Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
looking for advice looking for advice
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11 Jun 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 24
looking for advice
Hey there, just wanted to share my thoughts on my 1st tour. Although all within Scotland I have to say that it has lit a fire under my skidpan as far as touring is concerned. I went through Skye over to the Isle of Harris up through Lewis and back over to the mainland at Ulapool, (Great roads on the islands by the way). I then went up around the west coast while heading for John'O'Groats. WHAT A ROUTE! I have to highly recommend this route to anyone who hasn't tried it, just mind the wind on the north coast. As I said it has inspired me to already start planning my next trip. I plan on a ride next may, travelling across to Bulgaria's east coast via the Chunnel across Belgium and then through Germany, Chech replublic, down to Hungary, and then through Romania, finally dropping down into the east side of Bulgaria. I would appriciate any helpful advice, i.e. Validity of my route, documents I should take, accomodation etc. Woohoo can't wait.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11 Jun 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
sounds good, are you turning it into a round trip? If so coming back up the Balkan coast is a great trip.

Plan as little as possible! I don't think that anyhwere you are going will need a visa (assuming you are British). Some places may not be covered by your insurance but in these instances you can normally buy cheap at the border. All you need is the bike, a credit card and a passport.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11 Jun 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Beauly,Scotland
Posts: 31
Hey, did the roughly the same route last year and as Henry said then dropped down to the balkans and came up via the coast. My insurance was valid in all of the countries you listed although it was down to third party only in Romania.

As for countries after ,I purchased insurance at the borders of Macedonia, Albania and Montengro. You also have to pay an entry tax in Albania.

No visas required as previously stated if on British passport or member of the EU.

Kev
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 11 Jun 2008
Wheelspin's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Colchester, UK
Posts: 149
I did the same route a few years ago too - my insurance was fine in Romania. If you look in Travellers Stories for Kevin Payne you will see all the details. That was pre some of them joining the EU, so it can only be easier now. PM me if you want any info.
__________________
Honda CBR 1100 XX, Yamaha XTZ 660, Harris Special
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12 Jun 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Scottish Borders
Posts: 59
Scottish west coast
Sounds like you enjoyed your trip !
We are completely spoiled in Scotland for biking roads. The north west of Scotland in particular has awesome roads and scenery to match.
have not done the Islands myself yet but that is certainly on the cards sometime.
Good luck with your future trips.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12 Jun 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 24
Scottish Islands
Quote:
Originally Posted by forestry View Post
Sounds like you enjoyed your trip !
We are completely spoiled in Scotland for biking roads. The north west of Scotland in particular has awesome roads and scenery to match.
have not done the Islands myself yet but that is certainly on the cards sometime.
Good luck with your future trips.
If you are planning on trying the outer Hebridean Isles on your next trip then you might be interested to know that Calmac ferries are lowering their prices from October by roughly a third. I plan on trying a few more of the Isles myself after then.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 Jun 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 24
Rough route
Thanx so far for all the advice. I made up a rough route and wondered what you all thought.
you can see it here.
Google Maps
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 21 Jun 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Preston, England
Posts: 5
Hey man, that route looks fantastic but thats coming from a complete noob so don't know how serious you should take that

I was thinking of doing something similar next year. This year I'll be sticking to Central/Mediterranean Europe as I've never done it before.

Good luck and I hope you have a whale of a time.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 25 Jun 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 24
Route
Hey Joshman, I take it as a compliment thanx. I am planning my trip about the 1st week in June. Still waiting for confirmation from friends and I would be more than happy for the company if you would care to join me. I will be posting more of the details as they are arranged so keep looking in. Donnie
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 25 Jun 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 24
Oops!
Woops got your name wrong. Forgives please Joshmac?
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
Advice shepherd Equipping the Overland Vehicle 3 30 Jun 2008 23:51
Thanks for all the advice... jeff akins South America 2 15 Feb 2008 21:21
ATM advice Hooli Europe 9 5 Dec 2007 12:05
Advice please redsnapper Which Bike? 1 19 Jan 2007 20:21
Advice Tommyboy Route Planning 0 21 Sep 2005 03:01

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 11:29.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top