Hovercraft Cruising Club UK

Open Forums => General => Topic started by: Al on Nov 21, 2018, 5:26 pm

Title: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Nov 21, 2018, 5:26 pm
I'm just putting the feelers out.  Would anyone be interested in spending a week cruising in the north west of Scotland next year?


I am happy to put on a cruise using Lochcarron as the base if there is enough interest.


I have two sets of dates that I would be able to organise something for, these are: 27th July to 3rd August 2019.  10th Aug to 17th Aug 2019.


It is a busy time of year in this area for tourism, so the earlier I can confirm a cruise the easier it will be to book accommodation.  There is a wee campsite in the village but it is small, so limited on available spaces.  There are plenty of holiday lets & B&B's but again these get booked early.

Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Nov 23, 2018, 10:32 pm
I've decided I will organise the North West Highland Hovercraft Cruise in 2019.


I have set the dates of August 10th to 17th 2019.  I have chosen these dates as to not clash with the Irish event at the end of July early August.


At the moment it is very early stages, but I will compile a list of B&B's, guest houses, campsites, holiday lets etc in this area.


Everyone is welcome.


Here is a link to some footage of the last highland cruise to wet your appetite: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crw9z_VirCg&t=486s
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Ronnie L on Nov 26, 2018, 10:22 am
Al
We will definitely be coming back to Loch Carron.
It would be good to get there for the event. Not sure if ewe can yet, but will let you know.
Isn’t anyone else interested??.
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Nov 26, 2018, 10:55 am
There are a few that have shown interest, but only one other from this club.


 



Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Paul H on Nov 26, 2018, 3:17 pm
I'm interested but uncertain about whether I can make it yet (delicate negotiations at home) and I'm new to the scene (still building my Marlin) so I wouldn't want to bite off more than I could chew!


Cheers


Paul
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Nov 26, 2018, 3:52 pm
Your more than welcome.  Convince the other half about how its a great place for a family holiday  ;)   If that don't work then buy them something nice and unexpected  ;D
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Ian Brooks on Nov 26, 2018, 4:14 pm
I'm interested but uncertain about whether I can make it yet (delicate negotiations at home)

I find the best thing is the premptive strike: Send your other half off for a nice break with her sister/daughter/mother somewhere nice/hot then when it's time to negotiate you will have the high ground (hope Ruth isn't looking at this - mind you I think she rumbled my little scheme a while ago!)
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Philip on Nov 26, 2018, 7:11 pm
I find the best thing is the premptive strike: Send your other half off for a nice break with her sister/daughter/mother somewhere nice/hot then when it's time to negotiate you will have the high ground (hope Ruth isn't looking at this - mind you I think she rumbled my little scheme a while ago!)
I'm working on something like that but a trip for her to visit her cousins in the US involves Orlando, Arizona, NewYork, Chicago ..,........................
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Paul H on Nov 27, 2018, 10:28 am
What a devious bunch you are  ;)


Cheers


Paul
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Nick Flint on Dec 05, 2018, 1:56 pm
Hello Al,
Preliminary peruse of 2019 calendar shows I am not washing my hair that week, so I am interested.
I would be "one up" in my Motorhome, and although "capable" of "wild camping" I don't want any WILD FARMERS asking me to get the +++++ OFF their land!
I realise roaming laws in Scozzer ARE different (better) but--- would still prefer to have a hook up for my hair dryer, and NOT be "asked to leave" etc.
Direct access to shore would be delightful, whilst touristic shops etc would not be essential to life!
Pubs? (do you have them this far north?)
Petrol?
Will you be creating a "Cruising Club Event"- if so can you put up names of other potential attendees - quite a few of which I may know/remember from earlier times?
Weather looks good, but presume this is delivered on an "ad hoc" basis?
My drone should be charged up by then, and we may well be able to include some footage promoting the sport in the near future----
Nick
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Dec 05, 2018, 2:59 pm
There is a campsite in Lochcarron, but does not have direct access to the beach.


The campsite is called the Wee Campsite, Croft Road, Lochcarron, Highlands    IV54 8YA, Tel: 07876 642355
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@57.4027698,-5.486561,3a,75y,157.9h,74.94t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s01PPekoeneud4RVcwDMhpQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@57.4027698,-5.486561,3a,75y,157.9h,74.94t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s01PPekoeneud4RVcwDMhpQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)


The pub is under 5 minutes walk from here.


Early booking of the campsite is essential for that time of year as its not very big and a lot of tourist in the area about then.
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Dec 05, 2018, 9:06 pm
Here is a good site for finding local accommodation for anyone intending to come to next years Highland cruise.


Just click on the relevant section.



https://www.lochcarron.org.uk/where-to-stay/ (https://www.lochcarron.org.uk/where-to-stay/)


For those of you looking for B&B check out this site:


https://www.airbnb.co.uk.



Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Dec 06, 2018, 9:51 am
A few more B&B's


The dialing code for Lochcarron is: 01520
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Steve Holland on Dec 06, 2018, 12:35 pm
Not sure I've mentioned it on here, I'm interested in this one, with the right weather this is a hover paradise.
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Dec 07, 2018, 8:48 am

This holiday cottage is approximately 3 miles from Lochcarron.

http://www.anteallachcottage.com/ (http://www.anteallachcottage.com/)
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: PepperPerformance on Dec 14, 2018, 12:38 pm
keen to come along and bring a couple of craft and helpers.
Edinburgh based so no to far to roam
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Dec 14, 2018, 1:04 pm
It will be good to see you.  The more the merrier  :)
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Dec 14, 2018, 7:20 pm
Spend a week hovercraft cruising in one of the most spectacular scenic areas of the UK. 


I will upload details of the cruise and  places to stay  etc over the next few weeks. 



Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Jan 01, 2019, 3:11 pm
A couple of picture to wet your appetite for what scenery the area has to offer the hover cruiser.   These pictures were taken New Years day.  they are looking down in to Loch Kishorn.  The Isle of Skye can be seen in the distance on one of the pictures. 


By the time the cruise goes ahead there will be an oil drilling platform in Loch Kishorn that is being towed in for refurbishment.  Heres a link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-46646771
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Nick Flint on Jan 03, 2019, 11:37 am
I like the "kiss of snow" on the last one, to add atmosphere.
They look super.
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Nick Flint on Jan 10, 2019, 10:06 am
High Al, just trying to source some ON SHORE rentals, awaiting replies on 10-08-19 for one week.
My preferred (Harbour) has already gone for that week. Are these dates "set"?
Is it a good idea to merge your topics both called "North west highland cruise?
Ive tried to do this for you, to help, but don't know how. Three of my ignorant attempts have failed.
Theres a joke there somewhere.
Is there JUST the one campsite, as its away from shore, and fairly small?
Is there a local farmer who could rent out a shore line for us, for craft and trailers with motorhomes???
We could pay him AND not upset any neighbours, coming and a going.
We could manage by storing up toilet contents, and have a more authentic "Hovercamping Weekend" atmosphere???
 8)
If it WAS possible, then some "Frugal Scottish Farmer" could easily have a few hundred pounds in his pocket for NO outlay, and to ensure we were welcomed back, his site would be left spotless for 2020, and locals would be pleased we came, drinking and eating their produce and being mainly sited away from close knit communities that could be less enthralled if we ALL store and start up near to their residences?---------->
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Jan 10, 2019, 11:34 am
I wouldn't know how to merge the two threads either, but we both know a man that can  ;) ;) 


I will enquire about other possible camping sites, but at the moment I cant think of anywhere.  Only farmer/crofter I know for sure would accommodate is 8 miles away from the shore.  There maybe something nearer plockton / Kyle / kishorn.  I have a key for  the battery park car park barrier in Lochcarron, so no reason why hovercraft couldn't be left there and launched from there, but the locals would have kittens if camper vans started staying there as there was hassle from Pikeys setting up camp there a few years ago, so that's why there is now a barrier across the car park entrance.  I have a friend who has a croft adjoining Loch Carron, but not sure it would be suitable for camper vans as access not really suitable, but I'll ask him.


Looking at my annual leave dates,  Other possibilities are: 27th July to 3rd Aug, but that clashes with the Irish cruise dates. 
20th Apr to 27th April, but I don't think my TS3 will be ready by then, as been put behind by my thrust engine already 3 weeks overdue, but happy to organise it for these dates if they're more suitable for others.

Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Jan 10, 2019, 1:54 pm
https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/25423946?location=Lochcarron%2C%20United%20Kingdom&adults=2&check_in=2019-08-10&check_out=2019-08-17&guests=1&s=9_4PDGsT


This place is currently available and its about 150 metres from where I launch my hovercraft from.
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Jan 10, 2019, 2:00 pm
https://www.homeaway.co.uk/p8877560  This one still available
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Nick Flint on Jan 10, 2019, 4:45 pm
Looking into the last one ATM!
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Nick Flint on Jan 10, 2019, 5:41 pm
Merging Sorted! 8)
WHAT a guy. ::)
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Steve Holland on Jan 10, 2019, 7:15 pm
Can we add a registration dialogue box to this, similar to the loch fine event? I can't see one at the moment................or am I blind Mmmmmm
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Kim Taylor on Jan 11, 2019, 3:32 pm
Hi Al,


I'm really keen to come hovering in your part of the world - it's a wonderful place 8)


You can feel a "but" coming on ::)


The proposed dates cause me a problem but I realise you can't please everyone and as the organiser, you decide. If we can't make it to your summer cruise, would it cause you a problem if there was a "North West Highland Cruise - The Sequel" sometime in late summer/early autumn? In conjunction with yourself, we could make our own arrangements but want to avoid upsetting the locals - is there any mileage in that idea please? Just thought I'd ask rather than keep the thought to myself...


Thanks.
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Jan 11, 2019, 5:38 pm
I can't see why not :-D
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Nick Flint on Jan 11, 2019, 7:01 pm
Lochcarron Hotel


 https://www.lochcarronhotel.com


Basically B+B  £50 / night / person
Eve meals as you choose extra, or we go out or feed upon local deer that stray into our props.
Nigel (the owner) is FINE about our club, hobby and we can use his park facilities and ramp into the sea.
It looks great (cost more, but get more, AND we all book what we want and pay as we see fit.
He still has 4 of single, 4 double 4 twin rooms. Cost are the same later in year.
PLEASE everyone LOOK and ponder.
It does cost us more but leaves us a fabulous holiday, with as much hovering and nice stuff to attract the ladies to be a contender.
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Jan 11, 2019, 9:43 pm
Only problem with the slipway opposite the hotel is that its not very wide and on a low tide not unusable, as whoever designed it didn't think about low tides.  I've launched a few times from there.


Nigel is a nice guy so is his wife Diane. "not a nice guy, but a nice woman"   



Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Jan 11, 2019, 9:49 pm

About 4 minutes 20 secs into this video you can see the LC hotel and the slipway.


Boy that surveyor was noisy  :o   I had forgotten how bad the first exhaust system was on that craft.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_72zfGb-qM
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Jan 11, 2019, 9:56 pm
Her's an aerial view:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XLpcdvfu-I
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Jan 11, 2019, 10:02 pm
A work colleague of mine is happy for people to leave their hovercraft overnight on the grass shore behind his house near slum bay.
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Nick Flint on Jan 12, 2019, 5:13 pm
1 High Al, do you have a Google earth view of your pal to wet the appetite of the shore mentioned.
2 Bearing in mind the Irish cruise will end 6th August, and I would need to return to UK and catch up on stuff, - it makes even more sense to run Your Highland cruise perhaps just a tad into September-October to potentially reduce costs but more importantly increase availability of self catering rentals with direct access to Loch Carron, as some four berth rentals are already booked for 10th August.
3 I am not sure if you have yet made this "an event" Thats under "CLUB" at the top, and sets up how many etc, and we can then register and finally confirm once we have bookings for our preferred sleeping arrangements, i.e. camp/rental/hotel/B+B etc.
If there are other guys joining us from HCGB (for instance) you could add their names to your booking under "comments"
That way we can see who's going.
4 Do you have any suggestions for what and where to cruise / visit, bearing in mind you cruise the areas extensively?
5 Perhaps a trailered visit to cruise Skye??? Always been in MY bucket list, which grows ever more urgent as time passes!
6 You pass the " Lochcarron garage" does it have petrol supplies please, or is it car mending only?
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Jan 12, 2019, 5:54 pm
I'm happy to have the cruise any when, but the closer to October the higher the risk  of stormy weather. My shift changes in April, so I won't automatically get 7 days off between shifts as I do now.  But some weeks I'll get 4 days off, others I'll get 6 days off without annual leave.  For instance  I'm back on shift on Monday 3rd June until the Thursday  then I'm off until Monday.    So it could be tagged onto the end of Loch fyne or any month.  Yes it would be nice if I could spend the week out there, but I'm happy to have a few days.  I'm way north, so it's a long trek for most people to attend    Skye is a possibility as are other areas, if people happy to trailer their hover.  South Skye is doable from Lochcarron or trailer to Kyle.
To look on Google maps/earth battery Park Lochcarron then find Howard Doris Centre, the grass area of shore between the two is behind my work colleagues house



Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Kim Taylor on Jan 15, 2019, 2:14 pm
Been watching this thread with interest. From what I read here, it looks like it may be possible to to move the dates or have a second phase later in the year then Al???  8)
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Jan 16, 2019, 10:12 am
How about members suggest dates?  The maximum amount of days I work in any week is 4.  The I either have 4 or 6 days off before going back on shift, so basically I can hold a cruise / cruises most weeks, it just means I wont be there some of the days.
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Nick Flint on Jan 18, 2019, 9:07 am
To give some clearance from the proposed IRISH cruise--
I suggest weeks beginning with Saturday----
Aug24th and 31st
Sept 7,14,21,28,
then getting  closer to poor weather (perhaps)---
Oct 5, 12th---
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Jan 18, 2019, 9:54 am
Any of those dates are fine with me, but I wont be able to be there everyday because of work  :'(
24th - 31st Aug I'm able to be there: Mon to Thurs.
31st- 7th Sept able to be there: Mon - Sat, but I have a night shift Monday night.
7th 14th Sept, able to be there: Sat, Sun, Fri, Sat
14th - 21st Sept, able to be there: Sat, Mon, Fri, Sat.
21st - 28th Sept, able to be there: Sat to Wed.


Another alternative would be 20th April to 27th April But I don't think my TS3 will be finished as I'm still waiting for the thrust engine  >:(   "I'm getting very impatient now as 4 weeks over due  >:( >:( >:( >:(   But I could cadge a ride  ;)
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Jan 18, 2019, 4:55 pm
Attached a picture of the 60800 ton new arrival that has become resident in Loch Kishorn for the next 9 weeks.  As can be seen in the background we've had a sprinkling of snow
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: tomtilley on Jan 20, 2019, 7:00 pm
Hi Al it nice to see  more cruising in Scotland the end of July and up to the second week in August is out for me  Sorry .Tom

Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Nick Flint on Feb 01, 2019, 1:25 pm
In the spirit of moving forward, Ive booked "Harbour Cottage" on the shores from 14th Sept --->21st Sept morning.
My shades are packed  8)


Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Feb 01, 2019, 5:19 pm
Hopefully My TS3 will be finished by then ???   It should be as long as the thrust engine arrives  :D .  New professionally made skirt will be with me end of next week  ;D ;D 


I'm working some of those days during that week, but available Sat, Sun, Thurs, Fri, Sat,  I maybe able to swap out a day or two with another colleague, as long as I'm not still on sick leave  :(


Slum bay where harbour cottage is has easy access to the water when the tide is in, but not a problem if its out as plenty of areas to park above water line .  The bottom end of that road has a steep banking when tide is out, but I managed to get my first surveyor up it a few times, so the otter wont have any issues with it.  There is a small slipway outside the cottage John & Steve rented which is only 200 metres from where your staying.  or just the other side of the bay is where I launch from, so launching & retrieval wont be a problem :)
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Nick Flint on Feb 01, 2019, 6:16 pm
Why is thrust delayed?
Sorry didn't know you were on sick leave.
Yep, Harbour cottage "looks" ideal, and I'm sure we will be able to get around any anomalies!
Hoping for some spectacular drone action. Clear water, Skye beaches, camp fires and smiliefaces.com !
At least the skirt arrival will employ you whilst you await the engine.
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Feb 01, 2019, 6:36 pm
I have no idea why engine is delayed, it was due to be with me 6 weeks ago.  I've been assured if its not arrived by next Friday then they will reorder it from elsewhere. 


I was signed on the sick today as I'm not allowed to drive at the moment due to having a Meniere's flare up.  Quite entertaining to onlookers as it looks like I've had too much to drink ;D [size=78%].  [/size][/size]Hopefully it will settle down again soon and I can get back to work.  I've learned to hide the symptoms quite well, but a work colleague noticed yesterday how unstable on my feet I was, so I thought time to see GP.  [size=78%]

Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Feb 09, 2019, 4:01 pm
Here is a few pictures of slum bay and Harbour cottage taken today 9th Feb 2019 with the tide out.
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Warby on Feb 09, 2019, 4:56 pm
Al, you are lucky to live in such a beautiful area, I passed through two years ago on route to Applecross via Bealach Na Ba, interesting route!!
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Feb 09, 2019, 6:22 pm
We're popping over the Bealach Na Ba next Saturday night, as going for a meal in Applecross  :)   This area must be one of the prettiest places to live or visit in the UK  ;D
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Kim Taylor on Feb 10, 2019, 3:00 pm
Thanks for the pics Al - looks great! Val and I have elbowed our way into the cottage that Nick has hired so looking forward to the trip now 8)  I was working across the loch at Attadale as well as at Lochcarron a couple of years ago in spectacular sunshine - I'm sure the weather is always like that there ::) :-\ ;) .
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Feb 10, 2019, 5:47 pm
Good to see you again Kim.  Yes sun always shining and very light breeze here ???   "I wish"  ;D
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Apr 01, 2019, 10:47 am
The North West Highland Cruise, 14th to 21st September 2019. 


This will be the second time this cruising event has been held, the last one was back in 2011.  The cruise is centered around Lochcarron.   
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Nick Flint on Apr 03, 2019, 1:55 pm

Hy Ronnie, I've replied here to keep it in context---
We've hired the cottage on the shores of LochCarron, as the campsite near by is not particularly near---and two campsite rentals ends up not particularly cheap. Unable to rent the cottage the previous August dates, as it was already booked!

The rented cottage is shore side, so the H/C can be parked up on the shore, and used when ever at zero hassle.
The cottage (once costs are shared) is perhaps marginally more expensive, but at the time, no others were showing interest. Are you joining us on Loch Carron? I would think its perfectly OK for you to perhaps use your M/H at the campsite, but leave your craft on the shore by our cottage. Hiring the cottage will "hopefully" give us all a "hub" from which to operate, (subject to considerate operations to neighbours)
See reply 46 above ref Als kind addition of views of/from our rental cottage.

Loch Fyne is DEFINITELY a camper holiday, with TWO weeks all booked at the usual campsite- (for Kim and Myself and patient ladies supporting us as per usual)  so nil desperandum!  ;)
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Ronnie L on Apr 04, 2019, 12:10 pm
Hi Nick
We had a week at Loch Carron last year, it was a fantastic holiday.
Attached is a pic of Kermit on the shore near to where I think the cottage is.
If I remember rightly Kermit is blocking the view of Harbour Cottage on the pic.
You know, not long ago I never would have thought I would have found something that I would have enjoyed as much as aviation. But I reckon hovering is it. So much so that I’ve sold my best gyro over the winter and a load other gyro related stuff.


For some reason I can’t post the pic
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Aug 27, 2019, 4:04 pm
Just a wee heads up for those of you that are planning attending this cruise.  If your arriving on the weekend of the 14th do not use the A87 route to get here come via Inverness.  The road between Lochcarron and Auchtertyre (A890) will be closed for the entire weekend so would have to do 140 mile detour.  So I repeat DO NOT USE THE A87 ROUTE  Use the A9 if coming from the south
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Ronnie L on Aug 27, 2019, 6:34 pm

AlWhen does the road close?
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Kim Taylor on Aug 27, 2019, 7:46 pm
Thanks for the info Al - very much appreciated!! :)


I've got my heart set on Tyndrum/Rannoch Moor/Glencoe/Fort William as I love that route but will then route via Spean Bridge/Loch Ness/Drumnadrochit and then A831/A833 to pick up the A832/A835 to Lochcarron via Achnasheen. Any local knowledge that makes that a bad idea please?
I realise the A9 route is simpler and probably quicker but I need my Rannoch Moor/Glencoe "fix"  ::) ::)


Really looking forward to this one...
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Aug 28, 2019, 11:58 am
You'll be fine on that route Kim, just didn't want people getting within a stones throw away only to find they have a 140 mile detour to do.  The other option of course would be to park up in Kyle or South Strome, Plocktonetc and fly across the loch to Lochcarron then fly back on the Monday and collect the vehicle & trailer

Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Nick Flint on Aug 28, 2019, 4:22 pm
YEP, thanks for the heads up there Al.
Thats a bit of a detour.
My man has worked out a "get around" so will be following his lead, as Im dysfunctional over road numbers.
The problem is- they're all different.  ::)
It just isn't fair.
I shall write to my MP.
Oh forgot- we haven't got one now he has been "sacked" for various reasons---
Ho (hum)
 :(
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Aug 28, 2019, 8:01 pm
YEP, thanks for the heads up there Al.
Thats a bit of a detour.
My man has worked out a "get around" so will be following his lead, as Im dysfunctional over road numbers.
The problem is- they're all different.  ::)
It just isn't fair.
I shall write to my MP.
Oh forgot- we haven't got one now he has been "sacked" for various reasons---
Ho (hum)
 :(


I bet he wasn't sacked for being honest  :-X ;D [size=78%] [/size]
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Kim Taylor on Aug 28, 2019, 9:40 pm
Thanks Al - really appreciate the heads up - that would have been very annoying.
I get my Rannoch Moor/Glencoe fix then  :) 8)
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Sep 10, 2019, 8:31 pm
Weather forecast
https://www.xcweather.co.uk/forecast/iv54_8xq (https://www.xcweather.co.uk/forecast/iv54_8xq)
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Nick Flint on Sep 11, 2019, 1:46 pm
Yes Al, looks like early week will be "nice". 8)
 Its still well off tho either way!

Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Sep 11, 2019, 10:18 pm
It's hardly stopped raining for the past month, so hopefully the weather is turning nice for a while :-)  It's a shame i'll be working for most of the week :-/

Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Nick Flint on Sep 12, 2019, 10:06 am
Hopefully we will get together at some stage, you know where we live!
It would also be good to see your craft if possible?
We are bringing anoraks and cosy jumpers!
Shorts we may not need.  8)
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Sep 12, 2019, 2:46 pm
I'm working most of the week, but Sunday and possibly Friday I'm not, so depending on weather the TS3 may make an appearance on those days  ??? .  The wind maybe too strong for my liking on Sunday, but I do need to try out the new divider skirt I fitted a few weeks ago.  I will of course pop down to Harbour cottage during the week as the person.

Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Nick Flint on Sep 12, 2019, 5:52 pm
Understood, so please let us know your plans ref coming to see us, so we can make sure to meet up rather than miss each other.
All saddled up for the 1000 mile round trip, with Trailer bearings and brakes and Sparkle all serviced!
After this season, Winter will be a rest!  ::)
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Kim Taylor on Sep 12, 2019, 8:29 pm
Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday looking quite promising at the moment - IF you trust XC Weather........ :-\


Looking forward to it anyway :) :)
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Sep 12, 2019, 9:08 pm
Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday looking quite promising at the moment - IF you trust XC Weather........ :-\


Looking forward to it anyway :) :)


XC not usually too far out with the forecast



Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Sep 13, 2019, 8:49 am
Have a safe journey everyone that's heading north west this weekend
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Sep 13, 2019, 12:12 pm
Looking at the current weather forecast in Lochcarron for next week, I reckon someone must be on good terms with the G man and mother nature  :D

Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Sep 13, 2019, 1:45 pm
Lochcarron garage is shut on Sunday, so you wont be able to get fuel from there.  They are open Monday to saturday 07:00 to 20:00hrs.  The Spar shop has a 24 hour fuel pump if your desperate. 


There is a cash machine at the Spar fuel station, but alas its not a free one I think its something like £1.80 to get cash out of it, so I don't use it.  During opening hours you can get cash back from lochcarron garage and the post office based in the Spar shop offers banking services for quite a few banks.

Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Ian Brooks on Sep 13, 2019, 5:27 pm
Looking at the current weather forecast in Lochcarron for next week, I reckon someone must be on good terms with the G man and mother nature  :D

Send some my way, getting soaked in the mountains in Mallorca it tipped it down today!! Rain in spain but definitely not on the plain ::)
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Nick Flint on Sep 14, 2019, 11:11 pm
At least its warm rain—— ::)
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Ronnie L on Sep 15, 2019, 8:06 am
Rain in the Balearics
Wind in the Highlands.


We’re just having alfresco breakfast in beautiful weather in Essex.
Sadly no hovering...but hey...you can’t have everything.
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Warby on Sep 15, 2019, 12:12 pm
Similar here in Beer, Devon!😎😎
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Kim Taylor on Sep 15, 2019, 3:39 pm
Arrived here yesterday in dire weather but today is just great. Forecast looking nice for the week ahead too.... :-\
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Sep 15, 2019, 7:48 pm
https://youtu.be/RW0ogRL6bGM

Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Sep 15, 2019, 9:06 pm
https://youtu.be/xrYyMp3fBR0
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Sep 16, 2019, 7:48 pm
OH dear there is always one NIMBY  >:(
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Ronnie L on Sep 16, 2019, 8:39 pm
Have they met the guy at Slumbay......I think he is called David
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Sep 16, 2019, 9:35 pm
Right in one Ronnie ;)   The bloke is a complete tool.  He's got the locals backs up, so hovercraft and their owners are more than welcome in Lochcarron  ;D   I did warm Nick & Kim about him yesterday.  The last time he fabricated a story about a colleague and me and got us hauled in front of ambo management, guess I better brace myself for round two  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Eric Yeoman on Sep 17, 2019, 2:36 am

OH dear there is always one NIMBY.


?? What happened here? I think I've missed something.
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: tomtilley on Sep 17, 2019, 8:29 am
You will always get one or two thats got nothing better to do I had the same on the river Nene over the weekend with TS3  I had a day  permit  To go on the Nene river  .    Tom.       😁
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Ronnie L on Sep 17, 2019, 9:47 pm
Is anything happening up there?
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Kim Taylor on Sep 17, 2019, 10:23 pm
Lots going on Ronnie - will post in due course but having a great time hovering 8)
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Kim Taylor on Sep 17, 2019, 10:25 pm
Hover park at Slumbay
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Kim Taylor on Sep 17, 2019, 10:26 pm
Spot the hovercraft
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Ronnie L on Sep 17, 2019, 10:39 pm
Got it
Through the bush at the other side of Slumbay on the headland.
Hope you have a great time.
Has the NIMBY given you any more trouble.......or have you charmed him with one of your smiles?
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Sep 17, 2019, 11:18 pm
Do we get extra points for saying what craft it is and naming the hovercraft?  :D
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Kim Taylor on Sep 20, 2019, 8:46 am
No finer place to be this morning.... 8)
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Ian Brooks on Sep 20, 2019, 8:30 pm
Absolutely cracking pictures from the hover in ! Sadly looking a bit windy down here for this weekend, but maybe it’ll settle down. I’ll be needing a hover-fix!

Ian
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Philip on Sep 22, 2019, 4:56 pm
Any pics or video of the TS3? How is it running?
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Al on Sep 22, 2019, 5:20 pm
No, I only used it for about 5 minutes to pop across the loch to see Kim & Nick.  Working most of the week and wasn't well on Friday.  TS3 needs some airhole adjustment as since fitting the divider skirt I'm getting spray over the front.  I managed 27mph down wind without ploughing and took it to 26 in to the wind, so divider is stopping the ball bang into the handlebar stem but now I'm getting a salt water shower.  I'll sort it when I can be bothered, but so little interest in flying it.

Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Philip on Sep 22, 2019, 6:36 pm
Shame, it would be nice to see it out with the others. 5 mins isn't really enough to figure out what's happening. .
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Nick Flint on Sep 23, 2019, 6:21 pm
My (oh my) WHAT a superb hovering week THAT was.
Hissing sid was a stimulating moment for me as he was NOT a happy bunny as i reached out to
steady myself against HIS warming rock  :o
Male Viper apparently. You have to search to actually SEE his head and eyes.

He NEVER took his eyes off me watching every move I made ---which understandably were all verrrrrry sloooow!
This occured a short while before the "last of the Summer whine" photo seen earlier!
He struck out towards me with a HISS! (short by about 10 inches)
OH such a naughty word shot out.
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Nick Flint on Sep 23, 2019, 6:33 pm
My view on perhaps GLENEIG bay  8)
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Nick Flint on Sep 23, 2019, 6:34 pm
Sparkle with chuffed owner, A VERY RARE picture indeed.! ::)


Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Ronnie L on Sep 23, 2019, 9:02 pm
Nick
That’s a cracking pic of you and Sparkle.
You should get that framed and maybe hang it on the wall.
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Nick Flint on Sep 25, 2019, 4:49 pm
 8)


This is my favourite picture I've ever taken of Sparkle.
This day SHE DID!
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Nick Flint on Sep 25, 2019, 4:55 pm
Returning from Plonkerton  8)
after 185 miles cruising
WHAT a time we had.
Arriving in forecasted 40 MPH horizontal rain on first day---
Middle few days were LOW winds if a little overcast at times---
Ending the holiday in THE Finest days cruising pictured here
with ULTRA low warm winds.
In the words of the yorkshire bard---
"We Wuz There!"
Vid ASAP!
 "To Plonkerton, and Beyond"  ;)
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Nick Flint on Dec 24, 2019, 9:19 pm

As promised, (before Christmas) HERE is
"To Plonkerton and Beyond" (The block buster.)
Its a long one, but DOES have an intermission.
Thanks to all who had the confidence to STILL COME!!!!
even when the weather forecast was SOOooooo bad. ::)


We have special "guest artists" (WON)
Writing, singing and playing who have kindly given permission to publish.
Please note there has been NO TOUCHING UP of the skies.
They REALLY were that colour.
If you weren't THERE, then bear it in mind when we try again to repeat
"The Hover Week GOLD STANDARD!" 8)



https://youtu.be/DH1i3XezwGI



Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Eric Yeoman on Dec 25, 2019, 3:01 am
Brilliant.  ;)
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Ronnie L on Dec 25, 2019, 12:23 pm
Excellent bit of Christmas Day viewing.
Thanks Nick.
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Kim Taylor on Dec 25, 2019, 3:35 pm
Well that’s a Christmas Cracker isn’t it?! A great mixture of Flint-craziness, stunning scenery and weather and an illustration of the magic of Hovercrafting.
Can’t wait to get back on the water.
Great work Nick 8)
Title: Re: North West Highland Cruise 14th - 21st September 2019
Post by: Nick Flint on Dec 26, 2019, 12:28 pm
I hereby DARE Steve Holland to change his face book photo using the Youtube still shown.
Just think------ ;)  eh Steve.


Perhaps we could all be pondering a compilation of our "BEST MOMENTS OF 2019",
THAT way we get a broad view of whats important for you to share.
Does it HAVE to be only Hovercraft?  ::)