Scotland : Kingdom of Fife Future CC Ecosse TOUR Suggestions

[Louch]

I intend to, just getting used to my bike, my level of fitness and then I'm good to go.

Am doing 20 miles at a time on commute but don't want to try 40 in one go in public just yet - I don't want witnesses when I realise how unfit I am!!

Will be ready soon though!

The next two weekends I have sportives, but after that I will join you on an " easy" 40 mile route to show you that is not as bad as you think

 

[Louch]

Skye is on the bucket list, as is the Bealach na Ba.

Cycling the WHW, OTOH, is crazy talk. I saw a guy riding the section between Inversnaid and the Drovers' and the ease with which he tackled big boulders astonished me. I'd have to get off and shoulder the bike to get over the same terrain. That's not touring, that's torture!

BNB and a B&B weekender?!?!?

 

[Edwardoka]

BNB and a B&B weekender?!?!?

Aye go on then

 

[Fubar]

I've plotted the route for the Lochs and Glens - but I've replaced the section between Glasgow and Balloch with a trip over the Queen's View. (It can go back if people aren't sick to death of that route by now )

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5769209

There is a pretty rough offroad section, but we can route around it if there is will within the group (although it would mean a. missing out on the spectacularly named Loch Drunkie and b. riding on the somewhat busy road on the north shore of Loch Venachar)

Date wise, shall we tentatively say Friday 10th July 2015 - Monday 13th July 2015?

Our leave is booked 27 June-12 July 2015, and at some point in June Maddie will have her Graduation so I'll need to keep most of that free - therefore dates either side would be doable, but please don't feel it has to revolve around me.

 

[tug benson]

Skye or the bealach na ba now you have me interested

 

[fimm]

I'm pretty sure the trains to Inverness are more bike friendly than the Oban ones.
I was going to suggest the far north west, i.e. Ullapool to Durness area, but you'd really have to do it as a loop starting from Inverness, and that might be too far.

 

[Fubar]

I've plotted the route for the Lochs and Glens - but I've replaced the section between Glasgow and Balloch with a trip over the Queen's View. (It can go back if people aren't sick to death of that route by now )

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5769209

There is a pretty rough offroad section, but we can route around it if there is will within the group (although it would mean a. missing out on the spectacularly named Loch Drunkie and b. riding on the somewhat busy road on the north shore of Loch Venachar)

Date wise, shall we tentatively say Friday 10th July 2015 - Monday 13th July 2015?

There is a Youth Hostel at Pitlochry, though at 105 miles into the journey that might be expecting a bit much, Crianlarich is the next closest - though Killin might be the better stop-off point.

The issue with accommodation is that (at a quick glance) most B&B's are set up for couples i.e. Double Beds and most self-catering accommodation is minimum 3-nights stay, particularly in high season.

Not saying it's impossible, just random thoughts running through my head. Still my favourite route so far!

 

[DougieAB]

On our tour of Arran/Islay we really didn't cover a huge distance each day and we have to remember the range of abilities before we start talking about 100 miles in a day and start putting people off before this tour gets off the ground.

 

[Fubar]

On our tour of Arran/Islay we really didn't cover a huge distance each day and we have to remember the range of abilities before we start talking about 100 miles in a day and start putting people off before this tour gets off the ground.

Totally agree and I wasn't meaning to give that impression - just mooting some thoughts out loud, more on accommodation than anything else.

Probably the best way to go is once we have some interest in a particular route start a new thread, guage interest then tailor to abilities/time/budget of those involved.

 

[fimm]

Remember there are independent hostels as well as youth hostels:
http://www.hostel-scotland.co.uk/
http://www.independenthostelguide.co.uk/

 

[Fubar]

Remember there are independent hostels as well as youth hostels:
http://www.hostel-scotland.co.uk/
http://www.independenthostelguide.co.uk/

Useful links, thank you!

 

[ChrisV]

The next two weekends I have sportives, but after that I will join you on an " easy" 40 mile route to show you that is not as bad as you think

Cheers, look forward to it! I'm doing nearly 40 a day (2 x 20) Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri and it's not as much of a struggle now. I quite fancy a proper run out with the bike!

 

[Edwardoka]

There is a Youth Hostel at Pitlochry, though at 105 miles into the journey that might be expecting a bit much, Crianlarich is the next closest - though Killin might be the better stop-off point.

The issue with accommodation is that (at a quick glance) most B&B's are set up for couples i.e. Double Beds and most self-catering accommodation is minimum 3-nights stay, particularly in high season.

Not saying it's impossible, just random thoughts running through my head. Still my favourite route so far!

When I did Lochs and Glens North in 2004 my stops were in Strathyre and Blair Atholl, which left me with a rather ambitious yet impressive ~95 mile third day.

 

[Fubar]

I've plotted the route for the Lochs and Glens - but I've replaced the section between Glasgow and Balloch with a trip over the Queen's View. (It can go back if people aren't sick to death of that route by now )

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5769209

There is a pretty rough offroad section, but we can route around it if there is will within the group (although it would mean a. missing out on the spectacularly named Loch Drunkie and b. riding on the somewhat busy road on the north shore of Loch Venachar)

Date wise, shall we tentatively say Friday 10th July 2015 - Monday 13th July 2015?

Out of nothing other than boredom over lunch I started looking at this again - 200 miles total distance, broken down as follows:

DAY 1
If we equate that to approx 50 miles per day our first stop could be at Balquhidder (mile 55) where there is a hostel here: http://www.visitscotland.com/info/accommodation/loch-voil-hostel-p877121#location

OR a Hotel here: http://mhor.net/mhor84-motel/

Or Lochearnhead (Mile 60) where there is a hostel here: http://www.stravaiging.com/travel/accommodation/property/braveheart-backpackers

The advantage is that East Coasters can use an alternative route via Fife, Crieff and Loch Earn to get here.

DAY 2
Next stop Pitlochry (mile 105) here: https://www.syha.org.uk/where-to-stay/highlands/pitlochry.aspx

DAY 3
Next stop either Kingussie (mile 150) here: http://www.kingussie.co.uk/stay/bunkhouse

or push onto Aviemore (mile 165) here: https://www.syha.org.uk/where-to-stay/highlands/aviemore.aspx

DAY 4
Then last leg to Inverness for either the train home or overnight accommodation


If we were being more adventurous (and depending who was interested) we could target 100k per day - looking at the route profile I wouldn't want to attempt any more than that though on a tourer. So 3-4 day trip, hostel accommodation is around £20-25 per night (NOTE: hostel accomm links only there as an example and convenience, if hostels exist generally other accomm will be available) and train back from Inverness to Edin/Glasgow would be around £40 (unless you wanted to cycle back!).

For me it would probably have to be either May or August next year, though don't let that put you off!

Thoughts???

 

[Edwardoka]

FEARLESS LEADER YOU HAVE RETURNED

Solid bit of research there
Clearly there must be a diversion up the Cairngorm ski road for those who are willing.