Heading south from wet, windy Scotland Part 5

[Specs]

Having left Skye we headed south down towards Fort William, then Loch Lommond. I seem to have lost a few photos! This was the Drover's Inn just north of Loch Lommond. Have stayed here a couple of times. They had an extensive range of whiskey. I don't really like the stuff but tried hard to find one that was ok. 

 

 

We stopped overnight at Dumphries. Dreadful ride there as the roads were shut and the diversions were a nightmare. I blame the GPS. Of course we went to the pub. I'm mystified why I didn't have any photos. @Sir Fallsalot

The following morning we rode south down the M6 for convenience, and then headed to Patterdale where we found a decent campsite that had a pub restaurant. 

 

 

I was concerned that this thing was a tick, but it seems that it's a shield bug nymph.

A couple of yurts that were in use.

Pub. We sort of took over this table.

 

The following day I was feeling a bit rough so we had a quick ride to Windermere, busy, and then returned to the pub for lunch. Just too late so we had a couple of beers anyway to help with a siesta. What siesta? Several hours later having had a meal when they started serving food again, we ended up being the last two to stagger out. Excellent day. 

 

We were determined to make the most of the following day so Fred led on a route that took in most of the high passes. Really excellent, and I would happily ride there again.

 

Not Scotland.

 

Back to the pub, as you do.

Packing ready for the off home.

 

Roadworks, accidents, diversions and a long day riding we were home. Great week or so and great company. Thanks @Sir Fallsalot. My liver however said otherwise.

[Pedro]

I have to admit to being a fair weather wuss.

My brother's been all over Scotland and told me it's great, almost as pretty as Norway (which we've toured on car several times), but the idea of riding a bike on my holidays for several rainy days kind of takes care of the enthusiasm to do it.

[Sir Fallsalot]

I forgot about that pub on the campsite i really liked that place. Excellent trip i think if i done it again on the bike i'd spend less time in a tent and go more for hostels/bunk houses i really don't like putting a tent up and down

[Specs]

4 hours ago, Pedro said:

I have to admit to being a fair weather wuss.

My brother's been all over Scotland and told me it's great, almost as pretty as Norway (which we've toured on car several times), but the idea of riding a bike on my holidays for several rainy days kind of takes care of the enthusiasm to do it.

I found Norway just as wet and I managed to almost get blown off the road there up on the tundra. Straight across the road but fortunately nothing coming the other way. I seriously considered stopping, but the wind eased off as I descended further on. Scary. 

[Pedro]

1 hour ago, Specs said:

I found Norway just as wet 

I know, that's why I don't really care for it 

[Catteeclan]

14 hours ago, Sir Fallsalot said:

  i really don't like putting a tent up and down

Same here, especially when it's wet.

We normally aim for prem inns and the like.

[Specs]

2 hours ago, Catteeclan said:

Same here, especially when it's wet.

We normally aim for prem inns and the like.

I’m starting to get that way. On the Norway trip it was about 50:50, maybe slightly less camping. Cheap as chips in the Baltic states and Poland.