Scotland

[dmitrij]

Will be going to Scotland for 4 days in May, from London. Can any one help with routes? Time is limited so the plan is to drive up last Glasgow on the first day, then have 2 full days in Scotland, then back to London.

Would like to Include John O'Groats, but other wise no plans yet. Just want great roads and scenery- no motorways!!!!. Will be hostelling, so any recommendations will be usefull

[Milimut1]

For places to stay

Youth Hostel, Backpackers & Bunkhouse Accommodation in Scotland|Scottish Independent Hostels

Roads, where to start but when you mention Glasgow then the obvious one is A82 Loch Lomond, Crianlarich, Tyndrum, Glencoe and on to Fort William.
If you do this route then once you are almost to the end of Glencoe take the road to the right and visit the Clachaig Inn for food its brilliant.
Glencoe Hotels - Clachaig Inn offers hotel accommodation in Glencoe, the Scottish Highlands

All roads North of the Great Glen will be Fantastic, so just stick a pin in the map and go for it. For alpine roads you need to head to Applecross
Fort William A82 onto A87 then the A890 then the A896 to Tornapress there you get the warning signs turn left there and head over the hill its to die for. You dont need to come back that way you can make a huge loop and head North. There are not many roads up this way but they will all be great, single lane with passing places couldnt get further away from motorway riding.
John O Groats is a long way from anywhere (stating the obvious) and takes a long time to get there. Be warned when you get the chance fill up with fuel and take a cc or debit card some places are open 24 hours but not manned.

I have heard talk there could be a HUBB mini meet in Glen Affric in May if the dates coincide it was a good night last time.

Heading South again if you do a circular trip then the A939 Nr Grantown on Spey to Ballater then the A93 to Braemar & Blairgowrie takes you back to the busy central belt and all roads South and home.

Funny I am planning a trip to London in May so doing yours in reverse.

[IainHarper]

I'd agree with everything Milimut1 has said, but don't over estimate what you'll realistically be able to cover in 2 days.

To pack the most scenery and interesting roads into your time, rather than stopping at Glasgow I'd recommend carrying on for another half hour and making your overnight stop in Stirling. You can then head towards Crianlarich via Callander and Lochearnhead. You'll get to see a whole lot more than you would on the Loch Lomond road.

Forget John O'Groats - you're not going to have time and there's nothing there anyway.

The A87 towards Kyle of Lochalsh is really worth enjoying if you're going to aim for Applecross.

[DougieB]

I'm cycling around here at the moment. I'd really recommend the road from Lairg up through Laxford to Durness (hostel) and then over to Tongue (hostel). it's a fantastic single track road along the lochs and through the mountains, then further up there's some desolate rocky outcrop type of landscape that you don't get anywhere else (in the UK).

JoG is a nothingness, really not worth going there for the disappointment.

cheers

[dmitrij]

Thanks for the feedback, sounds like there are great roads all over.

I was planning to go past glasgow and stay in in a wigwams near stirling.

Good call on JOG, i wanted to go there just because i see loads of people going, but i guess if there are better things, then it makes no sense to go.

thanks for the advice

[Andysr6]

Hi, For 2 day tour i would also recommend Applecross but there is no hostel only the hotel and campsite. The wigwams you mention would not be my first choice unless you want isolation. have a look at Beinglass farm (just south of Crainlarich) if you want a wigwam but i would advise agianst as they don't keep out the midgies. it also has rooms and a campsite with pub on site and another nearby, Andy

[GasUp]

Originally Posted by IainHarper

Forget John O'Groats - you're not going to have time and there's nothing there anyway..

+1

The sign says "first and last in Scotland", it means, the first time you visit JOG, is also the last. It is very dissapointing.

Anywhere north and west of Glasgow is nice, some nicer than others, but all nice.

I'd stay away from the east side, unless you are planning to visit the Cities, the roads are nothing to get excited about.

[dmitrij]

Originally Posted by Andysr6

Hi, For 2 day tour i would also recommend Applecross but there is no hostel only the hotel and campsite. The wigwams you mention would not be my first choice unless you want isolation. have a look at Beinglass farm (just south of Crainlarich) if you want a wigwam but i would advise agianst as they don't keep out the midgies. it also has rooms and a campsite with pub on site and another nearby, Andy

Why not wigwams? They look cool from the pics, or would you say its better to stay in a hostel? - trying to keep costs low

[Flyingdoctor]

They have some nice wooden wigwams at Applecross...

Camping Huts - Applecross Campsite - Applecross Peninsula

[Milimut1]

The wigwams at Applecross are great even have heating.

On the Midge front you wont need to bother too much about that in May they arrive later in the year.

If you get a bit further than Applecross check out the bunkhouse at Sheildaig.