My Covid Alternative Tour of 2020

[rob m]

I was going to go with [mention]Gerontious[/mention] to Europe but due to Covid and a few health issues, I called it off. Very gutted but after risk assessing the situation it was right for me.

So, after booking a couple of weeks annual leave to use up and the bike fully serviced, I wanted to make the most of the situation. I'm heading off on Sunday 30th August for 10 days touring Wales, the Peak and Lake District then Scotland. I'm really excited as I've never really explored the UK, I'm really looking forward to it.

I'll be camping all the way, so adventure mode is activated.

I'll upload pics and videos when I can

[bonio]

Have a great time Rob!

My tip would be don't ignore the Lowlands: the roads in all directions around Moffat are awesome.

[raesewell]

If you're in the West Yorkshire area I could take you to see Squires

[rennie]

Sounds good to me! (except the camping) Enjoy!

[rob m]

Have a great time Rob!

My tip would be don't ignore the Lowlands: the roads in all directions around Moffat are awesome.

 

Thanks man, Moffat and the surrounding areas are on the cards! I've taken some routes/tours from the Bikers Britain book and put them through Basecamp the onto my Garmin.

[mention]raesewell[/mention] I'll let you know if I'm passing through that area

I'm camping light so this will be my home for the my trip.

Tent:

https://i.imgur.com/scm1rbA.jpg' alt='IMGUR>'>

Sleeping Bag:

https://i.imgur.com/KrDSGzv.jpg' alt='IMGUR>'>

Chair:

https://i.imgur.com/a9ZfLdD.jpg' alt='IMGUR>'>

Inflatable Pillow:

https://i.imgur.com/Z1LPHs6.jpg' alt='IMGUR>'>

Inflatable camping mat:

https://i.imgur.com/l9yC74F.jpg' alt='IMGUR>'>

I know camping ain't everybody's cup of tea but I love it and it saves me loads of dosh.

[fullscreenaging]

Don’t forget to buy a puncture repair kit....

Have fun. Looking forward to the photos.

[Gerontious]

Send me photos of freshly squeezed haggis and if you end up by the seaside, sticks of rock.

And I will return the favour with plates of Schnitzel and bottles of Erdinger. Kaffee und Kuchen from hell.

plus, hopefully the odd nice view or two.

Try not to fall off... and steer clear of gravel on those twisty bits.

[rob m]

Send me photos of freshly squeezed haggis and if you end up by the seaside, sticks of rock.

And I will return the favour with plates of Schnitzel and bottles of Erdinger. Kaffee und Kuchen from hell.

plus, hopefully the odd nice view or two.

Try not to fall off... and steer clear of gravel on those twisty bits.

 

I'll be doing both! Enjoy Deutschland!

[Guest Richzx6r]

Send me photos of freshly squeezed haggis and if you end up by the seaside, sticks of rock.

And I will return the favour with plates of Schnitzel and bottles of Erdinger. Kaffee und Kuchen from hell.

plus, hopefully the odd nice view or two.

Try not to fall off... and steer clear of gravel on those twisty bits.

 

I'll be doing both! Enjoy Deutschland!

 

If your camping around the lakes I'd be interested in joining you for a night or two.....separate tents of course

[fastbob]

https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/scotland/1536085/scotland-braced-for-rare-third-wave-of-midges-after-population-explosion-plagues-highland-campers/

[fastbob]

https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/scotland/1536085/scotland-braced-for-rare-third-wave-of-midges-after-population-explosion-plagues-highland-campers/

[rob m]

https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/scotland/1536085/scotland-braced-for-rare-third-wave-of-midges-after-population-explosion-plagues-highland-campers/

 

Eesh. Any tips?

[husoi]

https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/scotland/1536085/scotland-braced-for-rare-third-wave-of-midges-after-population-explosion-plagues-highland-campers/

 

Eesh. Any tips?

 

Yeah.

RUUUNNNN!!!!!!

[rennie]

Avon skin so soft is a good midge repellent! (it's re-badged and issued to armed forces )

If you're in mid-Wales I recommend the B4405/A487 from Tywyn towards Dollgellau

( just 1 amongst many many good roads)

[fastbob]

https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/scotland/1536085/scotland-braced-for-rare-third-wave-of-midges-after-population-explosion-plagues-highland-campers/

 

Eesh. Any tips?

 

If it's windy you won't even know they are there so I always try to avoid sheltered places like inland Glens . I try to stay on the coast or on high ground . Make sure you have a Midge Net , long sleeved tops , gloves and socks that you can tuck your trousers into . Avon Skin so Soft is my Midge Repellent of choice and I use Mosquito Coils strategically placed upwind of my tent .

[Guest]

Another vote for skin so soft, although I generally use this stuff, Nordic summer

https://www.tamarackoutdoors.co.uk/PBSCProduct.asp?ItmID=9151535&AccID=67222&PGFLngID=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjws536BRDTARIsANeUZ5-O5-FxClSpGkJbmEv1SfTIYM1wG63hPl7trvjwVDeSfJtmMR96XCUaAnawEALw_wcB

It's smells of bonfires which I love but others might find odd.

[raesewell]

My Dumfiesian pal tells me that Avon Skin So Soft (Original) is the one to go for.

[Gerontious]

It’s a big country and midge outbreaks tend to be fairly localised. Keep an eye on the midge forecast and stay away from those areas.

https://www.smidgeup.com/midge-forecast/

[rob m]

Thanks for the tips chaps! I have two bottles of Skin So Soft (the old type) so will be packing one of them. Need a mozzie net but have time to get that.

[Throttled]

...

Sleeping Bag:

https://i.imgur.com/KrDSGzv.jpg' alt='IMGUR>'>

...

 

The sleeping bag is rated for temperatures of 15 to 25 degrees. You will be very cold and I would recommend something that can cope with just above freezing.

[Throttled]

Thanks for the tips chaps! I have two bottles of Skin So Soft (the old type) so will be packing one of them. Need a mozzie net but have time to get that.

 

Unless you know Skin So Soft works for you, I would not waste taking two. The only guaranteed way is to cover up and get a midge head net, for about £2. I lived in Argyll for years, tried the lot and only the net really works.

[fastbob]

By the way , don't be tempted to spray Skin So Soft on your tent , bags or riding gear . It's a thin wax and it will set with a white appearance in low temperatures .

[fastbob]

If you find yourself in the vicinity of Moffat , Crawford or Abington and you need somewhere peaceful to camp for free just PM me .

[fastbob]

If you find yourself in the vicinity of Moffat , Crawford or Abington and you need somewhere peaceful to camp for free just PM me . In fact if you need any first hand information about camping in Scotland particularly the North West don't hesitate to ask .

[rob m]

...

Sleeping Bag:

https://i.imgur.com/KrDSGzv.jpg' alt='IMGUR>'>

...

 

The sleeping bag is rated for temperatures of 15 to 25 degrees. You will be very cold and I would recommend something that can cope with just above freezing.

 

I use a sleeping bag liner in that bag and have been toasty in the winter. Saying that I have a more substantial bag on standby