|
Post by alf on Jun 6, 2024 8:17:08 GMT
I need to be near Glasgow with work on (weds) 26th June, and am considering driving up rather than flying, then taking a short trip around some part of Scotland, to be back by end of Sunday 30th.
Its not easy to know journey times, especially as mapping often takes what look to me like crazily indirect routes (avoiding the West coast like the plague). Or which roads are decent drivers ones, and which are singletrack nightmares....
I'm not wanting to go too crazy on distance, I wil probably (weather permitting) take plenty of photos and will need to walk/run a bit and not entirely veg in the car. I was looking at the Kintyre peninsular, but it doesnt sound like there is much there and the road may be narrow, so currently thinking of the A82 up from Glasgow to Fort William. Then either take that all the way on to Inverness (visiting a colleague) and back via the Cairngorms, or the spur off west to the coast at Mallaig and back.
Any thoughts from those in the know?? I'll take the Alfa, the Boxster's front suspension has too much to say currently on very bumpy stuff, and its great for the long boring parts as well. That makes me also worry about speed traps - its easy to do an indecent speed in that car without realising - are there any areas I need to avoid/watch it??
I'm also aware that the Glasgow/Edinburgh bottleneck is already a long way into Scotland - on the way up/back is there a much better way to get from the Carlisle to Glasgow area??
Its the start of the school holidays in Scotland then. Is that a worry? Should I choose more obscure routes? It's a bloody big place with a tiny population compared to what I'm used to, but will people take to the roads en masse and clog them - and all the hotels - up?
Lastly - any of the Scottish contingent want to join me for a leg, or maybe just meet up for a meal/drink if it doesnt mess up the limited time available? I'll basically be free in Cumbernauld from say 5pm on 26th and likely to go a short way north that day to wherever looks nice as a first night stop...
|
|
|
Post by johnc on Jun 6, 2024 10:14:14 GMT
The A83 is one of my favourite roads up to Lochgilphead. After that it is easier to get stuck behind lorries, caravans etc on the way down the Kintyre peninsula. The road isn't too narrow, it is normal two way and reasonably wide at parts. However I don't think I have driven that road once in the last 20 years and not seen a Police car tucked behind a hedge or a scamera van located at the end of some of the most inviting straight bits of road. The 5 miles after Rest and Be Thankful is probably the worst part - and they can be anywhere - they have carved out nice parking spots behind huge rocks etc so you never know. However there are always opportunities.
The A82 is no longer what it was about 30/35 years ago. Back then the road up the side of Loch Lomond was a really testing twisty and it is now largely a straight road with lots of traffic and tucked away in hiding spots you will find the motorcycle cops on the sunny days. One past Tarbet at the top of Loch Lomond it gets back to its old self and is a decent road as long as it isn't too busy. It then opens up a bit up to Crainlarich. Between Crainlarich and Tyndrum is fast and sweeping with a regular Police attendance as a result. However the drive up through Glencoe is spectacular. We used to go skiing at Glencoe every weekend we could in winter so I know the road well. My best time from Fort William to Helensburgh, when Loch Lomond side used to be twisty was exactly 90 minutes in my Karmann Ghia. I'll let you do the maths!! From Tyndrum to Ballachulish the road is pretty wide and straight and huge speeds are possible but so are the possibilities of getting caught. I have a client in Fort William I go up to see at least once a year and there is some Police presence somewhere every time. However if you want to enjoy the scenery it is a wonderful place. Fort William up to Inverness is also a good road but caravans can be an issue as can the inability to overtake syndrome which means if you are at the back of a 10 car train it is better to relax, sit back and enjoy the ride.
Another option to consider is to turn right at Crainlarich and to take the A85 to Killin. You can then take the A827 up the side of Loch Tay, through Kenmore and Aberfeldy and then on to the A9 for the average speed camera restricted trip up to Inverness. The A827 is narrowish but good fun and being a bit more out of the way it is "normally" a bit quieter for Police action.
I have never done anything other than stick to the M74 between Carlisle and Glasgow. The alternatives are all miles slower although I have driven a lot of the A76 between Dumfries and Kilmarnock and it is a decent road but will add well over an hour to your journey and even more if the M77 in to Glasgow is busy (which it is between 7am and 10am and again between 4pm and 7pm)
I have a meeting to go to so have to cut this short but would be happy to meet up if possible. Make sure you get some Avon Skin So Soft to keep the midges away.
|
|
|
Post by bryan on Jun 6, 2024 10:14:52 GMT
I believe the A9 to be one long speed camera, so avoid that. There is a cool beach up a mountain behind Aviemore worth a visit. www.lochmorlich.com/webcam/Oh and if you're passing Montrose there's a 440i with a dodgy spoiler I'd like to know the condition of! 😂😂
|
|
|
Post by Boxer6 on Jun 6, 2024 11:47:04 GMT
I haven't much to add to John's comments, other than to say I live just outside Cumbernauld!!
We're just back from the far North, and some of the roads up there are lovely drives; sadly, all too many are (narrow) single trackers, with increasing numbers of badly-driven motorhomes on the NC500 stretches and surrounding roads. In fact, a friend of mine did the route last week on his Honda Blackbird, and although he puled in well to the side of a passing place, the Belgian driver of one of these rented behemoths knocked him and his Mrs off when he clipped a pannier! Luckily they were both OK, and no major damage to the bike.
All I'll add really is to try and stay well away from Callander, and probably Aberfoyle as well. Both of them have very narrow "main" roads, and will be totally rammed with visitors this time of year. A bit like Cornwall with midgies! The upside to Aberfoyle is the trails round Loch Ard, or Braeval just before Aberfoyle if you're feeling particularly fit!
It'd be great to meet up and finally put a face to the name so to speak, though I'm in Glasgow til 5pm at work .. .. and I don't have the same potential flexibility as John!
|
|
|
Post by alf on Jun 6, 2024 15:21:29 GMT
What about the A83 round to Lochgilphead then north all the way to Oban? On the map that looks a very scenic route.
Disapointing about the police prescence, presumably there are no other crime issues in Scotland for them to worry about... In the Boxster, especially with the hood down, I'd be a lot less worried about license-losing speeds.
Oh yes, and midges.... I'm assuming I'll be eaten alive then!
|
|
|
Post by Boxer6 on Jun 6, 2024 15:55:22 GMT
I must admit, I haven't been up the A83 for a few years now, but form memory it always was a pretty decent and enjoyable (spirited!) drive - in the right car! In terms of speed moderation, by the sound of it the Boxster would be best for that - and keeping your licence! Although, I must add that on my own recent travels (much further North, granted) I saw a total of 3 police cars, and no scamera vans!
I forgot about your hotel question. We cut our (pre-booked) hotel stay short by a night, and found it very difficult to source a single nights stay at a sensible price (<£200) for two plus dog anywhere near Inverness. I have no doubt it was the dog that caused most of the issue, which I'm aware isn't an issue for you. However, it does seem that hotel beds are few and far between at this time of year for ad hoc bookings.
|
|
|
Post by alf on Jun 6, 2024 19:25:27 GMT
Hmm I may get on it soon then!
I'm off now camping for A 24 hour running race saturday to sunday, so not being rude if I disappear for a few days!! Next week I think I'll book the holiday for this and get on it. The mileage to and from Cumbernauld will be claimed back at 45ppm which helps....
|
|
|
Post by ChrisM on Jun 6, 2024 20:46:39 GMT
.... Oh and if you're passing Montrose there's a 440i with a dodgy spoiler I'd like to know the condition of! 😂😂 If you're passing Montrose.... I'd say make sure you call in and visit the town, ideally via the Montrose Basin. I can recommend a good Chinese restaurant there (if it's still open) and I believe that Montrose has the widest High Street in the UK. There is also the Air Station musem and the town museum. The worst bit may be the drive to Scotland; I'm just back from a 3-day work trip to the Halifax area and the motorway network is plagues by extensive 50mph zones as more emergency lay-bys are built on the "smart" sections..... many tens of miles of cones and no sign of any actual work taking place.
|
|
|
Post by Bob Sacamano v2.0 on Jun 7, 2024 6:22:47 GMT
What about the A83 round to Lochgilphead then north all the way to Oban? On the map that looks a very scenic route. Disapointing about the police prescence, presumably there are no other crime issues in Scotland for them to worry about... In the Boxster, especially with the hood down, I'd be a lot less worried about license-losing speeds. Oh yes, and midges.... I'm assuming I'll be eaten alive then! I know a guy who was one of the armed security guards at the nuclear subs base at Holy Loch and they all swore by Avon Skin so Soft as a midge repellent. It’s popular with the SF too. We use it on holiday to prevent mosquito bites and it’s great.
|
|
|
Post by Alex on Jun 7, 2024 6:29:15 GMT
The touring Scotland part sounds good it's the driving there from Southern England that's the utter ball ache in this plan of yours. Last time I drove all the way there from Sussex was during that weird covid period when they allowed us back to travelling outside the local area for work but still advised against public transport so my company wouldn't fly me there.
Last year I was working for NATS down in Prestwick and the surrounding area for a few days so had a hire car. The Ayrshire coast was extremely scenic as were the roads through the mountains between the coast and the M74. I was doing some work in the radar stations up there so got some great views. It's probably a lot less busy than the Highlands at this time of year too. I was there in July last year and it was mostly deserted (and I never saw any cops either!)
|
|
|
Post by johnc on Jun 7, 2024 8:18:46 GMT
What about the A83 round to Lochgilphead then north all the way to Oban? On the map that looks a very scenic route. Disapointing about the police prescence, presumably there are no other crime issues in Scotland for them to worry about... In the Boxster, especially with the hood down, I'd be a lot less worried about license-losing speeds. Oh yes, and midges.... I'm assuming I'll be eaten alive then! The A816 is a decent road but not one I have been on for many years. The road from Inveraray up to Oban is also a good one.
|
|
|
Post by Big Blue on Jun 7, 2024 9:19:49 GMT
I know a guy who was one of the armed security guards at the nuclear subs base at Holy Loch and they all swore by Avon Skin so Soft as a midge repellent. It’s popular with the SF too. We use it on holiday to prevent mosquito bites and it’s great. Right. As someone who is subject to mosquito onslaughts I use a bio product used by my late FiL for hunting in the forest. I shall try this Avon SsS and report back in September after a summer away.
|
|
|
Post by Boxer6 on Jun 7, 2024 9:43:42 GMT
What about the A83 round to Lochgilphead then north all the way to Oban? On the map that looks a very scenic route. Disapointing about the police prescence, presumably there are no other crime issues in Scotland for them to worry about... In the Boxster, especially with the hood down, I'd be a lot less worried about license-losing speeds. Oh yes, and midges.... I'm assuming I'll be eaten alive then! I know a guy who was one of the armed security guards at the nuclear subs base at Holy Loch and they all swore by Avon Skin so Soft as a midge repellent. It’s popular with the SF too. We use it on holiday to prevent mosquito bites and it’s great. From what I've heard, it supposedly isn't as effective as it used to be; change in formula cited? However, it worked very well for us when we were away last week, so I should say you can buy with confidence!
|
|
|
Post by Bob Sacamano v2.0 on Jun 7, 2024 14:17:45 GMT
I know a guy who was one of the armed security guards at the nuclear subs base at Holy Loch and they all swore by Avon Skin so Soft as a midge repellent. It’s popular with the SF too. We use it on holiday to prevent mosquito bites and it’s great. From what I've heard, it supposedly isn't as effective as it used to be; change in formula cited? However, it worked very well for us when we were away last week, so I should say you can buy with confidence! Nothing’s been as good since they took DDT out!😀😀
|
|
|
Post by alf on Jun 13, 2024 9:45:30 GMT
Cheers guys, I am definitely doing this if the meeting goes ahead (the event its based on may get cancelled, probably not). I am booking up places, but refundable! So far I have the first night - weds 26th - in Arrochar, not too far away. I'll be finished in Cumbernauld around 5 I guess, its about a 90 min drive if I go the Stirling way (not back through Glasgow). So I'd be happy to meet up, maybe for dinner, or for drink, anywhere that suits on the 26th!
27th I'm likely to head up to Oban or Mallaig. I'm thinking I'll do a bike ride along the edge of Loch Long, all the way around the headland south of Arrochar (Kilcreggan), then drive up to the Oban direction. Then probably to Inverness for Friday night, as a colleague (actually our UK sales director, and English married to a lady from NI, god knows how he ended up in Inverness) lives there.
Then maybe back through Aviemore (one of the few places in Scotland, north of Edinburgh, I have been to) to somewhere like the Lake District area saturday night, back home Sunday. Taking the odd run / bike ride as I go.
PS I have some Avon Skin So Soft, which I have heard about for years but never tried. It smells.... weird! Though nothing like as bad as the "Autan Botanicals" natural stuff I used in Germany when we were on the edge of a lake this time last year...
|
|
|
Post by johnc on Jun 13, 2024 11:41:14 GMT
I'm thinking I'll do a bike ride along the edge of Loch Long, all the way around the headland south of Arrochar (Kilcreggan) Those are my old stomping grounds. If you intend to cycle from Arrochar down to Kilcreggan and back again, the hill at Whistlefield is pretty steep on both sides and the road from Arrochar to Finnart (the old oil terminal) is full of corners and humps. It isn't the widest of roads but it's 2 way. When you get to the top of the hill at Whistlefield you have a couple of choices at the first roundabout you come to. You can go straight on and down to Garelochhead where you then turn right and cycle along the Gareloch shore road to Kilcreggan or you can turn right and take the road built to take the nuclear warheads down to the base at Coulport: you would then turn left at the bottom of the hill and head along the shore road on the Loch Long side to Kilcreggan. You can either come back the way you went or just go right round the peninsula and back the other way.
|
|
|
Post by LandieMark on Jun 13, 2024 14:07:50 GMT
We have just landed in Wick after spending last night just outside Inverness. The view over Beauly Firth last night was glorious. ![](https://i.ibb.co/KDsb6tN/PXL-20240612-205343622-LONG-EXPOSURE-01-COVER-2.jpg)
|
|
|
Post by Alex on Jun 14, 2024 22:38:44 GMT
|
|
|
Post by Blarno on Jun 16, 2024 20:33:04 GMT
I have a trip up to Fort William for a stag do in September. I looked at getting a flight up, but it's a logistical nightmare getting to Manchester then from Inverness to Fort Bill, especially with a mountain bike.
Train is a ballache as well, as there is no direct link from Crewe to Fort Bill and it's an 8 hour slog with 2 stops and a bus journey.
So, I'm just going to wang the bike in the back or on the roof and cruise up in the Briefcase.
|
|
|
Post by ChrisM on Jun 16, 2024 21:34:46 GMT
You could, alternatively, fly to Glasgow and rent a car but it's probably cheaper nad more convenient to drive from home. Lovely scenery but not easy to get to
|
|
|
Post by johnc on Jun 17, 2024 10:18:48 GMT
I have a trip up to Fort William for a stag do in September. I looked at getting a flight up, but it's a logistical nightmare getting to Manchester then from Inverness to Fort Bill, especially with a mountain bike. Train is a ballache as well, as there is no direct link from Crewe to Fort Bill and it's an 8 hour slog with 2 stops and a bus journey. So, I'm just going to wang the bike in the back or on the roof and cruise up in the Briefcase. There are several trains each day from Glasgow Queen Street to Fort William and the scenery is spectacular. Just get the train to Glasgow Central, walk less than a quarter of a mile to Queen street, job done.
|
|
|
Post by Blarno on Jun 17, 2024 13:36:04 GMT
I have a trip up to Fort William for a stag do in September. I looked at getting a flight up, but it's a logistical nightmare getting to Manchester then from Inverness to Fort Bill, especially with a mountain bike. Train is a ballache as well, as there is no direct link from Crewe to Fort Bill and it's an 8 hour slog with 2 stops and a bus journey. So, I'm just going to wang the bike in the back or on the roof and cruise up in the Briefcase. There are several trains each day from Glasgow Queen Street to Fort William and the scenery is spectacular. Just get the train to Glasgow Central, walk less than a quarter of a mile to Queen street, job done.
I will look into this. My main concern is being able to transport my bike and assorted gear, assuming it can't be sent up prior with one of my mates in their van
|
|
|
Post by alf on Jun 17, 2024 15:44:56 GMT
I'm going for the road trip so I'm definitely driving :-)
|
|
|
Post by alf on Jun 24, 2024 12:48:41 GMT
My route is finalised now, and the bike in a bag in the back of the car (always a handy thing with 4 doors). As per the pic, I'm at the Hilton in Cumbernauld tomorrow night with work, then weds after the (decarbonising transport) event we're holding with a local dealer, I head to Arrochar. Then to Maillaig, initially via Lochgilphead so I can take the A816 up the west coast, supposed to be twisty and quiet. Maillaig seems to be near beautiful sandy beaches so will try to get some photos and cycling in there, before cross country to Inverness and dinner with our sales director there. Hopefully Park Run there Saturday morning, before driving back via the Cairngorms Sunday (I may get a cheeky hike in if I can find something easy and scenic) to a hotel near Penrith, for the final drive back home Sunday. Its a lot of miles, but that's kind of the point. I'll stop reglarly and check what the satnav is up to (TomTom seems to have issues with the initial west coast part, suggesting ferries when in fact it all seems to be bridges), and hopefully have some decent scenery for photos. It's also not cheap booking hotels for single occupancy, but I could always put off things like this forever so just booked it! I'm taking the second DSLR as well, the one I use for video, and the in-car mounts but I'm not sure I can be bothered to record any video, compared to stills its a load of hassle and no-one will watch it anyway. ![](https://i.ibb.co/BVPnF28/June-24-Scotland-trip.jpg)
|
|
|
Post by Boxer6 on Jun 24, 2024 20:08:25 GMT
Sounds fun, lots of good driving roads among that lot!
|
|
|
Post by ChrisM on Jun 24, 2024 21:40:00 GMT
Single-occupancy hotel room rates are really annoying ! For the very few places that now include breakfast, you rarely get a reduction on the price if there's only 1 of you and hence only consume one breakfast, not the two that are priced into the rate. I'm hopefully off to Berlin again in October and I've managed to book an aparthotel so I can save on breakfast costs; it's a long time since I've been to Inverness
|
|
|
Post by Alex on Jun 25, 2024 5:17:15 GMT
Sounds epic and well worth doing if you're up that way for work. I travel a lot for work too and have occasionally extended my stay somewhere so I can do a bit of tourism but it's funny how expensive hotels suddenly seem when it's your own money not the companies paying for it!
|
|
|
Post by bryan on Jun 25, 2024 7:21:55 GMT
Have fun! It's a lovely part of the world
|
|
|
Post by Martin on Jun 25, 2024 7:24:18 GMT
Enjoy!
|
|
|
Post by Tim on Jun 25, 2024 8:53:21 GMT
It's a pity you probably don't have time to head North West from Inverness. The drive from there up to Durness via Ullapool is fantastic and, if you time it right, quite often pretty quiet. Having said that the final 20 miles or so to Durness is often single track with passing places and can be where some of the campervan jams occur.
|
|