Day 1 - 22nd May 2022
It had been over six years since I'd finished my around the world trip on Winston so I was feeling a bit rusty but excited to be starting another long-term motorcycle ride. The original plan was to ride Scotland, Isle of Man and all of Europe. The plan has changed, so now I will ride Scotland and the Isle of Man and travel Europe with my daughter in her campervan.
I have a new bike, a 2018 Triumph Tiger 800 XCA with 2700 miles on the clock. It came with all the bells and whistles as well as lots of extras, Arrow slip on exhaust, Triumph panniers and top box, a Triumph low seat along with the standard heated seat and Triumph tank bag. I've added Barkbuster hand guards, Garmin Zumo XT GPS, Touratech lockable GPS holder, a stiffer spring to the rear shock. With all this done I'm ready for the adventure.
I've named the bike James, after the great English explorer James Cook.
I won't be riding Scotland alone, I will be heading off with a fellow Tiger rider, Vince. Vince is riding a white Tiger 900 Rally Pro.
The time had come to leave Vince's place in Devon and head up to Donington via Hinckley. We were no more than 10 minutes into the ride when I realised, I'd left my backpack at Vince's place, not a good start to the day. I headed back, picked up the bag and then headed back to Vince and we were back on our way again.
We arrived at Hinckley and visited the Triumph Experience Museum where they had the first production Triumph on display along with many more specials.
From there we headed to Donington race track and set up camp in the neighboring field ready to watch the British Superbike racing tomorrow.
We covered over 250 miles today on mainly motorways.
It had been over six years since I'd finished my around the world trip on Winston so I was feeling a bit rusty but excited to be starting another long-term motorcycle ride. The original plan was to ride Scotland, Isle of Man and all of Europe. The plan has changed, so now I will ride Scotland and the Isle of Man and travel Europe with my daughter in her campervan.
I have a new bike, a 2018 Triumph Tiger 800 XCA with 2700 miles on the clock. It came with all the bells and whistles as well as lots of extras, Arrow slip on exhaust, Triumph panniers and top box, a Triumph low seat along with the standard heated seat and Triumph tank bag. I've added Barkbuster hand guards, Garmin Zumo XT GPS, Touratech lockable GPS holder, a stiffer spring to the rear shock. With all this done I'm ready for the adventure.
I've named the bike James, after the great English explorer James Cook.
I won't be riding Scotland alone, I will be heading off with a fellow Tiger rider, Vince. Vince is riding a white Tiger 900 Rally Pro.
The time had come to leave Vince's place in Devon and head up to Donington via Hinckley. We were no more than 10 minutes into the ride when I realised, I'd left my backpack at Vince's place, not a good start to the day. I headed back, picked up the bag and then headed back to Vince and we were back on our way again.
We arrived at Hinckley and visited the Triumph Experience Museum where they had the first production Triumph on display along with many more specials.
From there we headed to Donington race track and set up camp in the neighboring field ready to watch the British Superbike racing tomorrow.
We covered over 250 miles today on mainly motorways.
Triumphs first production motorcycle
Triumphs attempt to break the landspeed record at Bonneville Salt flats. Its powered by two rocket three engines and was piloted by Guy Martin.
Rocket three. 2.5 Litre three cylinder. The world's largest cc production bike
Our camp at Donington
Day 2 - 23rd May 2022
What a great day at the British Superbikes. Large number of racers in each category, very little downtime between races and great racing
What a great day at the British Superbikes. Large number of racers in each category, very little downtime between races and great racing
Motorcycle parking at Donington
Day 3 - 24-05-2022
We headed north to Bonnie Scotland via Lindisfarne. Lindisfarne was where the Vikings began their invasion of England.
Tonight, we are camping near Blairgowrie, Scotland
We headed north to Bonnie Scotland via Lindisfarne. Lindisfarne was where the Vikings began their invasion of England.
Tonight, we are camping near Blairgowrie, Scotland
Lindisfarne Monastery. This is where the Vikings first invaded England
Tonight's camp
Vince needs a chair!
Our route today
Day 4 - 25th May 2022
Today we rode to John o Groats which is the furthest North in mainland Britain.
We stopped at Prince Albert pyramid, which is a memorial from Queen Victoria's late husband, situated near Balmoral castle. We then visited Dunrobin Castle before setting up camp in John o Groats.
Today we rode to John o Groats which is the furthest North in mainland Britain.
We stopped at Prince Albert pyramid, which is a memorial from Queen Victoria's late husband, situated near Balmoral castle. We then visited Dunrobin Castle before setting up camp in John o Groats.
Our route today
Prince Albert Pyramid. It's a steep walk to the top!
Dunrobin Castle
James at John o Groats
Me at John O Groats. The furthest north in mainland Britain!
Helmet hair at camp!!
Day 5 - 26th May 2022
The weather forecast was for wind and rain through the day.
Lying in my cosy sleeping bag listening to the rain slowly subside meant it was time to get up and pack up before the next shower turned up.
Once packed up we headed to Duncansby head light house, which is a five-minute ride around the coast. When we arrived, it started to rain and by the time we had walked to the viewing area the view was hazy.
Then off we went for a hot breakfast to dry out and warm up before we headed to the ferry to Orkney.
While waiting at the ferry terminal the heavens opened and down came torrential rain.
The ferry ride took around an hour and was smooth sailing. I saw my first Puffins flying above the sea. They really have to flap their wings to get anywhere.
Once on Orkney we travelled to Kirkwall via Churchill Barrier (Churchill ordered ships to be sunk to block German u boats entering allied waters) then the Italian church (which was built by Italian prisoners in the Second World War) We arrived at Kirkwall then set up camp in strong winds. We then headed off to see some 4000-year-old stone circles.
The weather forecast was for wind and rain through the day.
Lying in my cosy sleeping bag listening to the rain slowly subside meant it was time to get up and pack up before the next shower turned up.
Once packed up we headed to Duncansby head light house, which is a five-minute ride around the coast. When we arrived, it started to rain and by the time we had walked to the viewing area the view was hazy.
Then off we went for a hot breakfast to dry out and warm up before we headed to the ferry to Orkney.
While waiting at the ferry terminal the heavens opened and down came torrential rain.
The ferry ride took around an hour and was smooth sailing. I saw my first Puffins flying above the sea. They really have to flap their wings to get anywhere.
Once on Orkney we travelled to Kirkwall via Churchill Barrier (Churchill ordered ships to be sunk to block German u boats entering allied waters) then the Italian church (which was built by Italian prisoners in the Second World War) We arrived at Kirkwall then set up camp in strong winds. We then headed off to see some 4000-year-old stone circles.
Our route today
Sculptures in John o Groats
Duncansby lighthouse
Duncansby on a cold drizzly day
Ferry to Orkney
My bike isn’t the one on the right □
Drying off
Churchill barrier
Italian church built by the Italian prisoners of war in World War 2
Day 6 - 27th May 2022
We spent today riding around Orkney visiting the sites, viewing the baron scenery, in sun, showers, high winds and temperatures ranging from 7 to 10.5 Celsius………bbrrr!!
My hi light was Skara Brae. It’s a 5000-year-old Neolithic village, the oldest in Europe and a world heritage site.
It was discovered in 1850 after a large storm ripped away the earth revealing part of the village. It was later excavated.
We ended the day camping in Thurso back in mainland Scotland
We spent today riding around Orkney visiting the sites, viewing the baron scenery, in sun, showers, high winds and temperatures ranging from 7 to 10.5 Celsius………bbrrr!!
My hi light was Skara Brae. It’s a 5000-year-old Neolithic village, the oldest in Europe and a world heritage site.
It was discovered in 1850 after a large storm ripped away the earth revealing part of the village. It was later excavated.
We ended the day camping in Thurso back in mainland Scotland
Broch of Gurness
All those that qualify, stand to the right
Skara Brae
What’s better than one white Tiger?
Two white Tigers
Getting tied down for a bumpy return ferry ride.
The sign says it all
Dunnet head lighthouse
The view from the lighthouse
Day 7 - 28th May 2022
After a day of cross winds, rain, 8 to 10 degrees, and beautiful Scottish scenery we finally made camp at Gairlock.
We were wet and cold; it was great to have a long hot shower after pitching the tents
After a day of cross winds, rain, 8 to 10 degrees, and beautiful Scottish scenery we finally made camp at Gairlock.
We were wet and cold; it was great to have a long hot shower after pitching the tents
Our route today
Picturesque Scotland
Smoo cave
Ardvreck castle
10:45 at night. Look how light it is.
Day 8 - 29th May 2022
Best scenery so far on this trip.
Applecross takes you via a single lane that winds it’s way through the mountains.
A ride through the isle of Skye and then the ferry to Harris Island in the Hebrides.
Best scenery so far on this trip.
Applecross takes you via a single lane that winds it’s way through the mountains.
A ride through the isle of Skye and then the ferry to Harris Island in the Hebrides.
Applecross
Applecross
Bedlington Terriers. You don’t see these very often.
Day 9 - 30th May 2022
We arrived at Harris Island in the Hebrides and headed south past some stunning beaches; the roads were beautifully paved until we got to the single track.
We couldn’t find anywhere to camp until we hit the end of the island where we free camped for the night.
We had three sheep as neighbours.
As we were as far south as we could go, we headed north in showery, cold blustery winds to view the Calanais standing stones, which are over 5000 years old.
Then on to the furthest Northpoint, Ness lighthouse.
We arrived at Harris Island in the Hebrides and headed south past some stunning beaches; the roads were beautifully paved until we got to the single track.
We couldn’t find anywhere to camp until we hit the end of the island where we free camped for the night.
We had three sheep as neighbours.
As we were as far south as we could go, we headed north in showery, cold blustery winds to view the Calanais standing stones, which are over 5000 years old.
Then on to the furthest Northpoint, Ness lighthouse.
As far south as we could go
Our first wild camp. We didn't get set up until 11:30pm. It was still light enough to see without torches
As far north as you can go
Calanais standing stones
Ness lighthouse
Day 10 - 31st May 2022
Today we packed the tents in light showers and left Uig heading south to Oban.
We hit some heavy rain and hail with temperatures of 7 degrees.
The weather improved in the evening.
We experience the world famous Scottish midgies for the first time. An experience we could do without.
We spent the evening chatting to some fellow bikers from Burnley.
Today we packed the tents in light showers and left Uig heading south to Oban.
We hit some heavy rain and hail with temperatures of 7 degrees.
The weather improved in the evening.
We experience the world famous Scottish midgies for the first time. An experience we could do without.
We spent the evening chatting to some fellow bikers from Burnley.
Our route today
Oban and it’s Colosseum.
Oban
Vince drying out his trouser on the drier vent pipe.
Look closely at the back of Vince's head and you can see the midgies. It was that bad that people were eating mosquito nets.
Day 11 - 1st June 2022
Today we went to the Mull of Kintyre, made famous by Paul McCartney and his group Wings.
Lots of twisting roads, some wet, some windy. We had the standard rain and hail today. It is getting warmer as we head south.
Today we went to the Mull of Kintyre, made famous by Paul McCartney and his group Wings.
Lots of twisting roads, some wet, some windy. We had the standard rain and hail today. It is getting warmer as we head south.
Our camp for the night
Our neighbours
On the ferry from Dunoon with standard issue rain suit.
James relaxing on the ferry.
The Mull of Kintyre
Campbeltown
Day 12 - 2nd June 2022
Today we rode to Caerlaverock castle, then on to Gretna Green (famous for people eloping to Scotland from England. Greta Green is just over the border) then to Hawes where we set up camp for the night.
We strolled down the hill and frequented three of the pubs. It was a more sedate ride today.
Today we rode to Caerlaverock castle, then on to Gretna Green (famous for people eloping to Scotland from England. Greta Green is just over the border) then to Hawes where we set up camp for the night.
We strolled down the hill and frequented three of the pubs. It was a more sedate ride today.
The castle is famous as it is triangulated
Evil Kenevil look a-likes at Gretna Green. There where about 30 raising money for Cancer. They are riding to all the capitals in Great Britain.
Weddings happening every 15 minutes or so.
The chapel
View as we strolled down to the pub in Hawes
Day 13 - 3rd June 2022
Today we rode a road that many bikers in England rate as a great motorcycling experience.
We headed to Ribblehead viaduct. A very impressive structure
It was Vince and my last day riding together as I’m catching the 3:30am ferry the Isle of Man.
It was nice to share the last two weeks with Vince Thanks mate!
Today we rode a road that many bikers in England rate as a great motorcycling experience.
We headed to Ribblehead viaduct. A very impressive structure
It was Vince and my last day riding together as I’m catching the 3:30am ferry the Isle of Man.
It was nice to share the last two weeks with Vince Thanks mate!
Ribblehead viaduct
Ribblehead viaduct
Pateley Bridge
Not only the oldest sweet shop in England but also the oldest sweet shop in the world
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