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Topic: Grand Tour Of Scotland.

Mike Logan

25/12/2013 at 6:19pm
Location: South Yorkshire
Outfit: Camp Cot Bivi Bag and Tarp.

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As a 69 year old solo camper, I am thinking of doing a month's Grand Tour of Scotland during 2014.As this may be my last big trip out. I am planning a coastal route from the Kyle of Lochalsh up the West Coast to Cromarty, Kyle of Tongue along the North Coast to the jaded John 'O' Groats and then down the East Coast to my place of birth, Arbrouth. Although a Scot, I now live in South Yorkshire.
So, If anyone has any ideas, views or suggestions of what to do, where to visit etc. Please let me me know. I will be grateful for any suggestions that will make this a very rememberable occasion. Best Regards, Mike

beanpark

25/12/2013 at 9:49pm
Location: Surrey
Outfit: Peugeot Boxer Utah + Lunar Ariva

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Why is it your last camp at only 69 years old.
I am 70 on January 2nd and have no intention of giving up. In fact my Bob is 77 1/2. He is talking about maybe retiring from camping in 3 years time when he is 80. Until then he has no thoughts of stopping.

Although we have not done the up Scotland on the left, across to Inverness and down on the right holiday for a few years now as the fuel as the fuel went up too much. We only went as far as Moffat last year in the borders.

But it could be our year this year for a longer run up. I does depend on their weather though. Mind if we still had our VW campervan the Trooper we would still be doing it on a yearly basis. As its more convenient to drive with your bed with you without towing. Now it a small caravan the car does not carry my wheelchair unfolded like the VW did. In & out the back easy enough.

Don't give up till they take you away, that's the spirit.

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Chrissie

Be Strong-Think positive.

Bernie47

25/12/2013 at 10:25pm
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Why stick to the coast?

I would travel up the west coast as you plan but would then travel south inland before going to Arbroath.

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Bernie

Mucker1884

26/12/2013 at 8:31am
Location: Derby.
Outfit: Karsten 350+Awnings

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Well, you have my full respect and admiration, Mr Logan sir.

I have but one piece of advice for you, if you know what's good for you.... don't you dare forget to take your camera.... for us lesser mortals, you understand!

Bon Voyage

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heather + phil

26/12/2013 at 12:32pm
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Loads of respect to you, Sir. I'm turning 50 next year and have just bought a new tent, so after reading what's up on here just makes me realise I've many years to look forward to. Please do post some photos. I'll be keeping an eye out for you.

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The true test of fairness is how fair you are to those who are not

LobeyDosser

26/12/2013 at 12:50pm
Location: Argyll Scotland
Outfit: 1997 Bailey Ranger 470 4

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Hi Mike, I am just 2 years behind you, but have plans to keep going for quite a few years yet, albeit in a more comfortable unit.

We did the north coast a few years back and took the advice of fellow campers and did it from East to West. The views are much better that way.

We started off going up the west coast as far as Kyle of Lochalsh then cross country to the Cromarty Firth, then up the East Coast, through Wick to JoG.
Then along the top to Tongue. Then it was back across country via Loch Shin and Tain, then Inverness and down the A9 to Perth.

From there it was over to St. Andrews for a week before heading home.

Whatever way you go, you will enjoy it.

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Lobey.

jelboy53

27/12/2013 at 5:54pm
Location: Cumbernauld Scotland
Outfit: Monty 6Icarus 500 Halo 300

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The Mallaig/Arisaig area up by Fort William is well worth a visit

And a wee stop off in the Glencoe area is recommended

I would have suggested the Argyll peninsula (for the sunsets alone)but that's a bit out of the way on the main route north

Only place I have been on the east coast is Helmsdale...Which I loved (staying in a hotel)

Hope these give you some ideas to play with....

Jelboy.

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Campers of the storm,Into this world are born

Some days are Diamonds...Some days are stone...

moppetsdad

27/12/2013 at 6:37pm
Location: The foot hills of no
Outfit: A full biohazard su

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Hi Mike
We have done the route you intend to do many times although mainly the other way round ie up the east coast and down the west and without a doubt the west is best every last inch of it! Highlights for us were eat fresh prawns at Mallaig, fish and chips at Ullapool (the best ever tasted) a trip around Skye, a trip to Applecross is a must, over the top on the way and round the coast on the way back but never over the top if towing a caravan I hasten to add. All the way up the west coast you get wonderful views that you will not get anywhere else. Where ever you go just watch out for the tourists intent on doing Scotland in a day!

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David

I've stood on Lego and didn't even cry!!

thebiz

28/12/2013 at 9:48am
Location: anywhere but here
Outfit: oops bought another one !

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Are you using public transport Mike, because if you are, that would have a huge impact on your route. Some of the more remote areas on the west coast have no, or limited public transport links.

I think a lovely route is up through Glencoe to Fort William, on to Mallaig via the Arisaig area, from Mallaig to Skye on the ferry....see as much of Skye as you like then return to the mainland over the bridge to Kyle of Lochalsh or even better get the tiny ferry to Glenelg which is beautiful.......Applecross....Ullapool....Achiltibuie ...........Clachtoll....

There's a good website called Undiscovered Scotland which is worth having a look at, it gives good detail on even small areas, I find it very helpful when looking at new areas to visit.

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Zymocenosilicaphobia-excessive fear of an empty beer glass

' When I die, I will return to seek the moments I did not live by the sea'

LobeyDosser

28/12/2013 at 2:08pm
Location: Argyll Scotland
Outfit: 1997 Bailey Ranger 470 4

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Hi Mike, Please tell us a bit more about how you intend to do this trip.
IE, Mode of transport, the kind of sites you will be using, the sort of supplies you will be carrying and what you will need to buy along the route.

Many of us have done this route before you and in different directions, but until we know more about the basics, we are all just guessing as to what information would be most useful to you.

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Lobey.

Mike Logan

28/12/2013 at 6:10pm
Location: South Yorkshire
Outfit: Camp Cot Bivi Bag and Tarp.

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Hi Folks, Many many thanks for the replies so far. How I intend to travel?. By car, Volkswagen Tiguam. Equipement?. I intend using a tarp plus my Vango Halo 300 tent. Sleeping in car, using tarp to cook under or sleeping in tent. I intend to use campsites where possible. If none available then wild camping.

Just to let you very good people know, I have done the Inner and Outer Hebrides several times over the last few years, great areas to visit. The last time that I visited Tongue was 45 years ago. All I want to do is a bit of reminiscing ( sign of age - Old F--t ) and see how things have changed.
Best regards, Mike.

LobeyDosser

28/12/2013 at 6:52pm
Location: Argyll Scotland
Outfit: 1997 Bailey Ranger 470 4

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Well Mike, following the coast from Kyle of Lochalsh to Arbroath (624 miles)for a month would mean you travelling 20.8 miles a day.

We did the Butt of Lewis to Barra (120 miles) in a month, or 4 miles a day.

So hopefully your VW is faster than our Scenic!!

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Lobey.

superpup

02/1/2014 at 12:39pm
Location: gateshead
Outfit: 4 man dome

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HI MR LOGAN. I CAN ONLY GUESS YOUR REASON FOR NO MORE LONGER TRIPS. MAYBE HEALTH BEING THE MAIN ONE. BUT. MAYBE YOU CAN COMBINE A B&B ON THE TRIP AS WELL IF THE WEATHER MAKES IT BAD FOR YOU. AS FOR AGE. MY FRIEND HAS JUST INFORMED ME HIS FATHER WANTS TO COME AS WELL ON OUR TRIP, AND HE IS 93. ALBEIT HE IS REALLY FIT. NEVER SMOKED AND DRANK. ( WELL ODD ONE THAT IS ) HE ALWAYS WORKED OUT DOORS. AND USUALY CAMPED A LOT WITH THE FAMILY WHEN THEY WERE KIDS. ANYWAYS. WE ARE GOING TO POOL THE MONEY AND BUY A REALLY GOOD QUALITY TENT THAT WE ALL CAN FIT IN. I THINK FRIEND WANTS A DE WARD. ( NOT SURE OF SPELLING NOW. LOL. )HE SAID THAY ARE THE BEST. COST A FORTUNE.BUT LAST A LIFE TIME. AND BIG ENOUGH FOR 8 PEOPLE. ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR THE BEST TENT FOR US. WOULD BE GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED. BUT GOT TO BE ABOUT 6 TO 8 MAN SIZE. ALLOWING FOR CAMPING GEAR AND COOKING EQUIPMENT AND BEDDING. WE GOT TRANSPORT SO NO NEED TO CARRY ANYTHING.

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superpup

superpup

02/1/2014 at 12:42pm
Location: gateshead
Outfit: 4 man dome

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SORRY ABOUT THE CAPS BEING ON. CANT FIND MY GLASSES. AND CAN ONLY SEE THE KEYBOARD LIKE THIS.

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superpup

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