Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Travellers Seeking Travellers
Travellers Seeking Travellers Meet up with other travellers on the road, or find someone to travel with to the ends of the earth!
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



Like Tree3Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 14 Aug 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Luton UK
Posts: 15
Scotland and Hebrides end of August - beginning of September

Starting August bank holidays weekend I'm planning to ride to Scotland for 10 days. I don't have a fixed plan but I would like to go as far as john'o'groads and then follow the coastal route along northern parts and then go down along west part of scotland to Ullapool to catch a ferry to Isle of Lewis. Then I would like to do some island hopping to Uist and Barra and then catch the ferry back to mainland (Oban).
Perhaps I'm being too optimistic and 10 days is not enough for all this? I don't know and I guess I will find out. Has anyone done similar journey in the past?
Any recommendations about scenic rides on the way, any attractions to see, good wildlife spots are welcome.
I'm 36 years old, female rider and I'll be riding alone. If anyone would like to share some parts of this journey with me, do some camping together, have a or do some hiking along the way somewhere, that would be great!
I'm planning to camp most of the time (weather permitting) but I will also stay in B&Bs when I'm too cold and fed up of camping:-)
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 Aug 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Hertfordshire
Posts: 4
Hello Syliak,

Sounds like a good trip. I’ve thought about heading that way but never really got round to it. Ten days should be ok but I guess it depends on where you’re starting off from and what sort of millage your comfortable with riding.

I’ve not long returned from riding round the Pyrenees and wouldn’t mind heading up into Scotland if you fancy a riding partner for a few days. End of the month, early September could work. Male, slightly older and ride a KTM 690.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 15 Aug 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Luton UK
Posts: 15
Hey pheasant, that would be so great if you could join, even just for few days. It's always more fun to ride together. How much time have you got and which parts of scotland would you like to visit? I'm planning to start on friday 28th of august after work from luton and be back on sunday 6th of september. I would like to get to scotland as quickly ad possible (don't mind long riding for the first 2 days) and then take it easy from there, enjoy the scenery. I've heard that north-east should be really beautiful. Pyrenees have also been on my mind for a while so would be interesting for me to find out more about your trip. Pm me for more details and we can arrange something.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15 Aug 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Luton UK
Posts: 15
Ah forgot to mention: i'm riding bmw f650 gs and don't mind some off road detours as long ad it's on the easier side :-)
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 15 Aug 2015
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,119
Have a look at the information page I stuck up at Shetland, Orkney, Hebrides.

Rather than B&B you might want to look at the low cost independent hostels.

I'm planning a two week trip starting about a week before you (so long as the weather forecast isn't dire) but in reverse of your route and possibly including Orkney and Shetland. Will probably stop at Haggs Bank bunkhouse on the way up and back down.

There's not a lot of offroad around, but you could try the route north from the 'Bridge to Nowhere' on Lewis.

Might see you on the road!
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live,"
Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 15 Aug 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Hertfordshire
Posts: 4
Thanks Tim that's awesome, i'll have a good read later.

Sylwiak, looks like your only just down the road from me, anyway i'll pm you my email and maybe we can arrange something. Not sure how much time i can spare at the mo, i'll have to play that by ear.

No preferance on where to go but i'll have a read through Tims post first. I'm good at route planning and all things gps so could easily cobble a little Scottish trip together after a bit of research.

Pyrenees are amazing, highly recommended.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 Aug 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Luton UK
Posts: 15
Wow Tim, thank you for all that info, that's so usefull! I couldn't open your waypoints though, perhaps i try later from laptop rather than phone. Now i will have to add orkneys and shetlands on my list for some other trip in the future! I always thought it's too cold and windy there for motorbiking :-)
I hope to see you on the road somewhere!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 15 Aug 2015
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,119
You'll need some form of SatNav programme to make sense of the waypoints file—Garmin Mapsource, Garmin BaseCamp or TomTom Tyre on the PC.
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live,"
Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 15 Aug 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,131
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Cullis View Post
You'll need some form of SatNav programme to make sense of the waypoints file—Garmin Mapsource, Garmin BaseCamp or TomTom Tyre on the PC.
Or Osmand on your phone ... takes in .gpx files ...

Offline mapping with lists of waypoints (Shallow Thoughts)
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 15 Aug 2015
g6snl's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Home in Essex GB
Posts: 564
sylwiak, I did a similar trip beginning of June this year and re visited some of the routes I have done before. Went all up and around the west coast and Skye. Although I've done it before it was still just as breathtaking as the first time, even in the rain. But on a sunny day it is just a piece of heaven! For me I would say WEST IS BEST
__________________
Regards Tim

Learning my craft for the big stuff, it won't be long now and it's not that far anyway
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 15 Aug 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by g6snl View Post
WEST IS BEST
+1.

However, when the "Scotch Mist" is down and you can't see your proverbial in front of your face (not to mention the fogged up visor) then it is good to head toward the East - frequently, the weather can be very different between the East and West coasts of Scotland and it is not all that far at some latitudes.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 15 Aug 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Luton UK
Posts: 15
Thanks guys for all the advice. I have recently ridden wild atlantic way in ireland and i didn't have a single day without the rain so i'm used to being wet (and i don't like it that much). I hope luck will be more on my side in Scotland and there will be few sunny days. West is a must! I visited isle of sky long time back but that was in the car and i loved it. Motorbike should be more fun though and this time i will explore much more. I'm really looking forward to hebrides. Tim, i managed to see your waypoints in garmin base camp and i will be going very similar route. If i somehow get this on my garmin nav it will be really handy to know the location of all these hostels, campsites and attractions. Great stuff!
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 15 Aug 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Scotland
Posts: 14
I'm with g6snl on this one, stay on the west and the islands if its scenery and interesting roads you want, I would recommend the Lochinver/ Assynt area ,the single track roads in that area are wonderful, as scenic as any anywhere. Hope the weather is good for you!
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 15 Aug 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Inverness, Scotland
Posts: 251
Don't ignore the eastern side, the Spey valley, Strathdon, The Lecht Road and Glenshee for example are all well worth riding.

On the western side try to get to Torridon and Applecross, and cross over from Skye to Mallaig on the ferry and ride down to Fort William past Glenfinnan, taking a small detour to the Silver Sands of Morar (pic).



Near there the Ardnamurchan peninsular is very remote and beautiful. Glen Coe is spectacular, but watch out for cameras and wobbly Sunday riders at the biker hangout The Green Wellie in Tyndrum.

There is plenty of good riding in Argyll, I do like the run over Rest-and-be-Thankful to Loch Fyne and on to Crinan.

And the weather? End of August, beginning of September is usually pretty settled, but there are no guarantees up this way...
__________________
Our FB page: https://en-gb.facebook.com/Africa2Up/
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 15 Aug 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by reggie3cl View Post
Don't ignore the eastern side, the Spey valley, Strathdon, The Lecht Road and Glenshee for example are all well worth riding.
I guess the Cairngorm mountain range is in the middle ................ neither East nor West.
__________________
Dave

Last edited by Walkabout; 17 Aug 2015 at 14:39.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
bank holidays, hebrides, scotland


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


 
 

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. 11-15
  • 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!

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 13:25.