Lipiec 5, 2013 -

Sorry, I said 4-6 hours average. I meant to say 6-8 hours. I don't want anyone thinking they are at the IOM TT!

Lipiec 5, 2013 -

I am lucky enough to be local to the West coast of Scotland, and although we are known to have occasional rain and 2 day summers, the landscape is something very special and the roads are a challenge for the most experienced of riders. This route is what I will do with a free day. It is good in either direction, although I almost always go clockwise. If you stop twice for a break, it takes around 4-6 hours, depending on progress. I would say for a tourist it could be spread over 2 days if you want to stop for pictures and go at a leisurely pace. Oban would be a good place to spend the night. This route is bend after bend after bend. I think there is around 10-15 miles of straight road over the whole thing. Don’t expect to go fast right away. The elevation changes are extreme in some places, and here in Scotland we build our roads AROUND the mountains, not through them as in other parts of Europe. Expect corners to get very tight, very quickly and at frequent intervals. The road surface changes from narrow country roads to well paved highway. Potholes are common, and look out for farm related mess and machinery. The police in the area are present, but as long as you are riding in a safe and considerate manner, you will be fine. Going over the speed limit is not uncommon, but do slow down for towns and villages. Speeding through them will not be tolerated. All in all, this is a great day out and I would include it in my tour of Scotland. Just take your waterproofs and Enjoy!