Late October trip to Scotland: Skye/Lewis/Harris

[TCFA]

So I've got a week between jobs, planning a tour leaving Friday 23rd, to be back in London by Friday 30th.

Rough itinerary is
Friday 23 - London to Lake District - blat up motorway, leaving around noon as I'll have had my leaving drinks the night before...
Sat 24 - Lake District to Glasgow, exploring the borders on the way
Sun 25 - Glasgow to Skye, exploring Skye
Mon 26 - ferry from Uig in Skye to Lewis & Harris
Tue 27 - ferry back to Skye, or possibly Ullapool
Wed/Thu/Fri - no route planned yet, maybe back via Edinburgh. I want to avoid a long ride on the last day so perhaps I'll go back slowly through Yorkshire

Anyone done similar? In particular Skye / Lewis / Harris? Is one day enough to get out of Glasgow, and fully experience Skye? Perhaps I should aim for somewhere north of Glasgow that first night?

Depending on the winter ferry timetable I might spend another day on Lewis & Harris. I've been to Edinburgh so I'm not too fussed about stopping a day or night there. As I say I don't want Friday to be a solid slog down the motorway, especially at that time of year, so suggestions to work my way back down would be appreciated too.

Also, if anyone is up that way, happy to meet for a bit of a ride or a beer
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Then: Kawasaki ZZR250 > Suzuki Across 250 > Suzuki SV650 > Honda CB750
Now: Honda CBR600F and Triumph Tiger 800 XRT

[stinkwheel]

Lakes to Glasgow is not a long run and you don't get much of the Borders best roads .

You also land up going through Glasgow and up the Loch Lomond road, which is the pits.

Skye, especially the North of Skye from the central belt is a fair hike, you'll be fine going to your destination but might not be in a fit state for much in the way of sightseeing when you get there. I've done it from Cumbria going up one day and back the next but it was a hell of a batter.

I personally don't think there's a lot to be gained from going to Glasgow at all. I'd go further on the Saturday.

Here's a cracking run from Penrith to Glencoe. Fantastic days motorcycling taking in Hartside pass and the A7 and passing through some fairly scenic parts of the central belt.
google maps link

Having blown your mind, the best roads are still to come. That puts you within a much shorter ride of Skye. Either Fort William, Invergarry, Kyle of Lochalsh or Fort William, Mallaig and the ferry to Armadale (over the sea to Skye?). Leaves you enough time to make your way to Uig by turning off at Sligachan and looping round past Dunvegan.

Ok. Way back. You can come back from Skye on a small ferry that runs from Kylerleah to Glenelg and up over the Rattagan Pass if you fancy some really insiane, twisty single track.

If you're going to Ullapool from Stornoway, you need to do the Durness road and the North coast. (or Pick up the road from Tongue to Lairg via Altnahara which is a personal favourite). Be mad not to if the weather permits and the aim is motorcycling.

In either case. Can I suggest you drop back down to Inverness because you've missed out the North East. Either back down the A9 from Thurso if you went that way or carry on along the A835 from Ullapool or pick up the A887/A82 from Kyle of Lochalsh.

NB: The next part goes through two ski areas on the most blocked by snow road in the UK and the highest tarred road in the UK. There is a chance of snow in late October and if there's snow, this is where it'll be.
Once you're in Inverness, carry on along the A96 to Nairn and pick up the A939 Dava Moor road which is a wee cracker of a road that takes you down to Grantown on Spey. Now pick up the Tomintoul/Cock Bridge road past the Lecht Ski centre and down to the North Deeside Road. Next Braemar and up over past Glenshee Ski Centre and down into Perth.

Remember to have plenty of meat on your tyres. If you do all that run, you'll comprehensively spank the arse out of a sporty rear. They have high friction road surfaces to deal with Ice and snow. I see a lot of English bikers stood in Fort William looking disconsolately at a rear tyre down to canvas. They sell motorbike tyres in ATS in Fort Bill but they also know they have a captive market...


EDIT:
Marked out how I'd take someone round Scotland from the Lakes (if they want to go to the Hebrides).

Map link

Consider taking in some of Dumfriesshire on your way back. But steer clear of the West coastal roads, they are a bastard and have SPECS cameras. Incidentally, I'm not aware of ANY static speed cameras on the entire route I marked there.

EDIT2: Correction, there is one gatso on the Edinburgh City Bypass in the 50 limit zone.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[MCN]

Uig to Tarbert Ilse of Lewis is possibly an overnight camp (no B&B at the port) if you want to catch the the early ferry which leaves Uig early doors the p.m. ferry is more civilised. Camp site at Uig is cheap and they'll do you a good bacon sarnie and cuppa at the house no problemo.

Depends on your accom plans on Lewis. Not much to choose from in Tarbert but the ride up to Stornoway is fackin awesum and Stornoway has plenty to see and do with great Indian food .

But then you miss the Callanish Stones. Well worth a visit. The B&B at Callanish is reasonable and again excellent riding.

Use the Bunk houses as they are cheap, great quality and usually local for amenities in the wilds of Ecosse.

Lazy Crofter in Ullapool/ (Hullabaloo ). Cumfy and they have a nice resturant at the inn.

We're up that end regularly under canvas or tiles so I can recommend the days out.

You might/will see some photo-magnifique views that you'll have to stop and try to capture. Then have to catch up with the philistine.

The Scottish government has asked for RET on ferries to be introduced.

Some ferry routes are now much cheaper.

Uig-Tarbert

Moar Info

+1 for Stinker's World Tour of Scotland.
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Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.

[TCFA]

Thanks both that is really helpful, above and beyond, and I'll put some thought into that. The only thing holding up my planning at the moment is that CalMac haven't released their winter timetables yet, which start the day after I'll probably want to get the ferry!
____________________
Then: Kawasaki ZZR250 > Suzuki Across 250 > Suzuki SV650 > Honda CB750
Now: Honda CBR600F and Triumph Tiger 800 XRT

[TCFA]

[Copycat73]

[Enduro Numpty]

Living in Aberdeenshire, I have easy access to some of the best roads in the country and while I wouldn't change anything the down side is definitely pathetic tyre life. Recently got less than 1600 miles from a pair of S20's on my Fireblade, well under 2.5K from PR3's on my FJR and similar mileage on the FJR from previous Pirelli Angel GT's. I can usually expect double the mileage when riding in Europe.

Make sure you have lots of rubber!!!

Here's a few superb roads, with the exception of the A9 between Carrbridge and Inverness they are all crackers.

Enjoy your trip and I hope the sun shines


https://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r310/old--git/450%20miles/10th%20April_zps1lnehjb4.jpg

https://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r310/old--git/June%202015/Capture%201_zps8bv7uz3n.jpg

https://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r310/old--git/June%202015/Capture%202_zpsrbgzqliy.jpg

[TCFA]

I don't want to sound too much of a plonker, but am I likely to cop some horrendous weather, especially in the Cairngorms?

I don't mind some rain, and if it's cold I'll wrap up, but I'd rather not have days of torrential rain or icy roads or very high winds ...
____________________
Then: Kawasaki ZZR250 > Suzuki Across 250 > Suzuki SV650 > Honda CB750
Now: Honda CBR600F and Triumph Tiger 800 XRT

[MCN]

[stinkwheel]

It could (litertally) be anything from glorious sunshine to a whiteout with drifting snow. It's not unheard of for there to be skiing on Glenshee in October...

Doesn't stop me going mind, I've been over spittal plenty of times when there's snow at the sides of the roads. Sometimes co-incides with high pressure and the road is actually dry.

Also remember it will be dark by 5pm (sun will have set) in Ullapool at the end of October.

Remember it is usually drier on the East coast.

On average in Ullapool in October it rains at some point on 21 days. Average temperature is 9.7 degrees.

Compare that to the East coast (same latitude. I've used Tain). Rain 11 days. Average temperature 9.2 degrees.

Look about you. Go towards the sunny bits. Have a bug-out plan if you intend to do any high and windy hill roads.

On the plus side. There will be absolutely NO midges.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Copycat73]

[Enduro Numpty]

We never know what we're going to get with regard to weather. Late September and the first couple of days of October have been better than most of the so called summer.

[TCFA]

Ok so here goes... all hotels and ferries booked

Friday 23
London to Keswick

Saturday 24
Keswick to Fort William

Sunday 25
Fort William, tour around Skye, stay in Gairloch

Monday 26
Up to Ullapool, ferry over to Stornaway, staying in Stornaway

Tuesday 27
Return to Ullapool in the afternoon, staying in Boat of Garten that night

Wednesday 28
Explore Cairngorms and Angus Glens, stay in Earston in the Borders

Thursday 29
Heading home, staying in The Snake Inn in Bamford

Friday 30
Cheekily take in the Snake Pass on my way back to London

I am going to get soaked every day but just one speccy day ought to make up for it
____________________
Then: Kawasaki ZZR250 > Suzuki Across 250 > Suzuki SV650 > Honda CB750
Now: Honda CBR600F and Triumph Tiger 800 XRT

[Oldie]

After many weeks with almost zero rain in the west it looks like change is on the way and you might want to have a Plan B up your sleeve.

According to the BBC (usually wrong) the most likely scenario next week is cold, wet and very windy in the west, better in the east. Small chance, though, of high pressure returning to whole of UK which means cold mornings, no wind and plenty of sunshine.

I'd head east first and check the forecast once you're here.

[Scythe]

As already mentioned, the road surface is high friction and VERY good

It did have a noticeable affect on my rear tyre, it did kill it by the end of the trip, had a few slips under hard acceleration.
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2009 Yamaha YBR125 -> 2000 SV650S -> 2005 Kawasaki ZX6R 636

[MCN]

[stinkwheel]

[Raywo]

I am jealous. I love biking in Scotland.
Don't miss the A6 between Kendal and Penrith on your way. It's a deserted trunk road replaced for the most by the M6 which runs parallel.
long sweeping curves, good road surface, few cars, and gorgeous views of the Lake District. I have never exceeded the speed limit on this road of course, but my guess is it could be quite fast too.
Have a great trip.

[stinkwheel]

[MCN]

[MCN]

[TCFA]

ah the reliable british weather.

off i toddle now, I may check in
____________________
Then: Kawasaki ZZR250 > Suzuki Across 250 > Suzuki SV650 > Honda CB750
Now: Honda CBR600F and Triumph Tiger 800 XRT

[winz]

Sounds like a great trip. Hope the weather is kind to you.
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Current Bikes: BMW K1200S
Previous: Honda CBR929RR, Honda CBR1100XX, Honda CB600F

[nerald]

We are heading up to Invermorriston on Tuesday staying there for 3 nights, using it as a base for ride outs. That way we can pick and choose depending on the weather forecast.
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V-Twins - 60 or 90?

[TCFA]

Having not left London Town till about 330 ish I finally made it up to t'lakes and only got a little bit rained on. M1is a horrible place. Looking forward to tomorrow's leg that's where the scenic routes start. Gutted I missed out on a Lake District pint .... Tomorrows will be doubly well deserved.
____________________
Then: Kawasaki ZZR250 > Suzuki Across 250 > Suzuki SV650 > Honda CB750
Now: Honda CBR600F and Triumph Tiger 800 XRT