North West Scotland riding

[Keepitstupid]

Heading up to the north west side next week for a few days, planning to get as much riding in as possible in the time we have, heading around the fort William area, and further north/west of there. Quite a lot of stuff out there saying about average speed cameras/speed cameras in general on that area, or maybes Scotland as a whole?! Is it really that bad? Would anyone recommended using the Waze app? Not looking to race around but we all enjoy a bit of spirited riding now and then!

[black-k1]

I haven't been to Scotland since 2021 so things will likely have changed but there were no cameras back in 2021.

As for Waze, I use it on every ride and wouldn't be without it. The warnings of upcoming "things" is, for me, very important.

[the cueball]

There are a few average speed camera areas around, but all well posted.

https://www.safetycameras.gov.scot/cameras/safety-...

Some roadworks and some short term "safety" cameras too.. plus a few..OK a couple?? of undercover police bikes.

Nothing that would stop me from heading out for a ride... in fact I'll be heading up to that area at the weekend for some lunch.

I'm more worried about the midges and drivers trying to kill me.

[KurtFlew]

I was listening to a 'Front end chatter' podcast the other day and the presenter was saying the A87 is his favourite road in Europe. Is it that good!?

[the cueball]

KurtFlew said:

I was listening to a 'Front end chatter' podcast the other day and the presenter was saying the A87 is his favourite road in Europe. Is it that good!?

It's OK..

The 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 830, 828, 816, 887..

They are all pretty good 'biking' roads, I guess everyone will have their own favourite...

[grahamfraser]

Highland Council have followed Wales example and most villages and towns are 20 mph limits.
Be wary of campervans - sometimes convoys of them. Hire cars and Tour buses often travel slowly for no real reason or may swerve when startled by other traffic.
Find a sweet spot between queues and enjoy the roads - all the one above heve great sections. Try not to be too loud - to go fast don't attract attention - be quiet!

[STe_rsv4]

The major roads such as A85, A84 etc have average speed cameras on so its best not to be doing silly speed along those kind of roads. There are so many good B roads up the north west that you can keep your powder dry for those.

[Steve_H80]

grahamfraser said:

Try not to be too loud - to go fast don't attract attention - be quiet!

Good advice anywhere, if you want to go fast, go quiet.

[Keepitstupid]

the cueball said:

It's OK..

The 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 830, 828, 816, 887..

They are all pretty good 'biking' roads, I guess everyone will have their own favourite...

Rode a number of these, the 82 and 830 are definitely up there with some of the best roads I’ve ever been on, for riding and for the views/scenary. Was lucky enough not to encounter any camera vans too. The 20mph limits seem a bit ridiculous in places I must admit.

[the cueball]

Keepitstupid said:

Rode a number of these, the 82 and 830 are definitely up there with some of the best roads I ve ever been on, for riding and for the views/scenary. Was lucky enough not to encounter any camera vans too. The 20mph limits seem a bit ridiculous in places I must admit.

Glad to hear you had fun!

I was on the 830 at the weekend too, asked about the average speed cameras at the BP garage and was told they were there to catch the local boy racers causing issues and “idiots on bikes like you”… charming!!

I didn’t see them, or the van either though…

Was a lovely day for it, sadly marred with the news of another 2 biker deaths on the roads.

[Keepitstupid]

the cueball said:

Keepitstupid said:

Rode a number of these, the 82 and 830 are definitely up there with some of the best roads I ve ever been on, for riding and for the views/scenary. Was lucky enough not to encounter any camera vans too. The 20mph limits seem a bit ridiculous in places I must admit.

Glad to hear you had fun!

I was on the 830 at the weekend too, asked about the average speed cameras at the BP garage and was told they were there to catch the local boy racers causing issues and idiots on bikes like you charming!!

I didn t see them, or the van either though

Was a lovely day for it, sadly marred with the news of another 2 biker deaths on the roads.

Had a 320D come flying past us in one of the average speed camera zones, we were sat between 60-65, he wasn’t hanging about, disappeared after a corner or two… maybe a local who knows something we don’t?!