Classic Car Club Scotland
Autumn 2009 Club touring weekend
9th – 11th October
This October we are planning our furthest flung trip, to explore the far north coast of Sutherland for the first time. It is a wildly beautiful area, and sure to be dramatic come rain or shine.
We will be based in the village of Tongue, around 100 miles north of Inverness– staying at the Tongue Hotel
This traditional hunting lodge has recently been refurbished but remains a simple and welcoming Scottish country hotel surrounded by stunning scenery, including the impressive Ben Loyal. The area, and indeed the hotel, recently appeared on BBC’s “Who do you think you are” featuring actor and comedian David Mitchell in search of his Scottish roots.
Friday
As a group we plan to arrive Friday late afternoon. Tongue is around two hours 30 minutes north of Inverness.
You leave the A9 at Alness, pass Bonar Bridge, to Lairg. From here you wend your way on single track roads, through genuine wilderness scenery!
Note: With a travel time of 6 hours plus from Edinburgh, we know that some members will wish to stop a night on the way north, or indeed on the way back. McKinlay Kidd can assist with ideas and bookings as required – for example a room in an award-winning guest house in Inverness from £110. Or you may even choose to combine it with your own classic car trip to Orkney – again, we can assist with ferry and accommodation arrangements. Please advise Robert of any such requests as soon as possible to guarantee availability.
Once the party is confirmed, a suitable meeting point en route to Tongue will be identified.
This evening dinner will be a two course bar meal in the hotel
Saturday
Today we will explore the coast, perhaps including Durness, a favourite holiday destination for John Lennon, home to the wonderful chocolate-maker Cocoa Mountain, and an area of glorious beaches. (We did investigate the option of a visit to Cape Wrath, but this is impossible due to planned military exercises in the area!)
Other possibilities, weather permitting, include the Victorian tourist attraction of Smoo Cave – the largest and most dramatic coastline cave in Britain, and the eerie valley of Strathnaver, once home to 40 small communities, now a poignant memorial to the Highland clearances.
Return to Tongue, for dinner.
Sunday
Explore area on own before returning to Edinburgh/Glasgow.
We will make a number of route suggestions for the return journey, and can assist with overnight accommodation if required.
Price:
£189 per person, based on two sharing a twin or double room ensuite.
Prices includes 2 nights’ accommodation on a B&B basis, plus evening meals as described and an activity on the Saturday.
Some single rooms will be available, for a supplement of £10.
How to book
Call 0844 804 0020 or email Robert@mckinlaykidd.co.uk to reserve your place.
As space is strictly limited we advise booking as soon as possible!
Contact Matt to book your car.
