Planet Rugby Forum

Fit like loons 'n' quienies?

Have three days on a boat on Loch Ness then a week in a campervan out of Inverness, heading over to Skye for two nights then up the north west coast via Applecross / Sheildaig then north, possibly around the top, possibly less driving and stay over on the west coast. I'll have my road bike, the other two lads are - ah - retired from sport participation.

Shamefully none of the three of us have ever been north of Invershneckie so need advice on options for activities, absolutely outstanding food and drink, etc. Only plans so far are for a hilarious-sounding thing on Skye for axe-throwing, knife-throwing etc.; and I'm going to ride Balaech-na-ba, the Assynt Achiltibuie Circular, and anything else that throws itself up. Would like to find someone to supervise rifle shooting, and high-end seafood is a must, like every day.

Over to youse!

TheDocForgotHisLogon wrote:Fit like loons 'n' quienies?

Have three days on a boat on Loch Ness then a week in a campervan out of Inverness, heading over to Skye for two nights then up the north west coast via Applecross / Sheildaig then north, possibly around the top, possibly less driving and stay over on the west coast. I'll have my road bike, the other two lads are - ah - retired from sport participation.

Shamefully none of the three of us have ever been north of Invershneckie so need advice on options for activities, absolutely outstanding food and drink, etc. Only plans so far are for a hilarious-sounding thing on Skye for axe-throwing, knife-throwing etc.; and I'm going to ride Balaech-na-ba, the Assynt Achiltibuie Circular, and anything else that throws itself up. Would like to find someone to supervise rifle shooting, and high-end seafood is a must, like every day.

Over to youse!

Slightly out way, but can’t go wrong with Inverary. Easy enough to do on way south from Skye though.

frillage wrote:Slightly out way, but can’t go wrong with Inverary. Easy enough to do on way south from Skye though.

Thanks. What's there?

Nothing can prepare you for the midges.

Prepare to be eaten alive.

Couple things worth checking out:

Kylesku Hotel, north of Ullapool. Good stopover point with great views, pub and decent food

Glenview Hotel and Skyepie Cafe, Skye - great food

Skye Adventure - great company to contact if you fancy some coasteering, climbing or canyoning / exploring

Azlan Roar wrote:Nothing can prepare you for the midges.

Prepare to be eaten alive.

people hoping that the cold winter will allow for a low midge count this summer

dargotronV.1 wrote:Couple things worth checking out:

Kylesku Hotel, north of Ullapool. Good stopover point with great views, pub and decent food

Glenview Hotel and Skyepie Cafe, Skye - great food

Skye Adventure - great company to contact if you fancy some coasteering, climbing or canyoning / exploring

Thanks for that. My brother will be very interested in SkyePie.

Skye is sometimes so full during tourist season that on a couple of occasions last yearthe police were at the bridge checking people had a place to stay before they let them on the island. Be prepared

I live just outside Inverness and have a motorhome. Done plenty around the Highlands and Islands. So much to chose from.

It really is down to 4 things -
Midges - how much can you tolerate them
Scenery/things to do - what do you want to do or see
Driving - how comfortable are you with driving a campervan (what size is it)
Midges - see above as they are bastards

and when are you gracing us with your presence?

Seafood - Applecross Inn ...as you’re being taken up the Bealach!
Pies - Lochinver Pie Shop http://www.piesbypost.co.uk/

If you can, head over the top to Durness and Dunnet Bay - stunning beaches and the gin made at the latter is a decent drop.

It’ll be busy mind, so booking campsites a must.

I took my 15 year old son at the axe throwing in Skye. We now have a target and have throwing axes and knives. Keeps the unwanted riff-raff away too.

It is good fun. And you will stick some axes in after 5 minutes.

TheDocForgotHisLogon wrote:Fit like loons 'n' quienies?

Have three days on a boat on Loch Ness then a week in a campervan out of Inverness, heading over to Skye for two nights then up the north west coast via Applecross / Sheildaig then north, possibly around the top, possibly less driving and stay over on the west coast. I'll have my road bike, the other two lads are - ah - retired from sport participation.

Shamefully none of the three of us have ever been north of Invershneckie so need advice on options for activities, absolutely outstanding food and drink, etc. Only plans so far are for a hilarious-sounding thing on Skye for axe-throwing, knife-throwing etc.; and I'm going to ride Balaech-na-ba, the Assynt Achiltibuie Circular, and anything else that throws itself up. Would like to find someone to supervise rifle shooting, and high-end seafood is a must, like every day.

Over to youse!

First off. No one from the Highlands has even spoken like that. NL is the man for that shite.

Secondly, this is your friend

https://www.northcoast500.com/shop/nc50 ... t-500.aspx

Bealach-na-Ba is stunning on the bike!

Prepare though - to ride the loop you will then have to take a road that goes up and down and up and down and up and down and then some more ups and downs. It's gruelling.

Reminds me of this ... "Every summer, tens of people visit Scotland for their holidays."

I grew up in Wester Ross so can give you a few choices and options round there.

For Seafood can’t go wrong with Applecross Inn as mentioned. Plockton Shores and Plockton Inn are good, locals are good craic in Plockton Inn. The Kishorn Seafood Bar gets a good rep and there’s the Seafood Shack in Ullapool itself.

http://www.applecross.uk.com/inn/
http://www.kishornseafoodbar.co.uk
https://m.facebook.com/theseafoodshackullapool/

Get yourself off the Main 500 route where you can, it’s seriously hellish busy. Not particularly nice on the push bike.

Wee runs out to Red Point and Mellon Udrigle would be rewarded with two damn fine beaches. Good spots for camping in the van provided you don’t need a shower and shitter for a night. There’s a campsite at Mellon mind you.

Badachro Inn is also good for seafood.

http://badachroinn.filmdesign.org.uk

Torridon is seriously stunning, well worth a dander round the hills there. Torridon Hotel is high end but it’s Inn is good for eating apparently.

https://www.thetorridon.com/stay/inn/

Finally pick yourself up a copy of Scotland the Best, it’s the only guidebook that Scots use. They’ve also got a workable app.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scotland-Best- ... d+the+best

And buy yourselves a midge jacket.

http://www.midgejacket.co.uk

I've only been to Scotland once that wasn't a city visit. Had lovely weather. Will not go back due to midges. F**k that noise.

BlackMac wrote:

TheDocForgotHisLogon wrote:Fit like loons 'n' quienies?

Have three days on a boat on Loch Ness then a week in a campervan out of Inverness, heading over to Skye for two nights then up the north west coast via Applecross / Sheildaig then north, possibly around the top, possibly less driving and stay over on the west coast. I'll have my road bike, the other two lads are - ah - retired from sport participation.

Shamefully none of the three of us have ever been north of Invershneckie so need advice on options for activities, absolutely outstanding food and drink, etc. Only plans so far are for a hilarious-sounding thing on Skye for axe-throwing, knife-throwing etc.; and I'm going to ride Balaech-na-ba, the Assynt Achiltibuie Circular, and anything else that throws itself up. Would like to find someone to supervise rifle shooting, and high-end seafood is a must, like every day.

Over to youse!

First off. No one from the Highlands has even spoken like that. NL is the man for that shite.

Secondly, this is your friend

https://www.northcoast500.com/shop/nc50 ... t-500.aspx

I saw a news item a wee while ago claiming that the North Coast 500 was becoming the victim of its own success with the infrastructure cracking under the strain of all the visitors. No idea if it is true.

Jeremy Clarkson and chums have been round the NC500 for 'The Grand Tour' recently (next series). So popularity will go up even more, especially as Clarkson has waxing lyrical about it and called it the most beautiful place he has ever seen.

Rossco wrote:And buy yourselves a midge jacket.

http://www.midgejacket.co.uk

I have one, it is a godsend. People mock, but generally I'm the only one still smiling at the end of the day.

Edinburgh01 wrote:

Rossco wrote:And buy yourselves a midge jacket.

http://www.midgejacket.co.uk

I have one, it is a godsend. People mock, but generally I'm the only one still smiling at the end of the day.

Absolutely, the old dear does a bit of volunteering at Inverewe Gardens, when she’s wearing the jacket she’s quite the attraction for the tourists.

TheDocForgotHisLogon wrote:Shamefully none of the three of us have ever been north of Invershneckie..........

Likewise, so Mrs W and I are starting to remedy that in May, starting with a tour of the Western Isles. Ferry from Ullapool then basically drop down through the islands and get a ferry back to Uig.

Edinburgh01 wrote:

TheDocForgotHisLogon wrote:Shamefully none of the three of us have ever been north of Invershneckie..........

Likewise, so Mrs W and I are starting to remedy that in May, starting with a tour of the Western Isles. Ferry from Ullapool then basically drop down through the islands and get a ferry back to Uig.

Enjoy. My mother’s side of the family are from Lewis so knew Lewis and Harris pretty well from being packed off there for my holidays when a kid. Went back two years ago in the camper van with my good lady and enjoyed it much more. The likes of Uig and West side of Harris are stunning, east coast of Harris is much under appreciated too. But personally thought Bernera trumped the lot of them.

Rossco wrote:

Edinburgh01 wrote:

TheDocForgotHisLogon wrote:Shamefully none of the three of us have ever been north of Invershneckie..........

Likewise, so Mrs W and I are starting to remedy that in May, starting with a tour of the Western Isles. Ferry from Ullapool then basically drop down through the islands and get a ferry back to Uig.

Enjoy. My mother’s side of the family are from Lewis so knew Lewis and Harris pretty well from being packed off there for my holidays when a kid. Went back two years ago in the camper van with my good lady and enjoyed it much more. The likes of Uig and West side of Harris are stunning, east coast of Harris is much under appreciated too. But personally thought Bernera trumped the lot of them.

Had an awesome trip to the Western Isles last summer... So much to admire

Rossco wrote:I grew up in Wester Ross so can give you a few choices and options round there.

For Seafood can’t go wrong with Applecross Inn as mentioned. Plockton Shores and Plockton Inn are good, locals are good craic in Plockton Inn. The Kishorn Seafood Bar gets a good rep and there’s the Seafood Shack in Ullapool itself.

http://www.applecross.uk.com/inn/
http://www.kishornseafoodbar.co.uk
https://m.facebook.com/theseafoodshackullapool/

Get yourself off the Main 500 route where you can, it’s seriously hellish busy. Not particularly nice on the push bike.

Wee runs out to Red Point and Mellon Udrigle would be rewarded with two damn fine beaches. Good spots for camping in the van provided you don’t need a shower and shitter for a night. There’s a campsite at Mellon mind you.

Badachro Inn is also good for seafood.

http://badachroinn.filmdesign.org.uk

Torridon is seriously stunning, well worth a dander round the hills there. Torridon Hotel is high end but it’s Inn is good for eating apparently.

https://www.thetorridon.com/stay/inn/

Finally pick yourself up a copy of Scotland the Best, it’s the only guidebook that Scots use. They’ve also got a workable app.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scotland-Best- ... d+the+best

Badachro Inn under new ownership - was in last October and it was very poor ...seafood was virtually non-existent. Major disappointment given how great it used to be.

Edinburgh01 wrote:

BlackMac wrote:

TheDocForgotHisLogon wrote:Fit like loons 'n' quienies?

Have three days on a boat on Loch Ness then a week in a campervan out of Inverness, heading over to Skye for two nights then up the north west coast via Applecross / Sheildaig then north, possibly around the top, possibly less driving and stay over on the west coast. I'll have my road bike, the other two lads are - ah - retired from sport participation.

Shamefully none of the three of us have ever been north of Invershneckie so need advice on options for activities, absolutely outstanding food and drink, etc. Only plans so far are for a hilarious-sounding thing on Skye for axe-throwing, knife-throwing etc.; and I'm going to ride Balaech-na-ba, the Assynt Achiltibuie Circular, and anything else that throws itself up. Would like to find someone to supervise rifle shooting, and high-end seafood is a must, like every day.

Over to youse!

First off. No one from the Highlands has even spoken like that. NL is the man for that shite.

Secondly, this is your friend

https://www.northcoast500.com/shop/nc50 ... t-500.aspx

I saw a news item a wee while ago claiming that the North Coast 500 was becoming the victim of its own success with the infrastructure cracking under the strain of all the visitors. No idea if it is true.

Jeremy Clarkson and chums have been round the NC500 for 'The Grand Tour' recently (next series). So popularity will go up even more, especially as Clarkson has waxing lyrical about it and called it the most beautiful place he has ever seen.

It's very true to be fair. The north west coast is becoming a nightmare, as is the north between Tain and John o Groats, however it still gives you a good insight into a lot of the things worth visiting.

Market Square Hero wrote:

Rossco wrote:I grew up in Wester Ross so can give you a few choices and options round there.

For Seafood can’t go wrong with Applecross Inn as mentioned. Plockton Shores and Plockton Inn are good, locals are good craic in Plockton Inn. The Kishorn Seafood Bar gets a good rep and there’s the Seafood Shack in Ullapool itself.

http://www.applecross.uk.com/inn/
http://www.kishornseafoodbar.co.uk
https://m.facebook.com/theseafoodshackullapool/

Get yourself off the Main 500 route where you can, it’s seriously hellish busy. Not particularly nice on the push bike.

Wee runs out to Red Point and Mellon Udrigle would be rewarded with two damn fine beaches. Good spots for camping in the van provided you don’t need a shower and shitter for a night. There’s a campsite at Mellon mind you.

Badachro Inn is also good for seafood.

http://badachroinn.filmdesign.org.uk

Torridon is seriously stunning, well worth a dander round the hills there. Torridon Hotel is high end but it’s Inn is good for eating apparently.

https://www.thetorridon.com/stay/inn/

Finally pick yourself up a copy of Scotland the Best, it’s the only guidebook that Scots use. They’ve also got a workable app.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scotland-Best- ... d+the+best

Badachro Inn under new ownership - was in last October and it was very poor ...seafood was virtually non-existent. Major disappointment given how great it used to be.

Has it? Shame that, was one of the better places around Gairloch for grub.

BlackMac wrote:

TheDocForgotHisLogon wrote:Fit like loons 'n' quienies?

First off. No one from the Highlands has even spoken like that.

The teuchters dinnae, bit ah dae.

Rossco wrote:I grew up in Wester Ross so can give you a few choices and options round there.

For Seafood can’t go wrong with Applecross Inn as mentioned. Plockton Shores and Plockton Inn are good, locals are good craic in Plockton Inn. The Kishorn Seafood Bar gets a good rep and there’s the Seafood Shack in Ullapool itself.

http://www.applecross.uk.com/inn/
http://www.kishornseafoodbar.co.uk
https://m.facebook.com/theseafoodshackullapool/

Get yourself off the Main 500 route where you can, it’s seriously hellish busy. Not particularly nice on the push bike.

Wee runs out to Red Point and Mellon Udrigle would be rewarded with two damn fine beaches. Good spots for camping in the van provided you don’t need a shower and shitter for a night. There’s a campsite at Mellon mind you.

Badachro Inn is also good for seafood.

http://badachroinn.filmdesign.org.uk

Torridon is seriously stunning, well worth a dander round the hills there. Torridon Hotel is high end but it’s Inn is good for eating apparently.

https://www.thetorridon.com/stay/inn/

Finally pick yourself up a copy of Scotland the Best, it’s the only guidebook that Scots use. They’ve also got a workable app.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scotland-Best- ... d+the+best

Awesome, thanks muchly, and additional for working 'dander' in.

Rossco wrote:

Edinburgh01 wrote:

Rossco wrote:And buy yourselves a midge jacket.

http://www.midgejacket.co.uk

I have one, it is a godsend. People mock, but generally I'm the only one still smiling at the end of the day.

Absolutely, the old dear does a bit of volunteering at Inverewe Gardens, when she’s wearing the jacket she’s quite the attraction for the tourists.

Ok, I'll buy three of them without telling the other two, then in-country sell the then-desperate amigos the GBP15 garments at vast profit. Sorted.

Edit - how might one sook Guinness through them? Long straw?

Edinburgh01 wrote:

TheDocForgotHisLogon wrote:Shamefully none of the three of us have ever been north of Invershneckie..........

Likewise, so Mrs W and I are starting to remedy that in May, starting with a tour of the Western Isles. Ferry from Ullapool then basically drop down through the islands and get a ferry back to Uig.

Outstanding. Ullapool to Lewis is on our tentative schedule so a brief trip report after your visit will be much appreciated.

TheDocForgotHisLogon wrote:

Edinburgh01 wrote:

TheDocForgotHisLogon wrote:Shamefully none of the three of us have ever been north of Invershneckie..........

Likewise, so Mrs W and I are starting to remedy that in May, starting with a tour of the Western Isles. Ferry from Ullapool then basically drop down through the islands and get a ferry back to Uig.

Outstanding. Ullapool to Lewis is on our tentative schedule so a brief trip report after your visit will be much appreciated.

Book your ferry ASAP and avoid travelling on a Saturday. Hoorish busy with self catering changeovers.

Rossco wrote:

TheDocForgotHisLogon wrote:

Edinburgh01 wrote:

TheDocForgotHisLogon wrote:Shamefully none of the three of us have ever been north of Invershneckie..........

Likewise, so Mrs W and I are starting to remedy that in May, starting with a tour of the Western Isles. Ferry from Ullapool then basically drop down through the islands and get a ferry back to Uig.

Outstanding. Ullapool to Lewis is on our tentative schedule so a brief trip report after your visit will be much appreciated.

Book your ferry ASAP and avoid travelling on a Saturday. Hoorish busy with self catering changeovers.

Thank'ee.

Locked-in route is over to Skye for two nights, then Applecross, then Lewis for two nights, then either up round the top end (thanks for the busy as fcuk warnings everyone) OR do less driving and more doing with a more direct route back to Inverness.

I used to live in Broadford and get fresh scampi off the neighbour's Trawler....[/Globus]

Pat the Ex Mat wrote:I used to live in Broadford and get fresh scampi off the neighbour's Trawler....[/Globus]

Ootstandin'. We're doing axe-throwing up by Portree second day, staying on Skye that night and the night before. Where would you recommend for a great pub or pubs and some stonking good seafood?

Azlan Roar wrote:Nothing can prepare you for the midges.

Prepare to be eaten alive.

The campsite at Sligachan is basic but good and it is right over from the Sligachan Hotel. Good bar food, great beer and stonking selection of whisky. They have a celidh on a Saturday I think.

VBall wrote:The campsite at Sligachan is basic but good and it is right over from the Sligachan Hotel. Good bar food, great beer and stonking selection of whisky. They have a celidh on a Saturday I think.

Awesome. The quality of the campsite doesn't matter, we're in a dirty great big campervan.

TheDocForgotHisLogon wrote:

Pat the Ex Mat wrote:I used to live in Broadford and get fresh scampi off the neighbour's Trawler....[/Globus]

Ootstandin'. We're doing axe-throwing up by Portree second day, staying on Skye that night and the night before. Where would you recommend for a great pub or pubs and some stonking good seafood?

Sadly, only the pub in Bradford for me as I was only 16......but got locking there

I just remembered, my Mum was in Hamish Macbeth!

Rossco wrote:

TheDocForgotHisLogon wrote:

Edinburgh01 wrote:

TheDocForgotHisLogon wrote:Shamefully none of the three of us have ever been north of Invershneckie..........

Likewise, so Mrs W and I are starting to remedy that in May, starting with a tour of the Western Isles. Ferry from Ullapool then basically drop down through the islands and get a ferry back to Uig.

Outstanding. Ullapool to Lewis is on our tentative schedule so a brief trip report after your visit will be much appreciated.

Book your ferry ASAP and avoid travelling on a Saturday. Hoorish busy with self catering changeovers.

This is a great day out. I had a day of sore legs after some long walks so took the ferry on foot and then the tourist coach tour round the island. Quick dinner in Stornaway, Last ferry back to Ullapool and amazing sunset. Magical.

TheDocForgotHisLogon wrote:

VBall wrote:The campsite at Sligachan is basic but good and it is right over from the Sligachan Hotel. Good bar food, great beer and stonking selection of whisky. They have a celidh on a Saturday I think.

Awesome. The quality of the campsite doesn't matter, we're in a dirty great big campervan.

In which case, on the east side of Loch slappin there is an amazing “wild” spot straight off the road - huge flat area with grass and beach and views straight across west to Blaven. Sunset in summer has the sun dipping beneath its peak. Spent five nights wild camping there a few years ago when doing the Cuillin.