Tour around west coast of Scotland

[Rocket]

I know this should be in ride reports or photo gallery but thought I'd put it here. My first bike tour of Scotland and I have to say I 'll be going back. It was also my first 1000 miler. Travelled alone and no problems.
Had 3 days of touring the west coast area , did 1251 miles on fabulous roads in great weather. Castles, Lochs and glorious scenery. Fully recommended.
...Bike was fantastic too. Only niggle was that noisy touring fairing. Swapped it for sports fairing for a Belgium trip I did afterwards.

2000 miles over 2 long weekends back to back.

Will add comments to photos later, as I get time.



Next 6 photos are the Lake District starting with lunch at Lake Windermere then riding north through some wonderful scenery including alongside the western shore of Ullswater on route to Carlisle.

Lunch at Lake Windemere


Looking back at Windermere


View from road


Kirkston Pass A592


Ullswater


A592 along Ullswater


Into south Scotland . Stopped off at Silversands (featured in the film "Local Hero") just before I caught the ferry to Dunoon on route to first night stop at Loch Lomond. This is a very pretty little beach off the beaten track. Just a beautiful spot. Quite captivating.




Ferry to Dunoon


Firth of Clyde


War Memorial at Dunoon


Yacht racing at 8pm Wednesday. Looked great in the sunset


Lovely hotel room at Luss on banks of Loch Lomond


View from bedroom of the romantic Loch Lomond (still light at 9.45pm)



Hotel entrance


Views of Loch Lomond



"The Jacobite" railway. Used in the Harry Potter films. One of the worlds most beautiful railway journeys.



Loch Tulla


The Three Sisters from A82, Glencoe


Glencoe Glen


"Sherwood Forester" steam loco at Mallaig (end of Jacobite railway)


Ferry Mallaig to Armadale , Isle of Skye


























































Just an awesome trip!

[deilenberger]

Rocket - Awesome photos also. Have to put Scotland on the bucket list..

[dlemisch]

Rocket, you brought back such beautiful memories. I lived in Scotland in 1982. I think I saw Argyll Castle in there and Loch Fynne. What a beautiful trip you must have had.
Thank you.

[takemeaway]

drool. drool.

Rocket, thank you for posting the pictures. Just enforcing my need to get on a bike over there. Glad you had a great time.

[websterize]

Although they don't offer packages for Scotland, http://www.edelweissbike.com does business all over Europe. Your pictures inspire another look at the site.

Also, I didn't realize UK R12Rs share the same speedometer with U.S. R12Rs.

[Rocket]

Although they don't offer packages for Scotland, http://www.edelweissbike.com does business all over Europe. Your pictures inspire another look at the site.

Also, I didn't realize UK R12Rs share the same speedometer with U.S. R12Rs.

There are companies that hire bikes in Scotland including BMWs so its easy to fly in and do a tour. Biker Best Roads is a useful source of decent roads to help plan the route plus loads of Scotland holiday websites. Easiest way to see Scotland on a bike IMHO. You could have a week of day trips no problem and not see it all. The N West Coast is lovely and the people are very friendly.

[Rocket]

Rocket, you brought back such beautiful memories. I lived in Scotland in 1982. I think I saw Argyll Castle in there and Loch Fynne. What a beautiful trip you must have had.
Thank you.

You are correct about the castles. I will add notes in the near future. You are lucky to have lived in such a beautiful country.

[dav]

Stunning pics . Yup, shall have to get over there in the future.

Thank you very much for sharing them.

[sproggy]

Also, I didn't realize UK R12Rs share the same speedometer with U.S. R12Rs.

We share the same miles with you . And we also both have neighbouring countries who use kilometers.

Only our (optional) computers differ, I assume, because we do not share a common gallon.

[AncientMariner]

Rocket, you've done a fantastic job with those photos. (I should know, I'm Scottish).

I've taken the liberty of sharing this link with the folks over on the Yankee Beemers forum. There are a lot of real travel and photo hounds over there who will no doubt love your work.

Bruce

[Rocket]

Rocket, you've done a fantastic job with those photos. (I should know, I'm Scottish).

I've taken the liberty of sharing this link with the folks over on the Yankee Beemers forum. There are a lot of real travel and photo hounds over there who will no doubt love your work.

Bruce

Thankyou Bruce. Its gratifying to read the comments of appreciation. Have to confess though, I am no expert with a camera , I just point and shoot at any view which I find appealing. Riding in Scotland with its beautiful scenery in great weather meant there was an abundance of opportunity. Even my limited camera skills couldn't fail to capture the spirit of the place.

[Motorcycle_Girl]

Looks like an amazing trip...I am very jealous. Lovely pictures. Some day I will make it across the pond. For now I have to settle with exploring North America.

Celeste

[Rocket]

Looks like an amazing trip...I am very jealous. Lovely pictures. Some day I will make it across the pond. For now I have to settle with exploring North America.

Celeste

Stuck with exploring North America? Wish I had that problem. Been trying to get there for years. Not made it yet but will do one day. Question will be , where to go first?.....

Glad you like the photos. Met some Americans (from Texas) on the ferry to Skye - they were touring England Wales Ireland and Scotland by bus visiting the major tourist cities, London, York, Stratford, Edinburgh etc. Thats a long tour!....Texans obviously like doing it large