Day 10 - Homeward bound and time to reflect
Last day had finally arrived and it was time to go home. Back to motorways and busy traffic, but a last holiday trip to the Angel of the North. Time to set off down the A69 and make our way home.
Well this was supposed to be a brief guide to our trip so apologies and congratulations if you made it to the end of this epic. Despite my trepidation this turned out to be one of the best holidays of my life and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Everything was perfect from the scenery to the roads, the cafes we ate in, the hotels, the accomodation, the places we visited. We were extremely lucky with the weather I am sure it would have been a much different experience in the rain or even the snow. We met lovely people and everywhere we visited the customer service was outstanding. I am sure we will take the 500 again and Chris has even threatened to do the Bealach Na Ba in reverse – I may need a blindfold for that one!
Well this was supposed to be a brief guide to our trip so apologies and congratulations if you made it to the end of this epic. Despite my trepidation this turned out to be one of the best holidays of my life and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Everything was perfect from the scenery to the roads, the cafes we ate in, the hotels, the accomodation, the places we visited. We were extremely lucky with the weather I am sure it would have been a much different experience in the rain or even the snow. We met lovely people and everywhere we visited the customer service was outstanding. I am sure we will take the 500 again and Chris has even threatened to do the Bealach Na Ba in reverse – I may need a blindfold for that one!
My top tips
My five top tips would be:
1. Plan well – I was very lucky that Chris enjoyed doing that part. He put a lot of effort into selecting our stops and our journeys and I am eternally grateful that he did such a good job. Hotels are few and far between on the west coast particularly. Lots of people do the 500 in motorhomes and tents but we wanted the hotel option (like a comfy bed!). Book your hotels and reserve your dinners as lots of the smaller places have no restaurants.
2. Work out your toilet breaks – on the North Coast 500 interactive map it allows you to search for food and attractions – these will all have toilets and it’s good to stop and support the economy.
3. Take your Smidge with you and smother yourself in it especially on the west coast and on damp days.
4. Take your camera you will want to photograph everything - whether anyone then wants to see your 2000+ photos is another matter!
5. Be prepared for having to manage without your mobile phone -we managed to get a signal twice during the first five days of the holiday although as mentioned previously 'What's App' worked the whole time.
Above all take your time – I do not think there is an area of the country more stunningly beautiful, untouched and unspoilt– peace, tranquillity, amazing views and A roads the width of your car.
Enjoy!
1. Plan well – I was very lucky that Chris enjoyed doing that part. He put a lot of effort into selecting our stops and our journeys and I am eternally grateful that he did such a good job. Hotels are few and far between on the west coast particularly. Lots of people do the 500 in motorhomes and tents but we wanted the hotel option (like a comfy bed!). Book your hotels and reserve your dinners as lots of the smaller places have no restaurants.
2. Work out your toilet breaks – on the North Coast 500 interactive map it allows you to search for food and attractions – these will all have toilets and it’s good to stop and support the economy.
3. Take your Smidge with you and smother yourself in it especially on the west coast and on damp days.
4. Take your camera you will want to photograph everything - whether anyone then wants to see your 2000+ photos is another matter!
5. Be prepared for having to manage without your mobile phone -we managed to get a signal twice during the first five days of the holiday although as mentioned previously 'What's App' worked the whole time.
Above all take your time – I do not think there is an area of the country more stunningly beautiful, untouched and unspoilt– peace, tranquillity, amazing views and A roads the width of your car.
Enjoy!
