Good Roads between Basingstoke & Orkney required!

[DollyRocket]

In a couple of months I am riding up to Orkney from Basingstoke and don't particularly fancy motorways all the way. I have to catch the ferry across from Thurso Saturday morning and leave home Thursday morning. So I have two days to get there - I haven't booked any B&B's on the route yet so if anyone has any suggestions of pleasant detours or good biker friendly B&B's (especially if they have good pubs next door ) then they would be very welcome.

 

[garfield]

going up the west coast would be a good idea....

these routes were both part of my trip North this year, just great stuff.....

<img src="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee148/biker_garfield/WesterRoss08/qqa1.jpg">

<img src="http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee148/biker_garfield/WesterRoss08/qq1.jpg">

 

[Blackal]

The road between Lochgilphead and Oban is an absolute cracker, but so is the one from Tyndrum to Glencoe, so..........................

This would be my choice, if time allowed. It is 490 miles, so it is a 2 day jaunt - but worth it, in my opinion.




Al

 

[DollyRocket]

I agree - I travelled from Fort William to Callandar onyack a number of times last year - brilliant road and virtually empty too. I haven't been further north than Fort William and so I don't know what to expect there. I thought about going up the A9 all the way on the east coast?

The way home would have to be a little more direct as the wife is coming back with me as pillion and she doesn't really appreciate going miles out of the way to find the 'perfect road'.

Any GS owners on here from Orkney?

 

[Blackal]

The A9 is just a road for getting from A to B - a necessary evil

The road north of Ullapool via Kylesku, Durness and then along the north coast is stunning - and not too busy with tourists, or traffic of any sort. Most of the roads have really good surfaces too - plenty of grip

Al

 

[Kritou]

OK, so it's not a road but you just gotta sidetrack to try this ......

http://http://www.skyeferry.co.uk/

 

[GS TRV]

Im lovin that R1

 

[Navy Boy]

I'd definitely take the West route as decribed by blackal.

The A9, whilst more direct can be quite heavily policed (And we've seen recently that they aren't too keen on fair play with the old spe.. sorry SAFETY cameras) and simply isn't as pleasant to ride.

I did the West/North coast in 2006 and it was lovely. Saw lots of Italian and Dutch tourists up there too. Very odd...

 

[Shep]

I'd get as far as Preston by Motorway then take the A roads, Last time I went to Skye a tosser suggested a great route, i can't find it now, but I work in Basingstoke so if you want to pop in I can point the direction I travelled, it included ferries as well, top route.

PM me if you fancy a tea and a chat.

Shep

 

[Shrimpo]

I'll 2nd BlackAl on his choice

Did that very road last week.

Sen-bloody-sational!

 

[Klanky]

A9...

Ahem....

The A9 does go North beyond Inversnecky y'know....

As pointed out, the A9 South of Inverness is a 'necessary evil' and can have a reasonable Police presence.

North of Inverness is a different ballgame entirely. Good surface, Police tend to leave you alone unless you're being a real arse, good scenery and some nice twisty bits.

Certainly, the West side is a better run overall, but if you want to make progress and stay friends with a reluctant pillion - use the A9 from Inverness running North. Bear in mind the majority of the North West run is single track - and we're into Motorcamper convoy season now.....

There's a few decent B+B's in Thurso and the pubs are friendly - try 'Bar 16' Bistro at the Holborn Hotel for some decent nosh. If you want to stay outside the town let me know and I'll recommend some places to match what you want.