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#1 | Got a week off at the end of Sept. Was thinking NC500. datum

Mon Sep 11, 2023 10:10 pm

I'd actually forgot I booked the last week of September off at the start of the year, and so with less than two weeks to go, and inspired by a recent Ride mag supplement featuring the NC500 (anticlockwise), I'm thinking of pinching the gpx. file and going for it. The furthest north I've ever been is Aviemore.

BUT, I'm open to suggestions

I'm sure a few comments will go along the lines of 'the NC500 misses out most of the good roads in Scotland' & 'it's rammed full of motorhomes these days' etc. and I'm sure that's right, but I do fancy ticking it off the list. The east coast stretch seems less appealing, so could turn left at the Muir of Ord instead of heading up north. I dunno, but I do know if I don't sort something, I'll just end up wasting a weeks leave.

2017 R1200RS Sport SE. 1990 K100RS 16v. 1974 Norton Commando 850 Mk2.

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#2 | RE: Got a week off at the end of Sept. Was thinking NC500. datum

Mon Sep 11, 2023 10:25 pm

My current favourite part of Scotland is Borders and Dumfries & Galloway. Use Moffat as a base. Less midgey and less traffic. Last time I went I passed through the Yorkshire Dales on the way up, staying in Reeth (another great base for a few days) and Forest of Bowland on the way back, staying in Long Preston. Ride through Teesdale on the way up and Cumbria on the way back.

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#3 | RE: Got a week off at the end of Sept. Was thinking NC500. datum

Mon Sep 11, 2023 10:47 pm (Last edited: Mon Sep 11, 2023 10:47 pm)

I must say, I did enjoy a brief 3 day blast around D&G staying with Dave & the gang at the wonderful Buccleauch Arms - though of course that needs to be booked well in advance.

2017 R1200RS Sport SE. 1990 K100RS 16v. 1974 Norton Commando 850 Mk2.

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#4 | RE: Got a week off at the end of Sept. Was thinking NC500. datum

Mon Sep 11, 2023 10:49 pm

AntiClockwise?

Old Forum Orphan

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#5 | RE: Got a week off at the end of Sept. Was thinking NC500. datum

Mon Sep 11, 2023 10:55 pm

Zitat von Mr. 36654 im Beitrag #4
AntiClockwise?

Rather than clockwise

2017 R1200RS Sport SE. 1990 K100RS 16v. 1974 Norton Commando 850 Mk2.

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#6 | RE: Got a week off at the end of Sept. Was thinking NC500. datum

Mon Sep 11, 2023 11:00 pm

Zitat von Bonzo im Beitrag #3
I must say, I did enjoy a brief 3 day blast around D&G staying with Dave & the gang at the wonderful Buccleauch Arms - though of course that needs to be booked well in advance.

My trip was last minute and there are other places to stay. I used Rockhill Guest House which was lovely. Great breakfast. I parked on the street. The Buchan next door has a lock-up for bikes.

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#7 | RE: Got a week off at the end of Sept. Was thinking NC500. datum

Mon Sep 11, 2023 11:19 pm (Last edited: Mon Sep 11, 2023 11:25 pm)

I travelled some of the NC500, Saturday just past,
I live in Inverness & had gone A9 north to Skiach services, then B9176 over the Struie, A836 to Bonar Bridge, continued A836 thru Lairg, then left onto A838 to Laxford Bridge, where I joined the 500, went clockwise, north to Durness & over north coast to Thurso, then A9 south for home, 290 miles, couple light showers, but a braw run was had.
I was actually quite surprised that the road wasn't that busy, you still need to be a bit wary though as some tourists can be a bit unpredictable.
I once had a night for work at the Castletown Hotel, east of Thurso, it was quite pleasant, also been in the Pentland in Thurso, also good.

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#8 | RE: Got a week off at the end of Sept. Was thinking NC500. datum

Tue Sep 12, 2023 12:14 am

Zitat von Bonzo im Beitrag #5
Zitat von Mr. 36654 im Beitrag #4
AntiClockwise?

Rather than clockwise

Like, counter to a right turn?

Old Forum Orphan

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#9 | RE: Got a week off at the end of Sept. Was thinking NC500. datum

Tue Sep 12, 2023 5:14 pm

Yeh. We did it anticlockwise, saving the best part til last. Probably next time do it the other, then compare.

Lupin Blue R1200RS SE

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#10 | RE: Got a week off at the end of Sept. Was thinking NC500. datum

Wed Sep 13, 2023 10:07 am

I guess it�s one of those biking bucket list things. I haven�t done it but would like to. End September seems a good time to do it as out of peak season.

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#11 | RE: Got a week off at the end of Sept. Was thinking NC500. datum

Wed Sep 13, 2023 11:52 am

Zitat von Becksy im Beitrag #10
I guess it�s one of those biking bucket list things. I haven�t done it but would like to. End September seems a good time to do it as out of peak season.

I did it in the 1980s in a Peugeot 1.9 GTi, before someone dreamed up the NC500 moniker. Box ticked and like the Stelvio done in 2003, no desire to return. Places further south and inland are more interesting than the coast road.

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