NC500 - possible to be enjoyed in 4 days PHOTOS

[AlfaScozzesi]

Thanks for the reply all - hope today's weather is as good. . .we shall see.
Been swamped by some all consuming family crisis since Christmas Craig, hence frustration at not organising runs - hopefully we'll have a clearer second half to the year but I doubt it. We'll get back to it when we can.
Fortunately we have had a break or two and already completed the NC this year and it was sensational. This run is as a result of Cherrym wishing to return to do most of the route. He's done it many times on his motorbikes - wanted to do it in the Zed and we said we'd join him then the midweekers joined in.
Will post a better account when we've finished.
Just had Alfa Scorcessi (forum member) call in
AlienZed B&B and should see him at breakfast. Last met on the Skye run.

As Paul said dropped by to say hello as they were just around the corner. It was good to meet the rest of the North East group along with AlienZed. As at the weekend great to put faces to names.

Well after ten minutes the thought of bunking off work took shape and an hour later I joined everyone for the drive to Aileen Donnan Castle!

Weather is still amazing and the drive was good especially on the (one of the best bits of road in the country) Invergarry to Aileen Donnan part. The journey back was a belter as no traffic or it came at the correct times so was almost max attack :evil: :driving:

Hope you all had a great afternoons driving to Applecross and for the rest of you reading I can let you know that there were loads of photos taken but not by me

I am sure there will be some posted later tonight when they all arrive.

Thanks again guys and gals for welcoming an additional driving partner to your group this morning and just to let you know the afternoons plan is working beutifully!

BBQ on and the Hendricks and tonic is cold

 

[MrPT]

I just received this picture from a friend via WhatsApp. What are the chances?!

 

[Marlon]

Brilliant - small world

 

[Highlander]

That looks a fantastic trip especially as the weather's so good at the moment up here.I'm guessing the roads are relatively tourist free as well....win,win situation.
From the pics posted I think I recognise Inveraray,the road just up over the "rest and be thankful",the bridge at Balachullish and possibly the "main" street in Plockton
Did you guys go down to Lochgilphead and then up the coast or under the arch at Inveraray? Whatever route you've taken it looks like you've added all the good bits onto "NC500" ..........my favourite section of 500 when we used to bike it was Ullapool to Durness,near perfect when it's quiet.
When you get round to it at home ,I'd be interested to hear your views on the accomodation used,I have a sneaking suspicion that the prices are climbing with all the extra tourists in the area in their "fancy sports cars".......good for the local economy though.
Hope the weather holds for you guys for the whole road trip :driving:

 

[Bing]

You lucked out this time guys - wall to wall sunshine at the moment. You are so greedy though - twice in 6 weeks :lol:

We keep sending this many cars north someone wil. Come up with the idea of adding toll booths !

 

[srhutch]

You lucked out this time guys - wall to wall sunshine at the moment. You are so greedy though - twice in 6 weeks :lol:

We keep sending this many cars north someone wil. Come up with the idea of adding toll booths !

Some petrol stations with super unleaded would be a good idea to.

 

[pvr]

Some continental road workers skills would also not go amiss ...

 

[craig3.2]

Thanks for the reply all - hope today's weather is as good. . .we shall see.
Been swamped by some all consuming family crisis since Christmas Craig, hence frustration at not organising runs - hopefully we'll have a clearer second half to the year but I doubt it. We'll get back to it when we can.
Fortunately we have had a break or two and already completed the NC this year and it was sensational. This run is as a result of Cherrym wishing to return to do most of the route. He's done it many times on his motorbikes - wanted to do it in the Zed and we said we'd join him then the midweekers joined in.
Will post a better account when we've finished.
Just had Alfa Scorcessi (forum member) call in
AlienZed B&B and should see him at breakfast. Last met on the Skye run.

Yeah,twice in Scotland,yet too busy...love it.

You have come at the right time,weathers been good. :driving: roof down.

Done most of these roads over the years, with forum runs and things,,but never felt the urge to do it all in one go,it would be too much driving.

Had a great blast today in the other 4 sitting in our drive just now...a nice and shiny x4 30d msport in Carbon black
God this thing is surprisingly quick when in sport/manual mode using the paddle shifters :driving:

Enjoy the rest of your trip

 

[TR4man]

I just received this picture from a friend via WhatsApp. What are the chances?!

They can run (drive) but they can't hide!

 

[paulgs1000]

Yeah,twice in Scotland,yet too busy...love it.

:

Think before you post Craig . . .

Had the shocking and totally unexpected news that Steph's Dad has 6-12 months to live. Fit active and fine bloke hit by multiple cancers. Like I said totally unexpected and an outdoors guy (farmer) it's a hell of a blow to the family. Lots of trips to Cambridge as a result. Plus two of my kids (adults!) hitting dramas that's changed family circumstances massively and called for lots of our input - private so I'm not posting that up. You might think 2 trips to Scotland (organised by others) in 5 months is a lot but just at the minute it's a bloody godsend.

Hope thats clearer for you now. I repeat - Bit of a busy time - hence no forum runs planned so far this season.

And no apologies for the rant - I did specifically point out to you, there had been serious issues.

See you at the Nationals.

 

[paulgs1000]

And breathe. . . .

We continue to have a terrific time - the weather is simply unbelievable. Having Alfa Scorcessi visit was a delight ( and what a stunning ///M coupe) and what a day to see the Commando memorial. Sorry you couldn't come with us further as the driving continued to be wonderful.

Sunburn an issue now for some. The Zeds looked stunning lined up outside our hotel last night and caused a fuss. Lots of photos on my cameras but they'll not do justice to what we're experiencing. If you dreamt of the perfect driving holiday on challenging roads with fabulous scenery and amazing weather - were experiencing it. We are all amazed by it - fantastic luck.

The WiFi is poor where we are so will try to keep posting when we can.

 

[craig3.2]

Yeah,twice in Scotland,yet too busy...love it.

:

Think before you post Craig . . .

Had the shocking and totally unexpected news that Steph's Dad has 6-12 months to live. Fit active and fine bloke hit by multiple cancers. Like I said totally unexpected and an outdoors guy (farmer) it's a hell of a blow to the family. Lots of trips to Cambridge as a result. Plus two of my kids (adults!) hitting dramas that's changed family circumstances massively and called for lots of our input - private so I'm not posting that up. You might think 2 trips to Scotland (organised by others) in 5 months is a lot but just at the minute it's a bloody godsend.

Hope thats clearer for you now. I repeat - Bit of a busy time - hence no forum runs planned so far this season.

And no apologies for the rant - I did specifically point out to you, there had been serious issues.

See you at the Nationals.[/quote

"Think before i post",Paul....
wtf.....
My post was light hearted,and if you quoted the whole thing you/others would see that. If i had said i was too busy to arrange meets,then go on 2 runs with other forum members,over several days,i am sure someone on here would have put a light hearted post in reply,as i did yours.


As for the other stuff,that's not good,but you are not the only one who has various family issues regards serious health worries,etc,with my Uncle,brother in law,etc and myself.

So your rant was unjustified,Paul.
Take a bit of banter!!

On another note,yes Gary's(alfascozessi) M coupe is nice,had it and other forum member Billys out on the run to Braemar,Fort wlm etc on Saturday. Nice having 2 of those,2 Silver Roadsters,2 val.Orange e89s etc etc.

As said,enjoy your trip.

 

[craig3.2]

You lucked out this time guys - wall to wall sunshine at the moment. You are so greedy though - twice in 6 weeks :lol:

We keep sending this many cars north someone wil. Come up with the idea of adding toll booths !

Some petrol stations with super unleaded would be a good idea to.

Yeah,certain parts are limited for Super,which can be a pain,lol

 

[Bing]

I have to say Craig, it didn't read as lighthearted to me - came across as a bit of a dig after the specific response already given... There's a big difference between actually organising runs and just attending them in terms of the time required to do the former, as you know.

Anyway, I want more pics as I've missed out on both NC500 runs and need to live my life vicariously through everyone else... I really need to get up to Scotland for a run this year :driving:

 

[paulgs1000]

Another fabulous day of weather and even better roads today. Some really special 'stages' that are like Scalextric track. Bit of traffic but the sunshine, views and roads have been incredible.

Sat in hotel in Grantown on Spey relaxed after wonderful day.

WiFi is hit and miss where we've been so photos will have to wait - I'll try some from my phone again.

 

[craig3.2]

I have to say Craig, it didn't read as lighthearted to me - came across as a bit of a dig after the specific response already given... There's a big difference between actually organising runs and just attending them in terms of the time required to do the former, as you know.

Anyway, I want more pics as I've missed out on both NC500 runs and need to live my life vicariously through everyone else... I really need to get up to Scotland for a run this year :driving:

Bing,it was just a wee bit of banter,but take as you like.

Guess I should just stop posting on here,then I can't be accused of having a dig,
,or talking crap,when trying to give people genuine advice,re issues they are having with their m's. :headbang:

 

[AlienZed]

As Pual says , amazing roads , weathers been very kind to us , and spectacular views,
Sad its the last day tomoz but were gonna make the most of it,

 

[AlienZed]

A few more,

 

[Highlander]

Paul,picture shows all the cars parked at "Harbour Lights" ....lunch stop?.....or are you all in Ullapool now?
Mandy & myself are hoping to be in Durness on Sat but only if the weather stays tropical....no Z unfortunately as we need more than 2 seats but if it's a good summer then I'm sure we'll be back.
Sorry to read about your sad news.....we had a similar timescale with my father's illness and created lots of happy memories in that year.......appreciate it's a private matter but just wanted to say that.

 

[paulgs1000]

Paul,picture shows all the cars parked at "Harbour Lights" ....lunch stop?.....or are you all in Ullapool now?
Mandy & myself are hoping to be in Durness on Sat but only if the weather stays tropical....no Z unfortunately as we need more than 2 seats but if it's a good summer then I'm sure we'll be back.
Sorry to read about your sad news.....we had a similar timescale with my father's illness and created lots of happy memories in that year.......appreciate it's a private matter but just wanted to say that.

I hope you have the weather we are experiencing.Fingers crossed.

It is Harbour Lights - we stayed there Tues night. Small rooms but lovely location and breakfast room with fabulous view.

Re Steph's Dad thanks. All the end of life arrangements are sorted and yep, we are doing all we can asap, whilst he's still capable.

Last day tomorrow and it'll be sad to end what has been a thrilling trip due to the weather showing Scotland at it's best. Sad to be bringing to a close our days with AlienZed and his wife. They've been brilliant, warm, fun companions and now friends to us all. As for our mid weekers, the thrills been sharing this experience with them - it's a long way from Hartside but been worth all the effort to get here. Many thanks to Cherrym for setting it all up.g