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Motorcycling, in my opinion the best way to travel and definitely the best way to see/tour the Scottish Highlands. The Scottish Highlands appeal too many bikers including myself, the Scottish Highlands offer some great twisty roads with some of the best scenery in the UK.
Dependant on where you are travelling from will depend on what route you take to tour the Scottish Highlands however it is my personal opinion that the West Coast offers better roads and better scenery.
There are a few things you should take into account when planning your tour of the Scottish Highlands including:
Common sense check your bike
Plan your route
Take your time planning your route and don’t try and do too many miles in one day (this is dependant on your timescale).
Take bad weather into account when planning your route.
Petrol, very important up here as not all petrol stations are open on Sundays, I’ve been caught out myself.
Single track roads can become busy over summer months with tourists so take this into account.
If you are taking a ferry, not so common in summer but still happens if the weather turns you might find your ferry does not sail or is delayed.
Accommodation
There are several different options available and these are obviously all dependant on your route. If you are a hardcore biker then camping is the only option, but if you’re like myself and like to have little luxuries B&B’s will appeal to you. Obviously finding a biker friendly accommodation is a key factor when searching for suitable accommodation around Ullapool. In our accommodation section of the website you can go to advanced search and select from Motorcycle/Biker friendly accommodation.
If you do need a garage, tyres etc
A lot of motorcyclists get caught out with regards to tyre wear when they come to the Scottish highlands, there is no tyre or motorcycle repair shop in Ullapool, however I personally use Tom at Spinngdale for my bike service and tyres. They are based in the east coast and can be contact n 01862 881212, they are always busy so if you do need to replace tyres or your bike fixed give them a call. The have saved a number of bikers i know who got caught out with their tyre wear.
Spinningdale
Ardgay
Sutherland
IV24 3AD
Tel: 01862 881212
Biking Around Ullapool
If you are staying at Ullapool for a couple of days here are a few of my favourite routes to take.
West Coast South Round Trip Back To Ullapool - Ullapool-Gairloch-Applecross-Ullapool 197miles
I have indicated where you can get petrol:
(Please note not all open on a sunday and none are 24hrs)
A: Central Garage, Main Street, Kyle - 01599 534676
C: Kinlochewe Service Station - 01445 760227
D: Gairloch Filling Station: 01445 712415
E: Dundonnell Hotel:01854 633204
F: No petrol but fast junction to be cautious at, tends to have gravel
G: Ullapool Lochbroom petrol station 01854 612560| Garve Rd
This has to be my favourite route, with a lot of twisty roads and long sweeping bends and amazing scenery making it a very enjoyable run. One of the things to watch on a Sunday petrol stations are closed so be careful to plan your route in advance. Applecross is one amazing road, not for the faint hearted or not confident rider as there are a few hairpin bends with some lovely but slightly concerning drops.
View Larger Map
North West Coast Round Trip Back To Ullapool - Ullapool–Achiltibuie –Lochinver-Durness-Laxford Bridge–Lairg–Ullapool 195miles
This journey the road conditions are not the best between Achiltibuie and Lochinver but the scenery makes it worth while. You can get petrol at scourie 24/7. Durness has stunning beaches and great views of the north sea. From Larig to Ullapool is mostly single track but enjoyable bends and scenery.
North West Coast Map
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