Thanks to Alison for her report from the recent Scottish Tour, judging by the complimentary emails I have received Roy and Alison have worked their usual magic ensuring that everyone had a great time.

Here is her report '

After meeting at one of our favourite hotels in the Lake District, we all set off for Inveraray, riding through the Galloway Forest and taking a ferry over the river Clyde.  We arrived at our hotel to find that the whole town had the electricity supply cut off.  We had to trudge our way up flights of stairs in almost pitch darkness … mobile phones were used as a light to try and find keyholes!!  The petrol station couldn’t let us have petrol, there was no mobile telephone/internet service, lifts, showers and, worst of all, no beer on tap!  Power was eventually restored and we sat down for dinner at about 7:45.

On Monday morning we arrived early for the Claonaig ferry across to the Isle of Arran.  I thought we had made one massive mistake as we could hardly see the landing jetty for the ferry and there was no sign of any island anywhere!  The mist and fog began to clear and the sun began to shine … it turned into a lovely day. 

On Tuesday we decided to do the journey ‘the long way round’ so went via Lochgilphead, Oban, Tyndrum, Glencoe, Spean Bridge, Eilean Donan Castle to a two night stop at a lovely guesthouse in Plockton.  Very comfortable rooms/beds and the breakfasts were superb … we were also able to make up a goodie bag of rock buns and pancakes (all freshly made each morning) to take away on the day’s ride!

On Wednesday we headed around the Isle of Skye, visiting Portree, the Kilt Rock at Staffin, Uig, and Dunvegan.  Brilliant weather, brilliant roads … It was an absolute pleasure as always!  A bikers’ paradise!

There is always a down side to having such good roads …. Craig’s front tyre was chewed up by the granite chippings and he had to get it replaced!  As you probably know garages, and particularly motorcycles garages, are hard to find in the Highlands, so if you are on the west coast I can totally recommend Lochcarron Garage.  Although they are primarily a car garage, they are keen bikers and service and repair motorcycles too.  Craig telephoned him at 9:30 Wednesday night, texted a reminder as requested at 8 am Thursday, a tyre was ordered, delivered, replaced and he was underway by 3:30 pm!

Whilst Craig was killing time at Lochcarron, we ventured over Applecross.  With our heads up in the clouds, we could only see a bike length in front of us.  Roy met a van face to face coming the other way … apparently they both looked startled!!  As soon as we dropped down out of the clouds the weather cheered up and we had a fantastic ride through Shieldaig, Torridon, Kinlochewe, Gairloch to our destination in Ullapool.

We all seemed to go our separate ways on Friday.  Neil and Sally took a boat trip around the beautiful Summer Isles to see the dolphins and seals.  Jane and Lindsay made a dash for John O’ Groats – Jane was pillion for the day.  Nigel found himself a beautiful beach at Oldshoremore north of Kinlochbervie and paddled and sunbathed!!  Some of the other guys did their own thing and a few of us went up to Smoo Cave and Kyle of Tongue at the very north of the Scottish mainland.

Sun tan turned to rust on Saturday as we headed south.  It rained and rained and hailed and, to be honest, was a thoroughly miserable day!  It was so cold going up through the Bridge of Brown to Tomintoul – thankfully the Old Fire Station cafe has flagstone flooring …  the owners didn’t bother to get out the mop and bucket, they got their big ‘automatic walk along floor cleaner’ to clear up the puddles when we left!  Such very nice people ... and they love bikers!  The rain stopped about half an hour away from the next hotel so we managed to dry off a bit!

Sunday was our final day of the tour.  Again we took the scenic route to Carlisle stopping for coffee at the Crieff Visitor Centre.  We passed Gleneagles and Knockhill Race Circuit … it was BSB race day so couldn’t pull in for a quick photo!  Had a quick stop at South Queensferry viewing point for the Forth road and rail bridges.  There was the cruise liner Royal Princess anchored in the Forth … seemed to be almost under the Forth Rail Bridge!

We arrived at our hotel on the outskirts of Carlisle for our final night.  Rooms were superb and food was even better.  Definitely gets a thumbs up from everyone on tour.  After breakfast we said our goodbyes.'