Day 1 Monday - 7 th September 2015 – Land’s End to Barnstaple The Journey begins. The first leg of our 10-day tour is a relatively easy drive up the north-west coast of the Cornish peninsula and into Devon on our way to our first overnight halt in Barnstaple. Some of you may have seen the BBC4 series ‘Britain’s Best Drives’ presented by actor Richard Wilson. In Episode 3 he was driving a VW Type 2 Camper and one had to feel sympathy for the owner as Wilson crashed his way through its gearbox. This episode took the viewer on a drive along the B3306 from St Ives to Land’s End. This is the route we are taking for the first few miles, only in the opposite direction. Attractions along this route include the National Trust’s Levant Mine and Steam Engine. Zennor offers the Wayside Folk Museum, set within the gardens and buildings of Trewey Mill, a 16 th century miller’s cottage and watermill. Just off our route, at St. Mawgan, is the Classic Airforce Museum, located at Newquay Airport. St Ives today relies heavily on tourism, but from medieval times it was the most important fishing port on Cornwall’s north coast. The town is subject to traffic restrictions during the summer months and so you will have to make your own decision as the whether you wish to pay a visit, though after only 19 miles you may not be ready for a break. We follow the recommended route that avoids the congested town centre. Further on we by-pass Newquay and shortly those who are interested can make a short detour off the A39 to the Classic Air Force Museum at St Mawgan. We continue on to Wadebridge, a former traffic bottle-neck until the new bridge was constructed to take the A39 bypass high above the River Camel. The ancient bridge in the town centre was a strategic position during the English Civil War as in 1646 Oliver Cromwell came with 500 Dragoons and 1000 horsemen to take the bridge. From Wadebridge we maintain the A39 as far as Stratton, where we turn inland to Holsworthy, thence to Great Torrington to our halt for the night in Barnstaple. Filling Stations on the route: Section 3 Central Garage, Hayle (Local brand). Section 4 Esso, Chiverton Cross – Next to Starbucks. Section 6 Shell, A389, Just after Cornwall Showground. Section 8 BP, Great Torrington. Section 8 BP, Roundswell Roundabout, Barnstaple. Miles Today 132 Total 132
Welcome message from author
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Day 1 Monday - 7th
September 2015 – Land’s End to Barnstaple
The Journey begins. The first leg of our 10-day tour is a relatively easy drive up the north-west coast of the Cornish peninsula and into Devon on our way to our first overnight halt in Barnstaple. Some of you may have seen the BBC4 series ‘Britain’s Best Drives’ presented by actor Richard Wilson. In Episode 3 he was driving a VW Type 2 Camper and one had to feel sympathy for the owner as Wilson crashed his way through its gearbox. This episode took the viewer on a drive along the B3306 from St Ives to Land’s End. This is the route we are taking for the first few miles, only in the opposite direction. Attractions along this route include the National Trust’s Levant Mine and Steam Engine. Zennor offers the Wayside Folk Museum, set within the gardens and buildings of Trewey Mill, a 16th century miller’s cottage and watermill. Just off our route, at St. Mawgan, is the Classic Airforce Museum, located at Newquay Airport. St Ives today relies heavily on tourism, but from medieval times it was the most important fishing port on Cornwall’s north coast. The town is subject to traffic restrictions during the summer months and so you will have to make your own decision as the whether you wish to pay a visit, though after only 19 miles you may not be ready for a break. We follow the recommended route that avoids the congested town centre.
Further on we by-pass Newquay and shortly those who are interested can make a short detour off the A39 to the Classic Air Force Museum at St Mawgan. We continue on to Wadebridge, a former traffic bottle-neck until the new bridge was constructed to take the A39 bypass high above the River Camel. The ancient bridge in the town centre was a strategic position during the English Civil War as in 1646 Oliver Cromwell came with 500 Dragoons and 1000 horsemen to take the bridge. From Wadebridge we maintain the A39 as far as Stratton, where we turn inland to Holsworthy, thence to Great Torrington to our halt for the night in Barnstaple.
Filling Stations on the route:
Section 3 Central Garage, Hayle (Local brand). Section 4 Esso, Chiverton Cross – Next to Starbucks. Section 6 Shell, A389, Just after Cornwall Showground. Section 8 BP, Great Torrington. Section 8 BP, Roundswell Roundabout, Barnstaple. Miles Today 132 Total 132
Day 1, Monday 7th
September – Lands End to Barnstaple Hotel
Section
Description
Driving Directions Section
Mileage
Total
Today
1. Lands End to St. Just
Leave the Lands End complex and keep to the A30. Stay on the A30 through Sennen, then shortly after turn left onto B3306, signed St Just and Pendeen. Approaching St Just, turn left onto B3071 signed St Just. This is a temporary Road No. change. Continue through the narrow street of St Just to the Market Square – Church on the right. Here the Road No. reverts to B3306.
6.0 6.0
2. St Just to Lelant
Leave St Just on the B3306 towards St Ives. The centre of St Ives is subject to traffic restrictions and through traffic must use an alternative route. Shortly before reaching St Ives take a right turn onto B3311, signed Penzance and Hayle. Keep to main road through Halsetown and shortly after turn left signed Redruth and Hayle. Follow this road to reach a mini-roundabout at Lelant. Take 2nd exit signed Penzance, Redruth and Hayle.
17.0 23.0
3. Lelant to Portreath
Take lst exit at next mini-roundabout, signed Hayle B3301. Pass under railway bridge and filter left at Old Quay House. Pass Jewson’s builders yard, under viaduct, take 1st exit at roundabout and pass under viaduct again. Continue on B3301, initially with the river on your left, to reach a double mini-roundabout with a Lidl supermarket. Take 1st exit signed Portreath and Gwithian. Continue on B3301, through Gwithian to Portreath. Bear right at the Portreath Arms Hotel, Road No. becomes B3300.
11.1 34.1
4. Portreath to Chiverton Cross
Leave Portreath on the B3300, in approx 2.5 miles turn left at a cross-road (camping/caravan sign pointing right). Pass a housing estate on the left and soon reach a cross-road with STOP sign. Turn right, signed Penzance, Bodmin and Truro. In ½ mile take 1st exit at roundabout onto A30 towards Bodmin. In 4 miles reach Chiverton Cross Roundabout (Starbucks Coffee on left), take 2nd exit onto A3075 towards Newquay and Perranporth.
7.7 41.8
5. Chiverton Cross to Halloon Roundabout
Continue on A3075 for 10 miles to Trevemper roundabout, take 2nd exit onto A392 towards Bodmin. Continue for 6 miles to Halloon roundabout (Trevarren), take 1st exit onto A39 towards Wadebridge.
16.0 57.8
6. Halloon Roundabout to Holsworthy
Continue on A39 for 38 miles to Stratton. Turn right onto A3072 and continue a further 8 miles to Holsworthy.
46.5 104.3
7. Holsworthy to Great Torrington
Proceed to Holsworthy Church and turn left onto A388. Continue 9.7 miles to Stibb Cross, keep to main road with the Union Inn on your left. Road No. changes to B3227. Continue to cross-road at Great Torrington. Toilets available in car park ahead, otherwise turn right onto A386 towards Okehampton.
15.2 119.5
8. Great Torrington to Roundswell
Continue along the main street to the mini-roundabout and BP garage and take 1st exit towards South Molton and Barnstaple. In a short distance take the1st exit at the next roundabout onto the B3232 for Barnstaple. Follow this road for 9 miles to Roundswell Roundabout. Take 4th exit onto A39 for Barnstaple.
9.5 129.0
9. Roundswell to Barnstaple Hotel
Continue to next roundabout and take left-hand slip road onto the A361 for Barnstaple. Keep ahead on A361 at traffic-light controlled roundabout and cross Taw Bridge. Continue to next traffic lights and get in left-hand lane, signed for Ilfracombe. After turning left, turn almost immediately left into Hotel car park.
3.0 132.0
Day 2 Tuesday - 8th
September 2015 –Barnstaple to Congresbury
After an easy and straightforward day yesterday, today’s route is a little more involved and there is lots to see and do; so much that we will have to make some choices. Early on we have an unusual drive along the narrow toll road through the Valley of Rocks. We then drop down into Lynton and Lynmouth with the cliff railway linking the two. If you are ready for a morning coffee at this stage, an ideal spot is Watersmeet, on the route, just out of Lynmouth. This National Trust tea shop is set in the dramatic river gorge where the East Lyn and Hoar Oak Water tumble together. Next, we experience a few miles of the Exmoor National Park with its heather moorland and ancient woodlands. We then re-join the North Devon coast at Porlock and then head for Taunton, over the county border into Somerset. Attractions along this part of the route include Dunster Castle and Dunster village itself, just off the route as we bypass Minehead. A little further, at Williton, is the Bakelite Museum at Williton. This houses a fascinating collection of vintage plastic items, such as radios, televisions and telephones. Once through Taunton and over the M5 Motorway there is a choice to be made. This is whether to visit the Haynes Motor Museum at Sparkford in Somerset. The museum has recently been extended and now has 10 halls exhibiting a vast array of vehicles from around the world, including the famous Red Room which houses 50 beautiful red sports cars. Arrangements have been made for our visit and it may be possible to park on the test track. Production of this roadbook will gain admission at the
group rate of £9.95 per head. An alternative to the Motor Museum is the Fleet Air Arm Museum which is very close by. If you don’t wish to visit either of these attractions then simply follow the alternative route from Langford, described in the route instructions. The final part of today’s route leads across the Somerset Levels to Cheddar, famous the world over for its cheese, a fact we are reminded of as our route threads its way through the village and up to the spectacular Cheddar Gorge. Time permitting, a visit can be made to see the cheese making process or to visit one of the show caves. Filling Stations on the route: Section 1 Texaco, on A39 leaving Barnstaple Section 5 Shell, Fore Street, Williton Section 5 Power, A358, Norton Fitzwarren Section 5 Texaco, A358, entering Taunton Section 6 Texaco A358/A378 Section 6 Shell, A378, Curry Rivel Section 8 Shell, A303, Sparkford Section 11 Esso, A38/B3133, Churchill Miles Day 1 132 Miles today 146.8 Total 278.8
Day 2, Tuesday 8th
September - Barnstaple to Cadbury House, Congresbury
Section
Description
Driving Directions Section
Mileage
Total
Today
1. Barnstaple to Moorlands Hotel
Leave the hotel on service road in front of Burger King and ATS Tyres and exit right onto A361 towards Barnstaple. Keep ahead at first traffic lights, towards town centre. At next traffic lights turn left into Fair View, direction Lynton and Ilfracombe. Continue to next junction and turn left onto A39 for Lynton. A little way along is a Texaco station; this is the last opportunity of filling up with petrol without leaving the route for the next 50 miles. Follow A39 past the dog-leg junction at Blackmoor Gate and at 15 miles from Barnstaple reach the Moorlands Hotel on left. Turn left, signed for Martinhoe and Woody Bay.
15.4 15.4
2. Moorlands Hotel to Lynton (Valley of Rocks Hotel)
Keep ahead at cross-road, signed Martinhoe and Woody Bay. At T-junction turn right, signed Slattenslade and Woody Bay. In 200yds bear left, sighed Woody Bay and Lynton (Toll Road). Keep to this narrow road through woods to Lee Abbey and onto the Toll Road. This leads through the Valley of Rocks and into Lynton (Valley of Rocks Hotel).
5.3 20.7
3. Lynton to Simonsbath
Bear right from the Valley of Rocks Hotel, past the church and descend Church Hill to the STOP sign, turn sharp left to descend Lynmouth Hill. In Lynmouth go over bridge and bear right onto A39, signed Blackmoor Gate, Barnstaple and Simonsbath. Shortly after Watersmeet (National Trust Tearoom) turn left onto B3223 to Simonsbath.
9.7 30.4
4. Simonsbath to Porlock
Keep to the B3223 through Simonsbridge, passing the Exmoor Forest Inn on the left and continue to Exford. Just before Exford the road number changes at a cross-road to B3224, though priority remains with our route. At the Crown Hotel in Exford turn left, signed Porlock 8. Climb out of Exford up to Dunkery Beacon, the highest point on Exmoor and in Somerset. Follow all signs for Porlock to reach a T-junction with the A39. There may be an ice-cream van in the viewpoint car park opposite. Turn right onto the A39 and descend the hill into Porlock.
13.6 44.0
5. Porlock to Taunton (Blackbrook Roundabout M5)
Leave Porlock on the A39 and continue to Minehead. Shortly after Minehead you have the option of visiting Dunster Village and/or Castle; just follow the brown signs. Continue on the A39 to Williton where we turn right at the mini-roundabout onto the A358 for Taunton. At Williton there is an option to visit the Bakelite Museum; look for the brown sign at Bridge Street, just before the mini-roundabout. There is a small Shell station just after the first exit at the mini-roundabout. From Williton continue to Taunton – 2nd exit from the mini-roundabout if passing straight through. On reaching Taunton navigate around the town keeping to the A358, following all signs for Ilminster and the M5 to reach Blackbrook Roundabout.
31.2 75.2
6. Taunton (Blackbrook Roundabout) to Langport
Continue under the M5 viaduct and follow the same A358 for 3 miles and turn left onto the A378 (filling station here) for Langport. Continue through the town of Langport passing a filling station (Esso) where the road becomes the A372. Shortly after a roundabout is reached. From there is the option to continue to the Haynes Motor Museum or to take a shorter route to the Cadbury House Hotel for those who are short of time. For this option follow the B3153 from this roundabout to Somerton, then the B3151 to Street and continue the route from Section 9. For the Haynes Motor Museum resume from Section 7 below.
11.8 87.0
7. Langport to Haynes Motor Museum
Take the 3rd exit from the roundabout to continue on the A372 to Podimore Roundabout and take the 2nd exit onto the A303. Continue to the next roundabout then follow the brown signs for the museum.
13.6 100.6
8. Haynes Motor Museum to Street
Re-trace your route from the museum through Sparkford, onto the A303 (passing Shell filling station) and back to Podimore Roundabout. Take the 3rd exit onto the A372 then in just over 1 mile turn right onto the B3151 and continue to Street.
14.4 115.0
9. Street to Cheddar Cont. over
Entering Street continue on the B3151 to reach a mini-roundabout by the Street Inn and National Tyre depot. Take 2nd exit and soon reach Street Roundabout. Take the 2nd exit onto the A39 for Glastonbury. Continue on A39 past an industrial area to Wirrall Park Roundabout. Take 2nd exit to pass Travelodge on your left. Continue to the next roundabout taking 2nd exit to remain on the A39. At the fourth roundabout, Northload Bridge, take the 1st exit onto the B3151, signed Meare and Wedmore.
15.0 130.0
Take care through the twisty streets of Wedmore, the signs are confusing. When you see a sign with a bent arrow, in front of a house with iron railings, pointing to Burnham and Cheddar to the left, ignore this and turn right. In 200 yds the road bends 90˚ left and on your immediate left is a signpost pointing to Cheddar B3151. Continue up the main street of Wedmore and on to Cheddar.
10. Cheddar to Churchill
Entering Cheddar, fork right just after the 30mph sign, signed to Leisure Centre. At the T-junction turn right, signed Wells and Cheddar Gorge. Just after the Bath Arms Hotel turn left at the ancient Butter Cross. Take the 2nd exit at the mini-roundabout at the top of this street. Continue past endless cheese and cider shops. Continue up to the top of the Gorge and into open country. Turn left at a forked junction; Priddy is signed straight ahead, but there is no sign for our road, though this is the B3371. Soon, a cross-road is reached with an isolated farm. Turn left, signed to Charterhouse, and keep ahead on this road to reach a T-junction. Turn left onto the B3134 for Blagdon and Burrington. Cont. Continue on this road to reach a T-junction with the A368. Turn left towards Weston-super-Mare, Bristol and Taunton.
12.3 142.3
11. Churchill to Cadbury House
You will shortly reach a traffic controlled junction with the A38 at Churchill. Turn right onto the A38 towards Bristol. Pass the Churchill Inn and Stag & Hounds pub, then fork left onto the B3133 to Congresbury (Esso station). Take 1st exit at mini-roundabout and continue to Congresbury. Turn right at traffic lights onto the A370 towards Bristol. In a short distance bear left back on to the B3133. Cadbury House is just ¾ mile from here. Don’t turn into Cadbury Garden Centre by mistake, the Hotel is just a little further on the right, the Double Tree by Hilton sign is more prominent than Cadbury House.
4.5 146.8
Day 3 Wednesday - 9th
September 2015 – Congresbury to Telford
Our journey of 170 miles toady is packed with interest so you will need to choose carefully to make the most of your time. We begin by driving into Bristol via Brunel’s magnificent Clifton Suspension Bridge, completed in 1864. The bridge spans the Avon Gorge, 244ft above the high water level. The recently opened Visitor Centre, located on the Somerset side of bridge is open from 10am and admission is free. There is no dedicated car park but on-street parking is available close by. There is a £1 toll to cross the bridge by car. After crossing the bridge we have another major attraction, Brunel’s steamship, the SS Great Britain. See the route details on how to get there. Ticket prices are £14 (£13 over 60s), plus £2 parking for two hours. From Clifton we head to the Severn Bridge and another toll, sorry. This time it’s £6.50 to enter Wales. Once in the Principality though, we can enjoy the wonderful drive along the Wye Valley. This is another of Richard Wilson’s Britain’s Best Drives. In that episode he took the wheel of an Austin A55 Cambridge Mk1, so at least we have the engine type in common. As we progress up the Wye Valley there is the opportunity to visit Tintern Abbey, 4 miles north of Chepstow and easily accessed from our route. A little further on
those of you who are feeling energetic can take a stroll to enjoy the fabulous view from Symonds Yat, see Section 4 of the route. A little further on a short diversion will take you to Goodrich Castle, well signposted off the B4229. On through Ross-on-Wye, towards Abergavenny, we pass Skenfrith Castle and eventually reach Llanthony Priory, perhaps a suitable stop for lunch, served 12:00 to 2:30. From here we continue to Hay-on-Wye, the second-hand book capital of the world. Pressing on through the beautiful countryside of the Welsh Marches we then take on fascinating and historic Ironbridge before our destination at Telford Filling Stations on the route: Section 2 Shell after Clifton Suspension Bridge Section 6 BP on the exit from Ross-on-Wye Section 10 Texaco in Knighton Section 13 BP at Telford Miles Day 1-2 278.8 Miles today 170.9 Total 449.7
Day 3, Wednesday 9th
September – Congresbury to Madeley Court Hotel, Telford.
Section
Description
Driving Directions Section
Mileage
Total
Today
1. Congresbury to Clifton Suspension Bridge
Turn left out of Hotel and take the first left signed to Wrington and Bristol. At the T-junction make the mandatory left turn onto the A370. Beware of speed cameras as you follow the A370 for 9 miles. As soon as the road widens into two lanes each way ensure you move to the left to take the slip road signed to Airport, Bath and Wells. At the bottom of the slip road enter the roundabout and take the 2nd exit for Portishead and Ashton Court Estate; this is the A369 but not signed. Follow this road to a traffic light junction and take an acute right turn. This road leads very shortly to the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge. Park safely and enjoy a walk across the bridge, high above the River Avon.
11.2 11.2
Clifton Suspension Bridge to SS Great Britain
Optional visit to SS Great Britain
Pay £1 toll and drive over the bridge and follow the route shown on the maps on next page. Return by the differing route shown and regain main route at Section 2 below. When the road from Clifton Suspension Bridge is reached, cross over into Observatory Road.
2. Clifton Suspension Bridge to Severn View Services
Fuel is available on this Section. Pay £1 toll and drive over the bridge and take first left into Observatory Road. At the first major junction turn right onto the A4176 towards Gloucester, almost immediately passing Bristol Zoo on the right. At the next major junction follow signs for Gloucester and Westbury and get in lane marked A4108. Keep to this road number, following signs for M5. On reaching Westbury follow signs for Filton as a local destination, but still towards the M5. Eventually reach Premier Inn on the right, on the approach to Cribb’s Causeway intersection with the M5. At the intersection pass under the Motorway and keep in the left lane onto the A4055 for Severn Beach. Keep on this road as it passes through Easter Compton. At Pilning reach the Redwick Crossroads junction, turn right onto the A403 for Aust and South Wales. Follow this road to the intersection with the M48 and filter onto the Motorway (£6.40 toll). If Services are needed take next exit and return to this point.
13.0 24.2
3. Severn View Services to Monmouth
After crossing the bridge take the first exit, Junction 2, onto the A466, signed to Chepstow. Continue on the A466 for 7 miles to Tintern Abbey. After an optional visit resume the A466 and continue for a further 10 miles to Monmouth. On reaching a Lidl supermarket turn right at the mini-roundabout onto the A4136. If you wish to visit Monmouth, turn left and the town centre is a short way from here.
17.6 41.8
4. Monmouth to Symonds Yat Rock
Follow the A4136 for 5 miles to Berry Hill Pike, then turn left signed Symonds Yat and English Bicknor. In just over ½ mile, immediately after a cross-road, bear left at a village green to follow the brown tourist sign for Symonds Yat Rock. You will soon see the Parking signs for Symonds Yat Rock.
7.5 49.3
The parking charge is around £3.50 but worth it to experience this iconic panoramic viewpoint. There is a well maintained path leading 500yds to the viewpoint, suitable to most abilities. Allow 30 mins for the round trip. After your visit or for those not stopping, resume the main road in the same direction.
5. Symonds Yat Rock to Ross- on-Wye
Take care as the road becomes narrow from this point. After crossing the River Wye on the narrow iron bridge, turn right onto the B4229 to Ross-on-Wye. In approx. 1 mile cross the Rive Wye again and at the T-junction turn left onto the B4234 to Ross-on-Wye. Follow this road into Ross-on –Wye to reach the central cross-road, with NatWest Bank ahead and the ancient Market House to the left. Turn left into the High Street, the B4260.
6.7 56.0
6. Ross-on-Wye to Abergavenny
Pass the Market House on your right and continue along High Street to a T-junction, opposite the Man of Ross Inn. Turn left, signed Monmouth (A40), Hereford (A49), still the B4260. Follow this road as it leaves Ross and over the River Wye yet again. At the roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the A49 towards Hereford. After 2 miles turn left onto the B4521 towards Abergavenny. Continue for 17 miles to Maindiff Court Hospital, Abergavenny. The hospital is on the left in a wooded rural environment.
21.1 77.1
7. Abergavenny to Llanthony Priory
As you pass the hospital turn right to follow the sign for Hereford A465. At T-junction turn right onto A465. In approx 4 miles, at Llanvihangel Crucorney, bear left to follow brown tourist signs to Llanthony Priory. The ruins of the Augustinian priory are free to enter and the Abbey Hotel is part of the original 12th century abbey. However, the hotel does close between 3pm & 6pm.
10.2 87.3
8. Llanthony Priory to Hay- on-Wye
Continue in same direction or, if visiting the Abbey, re-join the main route following signs for Capel-y-ffin, then Hay-on-Wye. On reaching the T-junction at Hay turn right, signed Town Centre and Hereford. Stop and buy a book or continue on.
11.8 99.1
9. Hay-on-Wye to Presteigne
Leave Hay on the B4350 in the same direction you arrived, keeping the Swan Hotel and Three Tuns on your left. In just under 5 miles cross Whitney Toll Bridge and turn right onto A438 towards Hereford. In a further 3 miles reach a T-junction at Willersley, turn left onto A4111 to Kington. At the 1st roundabout in Kington take the 2nd exit onto the A44 towards Rhayader and Presteigne. At the next roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the B4355 to Presteigne.
20.1 119.2
10. Presteigne to Clun
Unless visiting Presteigne continue through on the B4355 and at a recreation ground turn right, signed Knighton (not to be confused with Kington). This is still the B4355. Continue for 7 miles to Knighton and turn left at the T-junction signed Clun and Bishop’s Castle. Continue into the town, passing a Texaco station on the right, and very shortly turn right at the war memorial onto the A488 signed Clun and Bishop’s Castle. Continue for 7 miles to Clun and cross the historic bridge over the River Clun.
13.8 133.0
11. Clun to Church Stretton
Continue up the hill and turn right at the top onto the B4368, signed to Craven Arms. Follow this road for 5 miles to Little Brampton, then turn left onto the B4385 towards Bishop’s Castle. Note the Old Wheelwrights Tearooms on the corner and look for the ornate signpost on the opposite corner. Continue on the B4385, through Kempton, for 3 miles then shortly after a left bend take a sharp right turn onto an unclassified road signed Eyton and Plowden. Continue on this road for approx. 2 miles, through the hamlet of Eyton and past the little St. Walburga’s Catholic Church to a T-junction. Turn right, signed Craven Arms and Ludlow, then in 300 yds take a left turn, almost doubling back into a narrow lane signed Asterton. In 2 miles, at Asterton, turn right, uphill by a phone box at a cluster of houses. Now comes a stunning 5 mile moorland drive to Church Stretton, reaching an altitude of 1,550ft. Descend into Church Stretton. At HSBC and Lloyds Banks, continue ahead over the cross-road and through the town to the traffic light junction with the A49.
17.7 150.7
12. Church Stretton to Ironbridge
At the A49 cross over onto B4371 (unsigned) and continue for 12½ miles to Much Wenlock. At the T-junction in Much Wenlock turn right onto A458 towards Bridgnorth. Opposite Gaskell Arms Hotel turn left on to A4169, Smithfield Road, signed Telford and Ironbridge. Follow the A4169 for 3½ miles to Buildwas, cross River Severn bridge and turn immediately right, signed Ironbridge with a brown tourist sign. Continue into Ironbridge, passing the Best Western Valley Hotel. Take the 2nd exit at the mini-roundabout to continue in the same direction and shortly arrive at the world famous Iron Bridge, constructed in 1779, a World Heritage Site and the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.
18.3 169.0
13. Ironbridge to Madeley Court Hotel
From the Iron Bridge continue eastward along High Street and take the 2nd exit at the roundabout, signed Telford. In just over 1 mile, at Lees Farm Roundabout, take the 2nd exit, signed M54 and Telford Town Centre. At Woodside Roundabout take the 2nd exit, still towards Telford Town Centre. In 200 yds turn right up the wooded drive to the hotel.
1.9 170.9
Day 4 – Thursday 10th
September 2015 – Telford to Ainley Top, Elland Today we have a much easier drive compared to yesterday, covering only 102 miles. There are few major attractions along the route; one of the main ones would have been a visit to Froghall Station, HQ of the Churnet Valley Railway. Sadly, it does not operate on a Thursday and that includes the tea room. Setting out from Telford we soon enter Staffordshire. Fans of church architecture should pay a visit to St. Giles Catholic Church in Charles Street, Cheadle, ST10 1ED. Designed by Pugin, the elaborately decorated interior is astounding. It may well be time for morning coffee on reaching Cheadle and the town centre offers a choice of several establishments. From Cheadle we take to the B5053 which takes us through the Peak District National Park and up to the Georgian spa town of Buxton. Here you could take a stroll in the Pavilion Gardens and visit the Devonshire Dome. Built in 1779 by the 5th Duke of Devonshire it is the largest unsupported dome in Europe. Buxton is at the half-way point in today’s drive and, perhaps, a convenient place to stop for lunch. You could even take the water at St. Anne’s Well in The Crescent.
From Buxton we get into the stunning scenery of Pennine Yorkshire, climbing up to the border at the summit of Holme Moss. This section was part of the route of the 2014 Tour de France. This is also Last of the Summer Wine Country. In Holmfirth you may visit the Summer Wine Exhibition and even have a pot of tea in Sid’s Café, a fully operational café featured in the world’s longest running sitcom. One of the challenges on today’s route was to plot a course through the industrial heartland of West Yorkshire, at the same time avoiding as much built up area as possible. Happily, this has been achieved on this last section. Passing through villages with names like Netherthong and Slaithwaite (pronounced ‘Slowit’ with the ‘ow’ as in cow), where else could we be but Yorkshire? Filling Stations on the route:
Section 3 Shell at Stone Section 3 Texaco on A521 at Cheadle Section 4 Esso on A515 entering Buxton
Miles Day 1-3 449.7 Miles Today 102.2 Total 551.9
Day 4, Thursday 10
th September – Telford to Cedar Court Hotel, Ainley Top
Section
Description
Driving Directions Section
Mileage
Total
Today
1. Madeley to Shifnal
Leave the hotel and return to main road and turn left, towards Madeley Centre. At the roundabout take the 1st exit, signed Shifnal (A4169) and Bridgenorth. At Madeley Roundabout take 1st exit, signed Shifnal A4169. In 400 yds, at Cuckoo Oak Roundabout take 3rd exit, signed Halesfield and Shifnal A4169. Pass under a flyover and immediately reach Halesfield Roundabout, take the 2nd exit, still following the A4169 to Shifnal. Pass a Texaco station and at Coppice Farm Roundabout take the 2nd exit to Shifnal A4169. At the 1st roundabout in Shifnal take the 1st exit, signed Newport A4169. At the roundabout after the railway arch take 3rd exit, signed Sheriffhales B4379. Continue along this street of houses and follow the road as it bends left past shops.
5.1 5.1
2. Shifnal to Eccleshall
Continue out of Shifnal, in approx ¾ mile pass under a bridge carrying the M54, then just over 1 mile further reach the A5. Continue ahead on the B4379, taking great care crossing the busy A5, very poor signage. Continue for 2½ miles to a T-junction with the A41 and turn left to Newport. Unless visiting historic Newport, continue on the A41 and at the 3rd roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the A519 for Eccleshall.
17.1 22.2
3. Eccleshall to Cheadle
At mini-roundabout in Eccleshall initially follow sign for A519 Newcastle, then at George Inn turn right, signed Stone B5026. Continue on B5026 for 6½ miles to Stone. At roundabout (Shell station) approaching Stone take 2nd exit. Follow the A520 through the one-way system, following clear signs for Leek. In 3½ miles at the village of Rough Close pass the George & Dragon on your right then reach a mini-roundabout with the Swynnerton Arms. Take the 3rd exit, poorly signed, and continue on the A520 a further ½ mile to Windmill Hill, Meirheath (old windmill and pub to the right). At 2nd mini-roundabout take 2nd exit, signed Cheadle (A521), this is actually the B5029. At the intersection with A50 continue ahead, signed Blyth Bridge B5029 and Cheadle (A521), at the T-junction at Blyth Bridge, opposite the News Shop, turn right, then left at the traffic lights by the Duke of Wellington. Continue to follow A521 for 4 miles to Cheadle.
16.3 38.5
4. Cheadle to Buxton
At Cheadle continue on the A521 through town centre. At mini-roundabout take 1st exit towards Leek and Ashbourne. This is the A522. In ½ mile turn right to regain A521, signed Ashbourne (A52) and
23.2 61.7
Froghall. At Froghall turn right onto A52 then very shortly left onto B5053, signed Ipstones. Continue for 17 miles on the B5053, through Ipstones, Onecote, Warslow and Longnor to the T-junction with the A515 at Brierlow Bar. Turn left and follow the A515 to Buxton. On reaching the shopping area in Buxton take the 2nd exit at the 1st roundabout, signed A6, Matlock, Stockport and Manchester.
5. Buxton to Glossop
Continue past the railway station and Aldi supermarket then negotiate the next 2 roundabouts to follow the A6 under the railway viaduct. Immediately after, take the 1st exit at the next roundabout onto the A6 towards Stockport & Manchester. Approx 5 miles after Buxton, take 1st exit at roundabout for Chapel-en-le-Frith. Shortly after the start of the dual carriageway leave the A6 and proceed through Chapel-en-le-Frith. Immediately after the Old Pack Horse pub turn right onto the A624 for Glossop. In just over 1 mile an ‘Arch Bridge’ road sign warns you to take care not to miss the right turn under the railway arch, maintaining the A624, signed Glossop 7 miles. Continue in to Glossop.
14.8 76.5
6. Glossop to Holmfirth
At the traffic lights in Glossop (HSBC Bank) continue ahead keeping Norfolk Hotel on your left. This is now B6105. Continue for 5 miles to reach A628, turn right with great care towards Barnsley and Sheffield. Very shortly turn left onto B6024 and continue for 7 miles over Holme Moss to Holmfirth.
13.4 89.9
7. Holmfirth to Slaithwaite
In Holmfirth continue ahead on the A6024, through trafific lights towards Huddersfield. In ½ mile, immediately after a four-story mill building, turn left onto the B6107, signed Marsden, Meltham, Netherthong. In just over 2 miles turn right at a Give Way sign then follow the B6107 as it bends left, entering Meltham, then sharp right down hill. Continue on the B6107 towards Marsden. In approx. 1½ miles turn right into Varley Road, signed B6109 to Slaithwaite. Descend the hill into Slaithwaite to the junction with the A62.
6.5 96.4
8. Slaithwaite to Cedar Court Hotel, Ainley Top.
At the junction with the A62 cross over and turn sharp right, going downhill parallel to A62 (Ned Lane). At the T-junction turn left past Thomas Cook with a mill chimney behind. At the mini-roundabout turn left into Market Place and past the church on the right and through a railway arch, climbing to a T-junction. Turn left into Longlands Road and continue climbing for almost 2 miles to reach unsigned A640 (row of modernised stone cottages opposite). Turn right, passing first the Jack o’ Mitre pub then the Lower Royal George and over the M62 flyover. Continue along the A640 and note a red telephone box at a junction on the left; we will be returning to this tomorrow morning. The road very soon becomes a dual carriageway and passes over the M62 again, to a roundabout. Take the 1st exit, signed A643 to Brighouse. Continue for 1¼ miles, the road crosses over a main road on a bridge with iron railings, then in 100yds turn left into a road signed Local Traffic Only – Lindley Moor Road. The hotel is just a few yards on the right.
5.8 102.2
Day 5 – Friday 11th
September 2015 – Ainley Top, Elland to Wetheral
We begin today by resuming our route through the Pennine country. The first recommended stop is the historic village of Haworth. Here you can visit the Bronte Parsonage Museum and choose from several coffee shops in the cobbled Main Street. From Haworth we soon cross into Lancashire and the Forest of Bowland on our way to the Lake District. An optional side trip is to Malham Cove. This natural wonder was a waterfall formed by melting glaciers at the end of the last Ice Age. Malham gets very busy with limited parking and a visit to Malham Cove involves a walk of just over one mile each way. Re-join the main route via the A65 at Settle. On reaching Newby Bridge we must decide between two alternative routes. Route ‘A’ is the more direct one, whilst Route ‘B’ takes in the famous Hardknott and Wrynose Passes. Be warned though, these passes can be tedious to negotiate. The road is very narrow with many blind summits. There will be vehicles coming in the opposite direction, many driven by people who should really be kept under close supervision. Do not imagine that you can look forward to a spirited drive over this mountain road, rather it can be a low-speed ordeal; the choice is yours. Also bear in mind that this option is some 30 miles longer that Route ‘B’. Route ‘B’ offers a more direct drive along the eastern shore of Windermere and should allow more time for visiting attractions.
Lovers of Arts & Crafts houses should not miss Blackwell, just off the route, on the B5360. Bowness-on-Windermere has the Steamboat Museum and The World of Beatrix Potter. Just off the route, to the north of Windermere, is the National Trust’s Townend. We then continue up to the summit of Kirkstone Pass and a welcome break at the Kirkstone Pass Inn, where we will be reunited with the intrepid crews who chose to tackle the Hardknott and Wrynose Passes. Continuing north to Ullswater, through the Eastern and Northern Fells and into the Eden Valley we soon reach our destination in Wetheral. Filling Stations on the route: Section 2 Texaco on A646 leaving Mytholmroyd Section 5 BP on A65 west of Kirkby Lonsdale Section 6.1 Gulf, Bowness-on-Windermere Section 6.2 Gulf at Grizebeck on the A5092 Section 8 BP at Junction 42 Miles Days 1-4 551.9 Miles Today 151.2 Total 703.1
Day 5, Friday 11th
September – Ainley Top to Crown Hotel, Wetheral
Section
Description
Driving Directions Section
Mileage
Total
Today
1. Ainley Top to Ripponden
Exit hotel left onto Lindley Moor Road and immediately right onto the A643. Continue for 1¼ miles to a roundabout and take the 3rd exit, signed Rochdale A640 and Outlane, immediately crossing above the M62. In ½ mile, immediately after the Waggon & Horses pub on the left, fork right at a red telephone box and a 7.5 tonne weight limit sign. There may be a very indistinct signpost on a street light column stating Stainland B6112. In 1½ miles at Stainland on right bend, turn left into Back Bowling Green Road (easy to miss). Road swings left into High Street, leading to Beestonley Lane. Pass Barkisland Mill on the left and shortly enter Barkisland village. At cross road keep ahead, to the right of the Post Office, signed Ripponden B6113. Shortly after keep ahead at the next cross-road, keeping to Stainland Road. At T-junction turn left downhill, past the Fleece Hotel, into Ripponden centre.
6.3 6.3
2. Ripponden to Haworth
At the junction at the bottom of Elland Road, opposite the Golden Lion, turn left then take to right-hand lane uphill, through traffic lights, signed Rochdale A58. Continue on the A58 for 4½ miles, then turn right onto the B6138 and continue for a further 6 miles to Mytholmroyd. At the T-junction at Mytholmroyd turn left onto the A646 for 1½ miles to Hebden Bridge. Entering Hebden Bridge, immediately after the 20mph signs, turn right onto A6033 for 8 miles to Haworth. Shortly after passing the Haworth 30mph sign turn left at a cross-road into Brow Road. Follow Brow Road downhill to the red railings of the Fire Station. Turn left into Bridgehouse Lane, this is the B6142. Follow this road as it bends right past Central Park and on to the car park opposite Edinburgh Woollen Mill. Park here to visit Haworth or continue on this road.
20.8 27.1
3. Haworth to Barnoldswick
From the car park continue in same direction into open country, over Scar Top and past Ponden and Water Sheddles Reservoirs, for approx 8 miles to reach the A6068 at Laneshawbridge, opposite the Emmott Arms pub. Turn left, signed Colne and Nelson. In 1½ miles take the 3rd exit at the roundabout onto the A56 towards Skipton. In just over 1 mile, at Fouldridge, look for the Hare & Hounds pub on the right, then in 200yds turn left into Causeway. This is the B6251 but there is no direction sign.
13.8 40.9
4. Barnoldswick to Clapham
Follow the B6251 for 3½ miles to Barnoldswick. Follow Barnoldswick’s main street through the town to come to a T-junction. Turn left, signed for Gisburn & Skipton. Very shortly take the 1st exit at a mini-roundabout, by a primary school, for Gisburn. This is still the B6251. Follow this road for 2½ miles to reach the A59. Turn left and continue for 2 miles to Gisburn. Continue through Gisburn
23.1 64.0
village on the A59, then at the western end turn right at the livestock market, signed for Bolton-by-Bowland. Continue on this road for 3½ miles to Bolton-by-Bowland. Keep to the main road through the village and take the 2nd turning on the right, with the Copy Nook Hotel on the corner. Shortly reach another junction where the road bends right to follow the sign for Slaidburn. After approx 2 miles bear right at a further junction for Clapham and Long Preston. Continue to a cross-road with the B6478. Keep ahead here, following the sign for Clapham and Keasden. Keep to this road as it passes Stocks Reservoir, round several 90o bends. There is now a 7mile drive over open moorland to Keasden. At the summit on a clear day there is a magnificent panorama looking across to the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The road then descends to Keasden and a cross-road, still following sign for Clapham. Pass under the railway bridge at Clapham Station and in just under 1 mile reach the junction with the A65.
5. Clapham to Newby Bridge
Turn left onto the A65 towards Ingleton and Kendal. Continue on the A65 for approx. 16 miles to the M6 intersection. There is a roundabout 200yds before the M6 intersection where the road number changes to the A590. Keep to the A590 towards the LAKES. In approx. 3¼ miles bear left onto the slip road leading to a roundabout and continue on the A590 towards Barrow and the Lake District Peninsulas. In 11 miles reach Newby Bridge where you have a choice of two routes. For the shorter route, via Windermere, follow Route A on the next page. For the longer route via the Hardknott and Wrynose Passes follow Route B.
31.6 95.6
Day 5, Friday 11th September - Route A – Newby Bridge to Kirkstone Pass Inn, via Windermere
Section
Description
Driving Directions Section
Mileage
Total
Today
6. Newby Bridge to Kirkstone Pass Inn
At the Newby Bridge roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the A592, signed Windermere. Follow this road to Windermere. At Bowness keep to the main road, passing the Old England Hotel on your left. Continue through the town centre and take the 1st exit at the mini-roundabout, still on the A592, signed Ullswater, passing The World of Beatrix Potter on your right. On the approach to Windermere keep ahead towards Kirkstone Pass and Ullswater. At the mini-roundabout with the A591 take the 2nd exit, ahead, maintaining the A592 to Kirkstone Pass. Continue a further 6 miles to the Kirkstone Pass Inn.
15.2 110.8
Day 5, Friday 11th September - Route B – Newby Bridge to Kirkstone Pass Inn, via Hardknott & Wrynose Passes
Section
Description
Driving Directions Section
Mileage
Total
Today
6.1. Newby Bridge to Duddon Bridge
At the Newby Bridge roundabout take 1st exit to continue on the A590 towards Barrow and Ulverston. In 1 mile there is the opportunity to visit the Lakeland Motor Museum at Backbarrow. In a further 4½ miles take the 2nd exit at the Greenodd Roundabout onto the A5092, signed Western Lake District. In 6 miles continue forward to Western Lake District; here the Road No. changes to the A595. In a further 5 miles when you see a traffic light warning sign, slow down and be ready to turn right into an unclassified road, signed for Ulpha and Seathwaite.
16.4 112.0
6.2 Duddon Bridge to Skelwith Bridge
In 3 miles cross a cattle grid and a stone bridge and shortly pass Ulpha Post Office & General Store. In a short distance turn left at a signpost to Eskdale and Whitehaven. Ignore the sign straight ahead which indicates Wrynose Pass as this misses out Hardknott Pass. Continue for 6 miles to reach the George IV Inn at Eskdale. Turn right, signed for Boot & Hard Knott Pass. In 7 miles reach Cockley Beck Bridge, this is the end of Hard Knott Pass and the start of Wrynose Pass. In 4¾ miles pass the Three Shires Inn Restaurant. Shortly after the Three Shires turn right at a T-junction signed for Ambleside. In a short distance reach a second T-junction and turn left to Ambleside. This is the A593, continue to Skelwith Bridge.
23.8 135.8
6.3 Skelwith Bridge to Kirkstone Pass Inn
From Skelwith Bridge keep to the A593 for 2¼ miles to Ambleside. Upon reaching Ambleside follow signs for Town Centre & Grasmere. Proceed along Compston Road, a one-way street with shops. Get into left lane marked KESW’K and bear left at a junction with pelican crossings, following sign for Grasmere & Keswick A591. In 150 yds turn right at a mini-roundabout signed Kirkstone. Follow this road uphill, bearing left up Kirkstone Road. This leads to The Struggle, a 3 mile steep climb up to the Kirkstone Pass Inn.
5.6 141.4
Day 5, Friday 11th September – Main Route Continued
Section
Description
Driving Directions Section
Mileage
Total
Today
7 Kirkstone Pass Inn to Hesket Newmarket
Continue north on the A592, over the Pass and through Patterdale and Glenridding. 2½ miles after Glenridding turn left onto the A5091, signed for Dockray, Matterdale & Troutbeck. If you feel like a little gentle exercise continue ahead at this junction for 200 yds to the National Trust car park, from where you can walk the ½ mile to Aira Force Waterfall, probably the most famous of the Lake District waterfalls. From the junction head north on the A5091 to Troutbeck. At the T-junction with the A66 turn left towards Keswick. In 1¼ miles turn right for Mungrisdale & Caldbeck. Keep to the obvious route through Mungrisdale to Mosedale. Just over 2 miles past Mosedale the road forks to the right where an unsurfaced track goes ahead. In 125 yds take an unsigned left turn, which then bends to the right to take up the alignment of the aforementioned unsurfaced track. In 500 yds negotiate Carrock Beck Ford and continue for 2½ miles to Hesket Newmarket. There is a tea room at the village shop.
23.2 134.0 (164.6)
8 Hesket Newmarket to The Crown Hotel, Wetheral
Leave Hesket Newmarket from the village shop in the direction of Caldbeck and bearing right in front of Berkeley House. In Caldbeck, just after the Oddfellows Arms, turn right onto the B5299, signed Wigton & Carlisle. In a short distance turn right at the cross-road towards Carlisle, still on the B5299. Keep ahead at the next cross-road, still in the direction of Carlisle. At the Bridge End Inn, Dalston turn right, signed Durbar & M6. At Durbar we see the first sign for Wetheral. Keep ahead at the cross-road, to the right of the Black Lion. Continue on to Junction 42 of the M6, taking the 3rd exit, signed Wetheral B6263. (BP filling station at 4th exit). Continue on through Cumwhinton to Wetheral. Immediately past the village green turn right in front of the Village Shop, the Crown Hotel is 150yds on the left.
17.2 151.2 (181.8)
Day 6 - Saturday - 12th
September 2015 – Wetheral to Irvine
Today we leave England. The border is crossed at Gretna, within a short time of leaving Wetheral. Visit the famous Blacksmith’s Shop Marriage Room at Gretna Green if you must. It is very historic, but today it is little more than a money-making commercial enterprise. A much better option would be to visit the Savings Bank Museum, see Section 2 of the route. The museum is open from 10.00am and the website makes it sound rather fascinating and certainly a bit different. From Gretna we take the ‘B’ roads following the Solway Firth to Dumfries. Dumfries has a Town Trail which includes various sites connected with Rabbie Burns, allow at least two hours for the complete trail. From Dumfries our route heads westwards into the Galloway Forest. Shortly after New Galloway there is a worthwhile stop at Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre. Learn all about the natural history of this beautiful region and take a gentle stroll out to Bruce’s Stone with stunning views over Clatteringshaws Loch and the majestic Galloway hills beyond. There are toilet facilities here and a café.
From Newton Stewart we drive north through a wild and uninhabited stretch of the Galloway Forest up to Straiton, after which which a few miles on pleasant B-roads leads us onto the A77/A78 for the final few miles to Irvine. . Filling Stations on the route: Section 1 BP at Warwick Bridge Section 2 Texaco at Gretna Section 2 BP entering Dumfries on B725 Section 3 Pace, on B7079 at Newton Stewart Miles Days 1-5 703.1 Miles Today 153.9 Total 857
Day 6, Saturday 12th September – Wetheral to Menzies Hotel, Irvine
Section
Description
Driving Directions Section
Mileage
Total
Today
1. Wetheral to Longtown
Turn left out of the hotel and drive up to the Village Shop and turn right onto the B6263, northwards out of Wetheral. In approx 4 miles turn right at the T-junction with the A69, towards Hexham. Drive through Warwick Bridge and just after the BP station turn left at the traffic lights, signed Little Corby & Newby. In 300 yds turn right at the Haywain pub, signed Newby East & Irthington. Cross the traffic light controlled bridge over the River Irthing and on to a T-junction. Turn left to Crosby-on-Eden. At the T-junction, opposite the church, turn left towards Carlisle. Continue through the village to the T-junction with the A689. Turn left and in a short distance take the 3rd exit at the roundabout, signed Scotland. Continue on the A689 to the Greymoorhill intersection. Get in the right-hand lane for the A7(N). Carefully follow the lane markings for the A7(N) and take the 5th exit, signed for Hawick & Galashiels. Continue on the A7 for 6 miles to Longtown.
15.1 15.1
2. Longtown to Dumfries
Drive through the wide main street of Longtown and over the River Esk bridge and turn left on to the A6071 for Gretna. In 2¼ miles bear right, signed Springfield & Gretna Green. Approaching Gretna Green, cross the River Sark into Scotland. At the first roundabout take the 1st exit and very shortly, at the second roundabout take the 2nd exit to enter Springfield. At the cross-road in Gretna Green turn left, signed Gretna, Dumfries, etc. (unless you are stopping to get married). Pass under the Motorway bridge and up to the T-junction by Bonnie Prince Charlie’s B&B. Turn right and immediately left, signed Annan & Dumfries. In approx 1 mile turn right, with care, across the A74 dual carriageway, then immediately left by the Robbie Burns & Thistle sign, then right onto the Galloway Tourist Route to Ayr, also sighed to Rigg, Eastriggs & Annan B721. Continue on the B721, through Rigg and Eastriggs to Annan. Keep ahead along the main street of Annan, passing the clock tower and crossing the River Annan. Shortly after bear left onto the B724 Cummertrees. 3 miles after Cummertrees look for the signs on the left for the Savings Banks Museum and on the right for the Ruthwell Anglo Saxon Cross, otherwise continue for a further 1½ miles and turn left on to B725 for Blankend, Glencaple & Caerlaverock Castle. At Bankend turn left at the T-junction to follow the brown tourist sign for the Solway Coast Heritage Trail and other attractions. Continue on the B725 to Dumfries. Entering Dumfries, bear left at the mini-roundabout, passing the BP station and on to the clock tower.
34.5 49.6
3. Dumfries to Newton Stewart
At the clock tower get in the left lane to turn left at the traffic lights. Get immediately into the right lane to turn right with the River Nith on the left. Continue alongside the river and soon get into the left lane
43.5 93.1
to follow sign for Stranraer A75. Keep left and cross the bridge. Keep ahead towards Stranraer A75. In 1¼ miles take the 1st exit at the roundabout onto the A75 towards Stranraer. Continue on A75 for 8 miles to Crocketford. At Crocketford turn right onto the A712 to New Galloway. Continue on the A712 for 15 miles to New Galloway. At New Galloway take the second of two right turns to continue on the A712 to Newton Stewart. In approx 17 miles turn right just before the road joins the A75 at a T-junction. Follow the sign for Newton Stewart B7079. Enter Newton Stewart over the stone bridge crossing the River Cree and turn immediately right, signed A714 to Girvan.
4. Newton Stewart to Straiton
Leave Newton Stewart on the A714 north, initially parallel with the river. Continue for 8 miles to Bargrennan. Turn right to Glentrool & Straiton. Keep to the main route on this unclassified road through the forest for 22 miles to Straiton, following all signs for Straiton & Ayr. At the Black Bull Hotel in Straiton the B741 comes in from the right.
29.8 122.9
5. Straiton to Menzies Hotel, Irvine.
Keep ahead on what is now the B7045. Continue through Kirkmichael and on to a cross-road with the B742. Turn right to Dalrymple. At the war memorial turn left, keeping on the B742, signed for Coylton. Continue for 2 miles to a cross-road with the A713. Turn right towards Castle Douglas, then immediately left to regain the B742 to Coylton. Continue for a further 2 miles to a T-junction. A destination sign before the junction indicates the A70, left to Ayr, right to Cumnock, but there may be no sign at the junction. Turn right here, then in 570yds turn left at the war memorial to regain the B742, signed to Annbank. In 3 miles, after passing the entrance to Enterkine House Hotel, keep to the B742 signed for Mossblown & Ayr. At the staggered cross-road in Mossblown cross over the B743 Ayr to Mauchline road. This is still the B742, though not signed. Confirmation is provided in a few yards by a destination sign indicating Sandyford 2 miles, Prestwick Airport 6 miles. At Sandyford Toll Roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the A77, signed for our destination of Irvine. Follow the A77 for 2¼ miles, then get in the left lane and take the 2nd exit from the roundabout onto the A78 for Irvine. In a short distance take the 3rd exit at the next roundabout. Keep to the A78 for a further 7 miles then take the slip-road at the Warrix Interchange onto the A71, signed Irvine town centre. At the top of the slip-road follow the sign for Menzies Hotel. At the Milgarholm Roundabout take the 3rd exit, then at the Annick Roundabout take the 2nd exit, the hotel entrance is next left. Be aware that the first petrol station we come to tomorrow, without turning off the route is 18 miles from the hotel. You should therefore consider whether to fill up now. There is a BP station just past the hotel. Continue past the hotel entrance to the Newmoor Roundabout. The garage is just off the 2nd exit.
31.0 153.9
Day 7 - Sunday - 13th
September 2015 – Irvine to Pitlochry
We begin today’s tour by motoring up the west coast to McInroy’s Point to board the ferry that will whisk us over the Firth of Clyde to Hunter’s Key on the Cowal Peninsular. We then have a 32 mile drive via the shores of Loch Eck to keep our appointment at the historic Rest And Be Thankful Hillclimb, where such luminaries as Jackie Stewart cut their competitive teeth. After the excitement of the Hillclimb we carry on around Loch Fyne to Inverary, by which time we will all probably be ready for some lunch. Whilst in Inverary you may wish to visit Inverary Jail, one of the finest and best preserved Jail and Courtroom complexes in the world. Alternatively you may wish to visit Inverary Castle, built in the 1400s and the home of the Dukes of Argyll and the seat of the Clan Campbell. The Castle tearooms offer a range of light meals and home baking. From Inverary we will be enjoying some lovely scenery, beginning with the delightful drive up Glen Orchy. Motoring onwards to Killin we come to the rushing waters of the Falls of Dochart and soon turn off the main road and into the Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve. Ben Lawers is the 10th highest mountain in Britain at 3,984ft. Soon we reach Bridge of Balgie where we join the little known and less visited Glen Lyon, at 34 miles in length the longest enclosed glen in Scotland. In the churchyard at Fortinghall is the Fortinghall Yew, thought to be 3,000 to 9,000 years old and the oldest living thing in Europe. The last few miles takes us via Tummel bridge and our overnight halt at Pitlochry.
It may be helpful to give an estimate of the time required to complete the journey from Crianlarich to Pitlochry with alternative routes, should you be running out of time. AA estimates are: Crianlarich to Pitlochry via Loch Tay & Aberfeldy 50.8 miles – 1hr 33min Crianlarich to Pitlochry via Glen Lyon & Aberfeldy 63.2 – 3hr 10min Crianlarich to Pitlochry via Glen Lyon & Tummel Bridge 64.7 3hr 24min Filling Stations on the route: Section 2 Jet on the A815 north of Sandbank Thames on the A815 at Strachur Section 3 Gulf at Inverary (Londis shop on A819) Gulf at Tyndrum (Green Welly) Section 4 Gulf on the A85 at Lix Toll Miles Days 1-6 857.0 Miles Today 182.1 Total 1,039.1
Day 7, Sunday 13th September – Irvine to Dundarach Hotel, Pitlochry
Section
Description
Driving Directions Section
Mileage
Total
Today
1. Irvine to McInroy’s Point
Be aware that the first petrol station we come to on the A78, without turning off the route, is 18 miles from the hotel. You should, therefore consider whether to fill up now. There is a BP close to the hotel. Turn left out of the hotel entrance and along to the Newmoor Roundabout. The garage is just off the 2nd exit. The A78 can be accessed by returning to the Newmoor Roundabout and following the signs initially for Ayr A78, then Greenock. If you have sufficient petrol: Exit the hotel and turn right onto Annick Road. At the Annick Roundabout take the 1st exit towards Ayr & Greenock A78. Very shortly, at the Milgarholm Roundabout, take the 1st exit still towards Greenock A78. At the Warrix Interchange take the 1st exit onto the A78 for Greenock. Follow the A78 and all signs for Greenock for the next 29 miles to Bankfoot Roundabout. Here take the 1st exit onto the A770 for the Dunoon Ferry & Gourock. Continue for 3 miles to board the Dunoon Ferry.
32.9 32.9
2. Hunter’s Quay to Rest and be Thankful
Disembark the ferry and turn right onto the A815 towards Stachur. At the T-junction at the Holy Loch Inn turn right, still on the A815, signed to Glasgow & Kilmun. Continue on the A815 for 23 miles then turn right at a brown tourist sign for Drimsynie House and Lochgoilhead Hotel on to the B839. Continue on this road for 3¾ miles to its junction with the B828, turn left towards Glasgow. Continue for a further 3¼ miles to the junction with the A83. Pull in to the Rest and be Thankful Car Park on the right.
31.9 64.8
3. Rest and be Thankful to Crianlarich
From the car park turn left onto the A83 towards Oban. Continue for 15 miles to Inverary. Turn right at the Argyll Hotel onto the A819 towards Oban and Crianlarich. Continue for 14½ miles to the junction with the A85. Turn right towards Crianlarich. In 3½ miles turn left onto the B8074. This is a delightfully scenic alternative to continuing on the A85 to Tyndrum. In 10 miles, at the northern end of Glen Orchy, turn right onto the A82 to Tyndrum and on to Crianlarich. If you are running short of time at this point you could take the less scenic option of continuing on the A85 & A827 directly to Pitlochry. Though this option is only 14 miles shorter than the Bridge of Balgie/Glen Lyon route, it will save around one hour.
54.1 118.9
4. Crianlarich to Bridge of Balgie
From Crianlarich the road becomes the A85, continue towards Perth and Stirling for 11 miles then turn left onto the A827 to Killin and the Falls of Dochart. Continue for 7 miles then turn left onto an unclassified road to Bridge of Balgie. In 9 miles at the T-junction at Bridge of Balgie, turn right to Fortingall.
27.0 145.9
5. Bridge of Balgie to Dundaroch Hotel, Pitlochry
On reaching Fortingall turn left at the T-junction towards Aberfeldy. Continue on through Keltneyburn to the T-junction at Coshieville. Turn left onto the B846 and continue for 8 miles to Tummel Bridge. Immediately after crossing the bridge turn right onto the B8019 to Pitlochry. In 10½ miles reach a T-junction, turn right onto the B9079(A924) to Pitlochry. Continue through Pitlochry town centre then the Dundarach Hotel is signposted, and is immediately on the right after the railway arch. ¼ mile beyond the hotel entrance there is a BP station. Fill up now, ready for tomorrow.
36.2 182.1
Day 8 - Monday - 14th
September 2015 – Pitlochry to Strathpeffer
Leaving Pitlochry our first stop is at Dalwhinnie where those who have booked will be taking a tour of the famous Dalwhinnie Distillery. From Dalwhinnie you have a choice of two routes today. Route A, at 148 miles, will take you along Glen Spean to Spean Bridge. One mile out of Spean Bridge is sculptor Scott Sutherland’s Commando Memorial from where views of Ben Nevis can be enjoyed. We now enter the Great Glen. Places to visit along this route include the Caledonian Canal Visitor Centre at Fort Augustus and Urquart Castle, just before arriving in Drumnadrochit. The final part of this route takes us over the A833 to Beauly and on to Strathpeffer. An alternative end to this route would be to continue on the A82 from Drumnadrochit to Inverness to join the A9 at Longman Roundabout and follow Route B from Section 5. Route B from Dalwinnie takes a northerly direction through the Cairngorms, following B roads where possible to avoid the modern re-engineered A9. Attractions along this route include the Highland Folk Museum at Kinggussie and just a little further on, historic Ruthven Barracks, built in 1719 after the Jacobite uprising of 1715. At Inverdruie you may wish to drive up Cairngorm Mountain and take a ride on the Funicular Railway to Ptarmigan Station at an altitude of 3,599ft.
Continuing northwards the route affords views the Findhorn Railway Viaduct or visit the Tomatin distillery. Onward through Inverness we cross the cable-stayed Kessock Bridge. The final part of our route follows the scenic north shore of Beauly Firth and on to our destination at Strathpeffer. Filling stations on the route: Section 1A. Gulf on B8079 at Blair Atholl Section 3A Esso on A82 at Drumnadrochit Gulf on A862 at Beauly Section 2B Esso on B9150 at Newtonmore 3B TORQ at Aviemore 3B Scottish Fuels at Carrbridge Miles Days 1-7 1,039.1 Miles Today 148.6 Total 1,187.7
.
Day 8, Route A, Monday 14th September – Pitlochry to Ben Wyviss Hotel, Strathpeffer
Section
Description
Driving Directions Section
Mileage
Total
Today
1. Pitlochry to Dalwhinnie Distillery
Exit the hotel, turning left to pass under the railway arch. Continue through the main street of Pitlochry, the A924. This becomes the B8019 after the access road onto the A9 is passed. Continue on the B8019 to Blair Atholl. This becomes the B8079 after the turn-off for Tummel Bridge. Continue through Blair Atholl and in 4 miles turn right at the T-junction onto the A9 towards Inverness. Continue for 18 miles then turn left onto the A889. Drive through Dalwhinnie and in a short distance reach Dalwhinnie Distillery. Either stop for your arranged tour or continue on.
31.6 31.6
2. Dalwhinnie Distillery to Fort Augustus
Continue in the same direction on the A889 for 7 miles to the T-junction with the A86. Turn left to Spean Bridge. Continue on the A86 for 28 miles to Spean Bridge. At the T-Junction turn right onto the A82 towards Inverness. In 1 mile stop to admire the Commando Memorial. Continue on the A82 for a further 21 miles to Fort Augustus.
77.0 108.6
3. Fort Augustus to Beauly
Continue on the A83 for 19 miles, through Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit. Urquart Castle comes up at 17 miles, should you wish to visit one of the most picturesque landmarks in Scotland. In Drumnadrochit turn left, where the A82 bends sharp right, onto the A831, signed for Cannich & Beauly. In 1¼ miles turn right onto the A833 for Beauly. Continue on this road for 9½ miles to reach a T-junction with the A862. Turn left to Beauly. In just over a mile, after a narrow bridge, follow the A862 as it bends right and continue ¾ mile into Beauly. This is a good place to fuel up for tomorrow. Petrol will be scarce, you have been warned. There is a filling station at the start of tomorrow’s, route but it is a small locally branded one, though it is believed to have Super Unleaded. Possibly high prices.
31.9 140.5
4. Beauly to Ben Wyvis Hotel, Strathpeffer.
Continue on the A862 for 2¾ miles to Muir of Ord. Bear left at the RBS Bank, over the bridge and turn left onto the A832 to Marybank and Strathpeffer. Follow the road as it bends right at Marybank then turn left at the T-junction onto the A835 to Strathpeffer. In ¾ mile turn right into a minor road signed to Kinnahaird. In 700 yds turn right at the T-junction. In 1 mile Strathpeffer welcomes you; continue on through the village and immediately after the Strathpeffer Hotel turn right into the entrance of the Ben Wyvis Hotel, opposite Mackenzies Coffee Shop.
8.1 148.6
Day 8, Route B, Monday 14th September – Pitlochry to Ben Wyviss Hotel, Strathpeffer
Section
Description
Driving Directions Section
Mileage
Total
Today
1. Pitlochry to Dalwhinnie Distillery
Exit the hotel, turning left to pass under the railway arch. Continue through the main street of Pitlochry, the A924. This becomes the B8019 after the access road onto the A9 is passed. Continue on the B8019 to Blair Atholl. This becomes the B8079 after the turn-off for Tummel Bridge. Continue through Blair Atholl and in 4 miles turn right at the T-junction onto the A9 towards Inverness. Continue for 18 miles then turn left onto the A889. Drive through Dalwhinnie and in a short distance reach Dalwhinnie Distillery. Either stop for your arranged tour or continue on.
31.6 31.6
2. Dalwhinnie Distillery to Inverdruie
Continue in the same direction on the A889 for ¼ mile then turn right onto General Wade’s Military Road, signed to The NORTH (A9). Continue along this road for 5 miles to reach the T-junction with the A9. Turn left towards Inverness and continue for 2½ miles. If you wish, you can now remain on the A9 for 46 miles, all the way to Inverness. For a more leisurely, scenic, but little longer drive, bear left here, signed for the RALIA Café. If you are continuing on the A9 this is still a convenient stop for refreshments. Continue from RALIA Café towards Inverness. In a short distance, at the T-junction, either turn right to re-join the A9 or left to Newtonmore and Kingussie, this is the B9150. At Newtonmore the road merges into the A86. Continue a further 3 miles to Kingussie. Look out for the Scot House Hotel on the left and turn almost immediately right into Ruthven Road. This is the B970, but there in no direction sign. Instead, there are brown tourist signs for Ruthven B&B and Ruthven Barracks. Continue on this road for 14 miles, passing through Insh and Feshiebridge, to the T-junction at Inverdruie. If you wish, you can turn right here to take a drive up Cairngorm Mountain, a distance of 9 miles each way. This is a good, two lane road, leading up to the ski station. Do not expect a thrilling mountain drive but it may be worthwhile for the views if the day is clear. It’s really up to you. Otherwise, turn left at the T-junction towards Aviemore.
26.9 58.5
3. Invberdruie to Carrbridge
In just over ½ mile take the 3rd exit from the roundabout. Continue through the centre of Aviemore, taking the 2nd exit at the next roundabout. In 1½ miles the road merges with the A95. Continue ahead on the A95, towards Carrbridge for 2 miles then turn left onto the B9153 for Carrbridge and Inverness. At the filling station in Carrbridge bear left onto the A938 to Inverness. Note: petrol is scarce
tomorrow
8.3 66.8
4. Carrbridge to In 2 miles turn right at the T-junction onto the A9 for Inverness. In approximately 4 miles leave the A9 39.3 106.1
Longman Roundabout, Inverness.
onto an unclassified road signed to Raigbeg & Balvraid. This is the old A9. Follow this to cross the remarkable Findhorn Bridge, where you may also stop to view the Findhorn Railway Viaduct. Continue on through Tomatin village to the Tomatin Distillery for an optional visit. From the distillery continue for 300 yds to join the A9 to Inverness. Follow the A9 for 14 miles to the Longman Roundabout at Inverness. If you wish to visit Inverness take the first exit and follow signs for Town Centre, otherwise take the second exit to continue on the A9.
5. Longman Roundabout to Muir of Ord
Continuing on the A9, cross Kessock Bridge. In 1 mile after the bridge get into the left-hand slip lane to turn left to North Kessock and Charlestown. Immediately after leaving the A9 take the 1st exit from the roundabout to North Kessock and Charlestown. In approximately ½ mile turn right, signed for Charlestown, into a road that leads alongside Beauly Firth. Continue along this shoreline road for 4 miles to the hamlet of Redcastle, with its red telephone kiosk. In 180 yds turn left into an un-signed road. In ¾ mile reach a T-junction and turn left onto the A832 to the cross-road at Muir of Ord.
10.6 116.7
6. Muir of Ord to Ben Wyvis Hotel, Strathpeffer
Cross over, past the RBS Bank and Cooperative shop, signed to Dingwall & Ullapool. Go over the bridge and turn left onto the A832 to Marybank and Strathpeffer. Follow the road as it bends right at Marybank then turn left at the T-junction onto the A835 to Strathpeffer. In ¾ mile turn right into a minor road signed to Kinnahaird. In 700 yds turn right at the T-junction. In 1 mile Strathpeffer welcomes you; continue on through the village and immediately after the Strathpeffer Hotel turn right into the entrance of the Ben Wyvis Hotel, opposite Mackenzies Coffee Shop.
8.1 124.8
Day 9 - Tuesday - 15th
September 2015 – Strathpeffer to Dundonnel or Ullapool
Today is the penultimate day of the Tour and includes one of the highlights, the crossing of Bealach na Ba, the Pass of the Cattle. Leaving Strathpeffer the route takes us west through the wild landscape of Strath Bran and Glen Carron to Lochcarron. From Kishorn we start to ascend the Pass of the Cattle on the Applecross Peninsular. This is one of only a few roads in Scotland that is engineered similarly to the mountain passes of the Alps, with tight hairpin bends that switch back and forth up the hillside. It boasts the greatest ascent of any road in the UK, rising from sea level at Applecross to 2,054ft. From the village of Applecross we follow the coast of the peninsular to Torridon and on to into the Beinn Eighe mountain complex where, if we’re lucky we may see golden eagles soaring overhead. From Kinlochewe we follow the shore of Loch Maree to Gairloch where there is a Heritage Musuem that will take you on a journey through time, showing how local people lived and worked in Gairloch through the ages. A little further on at Poolewe is the world famous sub-tropical Inverewe Garden. Here can be seen exotic plants from around the world. There is a café here which can be accessed without paying an entry fee. From here we drive around Gruinard Bay and along the shore of Little Loch Broom. For some of the group today’s journey ends at Dundonnell, but for the rest there is another 25 miles to go to Ullapool. Just before the A832 meets the A835 is the Corrieshalloch Gorge and the Falls of Measach. This is highly recommended and an easy
walk will be rewarded with a spectacular experience For those who are staying at Dundonnell this will be the first attraction to visit tomorrow, before the short drive to Ullapool to join the rest of the group. Filling stations on the route Section 1 – Gleaner brand at Contin. Unknown brand on A832 at Achnasheen Section 2 Gleaner at Lochcarron Section 3 Gleaner at Kinlochewe Scottish Fuels at Gairloch Section 5 Gleaner at Ullapool Gleaner Oils Ltd is an Aberdeen based distributor of fuel with outlets throughout Scotland, north of the Central Belt
Miles Days 1- 8 1,187.7 Miles Today 180.2 (to Ullapool) Total 1,367.9
Day 9, Tuesday 15th September – Strathpeffer to Dundonnel Hotel, Dundonnel/
Section
Description
Driving Directions Section
Mileage
Total
Today
1. Strathpeffer to Lochcarron
Turn left out of the hotel, drive through the village and in 2½ miles reach the T-junction at Contin. Turn right onto the A835 towards Ullapool. Have you got enough petrol? Continue for 6½ miles to Garve. 1 mile from Contin is an optional walk to Rogie Falls. At Garve turn left onto the A832 towards Gairloch. Continue for a further 15½ miles to the roundabout at Achnesheen. Take the 1st exit onto the A890 signed to Lochcarron and continue to for 18 miles to Strathcarron Junction. Keep ahead here, the road number changes to the A896. Continue for 2 miles to Lochcarron where there is petrol and refreshments. This is the last petrol station for 60 miles, you have been warned!
45.5 45.5
2. Lochcarron to Shieldaig
Continue on through Lochcarron for 7 miles then turn left to Applecross. Now enjoy the spectacular 11 mile drive over the Pass of the Cattle to Applecross. Turn right at the T-junction at Applecross. No directions are needed now as we drive the 24 miles to reach the T-junction with the A896. Turn left and in 1 mile reach Shieldaig. Continue on the A9896 or, if refreshments are required, bear left, indicated by the brown tourist sign and this will lead to the Tigh an Eilean Hotel on the water front. From here, continue along the water front and keep right up the hill to re-gain the A896, turning left.
42.3 87.8
3. Shieldaig to Inverewe Garden.
Continue on the A896 for 17 miles to Kinlochewe. At the T-junction turn left onto the A832 for a 25 mile drive to Gairloch and on to Poolewe. One mile north of Poolewe is the famous Inverewe Garden. At least an hour is needed to see the highlights of the garden, but 2 hours would be better. The café is open to all, whether paying to visit the garden or not. The café will close at 4:00pm.
43.1 130.9
4. Inverewe Garden to Dundonnel Hotel
Continue on the A832 for 23 miles to Dundonnel. If you have urgent need for petrol there is a small petrol station at Laide, 8 miles on from Inverewe. If you are staying at the Dundonnel Hotel your journey for today is over, continue on to Section 5 in the morning. If you are staying in Ullapool continue to Section 5 now.
23.5 154.4
5. Dundonnel Hotel to Ullapool
From Dundonnel Hotel continue for 14 miles to Braemore Junction. Just before the junction is the Corrieshalloch Gorge and the Falls of Measach. This spectacular natural feature is worth a visit, time permitting. At the junction turn left onto the A835 and drive the final 12 miles to Ullapool. The Royal Hotel is prominent on the right coming into the town. For the Caledonian Hotel turn left up Argyll Street, behind Brae Guest House.
25.8 180.2
Day 10 - Wednesday - 16th
September 2015 – Dundonnel/Ullapool to Thurso
For those who are staying at Dundonnell the first attraction of the day is a visit to the Corrieshalloch Gorge and the Falls of Measach, located ust before the A832 meets the A835 is This is highly recommended and an easy walk will be rewarded with a spectacular experience From there we continue into Ullapool. Whether you are starting out today from Dundonnell of Ullapool, be sure to fill up with petrol as this commodity becomes scarce as we approach the far north.For those who are staying at Dundonnell this will be the first attraction to visit tomorrow, before the short drive to Ullapool to join the rest of the group. The main route today takes us deep into spectacular Assynt, set amidst some of the wildest and most remote mountain and costal scenery. The spectacular drive along the narrow roads hugging the coastline between Lochinver and Drumbeg is not to be missed. A shorter, direct route to Kylesku can be taken, but why would you? If you are in need of sustenance, look out for Suzie’s Panini Van at Lochinver. Whichever route is taken, from Kylesku we continue north across the rugged landscape of Sutherland to Durness where there are limited facilities. At the eastern end of Durness lies Smoo Cave, a natural feature that is well worth a visit. The cave is 200ft long, 130ft wide and 50ft high at the entrance. The car park is on the left, one mile after the Tourist Information Centre.
Onward from Durness the tree-less landscape we now turn eastwards affords splendid views as we skirt the shore of Loch Eriboll. At Tongue there are more facilities, including hotels where refreshments can be obtained. At Bettyhill is the Strathnaver Museum where you can discover the vibrant culture inherited from Norse and Gaelic ancestors. The museum is well signposted on the main road and there is a cafe. On the final stretch to Thurso we pass the site of the Dounreay fast reactor research centre, now being decommissioned and the site restored. Filling stations on the route: Section 3 Scottish Fuels at Durness (No Super) Scottish Fuels at Tongue (No Super) Miles Days 1- 9 1,367.9 Miles Today 162.5 Total 1,530.4
Day 10, Wednesday 16th September – Ullapool to Royal Hotel, Thurso
Section
Description
Driving Directions Section
Mileage
Total
Today
1. Ullapool to Drumrunie
Re-fuel if needed, limited availability on today’s route. Leave Ullapool going north on the A835 with the church yard on the right. In 9½ miles reach Drumrunie. If you are taking the shorter route, continue along this road for 8 miles to Ledmore Junction, then turn left onto the A837 for 15 miles to Kylesku Bridge, then continue from Section 3. For the scenic route turn left onto a minor road signed to Achiltibuie.
9.5 9.5
2. Drumrunie to Kylesku Bridge
In 8¼ miles turn right at a junction signed to Inverkirkaig and Lochinver. Continue for 12 miles to the T-junction at Lochinver. Turn right onto the A837 towards Kylesku and Lairg. In just under 1 mile turn left onto the B869 to Drumbeg and Kylesku (Coastal Route). Continue for 14 miles to Drumbeg then a further 8½ miles to meet the A894. Turn left and continue the 2 miles to Kylesku Bridge
45.5 55.0
3. Kylesku Bridge to Tongue (A836)
Continue north on the A894 for 16 miles to Laxford Bridge, where we join the A838 to the North Coast. A further 18 miles brings us to Durness where there are limited facilities. A further 29 miles brings us to Tongue, where there are further facilities. One mile further on from the village the A836 comes in from the south and our road number changes.
65.1 120.1
4. Tongue (A836) to Thurso
Continue ahead on the A836 to Thurso. No further directions are needed before reaching Thurso, just keep going for 41 miles. 1 mile before the centre of Thurso the A836 merges into the A9. Continue into the centre of town, at the main shopping street the road bends to the right.
42.4 162.5
Day 11 - Thursday - 17th
September 2015 – Thurso to John o’Groats/Duncansby Head
The last leg; just 21 miles to go, or 30 miles if you take the detour to Dunnet Head to visit the real most northerly point on the British mainland. It may, however, be better to visit John o’Groats first in order to get all the cars grouped together for this momentous 60th Anniversary occasion.
On the way to John o’Groats, in Castletown, is the Flagstone Heritage Centre, then at Dunnet turn left onto the B855 or right if coming from John o’Groats to visit Dunnet Head. Just after this turn Mary-Ann’s Cottage is clearly signed. This is worth a vist. The cottage is just as Mary-Ann Calder left it when she moved at in 1990 at the age of 93 and is truly representative of an original Scottish crofter’s home.
Day 11, Thursday 17th September – Thurso to John o’Groats (Duncansby Head)
Section
Description
Driving Directions Section
Mileage
Total
Today
1. Thurso to John o’Groats
Leave Thurso from Traill Street, with the Royal Hotel on the left. Turn left at the traffic lights, signed A9 to Inverness. Cross the river bridge and just past the petrol station turn left onto the A836 and continue on to John o’Groats. At the Seaview Hotel turn left to reach the John o’Groats complex. Bear right at the sign for the harbour where we can attempt to assemble the cars for photographs, this is not an official parking area. The tourist signpost is actually off the road, by the turning circle, but at this time on a Thursday morning it may be possible to sneak the cars up to the signpost a few at a time.
19.5 19.5
2. John o’Groats to Duncansby Head.
To visit Duncansby Head re-trace the road back to the Sea View Hotel then take the 1st left, 2.1 21.6
Related Documents
