I have done it before, albeit about 20 years ago, think I was in a Renault 21 Turbo back then, fond memories of that car :)

I do also do the run down to Antibes once a year, so used to long shifts at the wheel.

But anyway, plan is to get just north of Glasgow, hopefully, on day one. Duck Bay is just under 350 miles from home, which should be more than possible in one day with a few breaks along the way, so might look for somewhere to overnight around there for first night if anyone does fancy a mini meet.

Haven't decided which car to use yet, if weather is okay then will bring the Box for some topless action, otherwise it's SWMBO's Cooper S, which is probably more comfortable (cruise, nav, music etc) and definitely more economical, but either way it won't be an 8 :(

Flying up is not an option - I won't set foot on a plane :o

This route sounds spot on, thanks David

That's easy enough from where you are. +++

We set off on one trip, maybe about 5am from "down here", were in Scotland before 9am and had breakfast at the Annandale Water services which are quite pleasant.
Arrived at Loch Fyne Oyster Bar (Cairndow) about 2 minutes before midday for a fine seafood lunch! +++

Stayed in Lochgilphead for a couple of days before moving over to Mull. In an S8 of course. :D

If you are travelling between Fort William and Mallaig, then I'd really suggest a stop off at the Silver Sands of Morar. We were there last year and it could easily pass for the Caribbean (if you ignore the very slightly lower temperature.....)

This is happening, will most likely be in the Cooper S.

Leaving Rugby on Sunday 17th March - first night stopover currently depends on whether or not we stay at home to catch GP highlights (BBC aren't showing it live damn them). We could leave on the Saturday night, about 8pm, so could make Cumbria by midnight, but anyone happen to know if any hotels have Sjy F1 channel in the rooms?

Big ask I know, but somebody might have a better clue than me :)

Would imagine very few hotels would carry it.. never seen it in one myself.

Guessing you're not a Sky subscriber to get the Sky Go stuff (or borrow a login from a mate).

Accomodation for the Sunday night booked in Stirling, here

Broomhall Castle Hotel

so we can spend the Monday morning exploring Stirling and the castle, then head out of the A821 Dukes Pass towards bottom of Loch Lomond.

If anyone fancies trying to keep up with Cooper S, we'll see you on Monday morning in Stirling +++

The A821 is a fast road, just be careful for speed traps

Perhaps The Laird and BrianG would wish to recommend the scenic route between Aberfolyle/Gartmore and Drymen as a short cut? :ROFL:

Ahh, only if you can fit a horse box destroying device to the roof of your car:ROFL:

is that the minor road that runs almost parallel to the A81 past Muir Park reservoir?