Touring in the UK
#1
Posted 28 December 2006 - 09:23 pm
Now we're not of the sort to plan everything in advance to the last detail. We tend to decide upon places we really want to visit and draw up a route, which during the actual trip will be more of a guideline than an actual route. So during these dark days we're taking the opportunity to do some planning.
We intend to take the Chunnel and start our tour in Dover. We prefer the riding to the cultural stuff, so we're looking for the nicest and most challenging roads and of course the best views. We'd also like to spend at least half of our 10-14 day trip in Scotland and pass through the Yorkshire Dales and The Lake District. All the rest of the trip is still more or less a blur. So I figure I'd ask you guys for some tips.
We're still looking for tips on:
- places to see
- roads we shouldn't miss
- route suggestions
- places we can spend the night (we travel light so no camping material, we usually spend the night at B&B's)
I'll be forever in your debt
Yamaha XT660Z Ténéré '08 + Yamaha TRX850 '97
I'll let go of my throttle when they pry it from my cold, dead hands...
#2
Posted 29 December 2006 - 01:14 am
- places to see
- roads we shouldn't miss
- route suggestions
- places we can spend the night (we travel light so no camping material, we usually spend the night at B&B's)
I'll be forever in your debt
give me a few day's and i will see what i can hunt out for you
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
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#3
Posted 29 December 2006 - 02:52 am
Edited by David H, 29 December 2006 - 02:52 am.
#4
Posted 29 December 2006 - 09:02 am
The Chunnel is fantastic for bikes, very quick and efficient...but has recently got very costly. Another option is Norfolkline https://www.norfolkl...en/dd-passenger (Dunkerque to Dover)
If you want to mark your location on the Carpe map: http://www.carpe-tdm...opic.php?t=5117
Doin valve clearances? Use dappers valve shim exchange program and the job will be carroty - Free (other than you postin me yer shims) for sporting members.
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#5
Posted 29 December 2006 - 09:45 am
We were actually thinking of starting in the west and most likely sticking around for a while.
Not quite sure yet, depends a bit on how busy it is at work. But hopefully at the end of May.
Yamaha XT660Z Ténéré '08 + Yamaha TRX850 '97
I'll let go of my throttle when they pry it from my cold, dead hands...
#6
Posted 29 December 2006 - 10:26 am
Pembrokeshire is very much like Devon/Cornwall but the Preseli mountains,Cambrian mountains,Brecon Beacons are all worth a ride around. Snowdonia on the other hand IS stunning and my part of the country so if you know when give me a PM I'm always up for a ride out(leg permitting).
Try to stay off the Motorway(only any good for crossing the Severn estuary,free on a bike) but most of the main (A) and B roads are good and well surfaced, get onto the single track mountain roads for the best views. There is a coast road which goes North-South with some great views also passing through some tidy villages and towns. Check out the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth if you have time.
It all depends how much time you have got, there are quite a few B&B/Hotels/Bunkhouse's that specialise in Bikers needs (i.e Bikers Retreat, Dolgellau, Gwynedd.)
Wish you all the best for the trip and Happy New Year.
[b]Now 03 TDM900 and Honda 450 Cafe Racer - previous bikes:- 97 virago535 -Triumph Trophy900- TDM850Mk1- Honda VF750F- Honda CB350K4- Honda CB650F chop- Suzuki 100- Honda CB900F x2 -Honda CB250 Dream -Kawasaki K400 -Honda CB650F Chop- Honda CB750K2- Kawasaki Z1000- HD Sportster1000- Triumph 500t- Honda 400/4- TriBsa 650- BSA C15- Triumph Speedtwin combo -BSA B33 chop- BSA A65 -BSA A10 chop- Ariel Golden Arrow- BSA Bantam- Francis Barnet- NSU Quickly. think thats the lot?
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#7
Posted 29 December 2006 - 11:34 am
I aggrozzle. Mayhaps head over to Devon/Cornwall then over tut bridge to Wales, backroads through Wales to the Lakes and then up the North West of Scotland. Yeeeehaaaaaaa.
...or maybe ....to Wales...then over to Ireland, through Ireland, straight into Scotland....then do the Lakes on the way home....how much time did you have again,
If you want to mark your location on the Carpe map: http://www.carpe-tdm...opic.php?t=5117
Doin valve clearances? Use dappers valve shim exchange program and the job will be carroty - Free (other than you postin me yer shims) for sporting members.
Active member of TPLQHCSRSFC and TSRMCMAS (even though a year off) and avid fan of PM not sent.
#8
Posted 29 December 2006 - 01:24 pm
...or maybe ....to Wales...then over to Ireland, through Ireland, straight into Scotland....then do the Lakes on the way home....how much time did you have again,
Bring yer waterproofs though DK, you'll need 'em
The older I get, the better I was96 MkII in yellow & silver with bluespots, braided lines, Remus 2 into 1, Hagon rear shock & fork springs, bashplate, heated grips,Motech pannier racks, Road Attacks, Jockoiler, Baglux tank cover & bag. Gone to a far better place - hasn't it Remo?
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#9
Posted 29 December 2006 - 02:24 pm
the pass of lanberis (speeling) and pen-y-pass in Snowdonia national park are great roads with nice scenery and are conveniently close to the A5 for onward travel......
"Never argue with an idiot. They just bring you down to their level and beat you with experience"
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Black 1991 850 MK1, 160k+ miles(ish, best guess really, gave up trying to keep count after 3rd set of clocks and 3rd engine), PilotRoad2 tyres, custom stubby exhaust system, bluespot calipers & goodridge braided hoses with dunlopads, maxton forks, Ohlins shock, kedo handguards, stainless TDM grill, Scottoiler with lubetube & dual nozzle thingy, Givi Wingrack2 with E45 & 2xE36s, renntec crash bars, Autocom with blueteeth & PMR radio, TomTom Rider2, Optimate IIIsp, Bagster tank cover, anti-dazzle coating
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to fit : led brake light strip, replacement heated grips
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#10
Posted 29 December 2006 - 04:45 pm
Second half of May into early June is one of the best times for Scotland: good chance of clear sunshine - gets hazy later in summer. Agree it might be best to do East before West, though you could always do a figure 8 and cross over somewhere or two.
"It's a TDM, Jim, but not as we know it"
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Diamond black TDM 900A TRIKE, 2006 ABS model converted by Trike Design (Caerphilly, South Wales) prior to first registration in March 2007.
#11 Guest_Negwedar_*
Posted 29 December 2006 - 06:36 pm
http://www.fountaininn-tintern.com/
The A465 heads of the Valleys road is a good starting point for trips to Brecon http://www.flagandcastlehouse.co.uk/
or Llandovery http://www.rhandirmwyn.com/ but I would try to ride the last sweep of the A465 down into Neath. The coastal route up through Fishguard http://www.lochmeyler.co.uk/ to Aberystwyth http://www.awel-deg.co.uk/ is a peach of a trip, but then so is the A484/ A486 overland. If you go to Aberystwyth, you should probably not miss the A44 back inland to Llangurig, an easier ride than the Devil's Bridge road, spectacular in places, and a good surface all the way. That will bring you near Llanidloes http://www.theoldvic...langurig.co.uk/ and you are only an hour and a half from the Motorway network if you feel the need to move on.
I got the links from http://www.theaa.com/ it's a decent site for general UK trip planning
Hope this helps, and enjoy your trip.
#12
Posted 29 December 2006 - 08:25 pm
Do keep them coming
We haven't decided on Wales yet, as it does sound tempting but we would prefer to spend some more of our time up north. So most likely we'll keep Wales (and Devon and Cornwall) for another visit.
We more or less have a rough route figured out. Not sure yet about the Folkstone to Stoke-on-Trent route, but it will most likely include photo stops in Stonehenge and Avebury. Suggestions are still welcome. From Stoke it'll go through the Peak District national park, up to the Yorkshire Dales and then west to the lake District. Over Wrynose and Hardknot, then with a small tour passed Derwent water across to Hartside and straight to Hexham. Along Hadrian's Wall and towards Dumfries. From there up to Loch Lomond, but not quite sure on the route here yet either. Let me know if you have any good ideas.
From Loch Lomond towards Loch Awe, and along the south side towards the coast. Along the coast, around Loch Leven then over Fort William to Mallaig for the ferry to Skye. Then after a tour of Skye across the bridge to Kyle perhaps a visit to Eilean Donan Castle. Back north, across to Aplecross and with a tour along the coast to Kinlochwe. Most likely a small detour to Loch Maree for some photo opportunities. Then back and across the Kinlochwe Heights to the east and via Muir of Ord towards Loch Ness. Along the banks to Fort Augustus.
We're not sure yet on how to continue from there but we would like to go towards Montrose as there's a friendly Belgian guy running a biker friendly B&B
Then south for a cultural stop in Edinburgh. Through Northumberland to Gateshead for some piccies of the Angel of the North (a must for fans of the "Bende van Wim" motorcycle touring show). Down through the North York Moors to Nottingham and Sherwood Forest (to please the misses ) and via some still very blurry route back towards Folkstone.
Oh my, that sounds like quite the undertaking and all this hopefully in 12 days.
So please feel free to point out any boops I made so far or to make suggestions for filling in the blanks and blurry bits.
Yamaha XT660Z Ténéré '08 + Yamaha TRX850 '97
I'll let go of my throttle when they pry it from my cold, dead hands...
#13
Posted 29 December 2006 - 10:20 pm
the pass of lanberis (speeling) and pen-y-pass in Snowdonia national park are great roads with nice scenery and are conveniently close to the A5 for onward travel......
Llanberis....my sister in law lives there, and the pass is a cracking bit of road.
I'll probably get shouted at for this by our southern members but I would come over on the zebrugga - hull ferry and start from there. Overnight sailing gets you in at 8 in the morning for an early start and you'll miss out the south east of the country with the awful traffic and roads.
Just a thought
#14
Posted 30 December 2006 - 12:02 am
Do keep them coming
We haven't decided on Wales yet, as it does sound tempting but we would prefer to spend some more of our time up north. So most likely we'll keep Wales (and Devon and Cornwall) for another visit.
We more or less have a rough route figured out. Not sure yet about the Folkstone to Stoke-on-Trent route, but it will most likely include photo stops in Stonehenge and Avebury. Suggestions are still welcome. From Stoke it'll go through the Peak District national park, up to the Yorkshire Dales and then west to the lake District. Over Wrynose and Hardknot, then with a small tour passed Derwent water across to Hartside and straight to Hexham. Along Hadrian's Wall and towards Dumfries. From there up to Loch Lomond, but not quite sure on the route here yet either. Let me know if you have any good ideas.
From Loch Lomond towards Loch Awe, and along the south side towards the coast. Along the coast, around Loch Leven then over Fort William to Mallaig for the ferry to Skye. Then after a tour of Skye across the bridge to Kyle perhaps a visit to Eilean Donan Castle. Back north, across to Aplecross and with a tour along the coast to Kinlochwe. Most likely a small detour to Loch Maree for some photo opportunities. Then back and across the Kinlochwe Heights to the east and via Muir of Ord towards Loch Ness. Along the banks to Fort Augustus.
We're not sure yet on how to continue from there but we would like to go towards Montrose as there's a friendly Belgian guy running a biker friendly B&B
Then south for a cultural stop in Edinburgh. Through Northumberland to Gateshead for some piccies of the Angel of the North (a must for fans of the "Bende van Wim" motorcycle touring show). Down through the North York Moors to Nottingham and Sherwood Forest (to please the misses ) and via some still very blurry route back towards Folkstone.
Oh my, that sounds like quite the undertaking and all this hopefully in 12 days.
So please feel free to point out any boops I made so far or to make suggestions for filling in the blanks and blurry bits.
well this sounds perfect to me !!!!
spyball alarm/immob, bluespot brake calipers and Stainless hoses, Fournales air adjustable shock with Remote Resevoir, forks raised 10mm thru yokes, racetech linear fork springs in 15 wt oil, Kappa wingrack/luggage, heated grips, Kedo handguards, dual heat controller to power heated jacket liner and or pants!!, Stebel 136DB horn, K&N air filter, colour matched Baglux tank cover (magnetic tank bag modified to fit cover), osram +50% headloight bulbs, headlight protector,"NitramSpecial" parking loight, tail light indicators all running on LED's & incorporate "Lite Buddies", MK7 Scottoiler fitted, taller screen, 2-2 stainless steel CCC's, Devil stainless down pipes. MKI Renntec engine crash bars & sump guard.
engine changed july 2007 on a dyno run it made 79.1BHP / Torque 59.9Had a brief flirtation with a 1999 MKIIa but it blew an exaust valve on the M5 so was sold on to be repaired.
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#15
Posted 30 December 2006 - 12:26 am
Oh, and on the west coast you should try to get at least as far as Ullapool before crossing back east. "Round the top" is a common objective, it seems, for French and Dutch visitors.
Just a few suggestions. PM me if you need contacts for B&B in the area of Applecross/Torridon/Kinlochewe etc., or indeed elsewhere.
Edited by Pict, 30 December 2006 - 12:33 am.
"It's a TDM, Jim, but not as we know it"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAHmEWim3to
Diamond black TDM 900A TRIKE, 2006 ABS model converted by Trike Design (Caerphilly, South Wales) prior to first registration in March 2007.
#16
Posted 30 December 2006 - 12:57 am
Just a thought
After careful consideration and a discussion with the misses this does indeed sound like a good idea. Saves us 2 days, the fuel and overnight stays... Saves us enough money as well for a couple of extra whiskys and pints.
Sounds great, we'll adjust the route accordingly.
I'll do that at some later time, thanks!
Yamaha XT660Z Ténéré '08 + Yamaha TRX850 '97
I'll let go of my throttle when they pry it from my cold, dead hands...
#17
Posted 30 December 2006 - 06:36 am
A couple of further thoughts on the later stages of your trip: 1) If you do come over the hills, e.g. from Speyside, remember it's relatively twisty esp. on minor (yellow on map) "B" roads, so allow time and be careful to fuel up first - there's no fuel at Tomintoul btw (the highest inhabited village in Scotland, if not the UK). A suggestion of the surroundings is here. 2) You would find the lesser, southside road along the River Dee from Crathie to Aboyne more rural and atmospheric than the main one - it starts by crossing the bridge at Crathie church, not far from the location of many happy childhood holidays: my grandfather was manager at Royal Lochnagar distillery, which you could visit if you didn't have time for the ones on Speyside.
Edited by Pict, 30 December 2006 - 07:42 am.
"It's a TDM, Jim, but not as we know it"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAHmEWim3to
Diamond black TDM 900A TRIKE, 2006 ABS model converted by Trike Design (Caerphilly, South Wales) prior to first registration in March 2007.
#18
Posted 30 December 2006 - 09:06 am
For me (and I'm sure all the September Scotland Meet devotees will agree) the A87 (Road to the Isles), just south of Loch Ness, to Kyleakin has to be one of the best in the country for scenery, surface, flowing corners and an absence of speed cameras You'll also get a cup of coffee but a poor selection of biscuits at Nanooks house en route................
Give me a shout when you're in Edinburgh dK - I'l make sure I'm out! (only joking!)
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#19
Posted 30 December 2006 - 09:08 am
Looking at your plan so far my only comment would be Nottingham and Sherwood forest may be a bit disappointing. There are some good roads in the area but the thought of you making a diversion from your route for the Forest and Nottingham makes me think you may spend your time on better things (even if the missus wants to go there). Your planned route is very ambitious as well considering the time you say you have available. Just the leg from Folkstone to Stonehenge and Avebury will take the best part of a day with stops for photos, food and accounting for the traffic in that part of UK.
Let me know why you want to visit that area (Nottingham and Sherwood Forest) and I'll list some good roads, and touristy stuff if that's what you want.
The police in that area are renowned for their ferocity.
Sidestand may be able to help as well as I believe he lives close to Robin Hood
Buzz
#20
Posted 30 December 2006 - 11:04 am
spyball alarm/immob, bluespot brake calipers and Stainless hoses, Fournales air adjustable shock with Remote Resevoir, forks raised 10mm thru yokes, racetech linear fork springs in 15 wt oil, Kappa wingrack/luggage, heated grips, Kedo handguards, dual heat controller to power heated jacket liner and or pants!!, Stebel 136DB horn, K&N air filter, colour matched Baglux tank cover (magnetic tank bag modified to fit cover), osram +50% headloight bulbs, headlight protector,"NitramSpecial" parking loight, tail light indicators all running on LED's & incorporate "Lite Buddies", MK7 Scottoiler fitted, taller screen, 2-2 stainless steel CCC's, Devil stainless down pipes. MKI Renntec engine crash bars & sump guard.
engine changed july 2007 on a dyno run it made 79.1BHP / Torque 59.9Had a brief flirtation with a 1999 MKIIa but it blew an exaust valve on the M5 so was sold on to be repaired.
I loike tay and hang sangwiches !
www.kenhogantreeservices.co.uk
http://s33.photobuck...77/wickla/?sc=6
http://reg.imageshack.us/v_images.php
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