Go for a proper drive!

[effbee584]

In 1983 I had to collect my son from John O' Groats on an August Sunday. He had ridden his bike there, aged 14, with about 300 others from Lands End on a charity ride.

I arranged to stay with friends in Elgin, and I decided to 'pop up' to Wick and drive him home. I told him not to catch the train to Inverness, (with all his new friends) because I would be there to pick him up.

I had not consulted the map! and what a mistake that proved to be. As I recall it was about 150 miles each way but on such a road it takes forever.

Between F & G on your map, the exhaust decided to break at the downpipe on my trusty Peugeot 504. No garages open, nothing to bodge a repair, performance ruined, I was two hours later than he expected. I managed to find someone to do a temporary repair in Wick, which held all the way back to Inverness where a new exhaust was fitted. When I met my son, he was the only one that did not catch the train, it would have been so much easrier to have picked him up at Inverness!

What I do remember was the fantastic views and roads of North Scotland.

Sure you'll have a great drive with no mechanicals, and I hope to do it again one day.

 

[R2D2]

Petrol isn't cheap at John O Groats!

 

[R2D2]

Well at the end of the first week, I've done 1350 miles but the average mpg is down to 30 I have driven some of the best roads in the country (if not the world!). The weather has been remarkably un Scottish ie sunny! In Perth today and North Berwick tomorrow!

 

[BEJ]

Brings back some memories! I did that trip last year, the two roads that stick in my mind are the "Mad Road" from Lochinver to Scourie ( the B road that is ), and the last 50 miles to Durness.
The road round Loch Eribol was driven in typical Scottish weather - mist and drizzle.
Enjoyed it so much that I have booked a cruise from Inverness, through the Caledonian canal and roung the inner Hebrides, followed by a drive up the west coast to drive the Mad Road again, staying over at the Edrachillies hotel in Scourie.

 

[del320]

It would be a crying shame if you don't ... continue south from Lchinver on the "mad road" ...

...the two roads that stick in my mind are the "Mad Road" ...

Did you manage this detour, R2D2?

 

[R2D2]

Did you manage this detour, R2D2?

Sadly no as we were running out of time but it was near Skurie that I photographed the stag

 

[Ted]

Saxa Vord next time then R2.
I've done it. A very pleasant drive

 

[del320]

Sadly no as we were running out of time but it was near Skurie that I photographed the stag

 

[R2D2]

1400 miles complete and a lovely drive in to Birnam Wood of Macbeth fame today. We walked miles in the forest entirely on our own....quite spooky for a city boy!

Did some free climbing yesterday and will try to upload the proof.

 

[R2D2]

1600 miles and my car had its 1st anniversary with me. I've doubled its miles from 17k to 34k in the first year . Gulp!

 

[reflexboy]

Looks an amazing route. Took my SL to Scotland a couple of years ago. We stayed near Calender. The roads, views and people are great however we missed so much therefore I'm planning to do the highlands next year and will most probably follow a similar route to you.

 

[WDB124066]

How did the polish hold up R2?

 

[R2D2]

Today we drove to Berwick on Tweed, Lindisfarne and then York. We went to the beautiful minster, the national rail museum and the Castle Museum. Mileage is now 1850 miles! The extra gloss protection is looking good despite an inch of flies etc! I've only jet washed the flies off once at 1000 miles. The car is properly filthy. This has been a wonderful drive and adventure which I would recommend to any petrolhead! I'll post a few photos or videos when I get back home. 250 miles to go!!

 

[WDB124066]

Flys just wash off, ohhhh God sounds great! Need some piccies of that too please.

 

[R2D2]

Flys just wash off, ohhhh God sounds great! Need some piccies of that too please.

Sorry just checking, of what?

 

[R2D2]

Well we've finished our proper drive! What a glorious wonderful time we've had. 2082 miles in total, taking in a sellection of the very best roads in the UK. The weather has been dry, the roads empty, the food and people lovely! It's been just the best of times. Thank you to those who have shown an interest!

Below is an 8 minute video clip which shows just some excepts of the roads we've driven. I'd do it all again tomorrow!

Get a cup of tea, turn the volume up and click the pic below to start the video. Spot the traffic jam!

Enjoy!

 

[effbee584]

Thought I would also go for 'proper' drive.

Have just driven over to Euroland, through N France, then a few nights on the edge of the French Alps, so the first twisty road was up and down Alp d'Huez, then up to Col de Glandon and Croix de Fer ( all Tour de France stages). Today drove through Alps to Briancon and on into Italy. The drive up the west side of Como was narrow twisty and hairy. Next 'interesting' drive is up the west of Lake Garda through the tunnels, then off to play in the Dolomites.

If anyone wants an 'interesting' drive, try Grenoble to Turin via Briancon, it avoids either tunnel at about 40 euro and will keep you alert.

Sent from my iPad using MBClub UK

 

[R2D2]

Well we've finished our proper drive! What a glorious wonderful time we've had. 2082 miles in total, taking in a sellection of the very best roads in the UK. The weather has been dry, the roads empty, the food and people lovely! It's been just the best of times. Thank you to those who have shown an interest!

Below is an 8 minute video clip which shows just some excepts of the roads we've driven. I'd do it all again tomorrow!

Get a cup of tea, turn the volume up and click the pic below to start the video. Spot the traffic jam!

Enjoy!

I believe it is now working!

 

[R2D2]

Flys just wash off, ohhhh God sounds great! Need some piccies of that too please.

Is this what you wanted? This is how the shine lasted before washing after 2000 miles!

 

[R2D2]

Only 2 people viewed the video?