An(other) NC500 question

[RevvingRev]

Thanks everyone, helpful.

As I am coming from the East I think I will try it anti-clockwise this time round [though I must say a figure of 8 sounds like fun! ] The one alteration I might make is to ride clockwise over The Pass of the cattle at Applecross and then go round the coast road to Shieldaig, rather than the other way round.

I'll let you know how I get on.

 

[AberdeenAngus]

OK....suit yourselves....try it both ways and you'll see I'm right. The best bits don't really start until Tongue, and then it just gets better as you head west. In fact, having been there I would skip the top left corner all together, turning left at Lothbeg, up Glenloth to Kildonan, Kinbrace, Melvich and then on WEST. Thus saving some time to enjoy the beautiful corners of the WEST. I can see that folk would probably want to 'do' the whole thing, but that corner might as well be in ......Yorkshire or Lancashire....

The road from Durness to Ullapool is one of the best biking roads in Europe.

Whats that track from Lothbeg to Kildonan like, Gerry ?
Looks interesting.

 

[gerarddwatts]

Sort of one step up from offroad really! But a worthwhile diversion, just have to take your time and watch the potholes. Looks like a field entrance when you come off the A9....the others in my gang thought I'd gone diddlo when we turned up, but all enjoyed the ride. Do it if you are up that way.

 

[jags]

clockwise, that way IF the sun is shining you have it on your back for the trickiest bits.

 

[AberdeenAngus]

clockwise, that way IF the sun is shining you have it on your back for the trickiest bits.

Oh, you optimist you.....

 

[columbus]

Over the cattleman's pass to Applecross is better done uphill, which is in the clockwise direction and you get the advantage of crossing the top and seeing Raasay and the waters of the west coast. Or, you could do the pass both ways if you want.

It's uphill no matter which way you go. You been

 

[Khulu]

Hi columbus: yes, many times. Heading west lets you look back down to the loch carron and also get the view of the west coast as you cross the top of the hill. It's just my preference.

 

[brut33]

Sort of one step up from offroad really! But a worthwhile diversion, just have to take your time and watch the potholes. Looks like a field entrance when you come off the A9....the others in my gang thought I'd gone diddlo when we turned up, but all enjoyed the ride. Do it if you are up that way.

Would you say that this road is rideable on a sports tourer?

 

[Khulu]

Hi columbus: yes, many times. Heading west lets you look back down to the loch carron and also get the view of the west coast as you cross the top of the hill. It's just my preference.

 

[gerarddwatts]

Would you say that this road is rideable on a sports tourer?

Yes fine...I've probably made it sound worse than it is. It is tarmac with some potholes and some grass/gravel. Just don't expect to be going very quick.

 

[brut33]

Yes fine...I've probably made it sound worse than it is. It is tarmac with some potholes and some grass/gravel. Just don't expect to be going very quick.

Thank you, I will be changing my route and turn left at Lothbeg. It looks a more scenic route, on study of my maps as well as your recommendation.
After you describing the straight on option as like riding through Lancashire: it was always on for me.
I don't want to be reminded of home when on holiday

 

[gerarddwatts]

Good choice. The turn isn't the easiest to spot, especially as this is quite a quick part of the A9, easy to whizz past it...look for an uphill 'ramp' and a 'Danger No Gritting' sign. The glen you end up in ..Kildonan...was the site of Scotland gold rush, so have a good look over the bridges!

Stop for a bite at the Storehouse of Fowlis on your way up...good grub, just after the Cromarty bridge.

 

[brut33]

Good choice. The turn isn't the easiest to spot, especially as this is quite a quick part of the A9, easy to whizz past it...look for an uphill 'ramp' and a 'Danger No Gritting' sign. The glen you end up in ..Kildonan...was the site of Scotland gold rush, so have a good look over the bridges!

Stop for a bite at the Storehouse of Fowlis on your way up...good grub, just after the Cromarty bridge.

 

[ThreeDawg]

Nice to see they're encouraging bikes. Hang on- that's MY bike...

https://www.northcoast500.com/itinerary.aspx

 

[Northern jock]

Nice to see they're encouraging bikes. Hang on- that's MY bike...

https://www.northcoast500.com/itinerary.aspx

That's actually a good website, some good ideas for food and drink and places to kip. They don't seem to mention that wild camping is allowed, not everyone is aware of that

 

[John Armstrong]

They don't seem to mention that wild camping is allowed, not everyone is aware of that

Maybe the hotels sponsor the site and don't want you to know that so you go and pay to stay with them?

 

[AberdeenAngus]

Useful website
http://www.scottishcamping.com/
Buy the map. Has all the campsites on one side and addresses and phone numbers on t'other.

 

[slimpickings]

I did anti clock wise.
Day 1 warrington to Inverness
Day 2 Inverness to Ullapool via JoG. Durness. Ullapool
Day 3 Ullapool. Gairloch. Applecross. Bit of skye to oban.
Day 4 Taynuilt. Oban. All round the coast. Fortwilliam. Lochlomond . Dumfries and home to warrington great trip... going back at the end of may..

They look like big mileage days

 

[bazman]

They look like big mileage days

But done easily on a beemer

 

[Deleted account 210604001]

But done easily on a beemer

Easily done on an 899 Panigale too (4 days from Nottingham and back).

RBW.