Solo touring in the UK

[Swim41]

I spent a couple of weeks touring solo in Germany and Austria last year, camping mostly. I'd never done anything like that before and really enjoyed it, apart from the first day or so until I got used to being alone miles from home. I had no problems getting talking to people on the campsites and in bars etc, even with my feeble German skills. Wouldn't hesitate to do it again and hopefully will later in the year. Itchy's Spanish adventures have given me a few ideas.

However, the idea of doing the same thing in the UK terrifies me. I think this is because when I was abroad the "bumbling Englander on his cruddy old motorbike off on an adventure" thing may have endeared me to the locals and fellow tourists a bit. Back home though I'm a bit paranoid about setting off on my bill and pitching up somewhere in Britain surrounded by car campers all looking at this weird loner etc etc...

Would like to do it but am apprehensive.

Anybody done any solo UK touring and have any good/bad experiences to share?
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Yamaha XJ600N

[Zenarchy]

I rode around scotland last year on my own ( though I did meet up with some guys from another forum on one day for a ride and went for a beer with a couple of them on the night as we were staying at the same campsite).

Apart from that I rode around the rest of the time on my own and really enjoyed it. Was great just following my nose each day, no firm plans about where I was going, not having to worry about anyone else and what they might want to do etc.

If anything I think rather than you being viewed as some weird loner, you're more likely to be viewed as 'approachable' if you're on your own, particularly by people who don't ride bikes. I met loads of interesting locals and tourists from all over the world on my trip who just wandered over to say hello or who I got chatting to when I stopped. I'm not sure that would have happened so much if I was in a group (either becausea group might seem less approachable or I might have been less inclined to make the effort myself if there were people riding with me to talk to).

Also got talking to a few people I'd never met before who were riding bikes solo too, and went and got drunk with one of them I met at a campsite at John'O'Groats (then bumped into him in this forum afterwards funnily enough).

If you fancy doing it, go for it and don't worry about what anyone else thinks. Riding in europe with the language barrier on your own seems scarier to me (I'm planning to do that this year on my own too probably).

I found the north of scotland to be a really friendly place and everywhere I went on pretty much every day I got chatting to someone or other. Not sure about other parts of the country though I suspect most places would be the same.

[Flip]

[Swim41]

Yes I've met those types before, you get talking and then suddenly they think they're your new best friend.

I can only hope that I am not one of those people!

Maybe I'm just being a bit paranoid! The north of Scotland I could do alone I reckon, but packed English campsites would be a bit daunting.
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Yamaha XJ600N

[Phoenix]

Don't see a problem with it personally, planning on at least two 2 week trips to Euroland this summer one with a friend and the other most probably by myself as I quite fancy being able to do stuff most normal people wouldn't want to do, like ride all through the night if I want to get somewhere. It'd also be nice not have to worry about setting a pace others are happy with or waiting for others to catch up all the time or those infuriating 30mins when someone get's lost etc..

I wouldn't do it in England on my own as I find the country a wee bit boring now, barely anywhere I can think of in England and Wales I haven't already been endless times, plan to do the Highlands with a friend maybe in the spring, wouldn't do it alone as the weather would pee me off and I doubt it'd be that interesting.

I agree with the idea of a lone biker being more approachable, if you see 2 or 3 people together they're usually in conversation and it's more difficult to go join in, but if you see someone alone it's very easy to start talking. Ran into quite a few solo bikers with full touring stuff on in Europe and all were friendly, many were in their own country too.

[kitty kat]

I have done a few solo camping trips on the bike. Never found it a problem to be surrounded by others. I have always had someone come up & talk to me in the evening, I have even been invited to join other groups around their camp fire. I am going off to Cornwall for a week in May on my own and am actually looking forward to escaping from everyone for a while. Just go for it and enjoy it.
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Enjoy everyday, tell those you love everyday you love them
Life is too short to fall out with people

[mr jamez]

Touring on your own is fine when you're riding, but very boring when you're in the tent on your lonesome!
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NSR 125F > BROS 400 > NC30 > BROS 400 > Trumpet S4 > '97 VFR 750

[Pete1959]

I'm at my happiest when solo-ing though it's good to get out with a few others too, and never get bored, just tired enough to sleep. I do take my fishing gear with me (just the basic telescopic rod & reel) keeps me amused for hours.

[dodger]

[steppen22]

[kitty kat]

The worst thing about solo touring is that you have no one to share the day with when you do eventually get back to your tent at night. I usually get back to my tent, cook my tea then am that tired I just go straight to sleep.
The only part I am not looking forward to on my trip is the 7 hour journey down there on my own.
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Enjoy everyday, tell those you love everyday you love them
Life is too short to fall out with people