The road to Rubha Reidh

[orestes]

Every year I take part in the Round Britain Rally. One of the highlights of the 2012 event was the ride out to the Rubha Riedh Lighthouse on the west coast of Scotland near Gairloch. One of my fellow competitors has just posted

which I thought you may find interesting.

 

[Niehart]

Thanks for the video Dave.

 

[Mihalis fjr]

Very nice video!

Thanks for sharing!

 

[mcatrophy]

Thanks for that. I've stayed in Gairloch several times, but never been up there. Next time ...

 

[Fred W]

No, I can't agree with the others here. That wasn't a very good video.

It was FANTASTIC!

The beauty of the countryside is spectacular on its own rights, but the fun of running that little goat trail out to the lighthouse is even better. Little traffic except an apologetic and laughing encounter. I guess when two cars come up they have to back one to a turnout, right?

I'm so jealous of you guys "over there" in that regard.

 

[mcatrophy]

...The beauty of the countryside is spectacular on its own rights, but the fun of running that little goat trail out to the lighthouse is even better. Little traffic except an apologetic and laughing encounter. I guess when two cars come up they have to back one to a turnout, right?

I'm so jealous of you guys "over there" in that regard.

Why do you think I've been touring Scotland so much? The only problems are unpredictable weather, and if it is sunny, midges.
But the roads are fantastic for motorcycles (unless you're actually in a hurry). And as you say, the scenery is special.

 

[Erin]

Definitely a bucket list item...

Thank you so much for sharing.

 

[McRide]

Ahhhhhh.....sigh

 

[Khunajawdge]

I guessing that a bit further south, the coast line in Cornwall is somehwat similar to the earlier footage in the video above (I've never been west of the Lakes district)?

In the USA, I am a fan of public TV's https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doc_Martin (starring Martin Clunes) and the sleepy (ficticious) town of Port Wynn on the West Coast. I read the setting is actually Port Isaac? I'm sure that the west coast of England (British Isles) gets good and pummelled by Atlantic stroms in the winter, No?

That road's condition closer to the Rubha Reidh lighthouse in Scotland is a bit like the Nacimiento Ferguson Road near Big Sur in California.

 

[redtail]

Great video! Thanks for the adventure!

 

[SacramentoMike]

Hi Dave! Scotland, huh? I doubt it. The sun was shining the whole time. Disagree with Mcatrophy--I don't think the weather is unpredictable. Just predict rain. We were standing out waiting for a bus on Skye in a fairly heavy rain, speaking of that, and I thought "at least the rain will beat down the midges." Hah! They LOVED it!

Wondered like Fred, how far one of you would have had to back up if it had been two cars there at 3:33. If he hadn't folded in the mirror, I don't think it could have been done. But all those cars coming around the corners early on, ALL coming from the right! I know I'd get used to it, but in this video, every single one had me cringing. But I really enjoyed it anyway. Thanks for the treat.

 

[mcatrophy]

I guessing that a bit further south, the coast line in Cornwall is somehwat similar to the earlier footage in the video above (I've never been west of the Lakes district)?...

You'll find Cornwall has a lot more vegetation, and there's not a good view from many of the roads because of high banks and hedges. But, in its own way, is just a beautiful.

Hi Dave! Scotland, huh? I doubt it. The sun was shining the whole time. Disagree with Mcatrophy--I don't think the weather is unpredictable. Just predict rain. We were standing out waiting for a bus on Skye in a fairly heavy rain, speaking of that, and I thought "at least the rain will beat down the midges." Hah! They LOVED it!...

Must have been particularly warm if the midges were out in the rain. Warm for Scotland, that is.

As for sunshine, usually clouds in the sky, but often a blue sky. Even on Skye.

(Click on image for larger view)

Not Skye (lack of trees is typical of northern Scotland, weather is too harsh much of the time):



Skye, Sconser Lodge Hotel where I've stayed a few times:



Oh yes, Sunset over Gairloch: