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Question for the highland residents.
We're thinking of driving up to the top bit between Christmas and new year and spending a week up there. Can anyone tell me what the conditions will be like that time of year in terms of driving? I don't mind driving in the snow, we drive to the Alps/Pyrenees every year and have snow chains if needed but are any roads likely to be closed? We went to Oban a couple of years ago at the same time of year and drove back via Glencoe and it was snowing heavily in the valley so can imagine the road may have been closed at some point after we went through.
Also what is the likelihood of the ski area in the Cairngorms being open at that time of year?
NC500 is mostly coastal so has little snow and/or ice. Snow chains very unlikely to be required as main roads will be ploughed/gritted. Winter tyres would, of course, be the best option.
Bealach na Ba is an obvious exception. You may just need to skip this if conditions are bad.
Skiing at Cairngorm unlikely, unless there is a very full fall of snow. But hey, you never know. Contact me nearer the date and I'll give you the skinny (I see the slopes from my windows).
Cheers Scotroutes, I'll drop you a line nearer the time if we're definitely going. Bealach na Ba was the bit I was wondering about the most. Maybe have to save that for a summer trip!
Didn't think the slopes would be open but might throw the kit in the roof box just in case....
Whats it like currently ?
I`ve just been given notice so I could do with an excuse to put some miles on the car
I was up that way last New Year in our motorhome and there were no driving issues and no snow.
If the weather turns wintry the are plenty of places where snow can be an issue on the roads, it's not all on the coast! For example, Dundonnell to Braemore junction is pretty high and exposed. It's best to keep an eye on the weather forecasts, and be prepared top be flexible with your route and timings. Also, bear in mind that Scottish winter road conditions are different to the Alps. Ice is a really big issue up here in winter, not something that snow chains will help with.
Cairngorm is a bit of a swear word in some communities at present and like all the other Scottish ski centres, it's a fascinating question as to when they might be open. I'd plan to pack the kit anyway, as you never know. Good pal Helen has already skied twice this month on the Gorm, walking up to find what little is already there..
Be aware that some businesses will have shut for the winter (some already were in Torridon last week) but the main cafes, hotels and pubs should still be open, as will many B&Bs.
Just been looking at youth hostels and most of those are closed from October. Might check out motorhome hire, that could be fun.....
FYI in a fwd motorhome (coachbuilt based on pug van) with motorhome specific tyres (oem) we had slipping and spinning up some very wet/steep Scottish tarmac roads and I’ve seen people stuck on nearly flat wet grass through lack of grip, lots of weight at the back and rock hard Motorhome tyres might not be great in winter.
it’s not all on the coast! For example, Dundonnell to Braemore junction is pretty high and exposed.
Ha ha. Yeah, a tour of the NC500 by bicycle will soon disavow you of the notion it's all at sea level but I was comparing it to the colder, inland parts of the country. Getting out to the west coast is my idea of escaping to warmer climes 😊
FYI in a fwd motorhome (coachbuilt based on pug van) with motorhome specific tyres (oem) we had slipping and spinning up some very wet/steep Scottish tarmac roads and I’ve seen people stuck on nearly flat wet grass through lack of grip, lots of weight at the back and rock hard Motorhome tyres might not be great in winter
Hmm, maybe stick to the car and b&b's then.
Cheers for the info all.
It's not exacly Norkapp, the balance of probability is that it will be a bit damp, cold, dark and windy.
If you follow the annual Strathpuffer threads on here that would give you an idea what to expect!