Oop north

[Ninjachica]

Thursday we finished the NC500 loop.

Stopped at Rogie Falls. Very pretty. We even saw salmon jumping!

[Ninjachica]

Headed down to Fort William.

Stopped off at Urquhart Castle. Had to pay to get in! It was free 35 years ago.

Traffic was heavy, but moving ok until we got to Fort William. Carried on through and caught the Corran Ferry.
Stayed at the Inn at Ardgour. (Don’t bother)

[Ninjachica]

Set off this morning to see the Glenfinnian viaduct.

Went up the tiny back roads. Beautiful scenery.

Mentioned to Jess that I hadn’t checked the timetable for the Jacobite train but we would just take some photos.
Got there, and there was quite a scattering of people taking photos. On the bank above the curve, there was a crowd of 40 or 50 people.
As we ambled up, I overheard someone say ‘I think I can hear it’.
Feck me! We were there in time to see the puff puff as it chuffed over the bridge! Toot toot.

Mauled our way back through Fort William, then past Glen Coe and down to the Trossacks and Loch Lomond. Stunning.
Stopped at the Green Welly. Thought of Skycat et al.

Traffic around Glasgow was horrific. Friday afternoon. Bleddy awful.
Finally got through it, stopped for ice cream, then plodded on.
Saw a sign saying Carlisle 89 miles and said to Jess, we could carry on. She said no, so we are now ensconced in a lovely B&B in Gretna.

Home tomorrow lunchtime.

Mileage so far, around 1,500.
Sore arses!

[Ninjachica]

Bettyhill Hotel was fabulous.
We booked the family room, which was just £5 extra!
Got a view of the river and the bay.

Tingle Creek Hotel was excellent. Very good service, although restaurant closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. You are welcome to bring in a takeaway! (I’m guessing this is a covid/staffing thing)

The Inn at Ardgour was crap.

Scotlands Spa Hotel (Pitlochry) was nice enough. No evening meals (covid) and you had to book a slot in the spa. Breakfast was fine, but served by somewhat sullen staff!

Couple of other B&Bs.

Covid has made some bits a bit difficult, but overall it hasn’t been a problem.

[bobsnicholson]

Are there many bikes around doing the same thing.?
Sounds like apart from that traffic a good time is being had.
Think we will still wait until mid late Sept if we do it..................in the MH.

[Ninjachica]

Yes, lots of bikes.

Every time we stop there is someone to chat with.

Lots of Mohos too!

[Ninjachica]

Got home at lunchtime.
Bike unpacked and 2 lots of washing done before teatime!

Will wash it tomorrow.

1,747 miles in 9 days.
Most of them were around 120 per day, the other 2 were big hits!

[bobsnicholson]

Wow that was some tour. Bet you were aching when you got home.
Presuming and reading you had a great time.
Best bit and the not so best bit please.

[Ninjachica]

Hard to pick Bob.

Worst part was having luggage! Packing up each day and dragging it around. It certainly affected the handling. I usually travel very light, so this was a new experience.

Getting stuck behind mohos wasn’t a problem. They were pretty good at letting us by whenever they could. I guess if you go up in one, there is much less chance of that!

If you go in a mojo, take 2 weeks if you can. Spend it around the west coast.
If you go on a bike, base yourself around Ullapool and strike out from there.
The Wee Mad Road was brilliant. (Feck, feck. Feck!!) Clashnessie bay (same bit) was beautiful.

Applecross is a classic, but quite busy. Food at the Walled Garden was excellent. The coast road was lovely and the view across to Skye was spectacular.

I did like Skye, but we didn’t have enough time there. Jess lost her phone, so we had to go back for it (we got it back ) and then we got caught out on a big area of resurfacing work. Wished I had had more time for the top end. Possibly worth an overnight or 2 on the island.

The bit between Bettyhill and Ullapool was constant ‘wow’ at every corner.
Applecross Pass was worth doing once, but too busy to bother repeating.

Inn at Ardgour was overpriced and had terrible service. Can’t blame it all on covid. 30 minute wait to take a food order was crazy. Only 3 tables in the dining room!

Ferry was only £3.50 for the bike, so worth it for the novelty.

Covid meant lots of cafes were shut, which was a shame. Those that were open were doing their best.

Fuel is expensive. Just stick it in!

If I do it again (and I would), I would go on my own, with just the top box, and stay for 3 days or so around Ullapool. Maybe add on 2 days in Skye. (Or stay at the tingle creek hotel and cross the bridge a few times)

[bobsnicholson]

Great report Brid.
Although i have done it as you know in my Porsche i did the lot in 4 day's...........agreed too much in to short a time.
Some of the tips and places i have taken note. It is my intention to do it again, be it on the bike by myself or in the MH. I will deffo spend 10 days ish on the top end alone.
Pleased it was a success and at least it is a another tick off the list.