Is this a step too far?

[The_Laird]

In April this year, The Sunday Times published just 8 routes in the Travel section that each of their writers nominated as "their most memorable road trip ever".

Now, they nominated routes in Tasmania, Morocco, Switzerland, the USA (x2), Argentina, France and......

.......Scotland!

The Scottish route was Ullapool to Thurso, via Cape Wrath (in the news just now as the MOD is trying to buy the last bit for a firing range! So you might never be able to go there again.)

There's a cracking circular route from Inverness, returning via Tain on the east coast.

Now, this is probably a route that would require an overnight stay somewhere but I wondered if there were any of you daft enough to consider this as a 2 day Scottish meet, possibly in the Spring next year.

If there's enough interest (and speed limiters/partners would be welcome), then I'll start researching dates, a hotel and timings. Just add your name to this thread....

[HPsauce]

Now if only you had done that in late June we were North of Ullapool for a whole week.

Probably did most of that route too, certainly went to Cape Wrath (by minibus though).

And I can DEFINITELY recommend one hotel just north of Ullapool.

[The_Laird]

I think you have to do Cape Wrath by ferry and minibus

[HPsauce]

You can take vehicles over, it's a public road, but you need to have it ferried over at a large fee on a flat barge presumably booked ahead. That's how the few vehicles there get in and out.

[PsYcHe]

Sounds like a plan!

[Norrs2]

I know this area well. I lived in Thurso for 6 years until 2006. So, I've driven there using all the routes.

The route you suggest is indeed a really good one, however, Durness to Tongue is has a lot of very narrow single track for an A8. Not impossible, just very very slow.

I saw the signs in Tongue which said Durness 33 miles (I think), so I thought, 'that will be a nice 45 min jaunt on a Sunday afternoon'. 2 hours, 45 mins later, I came crawling into Durness, covering this single track road in an Audi S2 Avant, I was mostly in 2nd gear the whole time.

Don't get me wrong (not trying to put anyone off), it's a stunning route, just beware of that section though, it will be a very slow part of the route and you'll have to have your wits about you in the A8 because of it's width.

Depending on timing, I could be up for this too.

[Norrs2]

Originally Posted by The_Laird

Now, this is probably a route that would require an overnight stay somewhere but I wondered if there were any of you daft enough to consider this as a 2 day Scottish meet, possibly in the Spring next year.

Give me a shout if you need any help, I know most of this area, and it's nice establishments. Not a problem to make this a 2 day and 2 night if you wanted, event.

[HPsauce]

Durness to Tongue is a doddle in an 8, done it several times.
Now the "Wee mad road" which I've also done many times (including this year as noted in another thread) really is tricky.
(Lochinver to Achiltibuie via Inverkirkaig and the famous bookshop at the end of the Universe! )

[Norrs2]

Originally Posted by HPsauce

Durness to Tongue is a doddle in an 8, done it several times.

Doddle? If you're happy to drive at an average of 15mph, then yes. Just saying it can take a while. You will be better qualified to judge though having done it. I based my statement on having done it in a smaller car, and still found it very narrow and slow. I would have imagined an A8 requiring more caution than an Audi 80 Avant.

Scenery is amazing though!

Originally Posted by HPsauce

Now the "Wee mad road" which I've also done many times (including this year as noted in another thread) really is tricky.
(Lochinver to Achiltibuie via Inverkirkaig and the famous bookshop at the end of the Universe! )

Don't think I've tried that one, although I've been to Lochinver a few times, just not that way via Inverkirkaig

Woudn't fancy Applecross road over the top either, that road scares me in any car! Vertigo!

[HPsauce]

I've been over Bealach na Bà a few times in cars of all sizes, including the 8 - it's a bit tight on some corners, but the power helps a lot.

First few times we went to Applecross there was no other road in so it was regularly isolated in winter.

If you do travel between Durness and Tongue take time out at the end of Loch Eriboll and walk up the valley there into the hills as far as you feel comfortable; it's superb.