Applecross a Go Go

Our contribution to the 2009 Golden jubilee celebrations will be the camping weekend / Rally at Applecross on 26^th -28^th of June. We were up there two weekends ago to get things organised and so far this is the plan. Friday 26^th arrive at your base, either one of the many B&B’s, the Hotel or the camp site. If your not camping I would suggest booking early as there is expected to be massive demand for beds in the area following the success of the BBC2 programme “Monty’s great escape” which follows an outdoor guy trying to live off the land. The filming is well done and has now wakened the world up to the area. Friday night do your own thing either at the Applecross Inn or for a quieter time the Potting Shed in the walled garden, both superb restaurants. If camping it’s adviseable to pre book with the camp site on +44 (0) 1520 744 268 or e-mail: enquiries@applecross-campsite.co.uk

10% discount will be given as long as you let them know you are with the Norton Rally, normal rates are £6.50 per person per night. Saturday a proposed meander around the coast road which is quite spectacular in itself with a stop for lunch then a run back over the Bealach.( It would be nice to get some video footage of the Nortons making their way over this famous pass ) Saturday evening we have arranged for a Marquee to be erected across the road from the pub and we will be having a band to help dance the night away. The bar will shut at 12pm though so if you need any more make sure you have a stash beforehand. For those staying over on the Sunday there are many places to visit all on normally quiet and picturesque roads.

You have to visit Applecross at least once in your life to appreciate the views, peace and tranquillity (well until we get there anyway)

In order to help us cater for the Rally it would be good to let us know if you want to attend. An E mail or phone call to George Peddie on 01738 636901 or george1045@hotmail.co.uk or myself on MVD944l@yahoo.co.uk

The Campsite web site is at http://www.applecross.uk.com/campsite/index.htm

The Applecross Inn is at

http://www.applecross.uk.com/inn/index.htm

The Potting shed is at

http://www.eatinthewalledgarden.co.uk/

Local B@B in oder of distance from the pub are as follows

Maureen Goldthorpe 01520 744284

Seonag Brown 01520 744421

Marjory Mackenzie 01520 744278

Jesse Gilles 01520 744229

Avril Collis 01520 744223

There are others but these I would say were within reasonable walking limits from the pub. If you need more contact George Peddie at the address above.

And finally if you want a preview of the area the first programme in the BBC series is available on

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00j2nt6/Monty_Halls_Great_Escape_Episode_1/

Or a video I made on one of my trips over the Bealach on

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYKmUQQ0Vqo

Although hopefully the weather will be better than the trip a had two weeks ago, this was the top of the Bealach! Glad I wasn’t on the bike.

For those of you looking for it on the Map

Journey time is at least 5 hours from Edinburgh.

The easiest way is to Inverness, then head for Ullapool before turning off for Achnasheen and then Loch Carron. The most scenic is through Glencoe, Fort William, Invergarry, head for Kyle of Lochalsh then turn off for Lochcarron or from Perth the A9 to Dalwhinnie then Laggan, Spean bridge before picking up the A82 to Invergarry.

Other stuff

The week before we have Donnington, I will be there for the Friday but heading home on the Saturday so I can go on the Scottish Classic Club run on the Sunday. Speaking of the Classic club they are organising in conjunction with Norrie Milton the Heid o the Glen Rally on May 22 – 25 to which the NOC are invited, this will be a combined sidecar and Classic bike rally to be held at Glen Clova. Details from Norrie Milton on norman.milton@tesco.net .

The week after Applecross is the National Rally at Bristol (not sure if I’ll make that one) Then in July the International in Austria. Alex & I are leaving on the Tuesday 21^st of July from Newcastle and returning on the 28^th from Ijmuiden taking in the second weekend of the Rally.

And As always don’t forget the Begonia Rally in Flanders Belgium , always worth a visit on August 28^th -31^st August (http://users.telenet.be/noc-fb/)

Ride Safe!

The Small Print

The views and opinions contained within this publication are not necessarily those of the NOC or of the branch but are probably mine as I wrote it.

No one accepts any responsibility for anything, if you have a good time don't say I didn't warn you.

Gino Rondelli

February 2009