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Andy's Scottish Expedition
Post Date 7 October 2019
Forward By Ren Withnell
I have a friend (honest I do) called Andy Gray. He lives in that there London Village somewhere near a little roundabout known as the M25 and there's parking nearby for flying machines. I'm told they now have both gas and electricity to their homes in the village centre but no internet as yet. Outlying areas still depend on the coal man and the post office for survival.
Being a suvvenor he has taken his antiquated vintage BMW GS1200 all around Europe. He also wraps up warm, plugs in his heated thermals and head's oop norf to the futuristic if a little nippy North West of England where I live. Andy has a lot of friends here, the reasons why are lost to the mists of time. Here he receives a warm welcome (not from me obviously) although it is obvious he can't understand a bleeding word anyone says.
It transpires apart from a work trip via flying machine to Glasgow, he's never been to Scotland. Scotland, the most beautiful part of the UK. Scotland, the best riding roads in the UK. We've all been advising him to go but we think he was worried about the cuisine and outlandish accents. After all there's no jellied eels in Scotland and if you've only been to Glasgow...
At some point he must have plucked up courage and headed oop norf, properly oop norf. He recorded his adventure daily on Facebook. Both Sharon and I were impressed with his concise yet informative and entertaining reports and excellent images. As such I have asked his kind permission to re-post and publish his trip here on Bikes And Travels.
Thanks Andy...
Llangollen
Andy starts his trip to Scotland... by going to Wales! It is a long way from London Village to The Highlands though, give the man a break.
Friends And Finally Scotland
Day 2 and 3 of Andy's Scottish expedition - and he's only just reached the borders. He's having way too much fun and should be focused on heading North.
Bad Weather, Brilliant Roads
Andy's first proper ride into Scotland is proving to be a cracker even if the weather is dire.
Exploring Arran and The Mull Of Kintyre
There's wildlife and scenery aplenty for Andy as he explores Arran and The Kintyre Peninsula. "Mixed" weather is keeping him on his toes though.
Easy Onto Mull
Andy is taking in the splendid West Coast of Scotland at a sensible pace. From the Kintyre Peninsula to the Isle Of Mull there's a lot to take in.
Walking On Iona
Andy is using Shank's Pony to get himself around the small island of Iona. Thing is the island isn't quite as small as Andy's feet had hoped for.
Mulling Around To The Mainland
When Tobermory is a major town you know you've been somewhere remote. Andy is making his way up the West Coast of Scotland now.
Bealach na Bà Ain't So Bad
Andy is making his excuses for a late start today, but it's all self-inflicted. It's time to be overwhelmed by the not really scary Applecross road.
The Wonder Of The West Coast
Andy is up on the West Coast of The Scottish Highlands now, and it shows with his achingly beautiful pictures.
The Wonder Of Even More West Coast
Andy is exploring the remote and lonesome shores of the North West of Scotland. Geology, beauty and single track, all in another day's ride in The Highlands.
Out Of The Good Stuff, Into The Weather
After The splendour of The Highlands and West Coast of Scotland Andy is now at the top of the country. Is there much to report?
The Scottish North East Coast
Andy after reaching the tip of the UK is now meandering his way south along the east coast. Being back in civilisation means proper food in solid buildings.
No Nessie And Wet Cairngorms
Andy looks at Loch Ness and The Cairngorms, well, when the weather allows at least.
Reader's Comments
Marv said :-
Anytime I'm abroad and people I meet express interest in visiting the UK, I suggest they make sure they visit Scotland... I've done a bit of travelling and Scotland isn't just the most beautiful place in the UK, it's one of the most beautiful places in the world IMO!
If the weather has been kind, your friend must be having a great time :o)
07/10/2019 20:52:46 UTC
Ren - The Ed¹ said :-
It certainly is a place that I've fallen in love with Marv. Not having seen very much of the world I can't comment on it's beauty in comparison to other places though. My friend is back home now but you'll have to wait and see as I publish the posts.
08/10/2019 09:34:26 UTC
CrazyFrog said :-
Yep, Scotland does it for me too, though Ireland comes a close second. I've travelled pretty extensively in Europe and these are my two favourite places so far.
08/10/2019 12:16:25 UTC
Andy Gray said :-
Thanks Ren for posting this. At least I can understand your writing better than your talking ;)
Crazy Frog - I also really enjoyed riding round the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland two years ago. Spectacular all the way round.
20/12/2019 20:24:06 UTC
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