 |
|
13 Feb 2010
|
|
Moderator, Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lancashire England
Posts: 313
|
|
|
Most Northerly road in UK?
Hi Guys,
well I know most people on this site are looking to visit far and distant area's but I've just had a look at the UK map and reckon I could almost reach the 60th Parallel North line in the UK!
It was a bit of a surprise to me, I must admit but the most Northerly road in the UK appears to be the B9087 Skaw road, on Unst, in the Shetland Isles.
So has anyone here been there?
I could be tempted to visit the place on Team Serow.
One interesting piece of info I've discovered is that the highest wind speed ever recorded in the UK was at the RAF Radar station at RAF Saxa Vord, just down this very road. The speed reached a maximum of 177mph, before the recording equipment and the radar itself were blown away! That's 96 miles per hour faster than Team Serow's ever reached, whilst going down hill, with wind behind!
|
13 Feb 2010
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 236
|
|
|
Very interesting....
Hey Cameraman, I was very intrigued by what you posted. Ive been wanting to do the tip of Scotland for a few years but have been held back time and again. It seams that the 60th Parallel North passes near Maywick and Leebotten on Shetland Mainland and the most northerly road branches off the B9087 at Norwick and takes you right to the tip of Unst.
Ohh I wonder.....would my 125cc Derbi do it without a fuss....probably not but who cares.... 
Question though, would that be far enough to see the Northern Lights???
|
13 Feb 2010
|
|
Moderator, Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lancashire England
Posts: 313
|
|
|
Hi Tommy,
I'm sure a 125cc Derbi would do it with ease! Which model have you got, as I reckon the Adventure's a little beauty?
As for the Northern Lights, well it's tricky enough at the best of times to see it in Norway, so I don't know how difficult it would be to catch in in the UK?
|
13 Feb 2010
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Staffordshire. uk
Posts: 766
|
|
Oh to visit Muckle Flugga. Here's a list of places on the 60th parallel...
60th parallel north - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
All I can say is thank god for the gulf stream.
|
13 Feb 2010
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 303
|
|
|
Cameraman, that sounds very interesting. We'll be in the UK this June for a month, and so far I was planning to get to the northernmost place on mainland Scotland, which, according to my research, should be Dunnet Head. Now that I think of it reaching the 60th Parallel North does sound tempting. What ferry would you recommend? Orkneys first, then ferry to the Shetlands? Or Aberdeen - Shetland?
And another question: we'll also be in Ripley, June 24-27. Is it doable to be in Northern Shetland on June 21 (solstice) and get to Ripley in three days? When do you plan to go there?
__________________
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid across the line broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, shouting GERONIMO!"
|
13 Feb 2010
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 236
|
|
I have the Cross City. Yeah the Adventure in orange is drop dead gorgeous!
Turns out you can get a ferry in Aberdeen to the South Shetlands if one were so inclined (nobody shout cheat  )
Turns out the best time to see the lights is in autumn to winter given the clear nights, although there is a "solar cycle peak" occuring now until 2012 so the lights may be more extreme.
link: The Northern Lights in Scotland
|
13 Feb 2010
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Invernessshire
Posts: 55
|
|
|
[quote=mj;276417]Cameraman, that sounds very interesting. We'll be in the UK this June for a month, and so far I was planning to get to the northernmost place on mainland Scotland, which, according to my research, should be Dunnet Head. Now that I think of it reaching the 60th Parallel North does sound tempting. What ferry would you recommend? Orkneys first, then ferry to the Shetlands? Or Aberdeen - Shetland?
if you are going to Dunnet head then you should go to Orkney via Scrabster near Thurso, or Gills bay near John o groats,you will only be a few miles from ether port.Orkney is well worth spending a couple of days in.You can get a ferry from Kirkwall to Shetland.
|
13 Feb 2010
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: BeaulyScotland
Posts: 145
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by mj
Cameraman, that sounds very interesting. We'll be in the UK this June for a month, and so far I was planning to get to the northernmost place on mainland Scotland, which, according to my research, should be Dunnet Head. Now that I think of it reaching the 60th Parallel North does sound tempting. What ferry would you recommend? Orkneys first, then ferry to the Shetlands? Or Aberdeen - Shetland?
And another question: we'll also be in Ripley, June 24-27. Is it doable to be in Northern Shetland on June 21 (solstice) and get to Ripley in three days? When do you plan to go there?
|
MJ
Providing you can get ferries ok you can make Ripley in a (long )day on an adventure from Thurso-we will be heading down to Ripley fom Inverness probably 22nd or 23rd. Probably going alot slower than you though . If you just end up going to Dunnet head and you are looking for somewhere to pitch a tent or get a shower on the way up North let me know - I am about 20 miles from Inverness.
Chizz (Bruce)
Chizz
|
13 Feb 2010
|
|
Moderator, Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lancashire England
Posts: 313
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flyingdoctor
|
Hi Doc,
that's exactly where I was looking for when I started the search! What a great sounding place Muckle Flugga!
|
13 Feb 2010
|
|
Moderator, Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lancashire England
Posts: 313
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by mj
Cameraman, that sounds very interesting. We'll be in the UK this June for a month, and so far I was planning to get to the northernmost place on mainland Scotland, which, according to my research, should be Dunnet Head. Now that I think of it reaching the 60th Parallel North does sound tempting. What ferry would you recommend? Orkneys first, then ferry to the Shetlands? Or Aberdeen - Shetland?
And another question: we'll also be in Ripley, June 24-27. Is it doable to be in Northern Shetland on June 21 (solstice) and get to Ripley in three days? When do you plan to go there?
|
Hi MJ,
Aberdeen would be the easiest ferry to go for. I'll be at Ripley myself but plan a gentle ride up north and back, rather than a rush job!
|
13 Feb 2010
|
|
Moderator, Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lancashire England
Posts: 313
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by tommysmithfromleeds
I have the Cross City. Yeah the Adventure in orange is drop dead gorgeous!
Turns out you can get a ferry in Aberdeen to the South Shetlands if one were so inclined (nobody shout cheat )
Turns out the best time to see the lights is in autumn to winter given the clear nights, although there is a "solar cycle peak" occuring now until 2012 so the lights may be more extreme.
link: The Northern Lights in Scotland |
Hi Tommy,
there's now't wrong with a Cross City, lovely little bikes.
As for the Northern Lights, I'd prefer to be up there during warmer times rather than Winter.
|
13 Feb 2010
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 236
|
|
@ the cameraman
too right mate ! 
|
14 Feb 2010
|
 |
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Shetland
Posts: 15
|
|
|
Ferry from Lerwick to Aberdeen overnight,Aberdeen to Ripley next day.Give me a shout if you come to Shetland.
60 North has a marker at the side of the road.There is also the Simmer Dim Motorbike rally around the 21st. June.
|
14 Feb 2010
|
|
Moderator, Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lancashire England
Posts: 313
|
|
|
Hi Johnny,
thanks for the info. It would be great to get a shot of the bike alongside the roadsign!
|
14 Feb 2010
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
Posts: 368
|
|
|
[quote=The Cameraman;276394]Hi Guys,
It was a bit of a surprise to me, I must admit but the most Northerly road in the UK appears to be the B9087 Skaw road, on Unst, in the Shetland Isles.
So has anyone here been there?
I've been there. Two summers ago on my Triupmh Tiger. It was really quite weird as the road ends at a farm house and small beach. There is no sign or anything but it most certainly is the most northerly road in the British isles. You turn your bike around and there you are, the whole of the UK south of you. All roads lead south. A weird feeling. Just as I was about to leave someone came out from the farm house and asked me if I wanted to sign their book. They were on holiday too, but knew the people who lived in the house and they have a visitors book for people to sign. So I did.
I met very few bikers on either Shetland or Orkeny, mainly Germans and Dutch. It seems Brits. prefrer to go south for the sun but we really are missinf some wonderful scenery and roads by ignoring Scotlnad and heading from France/Spain.
|
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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...
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™ 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!
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.
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.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
