu Jan 30, 2020 8:07 am
Of course, the location of the *secret road* is only ever disclosed in person, so you're going to have to meet with some forum geeks, if you want to drive the greatest road in Scotland, Dave

Amen.

Just remember...take it easy, no heroics.

When you thinking of being up there Dave? <Plan hatching>

And yes YK. I'm itching to get back up there, car or bike..

scotta wrote: Thu Jan 30, 2020 11:34 am

KiwiDave wrote: Thu Jan 30, 2020 8:12 am Very happy to do that! No doubt while driving a Dacia Sandero...

Hire a caterham Like Marv did.

And yes secret road access is very tightly governed.

Where will his drums go?

Maurice wrote: Thu Jan 30, 2020 12:52 pm

mik wrote: Thu Jan 30, 2020 8:12 am

Marv wrote: Thu Jan 30, 2020 8:07 am
Of course, the location of the *secret road* is only ever disclosed in person, so you're going to have to meet with some forum geeks, if you want to drive the greatest road in Scotland, Dave

Amen.

Just remember...take it easy, no heroics.

And if you do fancy heroics, can you leave me your camera gear...

scotta wrote: Thu Jan 30, 2020 11:34 am Hire a caterham Like Marv did.

And yes secret road access is very tightly governed.

I suspect given everything else on the trip, cost might be prohibitive on that, plus I'm 6ft 4ins - I haven't seen a Caterham yet I fit in. Fucking love the idea though...

Barry wrote: Thu Jan 30, 2020 5:21 pm When you thinking of being up there Dave? <Plan hatching>

And yes YK. I'm itching to get back up there, car or bike..

The whole trip (England, Europe, England, Scotland, US) is scheduled for whole of July and early August. Haven't locked flights in etc. yet but hope would be to do Scotland some time maybe around week 3 or 4 of July?

mik wrote: Thu Jan 30, 2020 5:34 pm Where will his drums go?

With any luck they'll already be on their way back to NZ

dinny_g wrote: Thu Jan 30, 2020 6:50 pm And if you do fancy heroics, can you leave me your camera gear...

Might as well, no one else wants it!

I'm trying to figure out at least one trip to Scottie land this year, I'll bear July in mind when discussing with my touring chum(s). Would be nice to catch up after all this time.

Failing that, I'm hoping to keep the Civic around a little longer so I'll have that as an alternative to drive up if needs be.

KiwiDave wrote: Thu Jan 30, 2020 9:27 pm
Might as well, no one else wants it!

- good man

KiwiDave wrote: Thu Jan 30, 2020 8:12 am Very happy to do that! No doubt while driving a Dacia Sandero...

Borrow Neb's beetle?

unzippy wrote: Thu Jan 30, 2020 10:34 pm Borrow Neb's beetle?

The chances of that happening!

To be honest, I'd quite like to do it in an MX5 or something like that. Basic driver thrills. But you know, you can't hire anything like that from anywhere.