Not the NC500 14th-16th August 2022

[B21]

So, following on from the NC500, for those who want to sample a more representative set of road conditions and taking on some of the suggestions from the Grand Tour and others here is a different take on the northern most roads in Scotland.

Avoiding as much as possible the tourist NC500, this 600 miles 3 day event explores almost all the roads that form the road network inside the NC500 route.

In comparison to the NC500 route the traffic is almost non existent and so provides a great opportunity for some uncluttered sight seeing and roadwork.

Day 1 is Elgin to Thurso via the most North Westerly pount
Day 2 takes a large 200 mile orbit to and from Thurso
Day 3 takes another North Westerly track on yet more different roads to Inverness

Hotels in 2022 are a big logistical nightmare. To help overcome this, the route is based around the ubiquitous Premier Inns

For folks travelling to /from the south there are the options of various routes to / from the end points.

The trip for logistics reasons is limited to a maximum of 8 cars.









There's a WhatsApp group setup to discuss operational details.

4 hotel double rooms have been booked..allocated on a first come first served basis.

 

[B21]

Provisonal expressions of interest:

B21 Yellow E89 Peter
CherryM Silver E89
Argyll Andy Blue G29

 

[B21]

A few newcomers asked that we bump the various runs coming up in 2022...

 

[martinrpalmer]

Hi Peter, interested but as it's the last weekend of the school holidays here I can't commit.

Just a comment on the route we drove the road on day two through Altnachaillaich a few years ago in a Renault Master van. We then put it on our list of roads not to do again, in our campervan.

For the E85s a supply of rear springs may be necessary

 

[B21]

Hi Peter, interested but as it's the last weekend of the school holidays here I can't commit.

Just a comment on the route we drove the road on day two through Altnachaillaich a few years ago in a Renault Master van. We then put it on our list of roads not to do again, in our campervan.

For the E85s a supply of rear springs may be necessary

No worries, we'll look at it in May when I'm up there on another run..

They do seem to have been doing quite a bit of work based on last years trip and the one two years earlier..

 

[B21]

A reminder on this trip..we’ve booked a series of Premier Inn hotels to cover the 3 days at an average of about £100 a night

A fresh view of the Highlands with some of the most interesting roads on and off the NC500

 

[martinrpalmer]

Still don't know if I will be able to make it but could I be added to the WhatsApp group, please?

 

[B21]

Still don't know if I will be able to make it but could I be added to the WhatsApp group, please?

Hi Martin, no worries..will add you shortly..

 

[stevespg]

Peter.
Can you add me to the attendees please.

 

[B21]

Peter.
Can you add me to the attendees please.

Steve..ok no problem, I’ve allocated the final room to you…

 

[B21]

Confirmed

B21 Yellow E89 Peter
CherryM Silver E89
Argyll Andy Blue G29
Stevespg Silver E89

All 4 prebooked rooms allocated

Possible

Accommodation not reserved / allocated

Martinpalmer

 

[B21]

Still don't know if I will be able to make it but could I be added to the WhatsApp group, please?

Martin, I assume you are no longer in in this now?

 

[B21]

Final routes all baked..here's the day by day trips and all the roads we cover in 3 days..

Track conditiions look good, not too hot..hopefully some rain..

 

[Argyll Andy]

Washed, waxed, hoovered and fuelled ready for the Highlands tomorrow

Super down to £1.64 a litre here today so even better

 

[earthdweller]

New tyres next weekend Andy ?

 

[Argyll Andy]

New tyres next weekend Andy ?

Feckin hope not, the new ones only went on yesterday

 

[pvr]

And a respray booked in :wink:

 

[Vornwend]

Washed, waxed, hoovered and fuelled ready for the Highlands tomorrow

Super down to £1.64 a litre here today so even better

Looking good fella I've heard of the 2 bucket approach to washing your car but is that 3 buckets I spot?

 

[B21]

Positioning day…cars coming from Argyll, Lancaster, Geordie Land and Scottish Borders..

Rendezvous at Loch Leven Larder for lunch then lovely drive up through Spittal of Glenshee, Braemar, Balmoral and Tomintoul to Elgin..

Pleased with how the car felt on the roads up following all the bits and geometry changes along with damper settings..

Never managed to get all 4 cars in the same shot..

 

[Pondy]

Super down to £1.64 a litre here today so even better

Bargain! At this rate they will be giving it away by September!

Must admit to being a wee bit jealous (I did the Scottish thing there) of that run. I haven't been to the Highlands for over 30 years but remember it being absolutely stunning, even in a 1986 Ford Transit van. Enjoy