Good routes round Scotland??

[BU5T4]

Hi guys and gals,

Just wondering if anyone can suggest some good drives from the central Scotland area that go round some nice roads for the bike.

Going to go out for a decent ride on my bike this weekend if this great weather keeps up.

I remember I used to always spot loads of bikers parked up in various spots across the country when I was younger but cant remember where any of them are now.

Any tips would be great, where to avoid and what roads are good and camera free, not that I intend on speeding

I remember driving through a road a few years back that was long and flat with loads of signs warning that there are baby sheep about but cant remember where it was. All I remember was that it went down into a valley then the road sweeped left and right but was pretty level and you could see for miles, may have been in the borders regeon but not too sure. I know this is rather vague but I thought someone might recognise it.

Any where atall would do as i havent really been out myself for a decent run yet since getting the bike. I have been as far as balmaha in Loch Lomond an thats it.

I usually enjoy the Tac Me Doun road that leads you from Kilsyth into the Campsie hills but that has just recently been covered with stone chips and is a nightmare to drive on just now.

Cheers in advance guys

[Davel]

There's a fantastic road leaving Perth and going through the Trossachs, goes past the Famouse Grouse whiskey place but I can't remember the name, nor the road number.

Will take the bike up there one day soon.

There's some great roads up there.

[BU5T4]

Cheers mate I will have a look at a map tonight and see if i can spot the road your talking about.

Cheers for the quick reply mate

[rsvmilly]

A82 is great. Through fantastic scenery from Glasgow up to Fort William.

[Davel]

Found it!

A85 from Perth, through Crieff past Loch Earn and Lochernhead. Goes past Crianlarich etc but haven't been that far.....

The villages aren't special but the views are stunning.

Enjoy

[Incorrigible]

Might be worth asking Don where that piccy in his profile was taken

Challenging road by all accounts but what a veiw

[BU5T4]

Wow that looks as if it was taken in front of a painting. That is one major reason I love this country out of all the other that I hate it for.

I cant wait till the weekend now I wish I hadnt started this disgussion.

I'll look into some of these places later tonight if/when it gets quiter as I am working till midnight again here in AOhelL.

Cheers for the ideas guys.

[rsvnigel]

BU5T4,

As Davel said the A85 is a cracking road, this is my regular weekend run.

The run from Lochearnhead up Glen Ogle towards Dochart is excellent if it's not too stuffed with numpties and caravans.

[rsvmilly]

rsvnigel said:

BU5T4, As Davel said the A85 is a cracking road, this is my regular weekend run. The run from Lochearnhead up Glen Ogle towards Dochart is excellent if it's not too stuffed with numpties and caravans.

You lucky ...... bar-steward.

[BU5T4]

That looks perfect mate. How long does that usually take?

If I can do it on sunday that would be perfect.

[rsvnigel]

rsvmilly said:

You lucky ...... bar-steward.

It's a hard life

The mille is just perfect for these roads, especially since I changed the front sprocket.

You only need 3 gears, 2nd, 3rd and 4th.

Nail it out of a corner in 2nd or 3rd, change up a gear, as the next corner approaches roll off with the glorious burble from the engine on overrun drop down a gear flick it over and into the next corner... repeat for 260 miles.

Once you get relaxed and into a rhythm, you don't need to bother with the brakes, just let the engine braking do it for you.

The only downsides are that its only on a few long straights you get to really appreciate the view[1] and your rear tyres don't last too long

BU5T4 said:

That looks perfect mate. How long does that usually take? If I can do it on sunday that would be perfect.

Off season about 4-5 hours depending on weather and number of stops.

This time of year I'd expect at least 6 hours, by the time you get stuck behind a few caravan convoys.

Oh, and seriously watch what your doing if you haven't been riding long. Some of the corners are fast sweeping affairs then you'll suddenly get a 210 degree 1st gear hairpin, especially the A816, Lochgilhead to Oban road.

Don't go piling into corners either, as more often than not, you'll find some shandy drinking southern poofs who can't drive crawling along at 30 mph, as they're not used to the roads.

And watch your overtakes, Bert and Doris in that old volvo that's causing the queue of traffic do some really fing stupid things on occassions.

Enjoy, and come back with a big


[1] Well, you have to let your mates on the jap bikes catch up

[Deester]

rsvnigel said:

Oh, and seriously watch what your doing if you haven't been riding long. Some of the corners are fast sweeping affairs then you'll suddenly get a 210 degree 1st gear hairpin, especially the A816, Lochgilhead to Oban road. Don't go piling into corners either, as more often than not, you'll find some shandy drinking southern poofs who can't drive crawling along at 30 mph, as they're not used to the roads.

That Oban road is a nightmare! I used to drive it almost every week a few years ago. Its a great road to drive but the problem is trucks.

When you get into some of the hairpin bends, large trucks coming the opposite way tend to use pretty much all of the road. Apart from the hairpin section this is a fantastic road, especially the nice long straights before you get into Oban as you travel along on the right hand side of the loch. This part id good for getting past all the Sunday drivers / caravans etc etc.

Personally, my favourite drive is Lochgilphead to Campbeltown. The straights are awsome and the scenery amazing. Make sure you pick a nice dry day. There are also plenty of places to grab some lunch.

I'll be there next week! Can't wait.

[BU5T4]

I'll take you out for a shot when you get back deester, If your lucky mate I may even give you a shot

I ended up just going to visit my mum in bridge of wear and then went for a run with my sister through the back roads of Kilsyth. Spend most of the day cooking myself in the garden with 7 lovely ladies, unfortunatly for me I was related to them all

Hopefully I will get out and about next weekend. May even come up to Tarbert for a visit Deester

Cheers for the advice guys It's all stored up in the knowlage base