Flying in the Highlands and Islands
The Original Whirly
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Belper, Derbyshire, UK
Posts: 4,326
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Flying in the Highlands and Islands
At the beginning of August a friend and I are taking a C152 up to the North of Scotland for 4-5 days. This is NOT to have fun and a holiday; it's ONLY because I need another 7-8 f/w hours before the end of September in order to keep my PPL(A). It's a penance, flying these things with non-whirly wings, honestly! 
Anyway, we want to go to Mull, Barra (landing on the beach), probably the rest of the Hebrides, probably Inverness, maybe Wick (since we tried to get there once and got turned back by the wx)... Where would people recommend? Any nice routes, airfields, places to stay...bearing in mind we're coming up from Gloucester, and will only have 2-3 days up there.
And please cross fingers for the wx for us!
Anyway, we want to go to Mull, Barra (landing on the beach), probably the rest of the Hebrides, probably Inverness, maybe Wick (since we tried to get there once and got turned back by the wx)... Where would people recommend? Any nice routes, airfields, places to stay...bearing in mind we're coming up from Gloucester, and will only have 2-3 days up there.
And please cross fingers for the wx for us!
Join Date: May 2001
Location: 75N 16E
Age: 54
Posts: 4,729
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oban is a must, the most friendly airport I've been to. Cheap (£10) and they even brought us tea and buscuits followed by beer all inc. Fuel is cheapish there too.
The town is lovely, good food, good guest houses / restaraunts etc.....Good luck with the WX, we came back yesterday and really wished we'd had a weather radar
Gets my vote
EA
The town is lovely, good food, good guest houses / restaraunts etc.....Good luck with the WX, we came back yesterday and really wished we'd had a weather radar
Gets my vote
EA
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Reading, Berkshire
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oban and Glenforsa
I agree with Englishal, Oban is worth going to for many reasons, not just the great hospitality. It's a good start-point for trips to many western island locations, such as Glenforsa, and you can get local information locally, if you see what I mean!
I went two weeks ago, and the weather was awful, so be very prepared and plan alternates!
Good luck!
I went two weeks ago, and the weather was awful, so be very prepared and plan alternates!
Good luck!
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 369
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You just have to go to Oban and if you can go to Kirkwall as well, i chickend out of Mull the last time I was up because I felt the runway was too short for me. The whole area is great to fly in I have heard Plockton is nice though I havent been there. There are loads of restricted areas arround so speak to the locals for advice. If you end up in Inverness Pinkster may be there.
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: England
Posts: 510
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sally (Mrs QNH1013) and I are flying up to Wick and the Orkneys next week for our wedding anniversary and should be back next Saturday, so may be able to give you some up-to-date info soon.
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Dundee, Scotland
Age: 61
Posts: 1,272
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Plockton's nice, you can walk to the railway station and have a superb meal on the platform (really), and I concur with Oban as an excellent destination - jammy dodgers on tap! Paul Keegan's the man. Prepare to have your breath taken away though, on a good day it really is the most utterly beautiful place to fly; my best flight ever was in the highlands.
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Scotland
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you go to Plockton then take a look at Broadford, its only 10 m SW. There is a superb beach just at the end of the runway. Not too many facilities near the strip, although the Crofters Kitchen restuarant 3m E towards Kyleakin does good grub at reasonable prices. DONT try to fly under the Skye Bridge and keep an eye open for rotary activity out of the torpedo base at Kyle of Lochalsh.
On the other side of the country there is another nice beach at Dornoch (grass strip). You'll need to talk to Tain Range to get in here. This would break up the Inverness-Wick leg nicely.
If/when I finish my PPL I intend using these two strips a lot because I have relatives within a mile of both.
On the other side of the country there is another nice beach at Dornoch (grass strip). You'll need to talk to Tain Range to get in here. This would break up the Inverness-Wick leg nicely.
If/when I finish my PPL I intend using these two strips a lot because I have relatives within a mile of both.
The Original Whirly
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Belper, Derbyshire, UK
Posts: 4,326
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks people, and keep the suggestions coming. I'm really looking forward to this.
EGPFlyer,
A fly-in would be fun, though obviously our schedule will be pretty flexible unless we get a really reliable week weather-wise. But I'll post it when we have some idea, and maybe if someone can give me a phone number in case we don't decide the details till the last minute....
EGPFlyer,
A fly-in would be fun, though obviously our schedule will be pretty flexible unless we get a really reliable week weather-wise. But I'll post it when we have some idea, and maybe if someone can give me a phone number in case we don't decide the details till the last minute....
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Dorset
Posts: 902
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Whirly - haven't seen a suggestion here that I disagree with so far! For my sins I used to frequently be SLF on the rotary activity referred to at Kyle of Lochalsh!
I know the Plockton area well, but have never flown there F/W - usual procedure from when I was a regular there seemed to be a low pass to scatter the cattle off the strip (whilst complying with Rule 5, of course ) and making an approach. It's a bit of a trot (approx 1.5 miles, although I've never clocked it!) to get to the village from the strip, but a friend of mine (who used to work for me!) runs one of the hotels in the village and I'm sure a lift could be negotiated for promise of some pub lunch custom or accommodation! Be warned - I met Mrs CB in Plockton nearly 16 years ago, so it may change your life!!
Barra is always a well recommended option (I've never tried it myself), but on another thread, it has been pointed out that the a/c may need a washdown afterwards. If you come from Barra to Oban, apparently the infamous Paul Keegan has a pressure washer available.
Other options - Perth is a great field to visit and is worth holding in mind if you have crosswind problems elsewhere. Cumbernauld is pleasant enough, but last time I went there, the landing fee was around £14.50, which was a bit strong.
If you want to be in ready striking distance for a day in Edinburgh (but don't have approx £50 to wave under BAA's nose), then one option is Kirknewton, which is in EDI zone. This is PPR and you will be strongly discouraged from visiting at weekends due to ATC gliding activity (which I am personally involved in!). There is a 1000m hard runway, which is in somewhat neglected state, but is regularly used - you may even get to meet the great and good Harry Mend-----ohn. There is a train station about 1.5 miles away with a reasonable service to Edinburgh, but someone may be able to give you a lift (I actually live in the area, so may be able to help!).
Dundee and Benbecula are also good places to fly to, although the touristy things to do in Benbecula really require some transport (plus be aware of the military activitiy there - you may find yourself the wrong end of a Rapier if you don't read your NOTAMs carefully!).
Enjoy - when the plan develops some substance, update us, so that possible arrangements (and flapjacks / shortbread, where applicable!) can be made.
I know the Plockton area well, but have never flown there F/W - usual procedure from when I was a regular there seemed to be a low pass to scatter the cattle off the strip (whilst complying with Rule 5, of course
) and making an approach. It's a bit of a trot (approx 1.5 miles, although I've never clocked it!) to get to the village from the strip, but a friend of mine (who used to work for me!) runs one of the hotels in the village and I'm sure a lift could be negotiated for promise of some pub lunch custom or accommodation! Be warned - I met Mrs CB in Plockton nearly 16 years ago, so it may change your life!!Barra is always a well recommended option (I've never tried it myself), but on another thread, it has been pointed out that the a/c may need a washdown afterwards. If you come from Barra to Oban, apparently the infamous Paul Keegan has a pressure washer available.
Other options - Perth is a great field to visit and is worth holding in mind if you have crosswind problems elsewhere. Cumbernauld is pleasant enough, but last time I went there, the landing fee was around £14.50, which was a bit strong.
If you want to be in ready striking distance for a day in Edinburgh (but don't have approx £50 to wave under BAA's nose), then one option is Kirknewton, which is in EDI zone. This is PPR and you will be strongly discouraged from visiting at weekends due to ATC gliding activity (which I am personally involved in!). There is a 1000m hard runway, which is in somewhat neglected state, but is regularly used - you may even get to meet the great and good Harry Mend-----ohn
. There is a train station about 1.5 miles away with a reasonable service to Edinburgh, but someone may be able to give you a lift (I actually live in the area, so may be able to help!).Dundee and Benbecula are also good places to fly to, although the touristy things to do in Benbecula really require some transport (plus be aware of the military activitiy there - you may find yourself the wrong end of a Rapier if you don't read your NOTAMs carefully!).
Enjoy - when the plan develops some substance, update us, so that possible arrangements (and flapjacks / shortbread, where applicable!) can be made.
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Aberdeen
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For what is is worth
Plockton is considerably shorter than Glenforsa, from recollection 500 odd metres as opposed to the 800 plus at Mull. As a destination though it is excellent.
If you are looking for routings, try coming south from Aviemore down the Lairig Ghru and then on down Glen Tilt, ending up near Pitlochry. The first is a spectacular highland pass, the second one of the narrowest glens (avoid weekdays when the gray machines fly down it and what for the house halfway along). Both these are best flow north to south as they slope that way.
Alternatively fly west across Rannoch Moor, from Loch Rannoch toward Glencoe and on to Oban, truly a desolate area, cut through way the railway but unusually no roads.
If you go to Mull or Oban make sure you take in Staffa (Fingals cave) and fly up Loch Shiel to the Bonnic Prince Charlie monument t the noth end.
Happy landings
Plockton is considerably shorter than Glenforsa, from recollection 500 odd metres as opposed to the 800 plus at Mull. As a destination though it is excellent.
If you are looking for routings, try coming south from Aviemore down the Lairig Ghru and then on down Glen Tilt, ending up near Pitlochry. The first is a spectacular highland pass, the second one of the narrowest glens (avoid weekdays when the gray machines fly down it and what for the house halfway along). Both these are best flow north to south as they slope that way.
Alternatively fly west across Rannoch Moor, from Loch Rannoch toward Glencoe and on to Oban, truly a desolate area, cut through way the railway but unusually no roads.
If you go to Mull or Oban make sure you take in Staffa (Fingals cave) and fly up Loch Shiel to the Bonnic Prince Charlie monument t the noth end.
Happy landings
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: united kingdom
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We had an enjoyable few days on Tiree last year, so I'd reccomend a visit or an overnight. Also visited Stornoway on a fairly miserable day (weatherwise) and did not feel any strong wish to return. Flew past Benbecula without landing as it seemed an almost eerily desolate place. We were advised (by Paul Keegan) to visit Barra and Plockton in preference to Benbecula, and he should know.
Enjoy the trip, hope the weather's kind.
AA.
Enjoy the trip, hope the weather's kind.
AA.
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: EGLL mostly
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You probably don't need anybody else to tell you to visit Paul and Brian at Oban... but you really should visit them.
The West Coast is a much nicer run than Wick and points to the East. Wick is a nice enough airport and I've been very glad to see Andy Bruce's face a few times after an Atlantic run, but Wick the town is the most godforsaken dump you can imagine.
Go for Oban, Glenforsa, Islay, Tiree and perhaps a few of the smaller strips. Do less fields and take time out to enjoy the scenery around them.
Charlie
The West Coast is a much nicer run than Wick and points to the East. Wick is a nice enough airport and I've been very glad to see Andy Bruce's face a few times after an Atlantic run, but Wick the town is the most godforsaken dump you can imagine.
Go for Oban, Glenforsa, Islay, Tiree and perhaps a few of the smaller strips. Do less fields and take time out to enjoy the scenery around them.
Charlie
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Liverpool
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Have a lovely time Whirly, I agree with all the posts re Oban, a beautiful airfield with tea and jammy dodgers provided by Paul and Brian, as well as some of the cheapest avgas north of the border.
Having spent 2 days suck at Wick due to bad wx only a fortnight ago, look at the long range forecast before leaving inverness and be prepared to go around the danger area at Tain if its a weekday. The flight from oban to inverness, up the great glen, is stunning. From previous trips Tiree, Mull, Plockton and Broadford are all worth a visit and on the way back south Cambeltown for the longest runway or route east for Glenrothes and the Tipsy Nipper resturant.
Having spent 2 days suck at Wick due to bad wx only a fortnight ago, look at the long range forecast before leaving inverness and be prepared to go around the danger area at Tain if its a weekday. The flight from oban to inverness, up the great glen, is stunning. From previous trips Tiree, Mull, Plockton and Broadford are all worth a visit and on the way back south Cambeltown for the longest runway or route east for Glenrothes and the Tipsy Nipper resturant.
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Glasgow, U.K.
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Having been born & bred in the Western Isles, and being a regular visitor to most of the airports mentioned here, I can confirm that you've been given a lot of good and accurate advice by the posters.
I don't know if it's still the case, but I believe the fuel suppliers at Wick required you to take a minimum uplift when refuelling there, so, if you decide to visit, probably wise to have some room in your tanks to avoid un-necessary expense.
Other than that, enjoy what many say is the best flying area in Europe (if you get the weather!!)
I don't know if it's still the case, but I believe the fuel suppliers at Wick required you to take a minimum uplift when refuelling there, so, if you decide to visit, probably wise to have some room in your tanks to avoid un-necessary expense.
Other than that, enjoy what many say is the best flying area in Europe (if you get the weather!!)
The Original Whirly
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Belper, Derbyshire, UK
Posts: 4,326
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Many thanks everyone. A fly-in is a great idea. But I can't see us ever having a definite itinerary; we prefer to have a rough idea, then just go where the mood takes us, bearing in mind weather, fuel, etc. However, it looks as though this will be our very very approximate route:
Monday 4th - Gloucester to Oban by whatever route we fancy.
Tuesday - Tour of the Western Isles, Mull, Tiree, Barra, Benbecula, maybe staying overnight at Stornaway
Wednesday - Maybe Wick - Inverness - Oban, if we can get round the coast, need to check danger areas etc.
Thursday - unless wx obviously settled, head home as aircraft MUST be back for weekend. But if we can, maybe a few of the places we missed on Tuesday, like Plockton, Skye, Bute, Campbeltown, etc.
Friday - Definitely head home.
As you can see, it's an airfield hopping holiday!
I suggest we have a tentative arrangement to meet in Inverness on Wednesday, if anyone wants to. But someone had better call me during that week on 07813 651722 to let us know your plans and to check ours, since I doubt if we'll have internet access.
Be great to meet some Scottish prooners though!
Monday 4th - Gloucester to Oban by whatever route we fancy.
Tuesday - Tour of the Western Isles, Mull, Tiree, Barra, Benbecula, maybe staying overnight at Stornaway
Wednesday - Maybe Wick - Inverness - Oban, if we can get round the coast, need to check danger areas etc.
Thursday - unless wx obviously settled, head home as aircraft MUST be back for weekend. But if we can, maybe a few of the places we missed on Tuesday, like Plockton, Skye, Bute, Campbeltown, etc.
Friday - Definitely head home.
As you can see, it's an airfield hopping holiday!
I suggest we have a tentative arrangement to meet in Inverness on Wednesday, if anyone wants to. But someone had better call me during that week on 07813 651722 to let us know your plans and to check ours, since I doubt if we'll have internet access.
Be great to meet some Scottish prooners though!
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Paros, Greece
Posts: 768
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
need to check danger areas etc
If you go to Dornoch there's ****** all there but you can walk to the beach at the end of the strip, sit on the sand dunes and watch the fighter jets making bombing runs into Tain Range - the range controllers are easy going and don't seem to use the northern entry/exit lane - they cleared me into the danger area from the west abeam Dornoch Bridge . Just watch out for the locals walking dogs on the strip.
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Aberdeen
Posts: 1,234
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
To be fair to Dornoch, the village (its too small to really call it a town - although it is), is only 10 minutes walk and the hotels offer reasonable accomodation and very pleasant afternoon tea.
The scenery is pretty fair too, with Dunrobin castle and the monument to the Duke of Sutherland.
I'd say it compares pretty well to most other strips!
The scenery is pretty fair too, with Dunrobin castle and the monument to the Duke of Sutherland.
I'd say it compares pretty well to most other strips!
PINKS WORLD THROUGH ROSE COLOURED SPECS
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Happy and content again back in the house on the beach ,baking on the AGA and flying around my highland home . emmmmmmmm
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
HI whirlybird,
Can't offer any good suggestions yet but as discussed earlier,please let me know when you are calling ,to make sure i'm in armed with the goodies,
Good old highland hospitality.
I'm starting on my own adventure south,so hope i do not miss you .Will PM you with,my phone number.
Can't wait until i can visit some of those places suggested.
PINKSTER
Sorry whirly ,just read your post,(only read page 1)
looks like i'll miss you,as i'm in London ,and bashing with some pprunes,sorry. Will have to catch up another time.
Can't offer any good suggestions yet but as discussed earlier,please let me know when you are calling ,to make sure i'm in armed with the goodies,
Good old highland hospitality.
I'm starting on my own adventure south,so hope i do not miss you .Will PM you with,my phone number.
Can't wait until i can visit some of those places suggested.
PINKSTER
Sorry whirly ,just read your post,(only read page 1)
looks like i'll miss you,as i'm in London ,and bashing with some pprunes,sorry. Will have to catch up another time.
Last edited by Pink_aviator; 24th Jul 2003 at 06:52.