Making a visit to Scotland

[Nasty1]

Hi

We, me bruv and I have a hotel booked for 4 nights in August near Loch Ness (Lewiston, Drumnadrochit actually) with the intention of using this as a base to take days out taking in the sights etc that Scotland has to offer.

This would be our first taste of the highlands and having read some of the 'Discover Scotland' sticky I can say I am really looking forward to it.

We have no plans as yet on where or when we might be going around our base so would be open to any suggestions, the main thing I think we may have to consider is fuel. I say this out of ignorance having never been to the highlands before so would like some feedback on the frequency of petrol stations? Our bikes (KTM 990SM's) are only good for about 90/100 miles before hitting a very small reserve, should we be looking to hit larger towns/villages for fuel before this or are petrol stations more liberal than I think?

Thanks

Adie

 

[Uinneag]

Fuel stops not too bad but on saying that most are closed on Sunday's

I would recommend especially if heading North or West to take a can with you

 

[Deleted account rno]

Hi

We, me bruv and I have a hotel booked for 4 nights in August near Loch Ness (Lewiston, Drumnadrochit actually) with the intention of using this as a base to take days out taking in the sights etc that Scotland has to offer.

This would be our first taste of the highlands and having read some of the 'Discover Scotland' sticky I can say I am really looking forward to it.

We have no plans as yet on where or when we might be going around our base so would be open to any suggestions, the main thing I think we may have to consider is fuel. I say this out of ignorance having never been to the highlands before so would like some feedback on the frequency of petrol stations? Our bikes (KTM 990SM's) are only good for about 90/100 miles before hitting a very small reserve, should we be looking to hit larger towns/villages for fuel before this or are petrol stations more liberal than I think?

Thanks

Adie

I hope neither o' you are riding black KTMs. If you go anywhere near the Isle of Skye, locals will fling stanes at you, thinking you're sumdy else...

 

[Klanky]

North of Inverness on the East coast, there's quite a few.

At Lairg if you're heading inland to Sutherland.

A9 and A99 Inv to John O'Groats:

Skiach and Alness

Just after the Dornoch junction (on the A9) (Tall Pines fuel and restaurant).

Brora (on main rd North of river bridge).

Helmsdale is now closed.

Wick (2 on South approach to town centre, and Tesco's heading out North from the town)

Local pump at John O'Groats (may not be in operation)

A839 JOG - Kyle of Tongue:

Castletown

Thurso (just before river bridge and also exiting town centre, heading West)

Reay (local pump, may not be in operation)

Bettyhill (not sure about Sundays)

Tongue (go past Hotel on right, round hairpin bend and look for turning on left)

A838/894 Tongue - Ullapool

Durness

I think there's one at Kinlochbervie... can't quite remember.

Scourie 01971 502422

Lochinver 01571 844236

Ullapool

Hope this helps, a can would definitely be handy if you decide to detour.

 

[John Armstrong]

Fuel stops not too bad but on saying that most are closed on Sunday's

I would recommend especially if heading North or West to take a can with you

2 years ago did a route from Eilean Donan to Applecross, Kinlochewe Loch Glascarnoch, Strathcarron and back to Eilean Donan on a Sunday. The only open fuel station was at Kinlochewe As I was on a 1200 GSA and had only used 50 miles of fuel when leaving Eilean Donan, I was allright jack

Stunning roads along the coast north from Applecross, didn't see many sports bikes along it either

 

[AlanAce1967]

As soon as you have done 40 or so miles stop at the first garage you come to, Garmin Zumo sat navs etc are your friend !!

For some ideas on where to go have a look at my Scotland ride reports, fantastic place.


Alan

 

[columbus]

Dont know if its still the same but both Lochcarron and Kinlochewe were open on sundays last year.

If you are heading west to go from Thurso along the coast road I would definately fill up at the ESSO station leaving thurso.

The station at Tongue closed at 4pm last year and we only found out about 1/2 past 3.

Plan well and enjoy

 

[boatman]

hi the fuel station at scourie has now got 24 hr service via cedit card operated pump
ENJOY YOUR TRIP
ps pack some midgie repellent

 

[Nasty1]

Thanks for the info so far guys

It is a shame the Katoom is so poor on fuel as I think it makes for a comfortable bike for me for my type of touring atm. My old beemer was good once sorted but a bit lardy for my size.The 'taking a can' with me idea sounds almost a necessary precaution but not sure how PC plod might feel about this should we be stopped...anybody had experience or know where we would stand on this?

Cheers

Adie

 

[Klanky]

In the Far North? What plod?

Wrap it in a binliner.

 

[Coolcarbon]

not sure how PC plod might feel about this should we be stopped...anybody had experience or know where we would stand on this?

If you offer them one, you should be OK...

 

[Deleted account rno]

...anybody had experience or know where we would stand on this?

Cheers

Adie

It really depends what weight you are but provided that the container is of good quality, I would think that on it's side with your feet placed fairly central would be best

 

[John Armstrong]

These ones seem fairly good value: http://www.getgeared.co.uk/Travel_P...Sc3eMbxuPe34Pa38Ta38Qaxz0?sc=23&category=-123 compared to other makes.

 

[Nasty1]

It really depends what weight you are but provided that the container is of good quality, I would think that on it's side with your feet placed fairly central would be best

With my height I am used to such proceedures.

Adie

 

[Joybringer]

Do they have heating up there?

You may want to pack a vest.


JB

 

[Joybringer]

Thanks for the info so far guys

It is a shame the Katoom is so poor on fuel as I think it makes for a comfortable bike for me for my type of touring atm. My old beemer was good once sorted but a bit lardy for my size.The 'taking a can' with me idea sounds almost a necessary precaution but not sure how PC plod might feel about this should we be stopped...anybody had experience or know where we would stand on this?

Cheers

Adie

So long as it's in a proper container, it'll be fine.

Anyhow, if you have an SM, you shouldn't have trouble losing plod on his pushbike...

...mind you, it's a KTM onyack

JB

 

[Joybringer]

Actually, a question to those Southerners amongst us..

...just out of curiousity, leaving from, say, London Town, would you go oop the right-hand edge of United Britain, using Motorway number 1, or the left-hand edge, favouring scousers and Blackpool donkeys, on the Motorway number 6?

I appreciate there may be other grand thoroughfares through the middle of Great Kingdom, but for speed of the travelfest, and straighty riding and quicker arrivals, these seem to be the bestester routes.

Just wondered if anyone had a peculiar preference?

Nurse!

JB

 

[John Armstrong]

Just wondered if anyone had a peculiar preference?

Whichever isn't blocked by an accident

I'd guess if both are free flowing then the M6 will be quicker as it's 3 lanes almost all the way to Glasgow, whereas the M1 / A1 has many bits of dual carriageway, with the attendant lorry racing.

 

[Coolcarbon]

Just wondered if anyone had a peculiar preference?

From Bucks I'd say M40, around B'ham by whichever way is flowing, then M6/M74..

Once you're passed all the Manchester/Liverpool links, it's pretty much plain sailing unless you hit the traffic near Preston heading for Blackpool & the Lakes at weekends in the summer or evenings when the 'Illuminations' are on in the winter...but after that...Bliss... The wee stretch between the M6 and the M74 has been completed now...at last..

Heading up to Sconny Botland tonight...should be quite in the very early hours...

 

[Klanky]

We visit friends just outside Buckingham.

Speed, boring and fastest easy route: From London M1, (From Bucks: M40, Toll Mway), M6, M7summat through the Borders to Glasgie. Dullsville.

More interesting route: M1, Pick up the A1 wherever you want (we usually go to the A1 via M18), come off A1 at J58 (A68) at Darlington and then have a jolly nice whizz up through the Cheviots to Jedburgh and beyond on a nice twisty and rollercoaster road. Nice chippies in Tow Law and Jedburgh... Stay on A68 all way up to Edinburghsville.

Obviously a bit slower than the West-Side M-way routes but a hell of a lot more fun.Watch out for the speed cameras in the Border area.

I've always found the West side run quicker.