North Coast 500

daviemck2006 · Post by **daviemck2006** » 01 Nov 2016, 17:40

I'll start a thread just for this. I know it's a long drive for a start for you southerners, which includes up north lol, but no worse than I do to go to meets! Anyone keen to do a group tour around the north coast 500 route in the spring or summer? I've been looking at maps etc and thought we could modify the starting point to Fort William instead of Inverness. It's a good run up the A82 from Glasgow to Fort William to get in the mood. Then come north from there to pick up the route out to Applecross through the pass of the cattle. We could meet in one of the great Glen campsites and personally I would heartily recommend going up the cairngorm mountain funicular to get us a start. Then go around the NC500 with maybe a couple of stops overnight camping on the way before parting company at Inverness where most of you would head down the A9 to Perth and the south, I would head east along the A96 homewards. It may well take 5 or 6 days for anyone coming from the far south, the distance from say, Jim's at MK to Fort William is doable in a day, having done it myself. I am quite happy to go on a road trip beforehand to suss out distances and times and suitable places to camp. I have been on some of the roads before but never been from Fort William north and west to Applecross, Mallaig, Gairloch which are all on the route.

I was thinking sometime in May or June, by that time I hope it would be ok for camping but not as warm that the horrid Scottish west coast midgie which feeds on human blood has invaded everywhere. Thoughts please gents. Who would be up for it?

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CitroJim · Post by **CitroJim** » 01 Nov 2016, 18:06

Yes, put me down Davie

Post by **white exec** » 01 Nov 2016, 18:22

Now that sounds a splendid route, Davie. May could be a tad chilly, but June is one of the best months in the Highlands, alongside September (for colours). (Midgiest is July-Aug, but not a real obstacle, unless you camp in a pine forest next to water.)

daviemck2006 · Post by **daviemck2006** » 01 Nov 2016, 19:04

Any wild camping would be more likely to be in a little cove by some beach!

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CitroJim · Post by **CitroJim** » 01 Nov 2016, 19:11

I believe wild camping is permitted in Scotland... It's [I believe] not legal in England and Wales...

Not that you'll find me wild camping...

daviemck2006 · Post by **daviemck2006** » 01 Nov 2016, 19:26

Yep wild camping allowed anywhere here. We can't chase gypsies or the like out of lay bys or other ground.

Note:- Look for a hotel for Jim lol

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CitroJim · Post by **CitroJim** » 01 Nov 2016, 19:31

daviemck2006 wrote:Note:- Look for a hotel for Jim lol

Or a caravan. Gabriel has a towbar with twin electrics

daviemck2006 · Post by **daviemck2006** » 01 Nov 2016, 19:47

I'll maybe have the berlingo made up as a mini camper by then. That is a plan for it.

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elma · Post by **elma** » 01 Nov 2016, 20:06

I'm definitely up for this, planned this far in advance makes it realistic for me. Think I'll be choosing the tent option, if theres no need to be scuttle I've got a 2 bedroom one with a separate lounge I fancy bringing. Would love to bring a motorhome but possibly a tad unrealistic.

daviemck2006 · Post by **daviemck2006** » 01 Nov 2016, 21:07

What's the best get for days for folk. I thought meet on a Saturday, finishing on Tuesday. Just my thoughts. Go up the cairngorms Sunday am then drive for maybe 3 to 4 hours, camp where that would be, then drive for 5 hours or so on Monday, more than that in total but a few stops, then finish off Tuesday. I've no idea how long the driving would take, the only thing I remember is it's about 3 hours from Thurso to Inverness. Is there any dates that are unavailable due to other meets etc that are on?

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DHallworth · Post by **DHallworth** » 01 Nov 2016, 23:57

This is incredibly tempting depending on when it is.

I'm headed on the Classic Citroen Challenge around France in June next year so it would depend how funds etc. are when we get back. The Activa might do a lot of miles next year at this rate!

David.

CitroJim · Post by **CitroJim** » 02 Nov 2016, 06:32

Davie, your itinerary sounds good

As it's far enough in the future, any days are good for me...

You realise this is likely to be my first visit to Scotland...

elma · Post by **elma** » 02 Nov 2016, 07:54

Same for me as Jim, far enough away it can be booked in for whatever dates it needs.

I've spent time in and around Inverness, Aviemore and Golspie in the past so I've had a taster of whats coming. Needless to say I'm very excited to revisit.

CitroJim · Post by **CitroJim** » 02 Nov 2016, 09:40

I just hope the midges stay away from us.. I've read about them and they don't float my boat at all...

I shall be popping my bike in the back of the car so do make some provision for me to have a few bike rides around that gorgeous scenery Davie

KennyW · Post by **KennyW** » 05 Nov 2016, 11:16

Davie,

It's a great idea and I am interested but It depends when and my housing circumstances.

Some great places to visit Moo cave near Dornoch, Badbea (village on the cliff) rope required!!!! near Berrydale braes, Dunrobin castle, Moy castle , numerous sandy beaches, spectacular scenery and especially on the west coast the highland midge, if the dates are right!!!!!!!!!!

Kenny

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