Anti clockwise or clockwise?
Hoping to do the North coast 500 in Scotland in a couple of weeks in our motorhome (just me, the wife and our Jack Russell ) but not sure which is best .... clockwise or anticlockwise which way would you do it and why? Is there anything we should see or try and avoid, advice and suggestions welcome
Steve
Steve
Personally I wouldn't think it matters which way you go - and everywhere, I think is fascinating, just a wealth of beautiful views. I remember the first time I went I couldn't get over the beauty of the countryside. Fort George - a wartime soldier's barracks but much more beside and an interesting building with some lovely views (if you get good weather), Dunnotar Castle, just south of Aberdeen, Glamis Castle, the birth place of the Queen Mother and also the setting of Macbeth. There are castles everywhere many you can 'go round'. You will be spoilt for choice. Battles and historical sites abound - I hope you both fall in love with it - I know I did.
I was once told the the best way is anti clockwise. The reason, you go up the east side and when you turn west, you are looking at the mountains. the other way you are coming out of the mountains and just looking at the rather flat "flow" lands.
Dornoch beach is beautiful as is the Kyle of Tongue.
Dornoch beach is beautiful as is the Kyle of Tongue.
One advantage of going clockwise is that you can start - Lake District - Gretna Green - ... both 'must see' places if you are going north. (And even add in the church featured in The Da Vinci Code Rosslyn Chapel).
I didn't follow a 'course' but my nose - hence Rosslyn Chapel being at the beginning - if you notice I did say 'even add on'. I tend to prefer no defined route, as I have found I come across so many little pearls which otherwise might be missed. I actually quite enjoy getting lost!
Thanks for your suggestions, we are feeling anti clockwise is the way to go. I do like the idea of straying from the route and I often do on other journeys which often leads to exciting manoeuvres in the 8m motorhome which keeps the wife on the edge of her seat!
We will probably set off on the Friday evening from Staffordshire stopping first night in Carlisle or thereabouts and heading to Loch Garten to get some red squirrel 🐿 and crested tit photos before heading on the NC500 for about 10 days or so
Steve
We will probably set off on the Friday evening from Staffordshire stopping first night in Carlisle or thereabouts and heading to Loch Garten to get some red squirrel 🐿 and crested tit photos before heading on the NC500 for about 10 days or so
Steve
I can understand that getting lost in a motorhome could be a little perilous. I have occasionally ended in a very precarious position myself in a car. Hope you have a wonderful time and I have found Scottish folk extremely warm and hospitable - for the most part!
Anticlock-wise.
The planets go that way too.
Get the sunrises first, then the sunsets. Doesn't that make sense?
pablophotographer
The planets go that way too.
Get the sunrises first, then the sunsets. Doesn't that make sense?
pablophotographer
In a motorhome ? The Applecross area and Pass of the Cattle are really worth a visit, but being in a motor home it is not worth the risk. Google 'Pass of the Cattle' and you will see what I mean.
We are planning to avoid a couple of the twisty bits, my give them a go on our bikes, unless the weather doesn't behave
