a CB in the Scottish Highlands

[jtopiso_imp]

This is in the baby stages at this point, but i've got some plans to fly into scotland, pick up a CB1000R and spend a week tearing up all over those lovely single track roads and winding hills in Scotland.

So, first and foremost, members who live in the UK: have you ridden the scottish highlands? what "must hit" points on the map can you reccommend?

Other members who have also traveled to Scotland to do something similar to what i'm doing, what important nuggets of information can you impart? got a specific rec for a rental service?

finally, What time of year is going to be the absolute best riding weather, or at least the safest?

I didn't know you could use the concepts "good weather" and "Scotland" in a single post!

Anyway: in summer, daylight stays "forever", and in winter, it's dark nigth pretty eary. This will be the only natural phenomena that won't be random and can be planned in advance, so... go now, when days are longer!

[misterprofessionality]

so jtopiso votes for june/july as a time frame. how is the traffic around that time?

[WK57ABF_imp]

Hi mister - Have a look at "Scottish Tour" by WK57ABF on this forum, it might give you a few ideas but the guy to ask is "Wisedrum" i met him in Glencoe and he has toured Scotland far more than myself - I'm sure he will be along shortly with some advice.
The traffic is light in the Highlands all year - hope you enjoy your trip - its beautiful.
John

[misterprofessionality]

good to know, thanks WK. i'm trying to balance "acceptable weather" (since my wife will be along, and she won't tolerate excessive cold the way I will) with "acceptable traffic" (not so many people in the way of the CB1000R i intend to rent) but it's good to know that the traffic is really a non-issue. that means i can just focus on average temperature and rainfall statistics.

I have read a lot of Wisedrum's posts and had suspected he might turn up with some poignant information. I'll wait patiently.

[WK57ABF_imp]

Hi mister - don't worry about the cold and rainfall - I'm in my late 70's and don't find it an issue - the Scots have a wonderful drink to keep out the cold.
John

[misterprofessionality]

however, that drink sadly does not mix well with motorcycling on wet roads!! not a good plan my friend!

in all seriousness, i'm not at all worried about the cold. i regularly commute in 30 degreeF weather here at home during the winter. It's just that my wife will be with me on her own bike, and she will not tolerate anything lower than probably 50. I know her well, there's no negotiating that part.

[Stichill_imp]

If you pass through the Lowlands maybe you can get a picture in the town of [url=https://goo.gl/maps/KULan1D5moBCGtWW6]Stichill.

I'm interested in your pursuit of this ride. Everything I've read says be prepared for ill weather regardless of the season.

[Cormanus]

Yes, Stichill, I was in Scotland in summer a couple of years ago, at the same time as WK57ABF and Wisedrum (although in a different part), and it was wet and decidedly cool. I don’t think you can guarantee any period when it will be warm and dry.

[Wisedrum]

I can confirm that weather 2 years ago except it wasn't really cold. Also not way up in the Highlands.

But fortunately or unfortunately as you like to see it, it was always a mixture of rain for one hour or so followed by sun and so on. So got dry and wet and dry and wet etc. . One can get used to it. At least you have no other choice if you want to ride in Scotland and even England. I don't expect no other weather this year in Irland. Plan to leave for a trip to ride there in the end of this month. I will be happy, if I can build up and pack my tent without rain each day...

Wisedrum