So in simple numbers it was 1340 miles, 12 fuel stops, 8 paracetamol, 2 bottles of gin, some beer, 4 sleeps, 7 different cars, 0 ness monsters, 50ml of rain a day (perhaps an exaggeration, but lots anyway).
I will add pics of the other cars when I get them from friends.
Day 1 was a simple 6h 350 mile slog north to Killin on the East side of the Tussocks. Starting in Peterborough we managed to meet up on route and stick together for nearly 2 hours until Scotch corner and the road works. Naturally regrouping at Kirkby Thore occupying the entire BP forecourt and toilets. Convoying was not a strong suit as again the M74 Duel carriageway/trucks and Roadworks split us up, but bizarrely regrouping naturally on the A84 out of Stirlin.
Food and Hotel recommended, local "red kite" beer less so.
Day 2 was east on the A827 and A826 and A923 to Blairgowrie to pick up the A93 and more petrol. These roads whilst a little narrow in places were epic if a little wet from over night rain. Of note, Kenmore looked fantastic and worth a stop……but we did not as all girlfriends/wife's were at home. From here it was north to Glenshee and the Ski centre for that classic car park shot.
The VW truck was a "ruin your shot" running joke all weekend, the owner is a very funny chap and having sold his classic 911 a week or so earlier still came in the truck.
The cunning plan was a fanned out collection from the top of the ski lift…….but know one had a lens over 200, so this is the best we could manage.
Only done this road twice, but it is so enticing and in distinct different sections. I simply love the run from Spittle of Glenshee to Bridge of Gairn, (wide, smooth and quite fast), and the run from Cock bridge to Tomintoul….what a roller coaster!
If you only ever did one Scottish road this would be hard to argue against
After the biggest chocolate eclair ever in Grantown on spey it was on to the hotel in Muir of Ord, a small town to the west of Inverness. The plan was via a choice road, the reality was the A9 and average speed cameras….but we had finished play time so no drama.
The only issue was the GTR driver got lost and missed the whole A93…poor chap
Food and Hotel excellent, Local "clone beer was good, but only Hendricks Gin.
Day 3. Now this started dry, but lasted for about 15 minuets before it rained all day at varying intensities. The plan was to head up the A835 and then the A832 lunching in Gairloch. We were on our own out here, save for the cycle race taking place, but the roads were for the main open and wide. However the section south of Gairloch for a few miles is a narrow passing place only, but worth the wait and effort. You clear a cattle grid and the road immediately becomes smooth and wide again really allowing for some engine exercise. Aultbae hotel was a surprise stop for coffee, steeped in navel history as well.
Despite the rain we did the obligatory view point shots to Loch Maree.
I even captured the rain in this shot.
From here we took the A890 down to Dornie and the A87 over to Kyleakin on Skye….just to say we had done it. Interesting place, definitely seen better times and I am reliably informed not typical of Skye's beauty.
The run back on the A87 to Invergarry and then the A82 to Fort Augustus will remain with me for all the wrong reasons. It should had been a simply magnificent road, but biblical rain and more than one aquaplaning ar*e clenching moment stole that. I have never been more glad to arrive in a hotel.
Town was excellent, the Lock Inn on the side of the canal was fantastic. Great food, fantastic local beer called Ossain and quite a selection of Gins. Recommended.
Day 4, started dry, but this was fools hope as not 5 miles south to Fort William had the heavens opened. Never has overtaking a bus proved to be such a challenge. At fort william we took the road to the Ben Nevis visitor centre, bout keep on going as it is truly fantastic…well until you loose the white centre line. The road bucks and drops, twists and turns and bares many a whiteness mark, but it was a blinder…..even in the rain. Like idiots though we pushed past this and on to the very foot on Ben Nevis. The resulting car park looked like a "Top gear" inappropriate car for the task challenge though.
From here it was off to the Great Glen and a photo op in the pouring rain for a change. We did manage to clear a bit of car park and all of the Japanese and Indian tourists to get a few of these shots, but herding cats comes to mind.
After the glen, it was back down to Oban……which I was singly the most disappointing place on earth. Minhead and Watchet were better. Sorry but I did not like it, but I can say with some confidence that the best thing out of Oban is the A816. What a road. Traction was an issue, as was visibility at times, but it was still fantastic….A must for anyone exploring Scotland I was say.
However avoid at all costs the B840 from Killmartin to Ford and ultimately after 20 miles of single track pot hole hell Cladich. The chap that recommended this route has now had his road choosing privileges revoked
The A819 south to Inveraray was just the tonic mind, as was the coffee break. Beautiful little spot, worth the effort to explore.
By now we were done, so the A83/A82 down Lock Lomond was very sedate, and eventually we stopped in Balmaha at the oak tree inn. Fantastic hotel with again good food and drinks.
Day 5 was the 6 hour slog home. All cars returned, but the Morgan lost a number plate, cracked the screen :cry: and is now drying out!
As is always the case though, it is the people you go with that make these events, the cars and driving were just the backdrop for a great memory.
