looking for advice
 

Hey there, just wanted to share my thoughts on my 1st tour. Although all within Scotland I have to say that it has lit a fire under my skidpan as far as touring is concerned. I went through Skye over to the Isle of Harris up through Lewis and back over to the mainland at Ulapool, (Great roads on the islands by the way). I then went up around the west coast while heading for John'O'Groats. WHAT A ROUTE! I have to highly recommend this route to anyone who hasn't tried it, just mind the wind on the north coast. As I said it has inspired me to already start planning my next trip. I plan on a ride next may, travelling across to Bulgaria's east coast via the Chunnel across Belgium and then through Germany, Chech replublic, down to Hungary, and then through Romania, finally dropping down into the east side of Bulgaria. I would appriciate any helpful advice, i.e. Validity of my route, documents I should take, accomodation etc. Woohoo can't wait.

sounds good, are you turning it into a round trip? If so coming back up the Balkan coast is a great trip.

Plan as little as possible! I don't think that anyhwere you are going will need a visa (assuming you are British). Some places may not be covered by your insurance but in these instances you can normally buy cheap at the border. All you need is the bike, a credit card and a passport.

Hey, did the roughly the same route last year and as Henry said then dropped down to the balkans and came up via the coast. My insurance was valid in all of the countries you listed although it was down to third party only in Romania.

As for countries after ,I purchased insurance at the borders of Macedonia, Albania and Montengro. You also have to pay an entry tax in Albania.

No visas required as previously stated if on British passport or member of the EU.

Kev

I did the same route a few years ago too - my insurance was fine in Romania. If you look in Travellers Stories for Kevin Payne you will see all the details. That was pre some of them joining the EU, so it can only be easier now. PM me if you want any info.

Scottish west coast
 

Sounds like you enjoyed your trip !
We are completely spoiled in Scotland for biking roads. The north west of Scotland in particular has awesome roads and scenery to match.
have not done the Islands myself yet but that is certainly on the cards sometime.
Good luck with your future trips.

Scottish Islands
 

If you are planning on trying the outer Hebridean Isles on your next trip then you might be interested to know that Calmac ferries are lowering their prices from October by roughly a third. I plan on trying a few more of the Isles myself after then.

Rough route
 

Thanx so far for all the advice. I made up a rough route and wondered what you all thought.
you can see it here.
Google Maps

Hey man, that route looks fantastic but thats coming from a complete noob so don't know how serious you should take that :D

I was thinking of doing something similar next year. This year I'll be sticking to Central/Mediterranean Europe as I've never done it before.

Good luck and I hope you have a whale of a time.

Route
 

Hey Joshman, I take it as a compliment thanx. I am planning my trip about the 1st week in June. Still waiting for confirmation from friends and I would be more than happy for the company if you would care to join me. I will be posting more of the details as they are arranged so keep looking in. Donnie :thumbup1:

Oops!
 

Woops got your name wrong. Forgives please Joshmac? :oops2: