NC500

[Cobalt Blue]

Hi All,

 

new to Porsche ownership, just moved from 13yrs with an Elise to Cayman S.

 

Doing the NC500 at the end of July, for a 5 day road trip.

 

Anybody done it and any advice/must see/avoid/don't bother etc..?

 

Any comments welcome.

 

[MarkGTS]

 

I've not done the NC500, but have done a lot of drives up that way.  

 

My one recommendation is get some bug remover tissues for your windscreen!! 

[Webdunk]

Best bet is to allow enough time and not be too rigid with timings and routes. The great joy of driving up here is discovering stuff by accident. If you have a rough idea of places you'll be passing through let me know and I'll see if I can recommend any must sees.

 

I did the drive before it got branded NC500 ;-) Photos here https://www.flickr.com/photos/webdunk/albums/72157631944372572 They are geo-tagged and a description of my route is included.

 

[Beanoir™]

4 hours ago, Webdunk said:

Best bet is to allow enough time and not be too rigid with timings and routes. The great joy of driving up here is discovering stuff by accident. If you have a rough idea of places you'll be passing through let me know and I'll see if I can recommend any must sees.

 

I did the drive before it got branded NC500 ;-) Photos here https://www.flickr.com/photos/webdunk/albums/72157631944372572 They are geo-tagged and a description of my route is included.

 

 

Great photos Duncan!

[Uncle Dave]

Well on that note, I'd recommend taking a decent camera! 

[Highland Fling]

I live up here in NC500 country near Inverness.

 

I did the route early April. The best time to do it.  July/August the worst possible time. Far too many camper vans/caravans/motor bikes on the route to make it a pleasure.

 

My tips.......

 

Do this route anti-clockwise from Inverness. Research your points of interest. There is a lot to see. I stopped at Forss House Hotel, Thurso, for first overnight. An unforgettable experience in a good way.

 

Other suggested stopover points are Lochinver, and Torridon. It's up to the individual and their budget where you stay. Bear in mind, quality comes expensive in the far north. 

 

Please remember fuel stops are few and far between. My advice is fuel up at Wick and Ullapool. That should see you back to Inverness ok.    

 

Take care on the the roads where unfenced sheep are free roaming. Tip.....if the sheep are sitting down or grazing that's ok. If they are on the move, look out.

 

Please, please do take in some of the scenic attractions. It's not a race. Some very interesting geological features in the far north as well as stunning views. Eg Duncansby Head near John 'o Groats. 

 

Finally, be aware of your speed. There has been publicity in the local press in the Highlands about some drivers treating the NC500 as a race. Some think it is worth the pub talk to say they have done it in X hours. My advice is forget it. Police Scotland have been made aware of the speeding element and have dispatched specialist units to the far north to catch a few of the  perpetrators and make an example of them to discourage the "race track" theme. Another reason to go off season, October to April is the best time to do the NC500............Less police. 

 

It's a stunning drive and has some wonderful driving roads combined with Highland hospitality. Enjoy!

 

I hope this helps. It's certainly a route well worth doing.

 

Brian

 

  

 

             

[Webdunk]

Wise words from Brian :-)