Doing North Coast 500 July 2018! Tips,tricks,info? Questions

[orkneydave]

If doing the NC500, don't rule out a trip over here to Orkney. Three ferries to choose from (2 car, one foot) and options for a day trip (too short) or longer. Plenty to see and do.

Also, the east coast part of the route often gets dismissed as being a bit crap. Really, it isn't. I have travelled this part of the route hundreds of times and haven't tired of it (most recently in a 1972 Land Rover for a business trip). True, it is a trunk road so there is a degree of traffic, but the villages and towns en route are all well worth a visit and it's work taking the odd detour onto what was the old A9 via Lairg, Rogart and Bonar Bridge. In July the scenery will be fantastic.

[Tosh]

But if you DO want to cut a corner and avoid the A9/Wick, turn left at Hemsdale/ right at Melwich on the A897. Cycled that on my LEJoG and loved the road. Might mean a double back to get to/from JoG (and the ferry to Orkney)

Good - but not necessarily cheap - hotel in Brora and in Bridge of Forss

[orkneydave]

But if you DO want to cut a corner and avoid the A9/Wick, turn left at Hemsdale/ right at Melwich on the A897. Cycled that on my LEJoG and loved the road. Might mean a double back to get to/from JoG (and the ferry to Orkney)

Good - but not necessarily cheap - hotel in Brora and in Bridge of Forss

Good tip, the scenery on that road is amazing (used to love getting the train as it went that route from Thurso). You do miss out on Berridale (not sure if that's a bad thing or not), Dunbeath, Wick (I grew up there but seem to be the only person I know that likes it!), JoG and Thurso.

There are so many options so a good plan is key, as is a degree of flexibility to allow going off plan.

[Tp81]

Just back from doing a slightly amended version of this at the weekend. Always clockwise in my opinion, and miss out the A9 at all costs. If you must go the John O'groats then you are kind of stuck with this as part of the route home. We cut it short at Tongue (look at staying at the Tongue Hotel - lovely spot) and headed down to Lairg, incredible stretch of fresh single track - might be torturous when its busy but we covered the 37 miles seeing very few other cars early morning. Awesome weekend. 750 miles in three days.

[GazC2]

A friend of ours has recently taken on The Kirkstyle Inn at Dunning, nr. Gleneagles. Its a popular starting point and he's working on a food and accommodation package for 500 drivers. http://www.thekirkstyleinn.co.uk/

As a resident of Dunning your friend is doing a fine job with the kirkstyle

And would also go this route fantastic driving roads Over the new bridge and onto Perth and then use the A93 to Glenshee, Braemar, Tomintoul, Grantown, Inverness

[camperco]

I'm pleased to hear that Gaz. I was up there myself in in Feb for a bit of fishing with my youngest son. They are going to expand the accommodation and there is talk of making a couple of classics available to rent out for picnics or even the 500. Lets try to meet up next time I'm up there.
Angus

[Ferry Man]

Great photos Tom! ^^^

[GazC2]

Angus that would be good I am due you a pint for offering to help ship wheels over from the states for the 924s I am (still) restoring drop me a note next time your up.

cheers

Gary

[hot66]

+1 on Three Chimneys - worth driving across Skye for BUT you will need to book well in advance
and Dave, LEFT of what? Left of the sheep standing in the middle of the single track road?

(runs off to look at diary for next summer)

LOL, I did think that statement was a tad ambitious!

Yes, Three Chimneys was amazing, we had booked 6 months in advance!

cheers
Dave

I'm going in November First visit. Can't wait.

Regards
Mike

named 5th best in the UK & 20th in the world

As expected, North Yorkshire is the best in the World

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/food/ ... world.html

[Bootsy]

I'm sure I put a filter in place to censor the words 'dailymail'

[hot66]

it is the fountain of all knowledge .... bit lke the internet

I need to check it every day for new nip-slip stories

[mycar]

As expected, North Yorkshire is the best in the World

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/food/ ... world.html

Have you dined here James? I had to look Oldstead up on the map.

[hot66]

Owned by an old customer of mine ( farmer ) . I went a few years ago when they had just got their mich star and it was good .... Not been since and I gather they've improved year on year . It's properly off the beaten track, but not far from the white horse

[rsrp]

Try an incorporate a visit to Plockton. A small detour but well worth it on a lovely day.
Good seafood too.

Regards
Mike

Plockton. God I remember getting physed until my eyes bled in course I did. Kyles great place. Is the King Akin still across the water.?

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[jb]

Perhaps of limited interest to many but fabulous scenery and for me a reminder of a fabulous trip last year.
And for anyone contemplating doing it this year it is perhaps an appetiser.
It is in Gaelic though
I have watched this second part but the first part from Inverness to near Applecross is still available
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b ... -episode-2