Triumphrat

JohnRimmer · 09-05-2006

I'm fitting one last decent trip in before winter arrives.I had intended to go to John O'Groats and back,however a friend has decided to join me (Speed Triple) and he can only manage 3 nights away from home/work.Therefore we are going Thursday (next week) and returning home on Sunday.As he has not seen the Highlands we have decided to stay at Invergarry which is about 360 miles from home.We will then have 2 days in Scotland before the return journey.I have been to the Highlands several times but never further north than Ullapool.
So looking for advice on roads north.Is it feasible to travel from Invergarry to,say,Tongue and return in one day ? It would be appear to be something over 400 miles but I understand that the roads up that way are tricky and maybe it would be too much,particularly as the daylight is getting shorter.

Skidpan · 09-05-2006

I've been up that part a couple of times and from what I remember of the trips, that route seems like a BIG day on those roads. Yes, you could do it, but you would be in the saddle mucho hours. The flipside is, the scenery is tremendous.

Jonny955 · 09-05-2006

I've been discussing a trip to Scotland too and would be interested to hear what could be covered in a (comfortable) day. It's a long way to the top isn't it!

Jon

Skidpan · 09-05-2006

I'm going to Applecross for this Saturday night with a couple of mates. Roughly 430 miles each way. Thats easy enough. But from there northwards, and thro Scourie up to Durness, across to Tongue and down and back to Applecross would be a big day 'cos you can't whizz the same. I reckon 300 miles a day would be mainly riding and not much stopping in the far northwest area.
However, it's a long time since I last went up there (10yrs+), and maybe my judgement is off. Anyone done those arts more recently and can refresh my memory?

geordie955 · 09-05-2006

The roads are excellent but not very fast. Also watch out for fuel - not available everywhere!

if you wanted to get to John O Groats it is easily do able in a day by using the A82 to Inverness then on up the A9. You could fit in a loop round to Scourie & Durness via Lairg if you wanted to see some of the NW and N coast but to head up the west coast from Invergarry and get back in a day would be a long day.

iansoady · 09-06-2006

The problem with trying to put in big days up there is that you miss the best bits - eg Bealach na Ba (pass of the Cattle) across to Applecross and the B869 loop via Drumbeg from Lochinver to near Unapool. The latter is, I think, one of the most beautiful roads I've ever ridden on (if you can see it through the rain). To me, the joy of riding up there is not in covering huge distances but the experience of 40 - 50mph in astounding scenery.

ipg · 09-06-2006

Here's some views from the areas about Plockton, Applecross and the leg up to Kinlochewe from this year.

Plockton.

Lochcarron.

Views from the road.

Here's a few views from a trip last year.

Top of the 'Pass of the Cattle' heading to Applecross.

Personally I'd forget trying to go all the way north to Tongue until you have more time as it will just become a drag on the roads and you will see nothing. To do the north part of Scotland justice and enjoy it you need to follow the west, north and east coastlines around and you will see fantastic scenery but you need to spend 4/5 days. Fuel was mentioned above and it is an issue, there's not a lot of filling stations further north, some may only be a couple of pumps, finding them can be difficult and on Sundays its almost certain they will not be open.

If you are based at Invergarry this time why not go to Skye or do the roads in the above photos following the coast round from Kyle of Lochalsh, Plockton, Strathcarron, Lochcarron, Applecross, Fearnmore, Shieldaig, Torridon, Kinlochewe, Achnasheen from there you can do a view routes which will start to take you back down. The road on the east side of Loch Ness is a cracking road as well if you end up heading Inverness direction.

Just a few thoughts.

If you want to see some views on Skye etc click below.

Skye & West Coast 05

Skye & West Coast 06

JohnRimmer · 09-06-2006

thanks for all the advice,plenty received in just one day ! You're confirming my own views.I've visited the area several times on the bike and am pretty familiar with the west coast up to Ullapool and Skye.I agree that the scenery is as stunning as the roads so I will leave the visit to the top until more time is available,maybe next year.
Probably have a day trip to Ullapool and do a loop back to Invergarry and maybe another trip to Skye (last May the weather was terrible and we had to turn around with nil visibility) and catch the ferry to Mallaig. It will still be a memorable trip.

JohnRimmer · 09-06-2006

Jonny 955 I will try the CeeBailey screen now that I've fitted the mirror extenders for the trip.I've been using the standard screen thru' summer with big improvements to (reduced) buffeting,so it will be interesting to feel the difference.A bit more weather protection as well if the weather turns nasty.

Jonny955 · 09-06-2006

OK, I'd be interested to hear how you get on with screen and the trip of course.

I don't seem to have a problem with wind noise unless my wife is on the back....and I mean that in the turbulant sense asmy my helmet gets bobbed about when she's behind me (and I mean crash helmet). Oh*****, this does not sound good does it? .

Jon