The Rejects do Very Sunny Scotland!!!

[ Run to the hills]

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On a very sunny Saturday September morning at 7am with my virago [Fifi] and Dave's wildstar packed and ready to go we set off for Scotland . After a near miss with the usual couple of sheep with a death wish on Exmoor . We had a good run at the M5 to Hilton park services on the M6, where we met up with Chris, Paul, Steve Steve Steve,Tony and Roy, Steve's new wife Kim would be flying up and meeting us there. After some lunch we fuelled up the bikes, [ had to wait for Tony, as he went missing ] and set off for Ecclefecken our overnight stop. There were three doubles and one single room booked, which meant two of the three boys would have to share, Tony drew the short straw and had to share with Steve, he said he did not get much sleep but what ever went on in that twin room would stay in that room, Steves reputation follows him where ever he goes.Day one and 390 miles under our belt.

Day two.

After a traditional Scottish breakfast with haggis, and porridge for the boys we set off once again, on another dry and sunny day. Paul was leading as he had the route on his beloved satnav. Steve also had his satnav with him just in case!!! Paul took us on a very scenic route nearly to Perth and a few extra miles we were not expecting, [Paul said Steves satnav had told him to go that way]? Had a couple of stops for pics so Tony could get his tripod out again, stop in a layby to look at a Loch, told Tony it was called Loch Layby 76, and he believed me, this was going to be a good week, we arrived at Whitebridge another 280 miles done, and glad to get off me bike. The hotel was set in some beautiful countryside, David and Sarah Murray [ that sounds familiar ]were two nice hosts and made us feel very welcome. Kim arrived in her hired car looking all fresh and lovely , a little worried that she would of run out of petrol on these wiggly roads, We all showered and came down for an excellent dinner, we all again set off for bed before 10, Tony was looking forward to a decent night sleep as he had his own room.

Day three,

Chris had arranged a nice walk to the Loch Ness, so after a hearty Scottish breakfast Chris, Tony, Steve, Kim, Dave and myself set off for a nice stroll, Tony armed with camera and tripod. We lost Tony after the first ten mins, we walked for miles and miles, eight in fact, but it was worth every step, and even funnier, when Chrissy was trying to cross streams and talk at the same time, she has no sense of balance. Very entertaining!

Paul and Roy went for a ride. Tony went back to the hotel as he was not able to catch us up, that was a shame, as he would of got some great shots of the water falls.We got back to the hotel and straight to the bar, as we were dehydrated and needed beeer! Dinner was good and I am afraid to say no late night drinking, off to bed again by ten.

Day four.

We went to Sky today. The ride was breathtaking, a bit misty in the mountains, but that just added to the whole experience, and guess what, we met up with Chrissy's Mum and Dad, would you believe it!! Paul couldn't!! Dinner, Bar, Bed by ten, theres a bit of a pattern forming here. (Double ard Bikers - NOT)

Day five, wooow wooow

Ride to Fort William and on to the Jacobite steam train, and again the views were out of this world, the views on the train were funny too, as Paul had brought us all a little gift, that we HAD to wear all day long, and in the bar back at the hotel, a tamashanta with ginger hair attached, very fetching. see pics attached. We laughed so much on that day, my sides still hurt by the time we got back to the bar, dinner and bed by ten.

Day six

Paul, Chrissy, Tony and Roy were off to Fort Augustas for a boat trip, and after some discussion on the subject of me being sh.... scared of boats and water, Dave and I opted for a tour of the second smallest distillery in Scotland, and maybe a couple of drams, which also appealed to Steve and Kim, so we went our separate ways. After an interesting tour, a couple of drams and some bottles from the shop of course, we made our way back to the car, all the while Dave and Steve were sussing out how to get a cask from the store into the car!!! We left there cask less and went to Urchart Castle , very interesting, and a very nice roast beef roll.

Day seven

Time to pay the bill and set off for Keswick, guided by Paul's beloved satnav, after a small detour! We arrived safe and sound, a quick wash and brush up, couple of drinkies and off to look for something to eat, which was not easy as Keswick had a weekend of races[running] and the place was heaving.

Day eight.

Off for a ride to see the lakes, Whitehaven, nice views, slippery roads and a good ice cream van, much to Roys delight.This was agreed to be a short days riding as Kim was suffering from shopping withdrawals and needed a fix!! So the lads went off to a car museum and pub, and us girlie's went shopping. Booked an Indian for dinner and a good night was had by all.

Day nine, home boo hoo!

After breakfast, we packed up  Said our goodbyes, lots of hug and kisses, and that was just Steve and Tony. Chrissy, Paul and Roy went home via the lakes, and Dave and I, Steve, Tony on our bikes, Kim in the hire car went straight down the M6. Dave and I got home round about the same time as everyone else, 5.30. We had the best week, got to know some great people, made new friends and would love to do it all again soooon. 1600 Miles in total.

Dawn