Bike Hire in Scotland?

[Defekticon]

Wife wants to go to Scotland, I too, would love to visit and see Glen Coe as well as the Lagavulin tour on the Isle of Islay. We're looking at going in August. I've heard tell of midges? Are they still bad at that time of year? We might rent a bike, cause I can't imagine really experiencing the country in a cage. I see a couple places rent R1200 GS's (No S10's!?) Any specific things I should check out while we're there?

She would like to renew our vows there as well. I don't even know where to start lookin.

 

[Madscots]

More likely to be able to rent a GS and don't think anyone here does S10's

Glencoe is a magic area to ride through and isn't very far North so good to pass through on way up to great roads.

Midgies June-Aug so if you come late Aug then least likely to have as many issues. yes they can be bad but depends on weather as much as anything and they are mostly on West coast. August is a fab time to come also as you can stop in here at Edinburgh for the Fringe festival and military tattoo (not to be missed).

Vows, well if you tell me what you think boss lady would like and I could suggest a few locations etc

I take tour groups (mostly English bikers) up through highlands so can help with any routes also.

 

[Defekticon]

Thank you for the info! We were thinking early August, but may wait until mid-late August instead. One of the places we were looking at was instead of vows, getting an Anvil blessing at Gretna Green, but it's south and everything else we'd like to see is north and west of Edinburgh in the Highlands and Isles, so if we could find something out that way, private, simple. I've read the Military Tattoo is great, and I'd definitely like to experience that before we leave Edinburgh, my wife and I are both suckers for Amazing Grace performed by the lone piper.

Can you recommend a bike hire? We were looking at this place http://www.highlandmotorcyclehire.co.uk/ as their weekly rate for an R1200 GS was most reasonable. Although now I see they have an Africa twin for hire... so ::013:: Unfortunately probably not the best choice for a two up ride.

 

[2112]

Another couple of options to confuse you further -

www.ridethehighlands.co.uk

www.saltiremotorcycles.com

www.openroadscotland.com

Sound advice from Madscots regarding the dreaded midges, the later the better or before June ! The West coast is the most scenic and I manage to get up that way most years, often with Littledave of this parish. The link below is worth a read too -

http://www.visitscotland.com/blog/scotland/north-coast-500/

It should be a great adventure for the two of you ::008::

 

[tenbob]

Another couple of options to confuse you further -

www.ridethehighlands.co.uk

www.saltiremotorcycles.com

www.openroadscotland.com

Sound advice from Madscots regarding the dreaded midges, the later the better or before June ! The West coast is the most scenic and I manage to get up that way most years, often with Littledave of this parish. The link below is worth a read too -

http://www.visitscotland.com/blog/scotland/north-coast-500/

It should be a great adventure for the two of you ::008::

More on the NC500... ::008:: I so can't wait to do it. Off down the shed to pack me cases...

 

[Madscots]

If you hire from Saltire or around Edinburgh way then let me know happy to help get you there with all the gear (lift from station/airport etc) ::008::

I would be more than happy also to sort a customised route for you. Edinburgh is best up to Perth, Glenshee, Spittal through central up to Inverness way then over onto West Coast and back down West side at a slower pace to maybe Loch Lommond. Glasgow side is easy just a slight reversal of routes and anything North of there is a great road for biking on. If your keen to see the festival in Edinburgh then make sense to start/finish there and I can help with places to stay,visit etc etc.

Can't beat a locals knowledge ::008::