Thursday, February 09, 2006

Scotland and Ireland trip 19-29 August 2005

19/8/06: Poole - Cheltenham
Left Poole immediately after work (16:00) and stopped off at a Travel Inn (which we had prebooked) in Cheltenham

20/8/06: Cheltenham - Arrochar
Took the M5-M6-M74 all the way up to Glasgow, got horribly lost and drove straight into the post match Celctic Rangers celebrations in the street. Found our way out of town and took the A82 past Loch Lomond ans stayed over tat Arrochor at the forestry Comission campsite. On arrival we were told it was full and we were too late but qith some gentel persuading we managed to get a site overlaooking the sea. Bought fish and chips at a local chippies. Charlie was ruthlessly and mercilessly attacked and overwhelmed by the mozzies which stayed clear of Rensche.


21/8/06: Arrochar - Beauly
A3-A82-A85-A827-Pitlochry and stopped at a farm stall. Then took the A9-A889-A86-A82-Fort Augustus most of the way in the rain. Rode along the banks of Lock Ness and stopped at Prumnadrocht. the we took the A833 to Beauly and stopped at Information who found us a B&B. Bougth a local Midgey potion at the ship and went to the B&B. Slept in a nice clean room with a 4 post bed in Ornum.


22/8/06: Beauly - Connel

Took the A835-A832-A890 to Plockton stopping along the way to look at some Lochs.


From P{lockton we headed over the bridgre to Skye via thr A87 but as we were heading north big clouds started developing ahead so at Sligacon we turned round and headed south to Armadak where we met bernard, a German on a Transalp at the ferry port. Took the ferry across to Malloig where we stopped for fish and chips and parted ways with Bernard.

Then we took the A830 to Fort William and the A82-A828 to Connel where, in heavy rain, we found a camping ground run by a Saffa. The grounds were full so we pitched in the "spill-over" field outside the main grounds but had access to the facilities.


23/8/06: Connel - Larne
As the day was miserable we stuck to the main roads A85-A82-A8-A78-A77-Cairnryan where we got on the ferry to Larne. Found the Larne Town Council camping ground which was nice a clean and quiet but were kept awake the wholenight by the howling wind and rain. We feared for our lives.


24/8/06: Larne - Londonderry
Took the A2 all along the north coast stopping at Carnlogh for breakfast where we bumped into more Saffa. We then stopped off at Giants Causeway.

This whole coastline is stunning and well worth the trip.

Arrived in londonderry and headed straight for Information. They informed us that the 4 star Hilton was running a special...result!!! Booked in and when up to ur room to find that there were dirty towels and a unmade bed so they moved us to another bigger room. Went and had steak and chips at the local Wetherspoons (sad I know) and bumped into a father and son pari from New Zealand who we saw at Giants Causeway and were hiking around Ireland.

As we were knackered we headed back to the room and slept...to be woken at 2am by the fire alarm and banging and shouting in the corridor. All the guests where herded down into the meeting room and informed that there was a "suspect package" outside the hotel and the bomb squad was investigating. Immediately the Germans gathered together at the front and demanded action and the latest information from the distraught hotel manager; the Japanese sat quietly in a corner; the English ordered beers...and the 2 Saffa's sat in the middle waiting patiently for the all clear. Everyone stuck in the room half asleep intheir PJ's and no make-up was a humbling experience. Two hours later it turned out ot be a empty brown bag and we all went back to bed.


25/8/06: Londonderry - Doolin

Woke up late and managed to catch breakfast. Took the A2-N13. After riding carefully for miles to find the border post we suddenly realise that we were already in the Republic of Ireland when we noticed all the signs in km/h and prices were in euro. For all illegal immgrants wanting to get into the UK unchecked...this is the route to take.

Noticable sparce, scattered, chaotic schemery and development. More like Gauteng but not as well designed. Then we took the N15-N17-N16-N18-N67-R478 to Doolin. Doolin is a MUST SEE when going to Ireland. Stunning coastline similar to SA west coast but very green. When to the local pub and where entertained by local musicians. Also bumped into two Aussies at the bar. pleasant evening had by all.


26/8/06: Doolin - Ring of Kerry

Took the N67-N69 via the Killiener ferry. The took thr N70 along the Ring of kerry to Cahersiven where we found a camp site along the sea. Rensche got caught mid shower with no change to feed the water meter so had to run around with shampoo in the hair to get change from the owner. Found a pub in town who served us a nice rare steak.

27/8/06: Ring of Kerry - Blarney

Left early and took the N70 around the Ring of kerry stopping off along the way to have irish stew for lunch at Sneem which repeated on us the rest of the day along the rough and bumpy roud which tested out bowls and the bikes suspension. Then onto the N71-R584-R586-R590-R618 to Blarney. Climbed the castle tower and kissed the Blarney stone for the Gift of the Gab...which hasn't seemed to help much..yet!!!
Found a site at the Blarney Camp Site. Closest Pub was the Golf course down the road where we put back a couple of Guinness while watch SA loose against New Zealand (big surprise there then). Had excellent trout for supper.


28/8/06: Blarney - Fishguard
Took the N25-R733-R736 to Rosslare to catch the ferry. We joined the queue behind 25 Goldwings each with their own trailers. Got a bit nervous when the small twin hull ferry arrived but we all managed to fit in.

Arrived in Fishguard after dark and managed to find a campsite...well more like a field on the side of a steep hill with many other tents and campers and one toilet and shower. There was nobody to direct us so we just pitched our tent and went to sleep.


29/8/06: Fishguard - Poole

Got straight onto the motorway and made out way back to Poole getting home by 14:00.

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