Triumphrat

taffgmg · 09-16-2007

Just got back from a 1700 mile trip up to the Isle of Skye and back via the Welsh Marches, the Peak District, the Lake District, West of Scotland, Central Scotland, Northumberland, Weardale, the Yorkshire Dales, Lancashire Moors and the Welsh Marches again.

I've only had the bike a few months and until I left I had only done about 800 miles on it doing short blasts so it was a bit of an unknown quantity. Should'nt have worried as it never missed a beat.

With previous bikes I have always headed for France or Spain but this time I thought I would head up to Scotland as it is something I have always wanted to do. Glad I did as the roads and the scenery were great. Porbably the best of any trip I have done on a bike. Some days I seemed to have the roads to myself and could literally go for miles without passing a car, something thats not really possible down here in Devon unless you're up at the crack of dawn.

Aim of the trip was to stay off the motorways and enjoy the roads. Unfortunately my photography skills cant communicate some of the things I saw on the way or describe the roads I've ridden. Thanks to those that recommended some roads on a previous posting!

Thought Scotland was wild until I got across to Northumberland and then to Weardale where I've never been anywhere so bleak. Really felt as though I was at the end of the world stopped up on the top in complete silence except for the wind. Apart from that the most memorable part of the trip was ridding up into the clouds around Glencoe. Fantastic!....and the road from Fort William to the Isle of Skye needs to be seen to be believed.

Passed loads of places that I must get back to and roads that must be ridden again. Stayed in YHAs along the way and must admit the bike attracted a fair bit of attention and I dont think I went a day without chatting to someone.

Havent been in a youth hostel since I was a teenager and they have changed a bit since the mid '80. Would recommend them and the whole weeks accomadation only cost £110 for 8 nights.

In short who needs France.......Scottish weather excepting.......

Nickwiz · 09-16-2007

S great aint it that road to Skye?

As for Youth Hostels? They've actualy got one in Colditz castle! I've got to go just so I can send a daft postcard!

Bazman · 09-17-2007

Sounds like a great trip.

Quote:

Originally Posted by taffgmg

....Apart from that the most memorable part of the trip was ridding up into the clouds around Glencoe

.
Glencoe must be breathtaking on a good day. Unfortunately when I was there in May the wind and rain were so bad I just had to concentrate on keeping the bike upright

Quote:

Originally Posted by taffgmg

...and the road from Fort William to the Isle of Skye needs to be seen to be believed.

True, very true. One of the top 10 biking roads in the UK imho

CeeGee · 09-17-2007

Glad you've discovered the joys of the west coast.Glencoe's a bit of tourist trap these days,cant bomb down it as much these days,but,theres loads of other roads if you get off the main ones.I've been heading up there for years (more than i care to remember)and never been bored by it.

Stevumph · 09-18-2007

I reckon the photos you included are stunning.
The thing about that kind of weather is that it justifies having all your kit on ,and not sweating your knackers off,and even better you have'nt got clowns on plastic missiles cutting you up.
Nothing to me looks sexier than a well laden bike,well you know.....not exactly nothing!

OneWackyVille · 09-19-2007

Photo's are awesome!

Nickwiz · 09-21-2007

Av a look at my High days and Holidays album. I think we had better weather! great part of the UK though.

carr955 · 09-24-2007

Weardale has some of the best unspoilt biking roads in the British Isles,The A686 to Hartside and down to Alston is awesome,also from Alston to Hexham is Superb