Highlands
 

Planning a trip with her indoors up to Scotland from Cornwall in August. We want somewhere central to the best roads and scenery and we're thinking of the Fort William area. Any suggestions? Also would appreciate any knowledge of the best biking roads, speed cameras, places to stay. Already noted the post about the A82 thanks. Last of all are the midges as bad as they say?? Thanks Ken

Try staying in, near Oban. Speed cameras...yes, and cops moving about. Best just to chill out, ride to take in the scenery. Bear in mind there will be 'fast' road riders flying around the place, which brings out the police.

Also, best off booking somewhere to stay at that time of year. At least for your first night, as things do get booked up.

You could take an overnight trip to Skye, take the road up to Mallaig (nice road) and take the ferry. Head to the tourist office in Portree and get a B&B or something, then head off to explore.

Take care if you end up on the A9, it's a common nasty road for bikes/cars. One of the main routes up/down the country, and clogged with caravans. Which means people try daft overtakes. Very nice road though, if you do it early in the morning. Cameras on it as well though.

Just a suggestion, but if you do end up in Fort William why not continue North up the A82 past Loch Ness into Inverness - great scenery. For more amazing scenery head North from Inverness then North West along the A835 towards Ullapool. Accommodation becomes a bit more scarce North of Inverness mind, but then again you could use Inverness as a base for a day or two. The midges can indeed be hell on the West coast of Scotland but go prepared and you'll be fine. If you're planning to camp take a midge net to cover your face and head.

Have a good trip.

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Ken,
New Scottish website at:

http://www.bmwridersscotland.com

Go to the bulletin Board and post. I'm sure the
members will be only too happy to help.
Did a trip around the scottish coast a couple of years ago. Four days, 1200 miles, good weather, friendly people. One of my best trips yet. The west coast and islands are particularly nice. Lots of single track roads
and bendy bits.
Regards
Alex

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(Written by a 4x4 driver so apologies)

The A82 takes you to all kinds of places that are incredible up there, for scenery and peace and quiet and all sorts of interesting stuff. Here are a few ideas - only scratches the surface though.

If you carry on to Mallaig stop off to Arisaig and try Morar (lovely beaches). Ferry to Skye is fab - on Skye try Glen Brittle for isolated beach camping and Elgol for spectacular views. If time, get the ferry from Uig to Lochmaddy and head for the Outer Islands - there is no more beautiful place in the world.
North of Ft William, carry on to Gareloch (more wild, beautiful beaches), Ullapool (lovely fishing town), Scourie (good camping and pub) and if you keep going to Cape Wrath its spectacular.
West of Ft Bill, Ardamurchan is wild and rugged and wonderful! Ardgour is very remote - real wilderness. Mull and Iona are worth seeing but Iona might be busy in summer. If you can get out to Eigg, Canna, Rum and Muck (ferry from Mallaig or Arisaig) they are well worth seeing - isolated, pretty, friendly places. Plenty of majestic wildlife.
South of Ft Bill - Glencoe is a stunning, inspiring place, but will be busy in summer. Nip round the corner to wild Glen Etive, though even that is busy these days. Glen Nevis is nice but you cant get a bike down there. Glen Orchy is well worth a look, on the A82 - look out for the Glen Orchy Hotel, turn off for Inveroran.
East of Ft Bill there arent many roads.

Hotels worth a look in Ft Bill area - Clachaig Inn, Glencoe (bikers/climbers bar, but getting trendy now - ugh), Kingshouse Hotel, Glencoe (paradise), Lochailort Inn, on Mallaig road. Nevisport Bar in Ft Bill does good real ale.

Ill be up there at that time so if you fancy a pint give me a shout.

You wont be disappointed. I spend most of my year in the Sahara but I long for the Highlands - there is nowhere nicer.

Midges however - yes, they are b*ggers. Take a head net and bug repellant. You are going at their worst time. Dont let them spoil your trip - they can do! Esp if you are camping. Why do you think the Scots invented whisky!