A few days in Scotland - tips please

[Martinl69]

Thanks for all the feedback, my minds a bit fuddled with all the choices.

I liked the idea of Moffat, Gourock Ferry and up to Oban, then not really sure from there.

I was maybe thinking up the A828 then back down the A82, or even over to Mull. It depends on how long it takes to get from A to B.

I'd a rough plan which goes something like.......

Thursday
Ride up to Moffat

Friday
Moffat to Gourock Ferry
Dunoon to Inveraray
Inveraray to Lochgilphead
Lochgilphead to Oban

Taking time for stops to take in the views and photos.

Saturday
Oban to Craignure via ferry
Mull around Mull!
Ferry across to Lochaline and up and across towards Glencoe and on to Loch Lomond

Or

Oban up towards Loch Leven and explore some roads (which might make for an easier trip)

Sunday
Head home

I might be taking on too many ferries which could slow down the day depending on timings? I'm not sure how often they run. I might even be trying to cram too much in, but I would like a least one ferry trip.

I've never ridden off road (well not for about 25 years!) but would maybe give tracks ago, I'll be riding an F650GS Twin.

I'm planning on heading up nr Moffet on 29th August after work so getting there for about 8pm.

Still not sure about B&B or camping, I was hoping to get some panniers for the trip (Givi Outback) but they've said they might not be shipping them until September. Unless I go for Ardcase but still might be pushing it for time.

It'd be good to meet up and have someone who knows some routes (I can sit back, relax and enjoy!) and share a beer or 5.

I'm booking August 30th off work tomorrow, then I'm committed to going, been meaning to do this for the last 3 years and never got round to it! Bloody work and family!!!

What do we think?

[Martinl69]

Yes, I've done it a few times.

Western Ferries at McInroy's point is just ride straight on - no need to tie down or anything - and takes 20 mins. Once you get to the other side head NW over to Tighnabruaich, keep south on the coast road to Ardlamont and back up the other side to Otter Ferry (great pub) and Strachur. Keep going north and the road takes you to Inveraray (always plenty of bikes there). The rest is pretty obvious. The majority of the Cowal section is on narrow roads and very quiet(and stunning). Every biker should do it at least once.

I like the sound of that, is that a better crossing than Gourock? I conscious of not hanging around waiting for ferries if I could be on my bike.

[Martinl69]

Bought some Smidge this year. Meant to be better, but haven't used it much yet.

http://midgeforecast.co.uk/home/

The little buggers love me for some reason, I get eaten alive. I'm thinking of covering myself and the bike in a mosquito net!

[moto al]

a great campsite ,try kippford on the solway, and a great touring area .cheers al

[Zed 1000]

I you find your self a few miles north of Oban on the A828 hang a left find your way to the Port Appin hotel for a plate of mussells whilst watching the tiny ferry pop back and forth to lismore exelent

[Martinl69]

I you find your self a few miles north of Oban on the A828 hang a left find your way to the Port Appin hotel for a plate of mussells whilst watching the tiny ferry pop back and forth to lismore exelent

Thanks,

I'm getting some great recommendations of things to do and places to go, just not sure how I'm going to cram it all in.

One of possible routes takes me up that way so it wouldn't be much of a diversion.

Thanks!

Martin.

[Heff]

If you really only want a short run on the Thurs eve then stop at Moffat for a few beers and B&B (and meet some bikers, no doubt). Fri morning - 1.5 hrs to Gourock ferry and over to Cowal where you can do a wonderful coastal run to Inveraray for next beer/B&B stop (probably at the George). Sat am head south to Lochgilphead and then north through Oban to Glencoe and back down to Crianlarich or Lochearnhead for Sat night. Home Sunday is easy.

Looks good, have you done this route before?

It looks like it could be an option, I'd originally thought of heading further north but I don't want to turn it into a 3 day race to get there and back.

That's a good route for the time you've given yourself, you don't want to ruin it by racing around. Going further north might stretch it out and spoil the ride.

I know this might get me flamed but Applecross is overrated in my opinion, there are much nicer roads and better views. The pub is no better or worse than hundreds of others in the highlands, and the campsite is average. I can't understand it's status as a "must do". I went there the first time and was disappointed. I've taken others there since who "had to do" Applecross, and I still don't get it.

It's doable in the time you've got, but Scotland will still be there to explore when you've got more time. Enjoy you're ride.

When I mentioned Applecross, I wild camp on the grass area at the sea about 3/4 mile from the Inn. Never used the campsite near the pub, so can't comment on it. Generally I will wild camp every time, even torrential rain and winds haven't put me off. The sunrise and sunsets are fantastic. Haven't used the inn much either as we 'bring our own'

[motorbike]

Top Tip ---- western ferries dunoon to gourock either way,,buy your ticket for same at nearby newsagents its cheaper than on board

[IainD]

Top Tip ---- western ferries dunoon to gourock either way,,buy your ticket for same at nearby newsagents its cheaper than on board

That's a bit cryptic!

Pauls Food and Wine, just past Co-Op food, heading North through Gourock.

On the other side, News and Food in Sandbank (big red sandstone building)also do hot sausage rolls etc.

Enjoy the run, it's been awhile since I have been over that way, best time of year is autumn when the leaves are turning and everything is golden / brown and it is much quieter.

[Skerry]

I start my leave 28th and could take the scenic route north via the west coast rather than M74/A9, have a couple of days over there and head on up to Caithness when you head south. Don't want to take over your trip, I'll just go with the flow.