So what's it like on Scottish Roads in January/February?

[Lutin]

I'm a bit worried that the weeStrom may be a bit too comfortable, smooth and reliable for me, but I'll struggle through.

I'd be interested to hear how get on with it, Nick.

I suspect that you'll just have to grin and bear it.

 

[Philwhiskeydrinker]

Said it before ---- I'm sure that lad has a bit of Scots in him

Well, our name does have it's own tartan

Sent from my SM-A320FL using Tapatalk

 

[Lowflyer]

I don't see your clan name at Culloden

Wait a minute, I'll pop up tomorrow to check

 

[austin]

Not long now @nick949. The long term weather forecast for the south west looks to be quite fair.

that starts Tuesday 30th

Although the south west has its own forecast foibles and many many micro climates.

 

[nick949]

Thanks Austin - I'm getting eager now. Those temps look really attractive from here. See you soonish - I hope.

Nick

 

[nick949]

.....and I got out today for a quick spin. First time the roads have been clear for many weeks.

 

[austin]

Are you here yet @nick949?

 

[nick949]

Are you here yet @nick949?

Currently in departures waiting for the flight....2.15am your time. It will be a couple of weeks before Im up your way...unless I miss my connecting flight, in which case all is subject to change.

 

[nick949]

I pick up the V Strom tomorrow then head SW towards Lands End. I'll stay south of the Severn / Wash line until it warms up a little. Happy to meet for chats with anyone down this way.

 

[Mikey]

I pick up the V Strom tomorrow then head SW towards Lands End. I'll stay south of the Severn / Wash line until it warms up a little. Happy to meet for chats with anyone down this way.

Good luck with that

We're in S Wales if you're this way

 

[nick949]

Heading SW again from Chichester through Wells and Ashburton tonight. A little frosty but all day comfortable. The V Strom is great...smooth, handles well, comfortable.

 

[austin]

Looks like you have been lucky with the weather Nick. Bike looks good to. How are you finding it after the Guzzis?

Lots of nice places to visit in D&C: Dartmoor, the South Hams, Plymouth is good - try the Barbican area for pubs (I went to Uni in Plymouth, try and find he Minerva for an authentic pub experience - at least it was umm, nearly 40 years ago). Small villages all along the south coast of Cornwall - watch them super narrow lanes though and a few chain ferries to add a bit of interest. Lizard Point, St Michaels Mount & Lands End. Cape Cornwall about 10 miles east of LE has more of the feel of what you might expect of the end of Britain as LE is now a theme park. Porthcurno & Minack Theatre (although pretty sure it will be shut), Sennen, St Just, St Agnes all nice for a visit. Eden Centre, Garden of Heligan. Oh god there's loads. Best beach in Cornwall is Pednvounder near Treen. Short walk and a rock scramble to a beautiful stretch of sand (at low tide - watch the tide for getting back, you can get cut off).

Strangely we don't seem to have many Bigtrailie members down in the SW that I know of.

 

[nick949]

Lands End ugh. Cape Cornwall very nice.
Plenty of rain and drizzle today but I stsyed dry, if not entirely toasty. The V Strom managed to stay running on two cylinders (unlike my 72 Guzzi which prefers to run on 1 pot in the rain).

Still dancing with the weather forecasts so no firm plans for whats next.

 

[austin]

Longer term forecast is for it to stay colder than average for the rest of the month. That probably means either cold winds in the North bringing showers that may be wintery, or cold cyclonic conditions bringing fine cold days but hard frost at night and snow in the east. South coasts of England or wales should be good bets for avoiding the worst of the weather. We enjoyed the Gower for a few days this time last year. Pembrokeshire is good too. But this the uk and the weather changes daily. [emoji53]

 

[austin]

Or you could come up here and stay for a few days while we anxiously watch the weather forecasts.

We could visit here..... Farm Yard Ales | GROWN, HARVEST, BREWED

 

[nick949]

Or you could come up here and stay for a few days while we anxiously watch the weather forecasts.

We could visit here..... Farm Yard Ales | GROWN, HARVEST, BREWED

Working my way there gradually. In Exmoor right now. Interesting having to wipe hail off my visor this morning. Nearly 600 miles already.

 

[austin]

Didn't @Barftone (Tony) offer to meet you and show you some routes? He is in Bath so a nice day's ride away from Exmoor. Worth a PM even at the last minute. @DaveS (site owner) is also up that way - Weston Super mare IIRC, again worth a PM to meet for a coffee and a chat.

I not sure where you are heading next but if Northish then from Taunton or Bridgewater the A38 runs north and parallels the M5 for much of its way but is a much better route, albeit still a fairly major road. Get on the M5 to avoid fighting your way through Bristol though. Otherwise that area south of Bristol & Bath over to Stonehenge is a bit vague to me. I am sure its lovely to visit though, I have only ever whizzed through.

 

[DaveS]

Cheddar gorge is worth a ride through and Burrington Combe close by. Can meet up on Sunday if that suits?

 

[Steve T]

Still a bit white up here . . . . . . .

Steve T

 

[austin]

I waved the big man off on the rest of his travels today. He made it to Dumfries today after a clockwise lap of the Lake District. He arrived at mine on Sunday whereupon we had a few beers, as you do. In view of yesterday’s snow we just had a quick drive around the Bowland Fells on Monday and sourced some waterproof overboots for additional warmth for him.

Tomorrow @nick949 is heading for the Gourock ferry and then maybe a run down to Campbeltown or straight up to Oban. I think a visit to Inveraray is probable as he lives in another inverary in Canada.

Whatever, it was great to see him. Look out for somebody on a red V strom in a viz jacket looking cold and lost.