pierre mclopez

I'll be in Scotland May 2017. Initially considered hiking, but cycling might be a better option.....and I'm set up to do it.

Bumping this post from the WHW thread....

I'm 65 and fairly sturdy. No wild camping, hostels and B&B's will be great. Ready for cool, damp cycling. 5-17 deg C, 40-55 deg F.

stut

Actually, you may get hot, sunny weather in May. It tends to be one of the better months in Scotland. Of course, you may also get cool and damp. In the same day. But it's generally a lovely time of year. Take breathable waterproofs and layers, above all. And really, make sure any panniers are waterproof (Ortlieb back-rollers are always my recommendation!)

I also recommend planning your route around meal stops. While you'll always find a pub or a chippy to fill you up, these can be few and far between when you head out into the wilds!

The days will also be getting quite long - expect a sunset around 9pm.

Bear in mind that you can take your bike on the train as well - some freely, some restricted with peak flow, some needing a reservation. This can be a good way of getting out of the city without having to use some of the less interesting routes to do so. For example, you can get the train from Glasgow to Wemyss Bay, hop on the ferry to Rothesay, and start your journey in Bute. Full details here:

https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your...ctions/cycling

Ferries always take bikes.

Otherwise, I can't really do any better than the Visit Scotland website - I've always used it and Sustrans to plan routes in Scotland. However, there's also the interesting website:

https://www.bedsforcyclists.co.uk/

which is good if you want to wash bikes, dry stuff, store securely, etc, etc.

farci

I can recommend Undiscovered Scotland to find those places just that wee bit out of the way.

It's a clickable map which will reward an evening's internet perusal perhaps better appreciated with a glass of your favoured uisge-beatha.

Not too much water now!

HIDDY

Over the 40 years I regularly spent cycle touring and hiking in Scotland my cycling trips were by far the most enjoyable so I feel you've chosen well. You can cover more ground and I found carrying my gear in panniers on the bike much easier than having a heavy rucksack on my back.

My old cycling mate was still cycling in his 70's with a fully packed bike including the kitchen sink so you'll be okay. Note the tin of soup where the water bottle should be. You can always find water in Scotland but tins of soup aren't around every corner.

Kaneohe0850

What fun! One of my dreams has been to hike across Scotland, England and/or Italy!
Will you be posting a Trip Report?

pierre mclopez

Thanks for your interest. I'm juggling a lot of factors and plans are tentative. Cycling is still a great option. Will know more soon.

pierre mclopez

Still "juggling a lot of factors" which includes getting my doctor's permission (I'm 66).

In the meantime, here's a video by Hannah Barnes.....

______________________

ETA: Circumstances are working against me. Appears I may cancel.

However......I have found an interesting option for those who will cycle in Scotland.

Planet X Bikes are made in Sheffield England. These are an exceptional value! You can purchase a Planet X bike in Sheffield, enjoy your holiday and ship home to USA or wherever and avoid VAT.

http://www.planetx.co.uk/

lwildernorva

Hope it works out. I imagine a bike tour would be a lot of fun although there's no doubt with some of the changes in elevation, you want to be in tip-top shape when you go.