Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms Scottish Highlands North Coast 500

Just some feedback/thoughts/advice on our amazing NC500 trip which we completed 29.9.19 - 7.10.19

Overall - WOW!! What an adventure this was. Stunning scenery at almost very turn. Exciting driving. Amazing locations!

We did the RUN clockwise - there are various schools of thought about the best way!

I would say that the West Coast is the most picturesque. But the East coast is not as boring as made out - some lovely beaches and stopping points.

Top Tip coming up....we did it all over 31/2 days. With the gift of hindsight thats a tad too little time - maybe five would be better as you could enjoy it all more with ample time.

So from Inverness to Applecross. A great run - wonderful scenery when just outside Inverness. Once you get to Achnasheen the roads become pretty well single track with the ubiquitous and numerous Passing Places!

The RUN up Na Ba Pass is rightly described as "not for the faint hearted"! - how very true. But a great expereince in itself.
Not much at Applecross - except a great pub:))

We planned to then travel to Gairloch - but had not allowed for slow progress so missed out this loop - and headed to Ullapool.

Another highly memorable Road/journey - breathtaking throughout!

Ullapool is not great. Its mainly a Ferry Port. We stayed at the Ferry Inn - food was v good - everything else a bit down at heel.

Next day onto Durness and Thurso. What a RUN...simply amazing roads and scenery.

Thurso is ok - again nothing special - but a busy place. We stayed at the Park Hotel which was good.

Next day onto John O Groats and down to Tain. We stayed at the Mansfield Castle Hotel. Tain looked lovely and wish we could have spend more time there.
As said the East coast section is not as pretty BUT underrated in my view.

There are some lovely beaches and stopping places. The Ben Loyal Hotel is well worth a visit.

Next day onto Elgin and the end of the RUN as we by-passed Inverness. Pats Scottish Gordon family are from the Elgin area and we found their original Bothy.

So - a most fantastic and highly memorable trip. Amazing driving, W onderful views and scenery at almost every turn.

Watch out for the Midge season - which we v successfully avoided!

Am sure many TMers will have completed this Run.

I would also add that many roads are in v poor condition as are veru many Passing Places on single track roads.

Beware of this is planning to do the Run in your MOG!

Hi Neil

North coast 500 is one of the best trips in the world.

I live at Scrabster and you would have been most welcome for a coffee and a dram to get the crack.

Glad you enjoyed the trip

Ian

Neil,
How very opportune that you should post this. I have just been looking at the Scenic Car Tours North Coast Route 500 and wondered if it was worth the drive. From your post it would seem that it is a good idea.
As it has been many years since I have been to Scotland, can you say when the midge season generally is?

A couple of year ago we went up the East side where dads lot come from across the top and down the West side, near cape Wrath is a hotel and the owner has a +8 .Then island hoping . Going over the top it has not changed since the ice age . But what stuck in my mind was the Transit van's etc that shot about on single track gravel roads on cliff edges , put me to shame.

Reg try the Sutherland way . We had a bit of luck as the hotels full . Yet his private house was built for the Duke of Sutherland but now owned by a Yorkshire chap and let us have a room . By hell the bed was small have not cuddled in like that since our honeymoon .

Good for you, Neil..!

Such a wonderful and evocative place, and yes, so much there to take in that more time is a must.

I used to go annually but on two wheels, although only once on this..! You'll recognise the location, I'm sure..

On a monkey bike - that was brave!

We loved it this year & plan to return. Those passes are fun!

I think we need a picture with Monkey bike along with its rider sitting aloft!

Never been anywhere near the highlands but ever since "Redthree" started posting atmospheric pictures some years ago I have been itching to find time away to do it. Will ponder some more while I imagine SBM sitting on a monkey bike.

It is very weather dependent, generally you get the first swarm in May. A second hatching will occur around 6 weeks later in June, this is peak season. In a warm wet year it is possible to get a third generation late August/early September.
I've found Avon "skin so soft" is semi effective as a repellent, they still land on your skin but it does prevent biting.
The blue label is best if you're male, use the pink if you're more in touch with your feminine side.