Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms A two ticks day yesterday

Today we came back from Aberdeen, and total travel time to South Yorkshire was 6hrs 19mins. In the middle of Amy. Quite an achievement which was as a result of seat of the pants real time planning.

We stayed in the Leonardo Hotel which is connected to the railway station. We didn't order breakfast, because we could get that on the train.

I awoke soon after 7am, checked the departure board at 7.15. Our booked 9.52 was cancelled and replaced by a bus.

But the 7.52 was there. So we got out of bed at 7.19, pushed the envelope and at 7.42 were sitting on a deserted King's Cross service but which was planned to terminate at Edinburgh. Despite promises of slow running, as we passed Dundee, they announced we were going all the way to KC. 2 mins late into Edinburgh, where the whole world got on.

We stayed on all the way to York. Next stop was KX, so we needed a connection. 15 minute slot. So as a result of all that, having gained time all the way we were home 2hrs and 40mins earlier. And we saw no trace of storm damage.

We went through Glencoe in early September on the way to Contin for a couple of nights before going over to the Hebrides on Ullaway to Stornoway ferry. We've been through a few times now but always been a good route with, hopefully, opportunities to pass slow vehicles. This year we did the return run as well rather than the A9/Perth route. The roadside carparks were jam packed and one "logging" lorry pulled over to allow traffic to pass. The Plus Four was excellent to drive with comfort and performance when needed.
The Inverness to Ullapool road is another good drive. We did Applecross pass downwards having gone up last year.
Going in April and September means less traffic and midges!
Lewis, Harris and Uist were good for scenic drives, no time to go to Barra though. Cafes in the day and hotel for evening meals, fuel stops ok as miles driven not great. The return to the ferry on Uist was at daybreak and the deer/stags were out in force.
Next year? Can't do September but April undecided so far, another continental trip being considered.

Actually from Tyndrum we now prefer the A85, and A828 coast road, which rejoins the A82 at the bridge at South Ballachulish.

You will pass where I worked for 2 weeks for Nuttal's in the tunnels for the hydro-electric pipes. The scaffolding failed in the shift just before ours killing three men. We left the work immediately after! You'll also pass Anderson's piano, a signalling system for detecting falling rocks.

That's a great road, but if the weather's half decent I absolutely love the run across Rannoch Moor and down through Glen Coe. Have you tried the A83 from Arrochar via Inveraray? That's another nice route.

Rest and be Thankful
Wonder if the coffee van is still serving in the layby at the top of the pass?

Last time I passed the car park there was no van. They are STILL doing roadworks as well.
PS - It's the "Rest an' be Thankit".

Thanks Bob, serves me right for just taking the name from the OS chart