West NC500 (1 Viewer)

[Pand1958]

Hi, we're planning to do the West side of the NC500 in September in a 7.5m MH, reading some negative reviews on the roads and passing places, has any one done the West side in a 7.5 MH that could offer any helpful advice ???

 

[CWH]

Most single track roads in Scotland have frequent passing places so aren't much of a problem from that point of view. You should learn how to use passing places correctly: the most frequent areas of getting it wrong are easily avoided -
[1] if you're pulling in to wait for oncoming traffic, always pull in on the LEFT whether the passing place is on the left or the right
[2] if faster traffic comes up behind you, signal left and pull in at the next available passing place.

There's lots of useful (but so simple!) information available online eg:

http://www.scotlandinfo.eu/driving-single-track-roads-in-scotland/
and my favourite:

 

[Tezza]

Hi, we did the route last year in a 7mtr van and had no issue at all, the roads are fine, even the single track roads are fine as most people who use them understand the rules of passing, if you have a queue behind you let them pass, they will toot to thank you.

In fact we are going again in two weeks time to do it again as we passed through fairly quickly last year and now we are going to take our time, starting in Ullapool.

If I remember correctly the road goes to single track across the top towards Durness but as we are sat high up you can see for miles in places so can anticipate on coming traffic.

No need to worry, it's a great place, just remember to allow enough time between journeys to admire the views but don't use the passing places to stop, frowned upon.

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[SMB]

Did it a few weeks ago in my Swift which is 7.5m long, managed no problem though there are a few narrow and single-track roads with passing places. The Applecross bealach na ba pass was fairly steep in places but did it early doors around 10am so I had no problems unlike @Wendo55 and her lady crew who did it a couple of weeks earlier and had a little bit reversing to do!

 

[Pand1958]

Great thanks for the replies, we'll give it a go

 

[SMB]

Just saw this post:

https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/foru...may-have-a-problem.159491/page-2#post-2480299

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[WillH]

One thing about driving on single track roads, don't allow convoys to form, creates log jams.

 

[alanawayfromhome]

Re SMB post road is open with traffic lightd at the site of the incident.

 

[Northernraider]

No probs at all in that size of van, go for it you'll love it

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[Silver-Fox]

We are also hoping to get up there on the West side after my hernia op.
Hopefully in around 3 weeks time depending on recovery time.

 

[Northernraider]

We are also hoping to get up there on the West side after my hernia op.
Hopefully in around 3 weeks time depending on recovery time.

You should be up and about pretty soon, first couple of days are the worst then it eases off I'm off the painkillers now and pretty much able to move around as I was before just have to be careful of sudden movements etc.
I drove my small van yesterday for the first time and without issue or discomfort, I'm hoping to set off with the motorhome the end of next week.
Been avoiding lifting but otherwise almost back to normal thankfully

 

[bigtwin]

The Applecross bealach na ba pass was fairly steep in places but did it early doors around 10am so I had no problems unlike @Wendo55 and her lady crew who did it a couple of weeks earlier and had a little bit reversing to do!

@Pand1958, with the exception of the Pass o Cattle (Bealach an Ba), all other roads are easily manageable.

Ian

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[Wendo55]

Did it a few weeks ago in my Swift which is 7.5m long, managed no problem though there are a few narrow and single-track roads with passing places. The Applecross bealach na ba pass was fairly steep in places but did it early doors around 10am so I had no problems unlike @Wendo55 and her lady crew who did it a couple of weeks earlier and had a little bit reversing to do!

We did it from Applecross to the east and must have chosen the busiest time! Unfortunately at the sharpest hairpin bend I met 4 vehicles coming up together towards me! Think I would have struggled coming up to get my 7.1m van around the left hand bend if the passing place on the right was occupied. Apart from this incident it was fine. Go for it!

 

[sally47]

We've done it three times and we still love every mile of it in our tag axle 8.5 mtr no problems be it September though

 

[The Dudess]

Just got back having done the most of the NC500 East and West. Absolutely no problem on the single track roads. There are passing places every 100 yards or so, they are well marked, you can see the signs well in advance and we found that oncoming drivers were very considerate. Husband said it was the best journey he's ever had in the MH and we have been motorhoming all across Europe. The views are stunning, however, hope you're lucky with the weather - we weren't.

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[irnbru]

Quite a few of us done it several weeks ago and one van was around 8m. No problems to get round as long as you are a sensible driver.

Beware of the hired Motorhome's coming towards you that don't think twice about wing mirror clashes.

 

[Silver-Fox]

Are there many places to stop for the views, obviously not the passing places

 

[Northernraider]

Are there many places to stop for the views, obviously not the passing places

No you have to drive all the way round in one go

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[bilM]

working on it

 

[Northernraider]

says videos are not available

 

[bigtwin]

We've done it three times and we still love every mile of it in our tag axle 8.5 mtr no problems be it September though

Over the 'Pass' as well?

Ian

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[Dognewf]

if you plan your route to do the pass from the Applecross end you will find it much easier.

 

[Silver-Fox]

No you have to drive all the way round in one go

Thats a bugger

 

[bigtwin]

@Pand1958 - did you manage the Pass in the end?

Ian

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[Northernraider]

@Pand1958 - did you manage the Pass in the end?

Ian

If your worried about the van size I did it in September with my 8.5 metre tag coming from the applecross side. No issues whatsoever didn't even need a second cut at any of the bends.