Should I go to Scotland or Wales?

[Nevis]

Looking at a week away on the bike, I'm after loads of wilderness and off road.

I love Scotland and have not been for a number of years so I decided it was about time I do it again. Was thinking of the Cairngorms Loop at a leisurely pace and maybe so randomness on route. The only thing that's putting me off is the travel there and back, that'll pretty much burn 2 days I could be riding.

I'm in Devon, should I look at doing something closer to home (e.g. Wales) or bite the bullet and head North?

[Chew]

If you can spare the time/distance traveling i'd go to the Highlands.

Completely different scenery from anything else in the country. You'll tend to find the landscapes of Wales to be similar to those of Devon.

As a curve ball, maybe the Lakes?


This time of year i'd just follow the good weather.

[Charliecres]

I love Scotland but that's a sod of a journey. Can you get an overnight coach and try and sleep on the way?

[ianfitz]

For a full week Scotland is worth it for sure!

Maybe a short ride in the peaks or the lakes to break up the journey?

Also worth considering the sleeper train, a fanstastic start to any adventure, leaves crewe at 23.55 or preston at 01.00. jump on and wake up in the highlands (or cairngorms...)

[NorwayCalling]

Scotland... but drive at Night.

Not only are the M roads less busy, and you don't miss out on the riding time per se (as you just get out at other end around lunchtime and ride off into the hills). I tend to leave Friday night (just after the rush hours starts to die off) and can be in Avimore by 13:00hr to get out into the hills... yes first day on the bike is hard but at least you sleep on your first wild nights camping....

What time would you have to leave Plymouth to go riding on Saturday lunchtime in Mid Wales... say 7 am to be in Llandilo for lunchtime? Maybe you get my point, unless you leave at stupid o'clock in the morning, ANYWHERE is a day spent travelling from Devon.

[Mariner]

Plymouth to Braunton.
Braunton 150.
Back to Plymouth.
350 miles all within a couple of hours drive of where you live.
Cut out the traveling time = more riding time.

[voodoo_simon]

I know you said mountains but this is the internet and no-one ever listens, so i'll suggest, Northern France. Be a little warmer this time of year and better food

[Dan_K]

As above, you're in Plymouth, get a ferry to somewhere nice.

[Mariner]

http://www.wikiloc.com/trails/mountain- ... e/brittany

Check this out.

[Nevis]

Back in the room!

Sorry not been posting for a while as ive been up to my neck in it.

Decided to suck up the journey time and go to Scotland. I know i won't regret it although not looking forward to being stuck in the car.

All i have to worry about now is midges!

Think we're going to follow the cairngorms loop itt route (not as an itt). Any hints or tips welcome.

Thanks for the link Mariner, I'll squirrel that away for another day as i do the plymouth roscoff trip often. Love it, makes a great long weekend. Thursday night ferry, all you can eat meal, a few beers then bed. Roll off in the morning and turn left or right as the mood takes you.

[RIP]

"stuck in the car" - er, train, boat, ride there?

[Nevis]

Its a long way from here to there.

Ive looked at trains planes and automobiles and the car is the most convenint and significantly cheaper. As for riding, ive done the end 2 end before

[journeyman]

worth checking trains if you're going solo - I got an Exeter to Euston then Caladonian sleeper to tyndrum return for £147 - booked 6 weeks ahead though. Barry Godin has got a nice scenic video on vimeo of the outer loop