Hi we are cycle all around Scotland we will be there for 2 months can you help with suggestions re route and basic accomodation the latter for wet nights only.thanks
scotland
火, 2014-05-13 16:44
#1
WS Member
scotland
Hospitality Ahead
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Scotland was a fantastic country for cycling. Whether on the mainland or hopping islands using the ferry system. If you are in need of anything along your trip, drop in on the pub in the center of any village. Along with a warm welcome, locals will ply you with the local drink, and more than likely, offer you a place to either pitch your tent or sleep. Only hard part, along with a chance of rain, riding "very drunk" to the location of your impromptu host. Enjoy.
Just a little suggestion, there is a new national bike route going from Aberdeen up an area called Deeside. The route is not fully complete, but cycling in the area is very nice. It's quite a sheltered area with the Cairgorm mountains providing shelter as well as spectacular scenery. There are some lovely villages en route including Aboyne, Ballater and Braemar and there are lots of places to visit including Drum Castle, Crathes Castle, Balmoral castle (but it is closed to the public when the royal family are in residence) and Braemar Castle. There is Royal Lochnagar Distillery you can also visit. There are some nice natural places to visit including Glen Tannar, Glen Muick, Burn O Vat and Linn of Dee. Plenty of places to pitch a tent and there are loads of small hotels and B&B's if it's raining. Some people cycle up the East coast following route 1 to Stonehaven (and visit Dunnottar Castle), then cycle inland via the Slug Road (A957) towards Banchory which is in Deeside. From Deeside you can cycle over the mountains towards Tomintoul/Aviemore direction.
If you are planning your trip at Summer and intend going anywhere near water, then prepare yourself for the midges. You will need to cover up in the evenings, and wear a mosquito net over your head and face... There are all kinds of 'midge-repellent' recipes, but I find the only safe way to avoid being driven insane by them is to cover yourself completely.
Otherwise Scotland is a beautiful place to tour, especially the romance of island hopping and the dramatic wilderness of the North and West.
Here are a few route suggestions and campsites:
https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zH2E7CAWcPDc.kQsZndOOKGcQ
Hope you'll have a great time.
Cheers John