6 – 11^th September

Mini to Mull (Highlands and Islands) 6 – 11^th September 2009.

After a long few days over the Easter Weekend I have finalised the route for participants on this year’s event.  The 5 days will cover some 907 miles of really challenging roads, spectacular scenery, probably some seasonal weather and finally wonderful Scottish hospitality. 

All is looking good for later this year with perhaps a full entry list.  If you have not entered yet then there may be some places still available if you are quick.  Every day does contain some sections of single carriageway with passing places, please be courteous to all drivers when on these roads and allow overtaking.

Day 1 - Perth to Oban

158 miles of relatively easy roads today.  There will be no need to get up at the crack of dawn either as the first car will leave around 09:30.  There are many villages where a stop can be made for coffee or lunch.  Remember to take in the views as the day is quite short in terms of mileage and remember to give yourself some time to discover Oban itself.  I am looking to issue a tour guide for Oban which will help participants decide the places they may wish to visit. 

Finally, this evening is free for you to choose where to eat; again the tour guide will give details of various places throughout the town.

Day 2 – Isle of Mull.

In 1969 the first closed road rally took place on Mull despite some local objections that sheep may end up victims of the event.  Just remember sheep still roam around the island so take extra care on the 80 mile clockwise loop around Mull.  There is the option of course to visit Duart Castle and then enjoy the short drive up the coast for the afternoon ferry if you feel that 80 miles of single carriageway road are not for you. 

Places to stop and eat are limited on Mull but there are a couple on the North West coast at Calgary Bay, Derviag and Tobermory.  Suggest that if you like caffeine you top up on the ferry before setting off.  Enjoy the island and try to think what it was like back in 1969 when our favourite little car blasted around the single carriageway roads.  Including the mainland section total mileage for today is 153.

Day 3 – Ballanhulish to Tain.

190 miles scheduled today.  The route takes in some super stretches of fast open road and slightly slower single carriageway sections.  Unfortunately we will also need to use the A9 as well for part of the journey north to Tain, please watch out for the northern constabulary on the A9.  The hotel is located near to Glenmorangie distillery which is well worth a visit if you are at all interested in malt whisky production, the last tour of the day starts at 1600.

Day 4 – The far north.

As in 2007 when we visited the far north this is my favourite day.  This time I have reduced the mileage to 204 miles allowing more time to enjoy the scenery and add in a couple of visits.  The first just around lunchtime is Smoo Cave at Durness; which is the largest and dramatic coastline cave in Britain.  For afternoon tea we detour from my original proposed route to include the Falls of Shin; where if you are really lucky you may see Atlantic Salmon on their epic journey home to spawn. 

Expect very little traffic on the roads but again do watch out on the single carriageway sections.  The dramatic changing scenery throughout the day is simply stunning.

Day 5 – Tain to Perth.

202 miles on the indirect route back to Perth with part on the A9 so watch out for the northern constabulary, the remainder of the route does use some other A class roads as well but these are lightly used and suited to the A series.  One road runs a loch with no barriers so be careful here; then there are some steep inclines and declines to negotiate so make sure you check over the brakes before the event and perhaps fit some new pads as a precaution. 

The route dog legs into Ballater around lunchtime where you can stop off at the old royal station where Queen Victoria used to change to horse drawn carriage for the final leg to Balmoral.  Perhaps if we are bold here we can park the cars in front of the station and take some pictures.  The route will pass the ‘front door’ of Balmoral but in September it is closed to the public so sorry but no visitors are allowed. 

Lastly, the final meal is always a special occasion when the shorts and T shirts are discarded for more formal attire.  Yes you did read this right, just look out for the crews who despite being in Scotland still wear ‘Monte Attire’. 

Regards

Graeme