Trip to UK in June - advice wanted!

[JTL]

Installed the Basecamp as it seemed to be a free SW.

 

[Cloggy]

Installed the Basecamp as it seemed to be a free SW.

Basecamp itself is free, but to my understanding it won't work without the installed Garmin maps. This used to be the case with mapsource, and I switched over to basecamp, but as the maps were already installed I didn't have to do much else.
If you buy a Garmin you can connect it to your computer and register it on line (at "mygarmin.com") and it will automatically update/install new garmin maps (which you have a license for) on your computer.
Be aware the garmin maps will then be registered to your satnav (serial number).
It might be possible to get someone else to install his maps on your computer (using his garmin connected to your computer), but I've never tried this.

A GPX route is made up of many tracks (waypoints) which is the best way to check the exact route, using the previously mentioned Tyre & ITN converter you can easily convert to a ITN file, which makes a route with less waypoints and so much less cluttered on the map :thumbup: and for example in ITN converter you can also view the route using different maps (Here's another thread about this program).

Sorry for babbling on but if you have any questions just ask :thumbup:

 

[JTL]

Ok, thanks for the info

 

[Tagger]

Basecamp itself comes with a basic map, but that only includes the highways and maybe some other major roads ... so for our purposes it is pointless. But the app takes some getting used to (i used to think i was pretty tech minded and for my job i have to learn different softwares on the spot all the time without problems ... but then comes basecamp, which is very counter intuitive at first and can cause some heasache untill you figure out the way it "thinks" ).

So don't think you're missing out on 90% of the roads, they will be added once you attach your GPS like Cloggy explained.

 

[Cloggy]

Basecamp itself comes with a basic map, but that only includes the highways and maybe some other major roads ... so for our purposes it is pointless. But the app takes some getting used to (i used to think i was pretty tech minded and for my job i have to learn different softwares on the spot all the time without problems ... but then comes basecamp, which is very counter intuitive at first and can cause some headaches until you figure out the way it "thinks" )........
.

I used to think that mapsource was counter intuitive, so I installed Basecamp thinking it would have been changed to make it more intuitive (like most modern software) but it is also counter intuitive, only a lot of stuff has changed, so I've got to learn it all over again :banghead:

They say Basecamp is a powerful piece of kit in the right hands, I guess I must have wrong hands

 

[Nelly]

I have the understanding that there are quite many B&B's in Scotland and Ireland the same way as in England?

I would make contact with the B&B's first before you land. Sadly most of these small businesses have closed in my area due to the recession.

Neil

 

[JTL]

I would make contact with the B&B's first before you land. Sadly most of these small businesses have closed in my area due to the recession.

Neil

Thanks, a good point. I will most probably have some basic idea of the daily routes beforehand so it is a good idea to make a reservation for accommodation before the trip at least for the UK part.

 

[Cloggy]

Hi all,

I'm planning a bike trip to UK for the last two weeks of June, ......... I'd like to visit some whisky distilleries too, and as Islay whiskies are my favorite, I included that to the route as well. ........
Accomodation? I have the understanding that there are quite many B&B's in Scotland and Ireland the same way as in England?

I love Islay whiskies as well as you can see here:

OK this was just an excuse to give this thread a blatent bump

Come on guys does anyone have anymore tips/ places to stay :thumbup:

 

[JTL]

Nice collection of Islay whiskies

There were lots of nice places to see in these guys' videos:

RoadTripped - Säkkipillijärven Polkka

Quite funny too. English subtitles are available if Finnish causes some problems At least in part 1 after a closer look.

 

[JTL]

Ok so I bought a GPS for the bike now (Garmin Zumo 350) so I can start planning the route in more detail. On earlier trips I have just used Nokia maps with suitable plug earphones but it has been quite problematic due to battery consumption and not seeing the display. I hope this helps on planning the route to stay mostly on the smaller roads

 

[Cloggy]

Ok so I bought a GPS for the bike now (Garmin Zumo 350) so I can start planning the route in more detail. On earlier trips I have just used Nokia maps with suitable plug earphones but it has been quite problematic due to battery consumption and not seeing the display. I hope this helps on planning the route to stay mostly on the smaller roads

Great, congratulations on the new purchase, looking forward to the review :thumbup:

 

[JTL]

If you are headed past Inverness and aiming to go to Applecross drop me a message and I will happily join you. Lovely road and lovely food.

By the way, is it worth scenery-wise to do a loop arounf the north of Scotland, via Tongue, Durness and such like in the included picture? At least the roads look twisty enough

 

[nivag]

Have a look at this thread KTMmartin's tour of the North

It's my mates current trip around Scotland, should give you some ideas

 

[JTL]

Ok the trip is getting closer now.... Ferries from Finland to Sweden and from Denmark to UK already reserved and I will start the trip on June 15th. One question about the B&B's in Scotland and also generally in UK: Payment method? By cash or do they usually accept cards?

Some changes on the route back home, I will probably ride from France thru Belgium and Netherlands as I have never been there. This will also shorten the otherwise already very long trip a bit.

 

[greg]

bigger more commercial places will take cards, smaller places usually prefer cash. It's best to check beforehand, but worst case a cash machine (ATM) is never too far away

 

[fazergal]

If its on your way get over to the Isle of Man , home of the TT race track. I've not been myself yet (too many commitments) but it's very scenic and beautiful there.

:thumbup:

 

[tosh23]

OK here goes...
Goathland, home of heartbeat. Ive been there many many times because I live nearby..Places of interest near by...

Seaways cafe..bikers hang out, open 9am till 4pm. Great parking and good food ( fairly cheap and serves proper Yorkshire tea)
YO25 9RX or search "seaways cafe fridaythorpe"

Wetwang, home of the famous fish and chips..This fish and chip shop is known in the biking world and bikers come from miles around to sample their food..

Next we have Squires pub, in sherburn in helmet
http://www.squires-cafe.co.uk/...One of the biggist biker hangouts in the UK..Always loads of bikes and if you are a biker you can camp (tent) for free..

Whitby, Home of dracula. A great place to relax for an hour and soak in the atmosphere of the place..There is a cafe in the train station and is frequented by bikers...

Yorkshire TT road...Bikers say that its a little like the isle of man tt road, Its bloody fantastic on any bike, great sweeping bends with good views of the road ahead..Warning..Police patrol this road because its so bloody good...search- helmsley to stokesley road.

Scarborough, The oasis cafe..Its on the north beach and is always frequented by bikers with parking right outside the front door..Great coffee and cheap,,

Dalby forrest. Its a great place to relax with stunning views, traffic is very light and not a bad cuppa from the cafe there...
And if you have time see if you can find a little village called "fry up", Its stunning and getting there is a lot of fun...

Im sure there is loads more to do in yorkshire but this is just off the top of my head...

With reference to scotland, most say that the west side is better(mountains and roads) The east side is flat with more traffic..Ive lived in a place called Campbelltown , Argyle..Campbelltown whisky is gorgeous and you can take a tour of the distillery with a taste at the end of it ..The road there is one of the best in scotland. Going through the "rest and be thankful" mountain pass is something that takes your breath away. The sea water there is as clear as crystal, Look out for seals and otters when your on the coastal road..
Also try the scottish ice cream, its like silk going down your throat..
Good luck and enjoy..
PS, The average B&B in fort william is around £30 per person per night and there is load of them..

 

[JTL]

OK here goes...
Goathland, home of heartbeat. Ive been there many many times because I live nearby..Places of interest near by...

Seaways cafe..bikers hang out, open 9am till 4pm. Great parking and good food ( fairly cheap and serves proper Yorkshire tea)
YO25 9RX or search "seaways cafe fridaythorpe"

Wetwang, home of the famous fish and chips..This fish and chip shop is known in the biking world and bikers come from miles around to sample their food..

Next we have Squires pub, in sherburn in helmet
http://www.squires-cafe.co.uk/...One of the biggist biker hangouts in the UK..Always loads of bikes and if you are a biker you can camp (tent) for free..

Whitby, Home of dracula. A great place to relax for an hour and soak in the atmosphere of the place..There is a cafe in the train station and is frequented by bikers...

Yorkshire TT road...Bikers say that its a little like the isle of man tt road, Its bloody fantastic on any bike, great sweeping bends with good views of the road ahead..Warning..Police patrol this road because its so bloody good...search- helmsley to stokesley road.

Scarborough, The oasis cafe..Its on the north beach and is always frequented by bikers with parking right outside the front door..Great coffee and cheap,,

Dalby forrest. Its a great place to relax with stunning views, traffic is very light and not a bad cuppa from the cafe there...
And if you have time see if you can find a little village called "fry up", Its stunning and getting there is a lot of fun...

Im sure there is loads more to do in yorkshire but this is just off the top of my head...

With reference to scotland, most say that the west side is better(mountains and roads) The east side is flat with more traffic..Ive lived in a place called Campbelltown , Argyle..Campbelltown whisky is gorgeous and you can take a tour of the distillery with a taste at the end of it ..The road there is one of the best in scotland. Going through the "rest and be thankful" mountain pass is something that takes your breath away. The sea water there is as clear as crystal, Look out for seals and otters when your on the coastal road..
Also try the scottish ice cream, its like silk going down your throat..
Good luck and enjoy..
PS, The average B&B in fort william is around £30 per person per night and there is load of them..

Thank's, now that's a great package of info! This'll change my plans to stay in the Yorkshire area for maybe two days and skip a day on the easternmost parts of Scotland + spend also more time in the west side.

 

[JTL]

If its on your way get over to the Isle of Man , home of the TT race track. I've not been myself yet (too many commitments) but it's very scenic and beautiful there.

:thumbup:

I'd like to, but I have to see if it fits in the timeframe and budget of the trip. Thanks for the tip! Judging from the TT race documents it's quite a beautiful island

 

[Cloggy]

....Ok the trip is getting closer now.... Ferries from Finland to Sweden and from Denmark to UK already reserved and I will start the trip on June 15th. ...

Good luck on your trip tomorrow (if all is going according to plan), hope you have a great one :thumbup: .

I know it's too little too late but here's a website I saw today for Motorbikes in scotland, it also has several recommended routes.

Have a good time and don't forget to tell us all about it when you get back :rockon: