Scotland September 2021 - Intrepid Bikers minus 2
This is a repeat trip to do the NC500 without the HA from 2020 - Added to the trip is the Applecross stretch of the NC500, which is a must do for all bikers.
Slight variation to the whole of the NC500, as we skipped going over to John O'Groats and down the slightly flat East of the country. We turned off at Tongue and went down to Lairgs and on to Inverness - can't understand how this road was so quiet, it was a magnificent ride!
9 day, over 1,700 miles and great weather every day :)
Day 1
A late start with a 152 mile jaunt up the M6 to Penrith. Whilst the weather threatened, we saw blue skies most of the way.
M6 was it’s normal chaotic self up to Preston so plenty of filtering required. After that cruise control set and a steady run up to Penrith. The road from Penrith to Alston is a great winding joy to ride, with spectacular views over the North Pennines.
After the longest diversion known to man around Alston our 1st and a welcome beer was enjoyed.
Day 2
Up to Helensburgh, via the coast - about 235 miles but riding along through Ayrshire and then up the sea front, bypass Glasgow and turn left at Loch Lomond
Day 3
Beautiful ride up the west coast, through Oban, Fort William and “left turn Clyde” to The Isles of Skye. Got 222 miles to cover and will be a long day, but rewarded with a 2 night stop over just off Skye - self catering for once, so that'll be an exerience! Whose going to cook????
Day 4
Taking in the spectacular views of Skye - a full trip around the island, trying out see as many extremities as possible before retiring to the house. Miles driven 170
Day 5
Oh yes - Applecross day, not big mileage up to Ullapool, but narrow roads with (probably) many camper vans coming in the other direction...146 miles mountains, lochs, forests, twisty s’ straights 1.3 inclines, single lanes and adverse cambers! The road around Applecross and Festnhead! OMG!! Better than anticipated
Day 6
Road trip to Inverness on a new route. Pretty large day with 6 hours in the saddle, but the views will new stunning and is a new route this time.
Day 7
Meeting up with the minus 2 - Stu & Elaine in Melrose - staying at the gorgeous Abbey from last year. A couple of nights stop over. 235 miles
Day 8
Borders day with the full squad before relaxing back at the Abbey for many beers and excellent food! 145 miles today. A701 A702 A703 A72 and A7
Day 9
Hometime - Straight across to the M6 and home A7 was fantastic and really lucky with the weather again! Traffic a nightmare.
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