Ideas for some ride options?

[macmanx]

Hi, just looking for some ideas for some rides. Travelling from the IOM, so the first day we'll probably go through the Lakes, taking in the Hardknot Pass, Keswick and then on to Carlisle, which we will be using as a base for the following 3 nights.
We hope to go to the Steve Hislop Memorial run on the Sunday but have nothing else planned.
Thought maybe a wee run through the Galloway Forest on the Saturday, but I'm open to suggestions, keeping in mind that the wife does not want to be sat on the back of the bike all day, needs to be runs with enough to keep her interested and good cafe's along the way would be a bonus!

And before anyone mentions it, leaving her at home is not an option!

 

[Kenny Rodkiss]

Carlisle to Hawick, a few miles after Langholm turn left for http://www.samyeling.org
Have a coffee and contemplate you navel.
Excellent roads.

 

[mpgscott]

When is it your coming over Winkie??

My wheels are in the garage, just off to pick it up.

 

[macmanx]

Heading over on the 22nd.

 

[Wingless]

Hope you have Mapsource / Basecamp because I've attached a potential route including the Galloway Forest Park. This route has one of my all time favourites. The A702 out of St John's Town of Dalry starts off tight and twisty and opens out to fast sweepers as you cross the Dalveen Pass towards Elvanfoot. Superb !
About 250 mile long it's certainly scenic with plenty of interest along the way eg Sweetheart Abbey, Caerlaverock Castle, the Book Town etc. etc. I'll let you do the research.
If I had time I'd also look at having a run thro' the Keilder Forest southbound from Saughtree on the uncl road towards Bellingham and heading for maybe Rothbury or Alnwick.
All you need to do now is book the good weather !

 

[macmanx]

Hope you have Mapsource / Basecamp because I've attached a potential route including the Galloway Forest Park. This route has one of my all time favourites. The A702 out of St John's Town of Dalry starts off tight and twisty and opens out to fast sweepers as you cross the Dalveen Pass towards Elvanfoot. Superb !
About 250 mile long it's certainly scenic with plenty of interest along the way eg Sweetheart Abbey, Caerlaverock Castle, the Book Town etc. etc. I'll let you do the research.
If I had time I'd also look at having a run thro' the Keilder Forest southbound from Saughtree on the uncl road towards Bellingham and heading for maybe Rothbury or Alnwick.
All you need to do now is book the good weather !

Thanks for that, was thinking Galloway Forest, Raiders Road, that sort of thing. Have been through Keilder Forest before, but the Mrs hasn't, think it's going to be a case of which area has the better weather at the time.

 

[Posh Pete]

Will be doing your trip in reverse on 22nd, heading for the Manx!

 

[macmanx]

Will be doing your trip in reverse on 22nd, heading for the Manx!

Hope you're on the Ben from Heysham and not the SeaCat from Liverpool. They've had 'issues' with the SeaCat and it's not running to schedule, only the first ferry from Douglas is on time, then it's got a knock on effect for the rest of the day.
Word of warning, double check how they lash the bike down, if possible try to make sure it's against one of the stanchions if it's looking like a choppy sailing.
Enjoy your trip to The Manx.