Discovering Scotland
There is no doubt that Scotland ranks amongst one of the top destination in the world for our biker tribe. Scotland has everything. Twisty roads! Breathtaking scenery! Ever-changing geography!
Scotland shocks you with its friendly people, the whisky and the beer, castles and rich history.
In the whole month that I was in Scotland, I had the opportunity to visit it all, starting from the east coast and zigzagging through the country, sometimes (I would say really often) I got lost and I must say that it was one of the most beautiful part of the trip.
In the first few days of traveling, I visited Edinburgh with its extraordinary architecture, the capital of Scotland is certainly among the most fascinating cities in the United Kingdom, with its Gothic style buildings and cobbled streets of the old town. Leaving the fascinating Edinburgh behind, I visited the Cairngorms National Park which has a labyrinth of streets offering breathtaking views. There are also small hotels and B&Bs but as usual I preferred camping to be more in contact with nature and fully enjoy the journey. The weather changes constantly, in Scotland forecasts is not easy, you live day by day.
The 1290 SuperAdventure S proves once again to be the perfect bike for trips like this, safe and reliable dancing among the thousand curves of the famous Highlands, a true paradise for the motorcyclist.
The east coast is magnificent with wonderful views of a country to be discovered.
Arrived to the north, at the famous John o'Groats point, I continue to the West, both on the indescribable road on the coast, and inland where an unparalleled panorama is conquered from the top of the mountains. Mesmerizing.
The community of motorcyclists, through social media platforms, is huge and some of them suggested some internal roads, I even got some GPX tracks to upload to my Garmin and for a few days I travel without meeting anyone, on unobtainable roads. The large family of motorcyclists is present all over the world, thank you guys, you are amazing!
Some days I make short transfer stages, so I have the opportunity to test the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) which gives greater safety in some sections by maintaining the right distance and adjusting the speed, this bike is amazing indeed.
The west coast is the most indented and probably the most beautiful and wild and gives me the opportunity to often camp near the sea. It is extraordinary to discover the small local family-run restaurants, the genuine food and above all the extraordinary friendliness of the Scots. Time seems to stand still up there.
The visit to the Isle of Skye is mandatory, the history, beauty and nature give it a particular and unique character. A well-organized system of ferries allows you to easily reach other islands such as that of Lewis of indescribable beauty.
In so many years of travel I am really happy to still be able to be surprised by the beauty of places like this. Scotland is a destination to be included in the bucket list of every motorcycle traveler, it is surprising in everything. The best time to visit is between June and September, the temperatures are acceptable and the amount of rain is contained. The minimum period for a motorcycle trip is 2 weeks (preferably 3). The reception facilities are very well organized, there are also many campsites with the possibility of wild camping which I prefer .
Days rolled up into weeks that then pass quickly and the month has practically flown by.
I left the wonderful Scotland and entered Wales on a ferry to Ireland.
The journey never ends.