20 replies to this topic

[Mattyboi]

I've got three free days coming up at the start of October and after wanting an adventure in the VX for ages, and seeing Acidpopstars amazing trip, I'm thinking of driving to John O'Groats.

 

I'd be heading up from the midlands via Fort William to the top and then back down through the Cairngorms. Time wise its no problem, places to camp and stay are all good but the big question is..................

 

Is it worth it or should I just do a weekend lapping wales?

 

Discuss.

[Rosssco]

You've seen this right? http://www.northcoast500.com/

[Mattyboi]

I have indeed!

 

I thought that because I only have three days to complete the trip, including the NC500, I'd have to get to and from Inverness as directly as possible, which means a long boring slog. The route I had looked at seems to be abit more fun for the lower end of the drive. I'd rather not do the NC500 if i'd have to rush.

 

Happy to be corrected though!

Edited by Mattyboi, 07 September 2016 - 12:49 PM.

[Rosssco]

I haven't done it personally (on the list, for the last 2 years..)  but yeah you could go up the A9 to Inverness, but if you had more time, I'd recommend going up the west coast itself, and although not deserted, there are some fun stretches there too.

 

You might be pushing for time. Depends how much time you want to spend 'on seat' though..

[Mattyboi]

The rough route I have is..............

 

Day 1

 

https://www.google.c...2d56.819817!3e0

 

Day 2

 

https://www.google.c...2d57.061235!3e0

 

Day 3

 

https://www.google.c...2d52.257473!3e0

 

About 8ish hours driving per day which seems about right when you add in food stops and daylight hours.

 

 

 

 

[Andrew aka Stuwy]

go for it!

 

I have done it and its amazing

[Nev]

Yep, Scotland (especially if you take the small roads) is awesome. Take a good camera too

 

I've been up there on holiday about a dozen times and it never ceases to gob-smack me. Try walking up some hills, Ben Nevis being the obvious easy walk.

Edited by Nev, 07 September 2016 - 03:19 PM.

[steve-m-uk]

I do Scotland every year in the VX, you will love it. Personally i wouldn't bother with John o'groats, it's nothing special. I would instead do Skye and then head up to Ullapool, the roads North of Ullapool are amazing. The one piece of advice i would offer is never pass a fuel station in the Highlands, always brim the tank when you have chance. Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

[Nev]

always brim the tank when you have chance.  

 

Too true !  

[Ali87]

Ye man it won't disappoint. Highland Hoon is the highlight of my year. John o groats is a bit of a shithole tho but there's good ice cream at least!

[Mattyboi]

Seems i'll be heading north of the boarder then!!

 

John O'Groats was chosen for it being the last place north rather than a nice place so I guess i'll take a pic next to the sign, fill with fuel and head straight back out of town!

 

Cheers for the advice!

Edited by Mattyboi, 08 September 2016 - 10:25 AM.

[steve-m-uk]

You would be better going to Durness, nice cafe there, lovely beach and Smoo caves is worth a visit whilst you're there. Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

[Lou_m]

As above, Durness is far better and the roads around there are brilliant. 

[siztenboots]

wester ross , Oban for lunch just hope for windy conditions to avoid the mozzy clouds

[BrianJ]

As above West Coast is by far better than the east. North of Ullapool is stunning and across the top to Kyle of Tongue then cut down towards Inverness on the back roads. Astonishing scenery...!

[Wolfstone]

Kyle of Tongue on the Highland Hoon 2015.



Durness beach (panoramic) in May.

Edited by Wolfstone, 08 September 2016 - 12:28 PM.

[Nev]

Here is one of my faves from a trip long ago, can't even remember where in Scotland it was, perhaps Torridon.

 

Edited by Nev, 08 September 2016 - 02:13 PM.

[Ali87]

If you plan on getting a pic by the sign make sure you're not too late there...they take it down at night for safe keeping!

[jacobw94]

Seems i'll be heading north of the boarder then!!

 

John O'Groats was chosen for it being the last place north rather than a nice place so I guess i'll take a pic next to the sign, fill with fuel and head straight back out of town!

 

Cheers for the advice!

 

As others have said if you are doing it for the driving roads the west coast is a much better bet. However if you are doing it for the sightseeing and just to say "I've done it" then go for it, you'll enjoy it. I visited John o Groats via Edinburgh, the Cairngorm Mountains and Loch Ness the weekend I got my car and loved every minute of it.

 

One thing to note is that John o Groats isn't actually the most Northerly point of Mainland Britain, Dunnet Head is, which sits about 25 minutes away, so make sure you visit both! Enjoy your trip.

 

[Ian59]

Glen Coe is stunning, and a great driving road through the middle of it.