Renting & Riding Scotland
 

Hi guys,

My best friend got his license and he is going to ride more this spring and summer. We would love to ride Scotland together (separate bikes) For a week or week and a half in autumn.

Two things:
- coming from the Netherlands by boat, anyone got a tip on where to rent an awesome set of bikes for a friendly price (or is there a Traveler here willing to lend us bikes for say a typical dutch bottle of liquor) ?

- any tips in general regarding places to (not) go / roads to ride ? We want to ride, sleep at local pubs/small places, eat a lot and chill out. I'm favoring a tent but might be tricky luggage wise..


Alex

I rented a BMW1200GS 3 years ago in Edinburgh from Motorrad Central, the BMW dealer. Very friendly service, great trip, will depend on your budget.

Coming off the ferry you'd want to rent in Hull but I don't know of anywhere, and if there is I expect the costs would be extortionate! Best thing is to take your own bikes on the ferry :)

As for riding, Scotland has some amazing scenery - from Hull head North on A1 to A66 to Penrith - the A66 is not a great ride but it's a stunning road :) Then hit the M6/M74 to the border - Hull is about 3 hours from Gretna, and then you can take your pick as to what kind of road you are looking for, but the West coast up to the Isle of Skye would definitely get my vote :)

Hi Blommetje, fellow Dutch-man,

I, myself, wonder why you are planning to go via Hull? Newcastle is further North and can be reached by Ferryboat as well (from IJmuiden, that is)..

I've done a similiar trip a few years back and can recommend in any case going to the Lake district (which respectively is still England).

The best camping spot, which you should back far in advance, will be sent by PM, since I don't want to spoil the place too much ;-).

Further North regarding your trip I can't help.. However I hope the aforementioned helps you plan an amazing trip!

Blommetje

PM me and I can advise on routes through pretty much any part of Scotland.

Also, as stated above, you would definitely be better sailing into Newcastle. A friend of mine from Denmark always uses that route when coming over on his bike.

PM if you would like some information on routes etc.

FWIW, my favourite roads are predominantly the West Coast and Islands, both Inner and Outer Hebrides. Many of these are often small or single track with passing places. A bigger bike might be more awkward for the inexperienced rider on some of these roads- a favourite trick of mine is putting a foot down in a passing place only to discover that the road had fallen away at the edge... doh
Good to practice picking up a 1200 before it happens!