The trip to Lochgilphead sounds a bit more of a challenge.
It's also on the Mull of Kintyre, so you'll either have to retrace your steps or cross by ferry to the 'mainland'.
You could always Island hop across Arran to Ardrossan.
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
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Quote: Originally posted by Capt Lightning on 02/5/2017
Dornoch to Ullapool is only about 60 miles.
The trip to Lochgilphead sounds a bit more of a challenge.
It's also on the Mull of Kintyre, so you'll either have to retrace your steps or cross by ferry to the 'mainland'.
You could always Island hop across Arran to Ardrossan.
Agree with you about Lochgilphead from Ullapool - a very long haul! - and at that time of year a potentially slow one, whichever route is taken. If staying at Lochgilphead, the OP could go back via A83 to the A82 at Tarbet or turn off A83 onto the A815 just past Cairndow and head for Dunoon and over Western Ferries to Gourock then onto A8/M8 to M74 for points south.
------------- " When I die I don`t want my life to flash before me in an instant, I want it to be a 3 hour epic !"
True... I just thought that a couple of short ferry hops and the chance to visit Arran might be fun.
I worked up in Greenock many years ago when I was there, the road went through deserted shipyards and warehouses... very bleak. Now it has been re-developed and become a lot busier and I don't really enjoy driving that route.
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
Cheers for the tips. I used to go to lochgilhead when i was in the scouts and always wanted to go back after all these years. Another time i think. Aviemore, Fortrose bay in black isle, dornoch then ullapool. Durness next time. Will look at the arran suggestion.
Quote: Originally posted by boltonbairn on 03/5/2017
Cheers for the tips. I used to go to lochgilhead when i was in the scouts and always wanted to go back after all these years. Another time i think. Aviemore, Fortrose bay in black isle, dornoch then ullapool. Durness next time. Will look at the arran suggestion.
If you have the time, then go to Arran. Do check the Brodick - Ardrossan ferry (think it needs to be booked) but maybe if FionaW is reading this, she could help - she's really good on Arran; in fact search her posts on here. I don't think Claonaig to Lochranza is bookable but you'll need to check.
Please forgive me if I'm sounding a tad negative; I don't mean to be but am trying to be realistic. RET has had a massive impact and last year and, already, this year has seen many more vehicles on the roads with people able to access cheaper fares on ferries. Very regrettably, our roads on the west remain by and large the same, making journeys slower. People really do need to allow for this and I am genuinely concerned that some of your ideas were going to make for a very long day travelling (Ullapool to Lochgilphead/Mull of Kintyre). You're on holiday and don't need the stress!
Post last edited on 03/05/2017 18:48:03
------------- " When I die I don`t want my life to flash before me in an instant, I want it to be a 3 hour epic !"
If you don't go as far as Kintyre, you might consider Glencoe or Ballachulish . (I remember when you had to cross Loch Leven by a tiny car ferry. Also found that Ballachulish was famous for slate mining and the slates on my house came from there)
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
Quote: Originally posted by Capt Lightning on 03/5/2017
If you don't go as far as Kintyre, you might consider Glencoe or Ballachulish . (I remember when you had to cross Loch Leven by a tiny car ferry. Also found that Ballachulish was famous for slate mining and the slates on my house came from there)
Good suggestion, Capt Lightning - less travelling from Ullapool, but still reasonable journey back down south.
Just for info, Capt Lightning, there's discussions about re-introducing slate mining at Ballachulish and they've restored part of the old tramway by the side of the A82. I guess you remember the times when you knew by the length of the ferry queue that it would be quicker to go round by Kinlochleven!!
------------- " When I die I don`t want my life to flash before me in an instant, I want it to be a 3 hour epic !"
Agree with the Glencoe & Rannoch Moor suggestion, I was going to suggest that. Arran and the peninsula are worth a bit of time, Mull is too (if OP catches the west coast bug). I previously cautioned about trying to do too much in the time, and a southerly loop from Oban via Arran would take maybe 3 days out of a tight timescale.
To answer the earlier question, Claonaig (Kintyre) to Lochranza (Arran) is a "turn up & go" route, with a small ro-ro that shuttles to & fro. One coach tour & a delivery van means you might have to wait for the next one (but it's a fabulous view, and the seafood shack at Skipness isn't too far). The Brodick to Ardrossan ferry runs about 5 times a day in summer but it's essential to book. And sites on Arran are small & fill quickly, wild camping isn't popular due to a few irresponsible people.
An alternative, for another time, is the ro-ro from Tarbet Loch Fyne over to Portavadie, then the ferry from Colintraive to Bute (the Kyles of Bute are beautiful) and then Rothesay to Wemyss Bay, or the ferry from Dunoon to Gourock. With CalMac, always ask about a Hopscotch ticket - it's cheaper than the single fares for the same route.
However, all that's for another trip! I reslly hope you have weather like we're getting now - deliciously sunny & warm, not a cloud in the sky.
Are you happy with the travel times ? My elder daughter lives in Manchester and it takes me 8 hours (including lunch break) - in our car. Bolton to Aviemore with stops - 6 to 7 hours. Same on way back Inverness - home, 7 to 8 hours.
Dornoch is very nice and good for a night. If you want to try somewhere near, but different, look at Strathpeffer. It's a 19th century spa town, and very much looks the part - not at all Scottish. It's also the venue for one of the World's most challenging mountain bike races.
I would hope that you're not disappointed with Inverness.
IMO, its centre is a bit shabby and the urban sprawl could be any city anywhere.
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
Agree with the Capt.
Ullapool to Inverness won't take long. You'll have done Aviemore.... You could do Ullapool to Dunkeld (Inver Mill site) or a bit further on to Witches Craig (and go to Stirling Castle, my favourite!)
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Scottish Highlands Motorhome Itinerary
