in planning » Scotland 2019

Right NOW!

The sun is shining. We’ve had a few weeks of glorious weather with only one stormy period to spoil it between 20 April and now.

But I’m afraid we can’t guarantee it. Ever.

The worst of winter was at the beginning of March fer cryin’ out loud.

You can read a paper outside at 1030pm. But the days get shorter now

I went 14th-19th May this year and it was unbroken sunshine, 22 degrees celcius In Aviemore, we also met with a German couple on a Honda Goldwing+trailer and a Dutch couple on a Yamaha big V twin something both couples were very friendly and loved talking bikes but you take pot luck with the weather as you do in the most of Northern Europe.

i would recommend late May early June or September mainly due to the midgies although finding accommodation can be difficult in July/ August. whatever you will find great roads amazing scenery and friendly people

Graham

1st time I visited I Scotland was in August, I asked the locals for the best time of year. They said April May or June. I done it many times since and its mostly been reasonable weather. It's also not camper vans. Saying that I'm risking late September this year for a week up there, that probably the latest I'd do.

I know it well so just ask if you need any advice, best routes etc

May, June or September. Weather is as stable as it can be (this year has been brilliant).

July and August are infested with almost as many tourists and camper vans as midges.

Book accommodation early if you are touring the NC500 or likely to stay on the Isle of Skye.

I'd agree with GordonH, since they started promoting the NC500 its getting booked up a lot more. Around Fortwilliam has always been busy but north of there it used to be easy to find somewhere but its a lot harder now. I'm going late September as there was no availability early September when we started booking a month ago

Hi Holger, generally May and June are good and usually September , but this summer has been exceptional. Just look at Scotland as inherently prone to wet weather and every dry day you get is a bonus. We live in Perthshire, do air band b (Kaimes Cottage) where you are always welcome. Last year I went on the motorbike to The Eiger and from Germany to Switzerland last July the temp dropped to 8 degrees!!!!
Do not miss out the Trossachs, amazing area. Cheers Jules

If you are focussing on Scotland then Ijmuiden/Newcastle makes sense as it lands you furthest north. You disembark around 10:00 and somewhere like Perth is easily reached in a days ride ready to hit the highlands next day. The ferry can be a bit lively on some weekend sailings !
To get to the border I would recommend either first heading west and joining the A696 then A68 or going north of Newcastle to join the A697. Depending where you want to aim at for your first night these are both good biking roads avoiding a lot of commercial traffic.

Callander is also a good place to rest up before heading for the hills, the A82 North from there is a gorgeous stretch of rode