Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 6 Nov 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Thatcham, England
Posts: 18
Touring around UK...advice?

OK, I appreciate the UK may not seem as sexy as a lot of touring destinations but I realised that, for all my travelling, I've never undertaken a tour of the UK.
I'm considering a 'round the coastline' type trip to definitely include Wales and Scotland and I'll be camping and using the occasional B&B over the Summer months.
Does anyone have any experience of such a trip? Routes taken, bits not to miss, bits that were dull(!), timescales for a complete round trip, highs, lows, recommended campsites/B&B etc?

Any advise/experiences appreciated,
greencat

PS...I appreciate timescales are dependent on distance per day and what appeals to one person may not appeal to another...I'd just like to hear the thoughts of those that have done this to use as a basis for planning a trip. Then I'll decide how long to take and what sights I fancy
__________________
greencat

Last edited by greencat; 16 Nov 2007 at 00:22.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 6 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 198
Hi,

I must say I agree, lots of us including me have not toured our own home ground very much, it is something I would like to do too.

I reckon in terms of places to visit/ideas you could not too badly by watching "Coast" the series the OU were involved with making and Wild Gourmets. Oh snd the lonely planet video's are good too!

Just a few ideas I would do, I would avoid crawley!
__________________
Cheers Dan
gettinglostagain.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 6 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Staffordshire. uk
Posts: 766
If you want an interesting and varied tour of Britain try doing the Round Britain Rally. Good fun and you visit lots of out of the way places.

Round Britain Rally
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 6 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by greencat View Post
OK, I appreciate the UK may not seem as sexy as a lot of touring destinations but I realised that, for all my travelling, I've never undertaken a tour of the UK.
I'm considering a 'round the coastline' type trip to definitely include Wales and Scotland and I'll be camping and using the occasional B&B over the Summer months.
Does anyone have any experience of such a trip? Routes taken, bits not to miss, bits that were dull(!), timescales for a complete round trip, highs, lows, recommended campsites/B&B etc?

Any advise/experiences appreciated,
greencat

PS...I appreciate timescales are dependent on distance per day and what appeals to one person may not appeal to another...I'd just like to hear the thoughts of those that have done this to use as a basis for planning a trip. Then I'll decide how long to take and what sights I fancy
A few quick thoughts:

You don't say where you have been already, i.e. where you have seen too much of, so to speak, but you can spend many a useful hour pouring over a decent map of sections of the UK - pick out the twisty roads and you won't be far wrong so far as the riding is concerned. For me, the more mountainous the better - don't forget the IOM, there are still no speed limits outside of the built up areas.

For myself I would stay well away from, say, the south coast of England, because,
A. I have been there enough to see what I wish to see.
B. The traffic is horrendous!
Therefore, I end up in Wales and Scotland, in the main.

Some of the Scottish Islands are interesting and worth seeing but some are very flat.

Around the coastline: it is about 10,000 miles all in.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 6 Nov 2007
IsleOf's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Irvine
Posts: 33
I know some people who doen the coastline in 2 weeks for charity. You will love it. However they felt they could have taken a bit longer to do it.

I joined them for the Scottish part of the Journey and i thoroughly enjoyed it.

Some tips
Id say look into using hostels as they are cheap.

For Scotland make sure you do Applecross and the A838 (Ullapool to Tongue).
These were my favourites. Theres still lots more ive to see in Scotland but these roads have been the best so far.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 6 Nov 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Thatcham, England
Posts: 18
Thanks for two really good starting ideas.
I did see the book to accompany the 'Coast' series on TV so must go and flick through it for ideas...an excellent starting point.

I particularly like the Round Britain Rally idea, especially as I have a Ural Outfit in the stable that doesn't get enough action and my partner is an Artist and photographer!

I've also thought about introducing a theme to the trip be it visiting gallaries (for the girlie) or sites with great examples of English, Welsh and Scottish engineering...or am I getting a bit geeky? I guess the key thing is that the UK has some extraordinary sights and, before venturing back out into the Empire again I feel I should poke around at home first.
I'd also like to encourage others to come to the UK to experience what we have to offer ...I'm sure there's some good stuff out there.
__________________
greencat
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 7 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Staffordshire. uk
Posts: 766
The road to Applecross is just like Norway. I love that area, Skye and Wester Ross. You can rent a wigwam at the Applecross campsite, they're brilliant. Applecross Campsite - Applecross Peninsula

I love the south coast too. Seaton/Beer area and Devon/Cornwall/Somerset.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 7 Nov 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: UK
Posts: 7
If I Were You

Hi Greencat, I love the UK, it has so much to offer, if you were to take the clockwise route round dropping down the East side I would recommend stopping in Whitby where you'll discover Dracula county and the north York moors"look out for animals in the road, sheep, deer etc....... they roam free!....... and make a point to visit the filming location for heart beet, just the ride there is breath taking, you could spend days even weeks in and around Whitby its got every thing, having left there going South to Scarborough (loads of bikers there)" probably one of the most visited seaside resorts in the North, you'll only be one to two hours from York wonderful city and once again you could spend days there!
Two main routes to York are the A170 and the A64 the first is very twisty the second is by no means boring but you do end up on bits of dual carriageway. "Look out for mobile speed cameras).
Now heading back from York,East to Bridlington, yet another seaside resort worth the visit, good food, good everything really, to be honest people have been coming here to the East coast for over a hundred years holidaying and tend to find everything they want to do on their doorstep.
These places I've recommended are full of history,culture, pubs, restaurants ......really nice people not too expensive (good for B and B,S and campsites) what else can I say really..............enjoy your trip!
If I can help any more let me know!
all the best
Jim
PS there is so much in between these main towns, city etc that it would take months to have a really good look round.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 8 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: I S T
Posts: 655
Around UK

Hi All,

I planned to do this trip (infact coast of northern part only) with Lake District.
I didn't have time and money to do that yet. Hope to do that in a few years time.

Definitely a route which have to be done.

Please share your experiences with us as I know the accomodation and prices are very high.

Sami
__________________
"where the traveller goes, nobody knows ! "
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 9 Nov 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Hythe
Posts: 9
How about using the Round Britain Rally where you can take small sips to meet the photo evidence requirements over a long period, or perhaps one big hit and base it on the Four Corners of Britain.... Lizard Point, Ardnamurchan, Dunnet Head and Lowestoft Ness?

I have planned it a few times and never done it. Should be good in the right conditions.... maybe not with petrol at over a quid a litre!


Youth hostels are good places to stay have alook at UK Youth Hostel Association (YHA), Budget Accommodation & Adventure Activities - YHA or Scotland Hostels - Youth Hostels in Scotland, Backpacking Europe

Last edited by Invicta Moto; 9 Nov 2007 at 12:22.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 9 Nov 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
Youth hotels / backpacker are good .. cheap if you are by yourself .. can be cheaper than camping .. For two B&Bs can be cheaper again..

----- I find the smaller hostells can be in some nice places that you'd other wise not go to .. at the bigger ones you don't get as much interaction.
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 9 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Sunderland, UK
Posts: 280
Durham and N.Yorks

Quote:
Originally Posted by 1fifer1 View Post
you could spend days even weeks in and around Whitby its got every thing, having left there going South to Scarborough (loads of bikers there)" probably one of the most visited seaside resorts in the North, you'll only be one to two hours from York wonderful city and once again you could spend days there!
I'll second that. Also take the road heading north from Whitby towards Guisborough and into County Durham. Barnard Castle and Durham City itself are very pretty and Durham Cathedral, etc is worth a visit if sightseeing is your thing. From there, head north through the tyne tunnel, into tynemouth and up the coast road towards Holy Island or take the A68 towards Kielder and into Scotland. Ridiculous number fixed and mobile camera sites on these routes though. Alternatively, head west from Durham, towards Crook, through Wolsingham, Stanhope, Alston, stopping off at the Hartside Pass Cafe and into Cumbria and the Lake District. This is a well worn route for bikers up here with good reason. I love the roads over Weardale. Not too much farm traffic and I've yet to see a cop with a speed gun.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 9 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Greencat,
To save lots of people posting lots of descriptions of routes, you can find whatever you fancy on this site:-

BestBikingRoads.com Motorcycle Travel, Motorcycle Touring, Motorcycle Routes, Motorcycle Roads
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 10 Nov 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Thatcham, England
Posts: 18
Smile Thanks to you all...

Every time I look at my post it bugs me that I typed "advise" instead of "advice"

Many thanks for the pointers on places, routes, hostels and camp sites and, of course, things like the Round Britain Rally & biking routes. I've just picked up a large map of the UK on which to plan and am looking forward to exploring your suggestions further.

I'll let you all know how I get on...
__________________
greencat
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 14 Nov 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Hythe
Posts: 9
Quote:
Originally Posted by greencat View Post
Every time I look at my post it bugs me that I typed "advise" instead of "advice"

Many thanks for the pointers on places, routes, hostels and camp sites and, of course, things like the Round Britain Rally & biking routes. I've just picked up a large map of the UK on which to plan and am looking forward to exploring your suggestions further.

I'll let you all know how I get on...
can't you edit the title?
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Buying an XT ! advise needed goodwoodweirdo Yamaha Tech 1 12 Dec 2004 18:39
World Touring Network - Japan Camp Meeting World Touring Ne Chris of Japan Motorcycle Events around the world 0 22 Oct 2004 15:41
Asia Touring Options for a big street bike (ST 1100) PanEuropean West and South Asia 7 10 Aug 2004 17:32
Alps Touring Global Rider Europe 0 14 Dec 2001 08:23
Motorcycle Adventure Touring Book Global Rider Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 0 26 Jul 2001 02:16

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 01:49.