Am thinking of a few days up North to see the so called Northern lights going by car bit concerned about the white stuff as i aint got 4 wheel drive. would seem the further north the better chance of seeing a good display. So i guess John o Groats would be ideal? But basically as far as i can get weather permitting, any constructive thoughts/experience/tips would be most welcome. Will likely try to be up there for New Year.

Check the web for best dates, from what I can remember the 'lights' follow a 7 year cycle or maybe its 11. They are very uncooperative so there is no guarantee of seeing them.
This is on my to-do list! 

                                                                                                                                                                             

yes indeed tis 11 years according to what i've read                                                                                                                                                                              

  When the signs are all positive I'll be up there too                                                                                                                                                                               

i like to go see them 

                                                                                                                                                                             

what signs emzed?

                                                                                                                                                                             

if ever there was a time for a
Double entendre Kaycat lol
                                                                                                                                                                             

snigger 

                                                                                                                                                                             

dark skies - no light pollution; right time of year - Oct/Nov and Feb/Mar I believe are more favourable than deepest winter; northern latitudes so John O'Groats ticks that one; but also recent solar activity and NO CLOUDS.
Makes it all a bit hit'n'miss but it could be one heck of a winter rally! Count me in if you're going ahead with it, very much something I want to see.                                                                                                                                                                              

  Those are some of the positive signs I was talking about Izzy                                                                                                                                                                                 

LOL, did I get them all right? Wasn't sure which was latitude and which was longitude!

I'll look back at web pages and message ob54, but he did ask for thoughts/experience/tips - not passengers! To my mind, if I'm struggling to stay awake in the middle of the night, out in the cold, I'd need good company to help me do it 
zzzzzz                                                                                                                                                                             

  I'm sure we can manage that Izzy   And yes, you did get it spot on                                                                                                                                                                               

never say never izzy lol. but was thinking strangely enough about being under the stars/northern lights for new year sounds like this is'nt the best time? doubt very much i'd be on 2 wheels lol or camping as such but more like sleeping in the back of my people carrier with the back seats removed lol

Hey OBiwan, you go for it when it seems like a plan to you.

I wouldn't be on two wheels either and I certainly wouldn't be in a tent! I suppose there must be some hostelries still trading in the winter months, maybe even the odd B&B.

I think NY is too soon for me to be think of doing it but I will do a little research, as I'm sure Emzed will also, and try to find a promising time. There's often media coverage of heightened solar activity but you have to be prepared to go when you hear about it and then still have to take chances with weather.                                                                                                                                                                              

OBiwan???? lol i like that may the force be with you etc etc lol. i have no set plans i shall likely leave it right up till the last minute to decide whether to ge new year or not. car will be packed just in case, and will try to remain as flexible as poss. will have mutt with me so will have company lol. got a mate in glasgow so might try n meet up with him at some point maybe. if you discover any good info i'd be most grateful if you would share it.                                                                                                                                                                              

LOL, you're welcome, it just came to me and seemed appropriate, be delighted if you keep it!

You actually have a friend in Hamilton so please do look in on the way up - I'm only 5 minutes from the M74. Let me know that you're setting off and I'll put the kettle on.
Now, I think I have homework to do ........ Emz. help?                                                                                                                                                                             

Snow forecast John o groats this week ;-/                                                                                                                                                                             

Snow forecast lots of places this weekend, starting tomorrow: winter properly arrives. Brrr!

Stunning day out today - said from the warmth of my office where I'm told it's already perishing cold.                                                                                                                                                                             

Thank you izzy that's very kind of you when i travel up i will certainly let you know and if the offer is still open i dont take sugar in tea of coffee lol                                                                                                                                                                              

Fried egg and crispy bacon on fried bread buttie with brown sauce