Little Trip from Cardiff to Scotland

Gigagator · 3rd September 2019, 11:01

Got a little trip planned to Scotland this weekend from our home in Cardiff.

Myself and the other half are heading up to the Highlands on Saturday, mostly to take in the scenery but will be getting out and doing a fair bit of hiking.

We're sticking mostly to the 'North Coast 500' route and staying at a few B&B's along the way.

Getting a bit anxious now as the realisation of the huge journey is setting in.

According to Google Maps, we will be covering over 1500 miles in 6 days and nearly 10 hours solid driving just to get to our first destination just east of Inverness.

On the way up it's looking like we'll be using M4, M5, M6, A74(M), M74, A9.

Give us a wave and a flash if you see us.

Facelift starlight silver Rover 75, CV55 DDU.

Pueblo_Boy · 3rd September 2019, 11:33

Nice area to visit! I can still remember my first wee row in a boat on Findhorn Bay - so peaceful!

jackatesme · 3rd September 2019, 14:45

I can remember in the late 60s me and my 2 brothers, (only 2 drivers) drove up to Scotland from S.Wales on Friday night watched the rugby,then got in the car and drove back home.

ZedTeeT · 3rd September 2019, 15:53

The scenery is breathtaking driving through the Highlands, done it twice in our old Fiesta 1.25i Ghia. A long haul from Sussex but well worth it.

Comfortably Numb · 3rd September 2019, 17:07

Gigagator, I suspect that unless you are very lucky, your journey to Inverness will take you a good deal longer than 10 hours, such is the crowded state of our motorways, and the frequency with which you will have to slow down or stop. I think you would be wise to plan an overnight stop, just off the motorway, around half way. If all goes well, you'll have plenty of time to spend a relaxed evening in a new place. If it doesn't go so well, you'll still have time for last orders and get a good night's sleep, refreshed for your onward journey. Driving for such long periods vastly increases the danger of dozing off, getting stressed, etc., so you start the holiday on the wrong foot, and probably don't feel like doing much the next morning anyway, except sleeping.

Les4048 · 3rd September 2019, 18:13

Andrew in #5 is offering excellent advice, take a break around Perth area then enjoy the beautiful scenery going up the A9. If you’re over in Moray near Elgin the kettle will be on

Gigagator · 25th September 2019, 12:10

Been meaning to post an update on this thread since we got back from Scotland but have been super busy with family and work since returning.

We got back very late on Friday 13th, think we got home about 9pm having set off at around 9am from the Cairngorms.

We covered around 2000 miles in 6 days and it was an epic trip. My only regret is we weren't able to spend more time up there as there's so much to see.

In terms of the car, she didn't miss a beat the whole trip - not bad for an old 1.8 K-series Rover 75.

Myself and my partner got out after the long journey there feeling absolutely fine - no aches or pains, just a bit tired from the early start and long day.

If you haven't been to the Scottish Highlands, it is just stunning up there.
Every corner you go around you feel you need to stop to take photos as it's breathtaking. It's an even better holiday destination if you like hiking and walking, which we do.

A couple of motor-related photos as I know we all love photos here and I couldn't resist getting the artsy car shots in, much to my partners disapproval:

Also found a sibling in a little village on the east coast called Brora:

Also, to make a wonderful trip even more special, I finally asked my partner of 12 years to marry me (in the same location that picture 3 was taken, very remote and romantic), and she said yes. So over the moon about that as well.

All in all, a holiday I'll remember for a very long time.

jackatesme · 25th September 2019, 18:20

All the hours driving a 75 brings out the romance in you. Congratulations.

smudge.g · 26th September 2019, 17:05

Congrats on engagement, visit to the best part of the UK (thats why i live close to the Highlands) but shame that 75s are quite a rare sight up here, except in Brora it seems!!

Comfortably Numb · 26th September 2019, 19:51

I have to agree, the 75/ZT is an excellent long distance car. Congratulations on a VERY successful trip. I've been meaning to tour the north of Scotland for several years, - just can't persuade my missus - she loves the sun too much, and got bitten half to death by midges last time we went - about 9 years ago! (West Coast).

3rd September 2019, 11:01	#1
Gigagator Avid contributor Rover 75 Saloon, Rover 25, Mazda 6 Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Cardiff Posts: 219 Thanks: 143 Thanked 112 Times in 49 Posts	Little Trip from Cardiff to Scotland [Update: Couple of Pics Inside] Got a little trip planned to Scotland this weekend from our home in Cardiff. Myself and the other half are heading up to the Highlands on Saturday, mostly to take in the scenery but will be getting out and doing a fair bit of hiking. We're sticking mostly to the 'North Coast 500' route and staying at a few B&B's along the way. Getting a bit anxious now as the realisation of the huge journey is setting in. According to Google Maps, we will be covering over 1500 miles in 6 days and nearly 10 hours solid driving just to get to our first destination just east of Inverness. On the way up it's looking like we'll be using M4, M5, M6, A74(M), M74, A9. Give us a wave and a flash if you see us. Facelift starlight silver Rover 75, CV55 DDU. Last edited by Gigagator; 25th September 2019 at 12:13..

3rd September 2019, 11:33	#2
Pueblo_Boy Loves to post Rover 75 Tourer Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Sauchie Posts: 370 Thanks: 66 Thanked 56 Times in 36 Posts	Nice area to visit! I can still remember my first wee row in a boat on Findhorn Bay - so peaceful! __________________ 24,658th 75 Tourer made, out of 27,407 136th Tourer CDT Contemporary SE (135hp) out of 364 194th 75 Tourer in Firefrost Red out of 518 Firefrost Red 75 Tourers Interior Trim Sports PPH Black, but now with real walnut wooden trim! One of only 20 on the road!

3rd September 2019, 14:45	#3
jackatesme This is my second home rover 75 saloon.Renault Captur 1.5 diesel. Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: rhymney Posts: 3,661 Thanks: 2,269 Thanked 1,242 Times in 702 Posts	I can remember in the late 60s me and my 2 brothers, (only 2 drivers) drove up to Scotland from S.Wales on Friday night watched the rugby,then got in the car and drove back home. __________________ - John B signing out Maralyn was born 9th Sept 2004 14.44.48. 103,597 of 112,381 (75s) 3,021 of 4,744 Connie SE 239 of 1.685 Platinum Gold. "Maralyn": Platinum Blonde,Troublesome,Unpredictable. Last edited by jackatesme; 3rd September 2019 at 14:48..

3rd September 2019, 15:53	#4
ZedTeeT Gets stuck in MG ZT-T Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Horsham Posts: 874 Thanks: 197 Thanked 239 Times in 207 Posts	The scenery is breathtaking driving through the Highlands, done it twice in our old Fiesta 1.25i Ghia. A long haul from Sussex but well worth it. __________________ My garage. 03/53 MG ZT-T+ CDTi auto in XPG. 232k and much to do! 21/21 MG ZS ev. Daily. 85/C Capri 2.8i Special. Mine 29+ years. 82/X Talbot Tagora SX V6. Restoration project. 11/11 Hyundai I Load CRDi. Van....... nuff said.

25th September 2019, 18:20	#8
jackatesme This is my second home rover 75 saloon.Renault Captur 1.5 diesel. Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: rhymney Posts: 3,661 Thanks: 2,269 Thanked 1,242 Times in 702 Posts	All the hours driving a 75 brings out the romance in you. Congratulations. __________________ - John B signing out Maralyn was born 9th Sept 2004 14.44.48. 103,597 of 112,381 (75s) 3,021 of 4,744 Connie SE 239 of 1.685 Platinum Gold. "Maralyn": Platinum Blonde,Troublesome,Unpredictable.

3rd September 2019, 17:07	#5
Comfortably Numb Posted a thing or two Rover 75 Saloon Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Penrith Posts: 1,336 Thanks: 165 Thanked 303 Times in 241 Posts	Gigagator, I suspect that unless you are very lucky, your journey to Inverness will take you a good deal longer than 10 hours, such is the crowded state of our motorways, and the frequency with which you will have to slow down or stop. I think you would be wise to plan an overnight stop, just off the motorway, around half way. If all goes well, you'll have plenty of time to spend a relaxed evening in a new place. If it doesn't go so well, you'll still have time for last orders and get a good night's sleep, refreshed for your onward journey. Driving for such long periods vastly increases the danger of dozing off, getting stressed, etc., so you start the holiday on the wrong foot, and probably don't feel like doing much the next morning anyway, except sleeping.

3rd September 2019, 18:13	#6
Les4048 This is my second home Rover 75 Tourer/ MG ZT-T 400 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Lhanbryde Posts: 3,278 Thanks: 2,627 Thanked 1,523 Times in 869 Posts	Andrew in #5 is offering excellent advice, take a break around Perth area then enjoy the beautiful scenery going up the A9. If you’re over in Moray near Elgin the kettle will be on

25th September 2019, 12:10	#7
Gigagator Avid contributor Rover 75 Saloon, Rover 25, Mazda 6 Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Cardiff Posts: 219 Thanks: 143 Thanked 112 Times in 49 Posts	Been meaning to post an update on this thread since we got back from Scotland but have been super busy with family and work since returning. We got back very late on Friday 13th, think we got home about 9pm having set off at around 9am from the Cairngorms. We covered around 2000 miles in 6 days and it was an epic trip. My only regret is we weren't able to spend more time up there as there's so much to see. In terms of the car, she didn't miss a beat the whole trip - not bad for an old 1.8 K-series Rover 75. Myself and my partner got out after the long journey there feeling absolutely fine - no aches or pains, just a bit tired from the early start and long day. If you haven't been to the Scottish Highlands, it is just stunning up there. Every corner you go around you feel you need to stop to take photos as it's breathtaking. It's an even better holiday destination if you like hiking and walking, which we do. A couple of motor-related photos as I know we all love photos here and I couldn't resist getting the artsy car shots in, much to my partners disapproval: Also found a sibling in a little village on the east coast called Brora: Also, to make a wonderful trip even more special, I finally asked my partner of 12 years to marry me (in the same location that picture 3 was taken, very remote and romantic), and she said yes. So over the moon about that as well. All in all, a holiday I'll remember for a very long time.

26th September 2019, 17:05	#9
smudge.g Gets stuck in 75 Tourer CDTi Connie SE Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Keith, Banffshire Posts: 686 Thanks: 431 Thanked 132 Times in 105 Posts	Congrats on engagement, visit to the best part of the UK (thats why i live close to the Highlands) but shame that 75s are quite a rare sight up here, except in Brora it seems!! __________________ My 75 Tourer CDTi was born Saturday, 21st June 2003 @ 09:50 My 75 was the 18,749th 75 Tourer to run off the production line, out of 27,407 It was the 195th 75 Tourer CDT Connoisseur SE (135) to be made out of 2,074 and the 1,789th 75 Tourer in Wedgewood Blue Metallic (code: JEL) to be made out of 1,871 Wedgewood Blue Metallic 75 Tourers

26th September 2019, 19:51	#10
Comfortably Numb Posted a thing or two Rover 75 Saloon Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Penrith Posts: 1,336 Thanks: 165 Thanked 303 Times in 241 Posts	I have to agree, the 75/ZT is an excellent long distance car. Congratulations on a VERY successful trip. I've been meaning to tour the north of Scotland for several years, - just can't persuade my missus - she loves the sun too much, and got bitten half to death by midges last time we went - about 9 years ago! (West Coast).