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NC500 Scotland in January? Bad idea? NC500 Scotland in January? Bad idea?
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  #1  
Old 7 Dec 2015
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NC500 Scotland in January? Bad idea?
I've been planning to ride the NC500 when I get a spare moment and suddenly thought why not in January? Not being familiar with weather in the far northern parts in January I wonder if it is possible based on previous winters. I realise it will be cold / wet /windy / snow / ice etc.. at some point (or all of the time ) but as long as the roads a "passable with care" I don't see it as an issue as long as one is prepared for the extremes, which I'm ok with. It would be on a suzuki xf650 (bit like dr650) so not mega heavy.

There is a very different beauty during winter and I would quite like to see that on the NC500. I can pick my moment so can get the best window, as far as its possible with mother nature! I would imagine 3 days to complete the circuit but if it takes double that it's fine.

1.Anyone travelled around those north parts in the depths of winter?
2.What can the temp reach below freezing?
3.Which direction is the prevailing wind in the far North this is what may decide question 4 below
4.Which way round do you go clockwise or anti-clockwise?
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Old 8 Dec 2015
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Prevailing wind is going to be westerly, which tends to be wetter. If the wind is from the east then the west part tends to be quite nice, but the east facing coast might have snow. Look up Altnahara for temperatures, it's often the coldest place in the UK and the roads to / from it are different to those down south

Don't forget the sunrise / sunset times are a lot different, up in Aberdeen sunrise is currently 08:34 and sets at 15:27, which gives about 1 hour less than down south
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Old 8 Dec 2015
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Quote:
Originally Posted by John A View Post

Don't forget the sunrise / sunset times are a lot different, up in Aberdeen sunrise is currently 08:34 and sets at 15:27, which gives about 1 hour less than down south


Traffic and the ability to deal with changing weather is a factor too. I will cheerfully ride a solo on M&S tyres on the Norwegian highlands where it is minus 20 and dry. The tyres work as well as they are going to, but above all the locals are few and have all the knowledge you'd expect. If you fall off at traffic lights they laugh and point. If you can't ride on because a blizzard is coming in they'll find you a place to stay. In Glasgow during Friday rush hour, wet at minus two the sober ones call you an ambulance, the ****ed ones are much cruder. The distances and speeds you may achieve between natural and man made obstacles will need careful planning and flexibility.

I've usually done this with a sidecar, basically head for Aviemore and home with a day and the price of a very expensive hotel to spare in case the world stops due to snow.

Andy
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Old 8 Dec 2015
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Clockwise might be best to keep the sea on your left hand side.

The weather in January can be (is mostly) utterly shite- days are grey, short and wet, but not too cold. Those lovely cold crisp days when the roads are dry but the landscape is snowy are rare here.

I doubt you'd get over Bealach na Ba in January. Also be aware that as there are far fewer people around you might not just be able to wing accommodation.

I've found that the Scottish winter is best viewed from the southern hemisphere...
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Old 8 Dec 2015
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Thanks people great info, its about what I expected. I know the weather will be challenging in places, but with appropriate kit it's not an issue. I do plan to travel the NC500 in summer 2016 with some "much softer southern" mates, so it will be nice to see and experience the seasonal contrast of both times. Must be the 50% Scottish blood in my veins pulling Northward

I'm very fortunate to be completely flexible on every aspect of this one with the exception of it can't take more than 2 weeks, sometime in January or even Feb. So my plan will probably be to watch for a "goodish" weather window and GO! Failing that chuck a dart on the calender and hope for the best.
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Old 9 Dec 2015
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So my plan will probably be to watch for a "goodish" weather window and GO!
It does happen. Good luck, it's a fantastic ride.
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