With so many of us longing for longer distance travel options and with restrictions still in place for both EU and non EU entry and exit, let alone the changing dynamic of return to the UK – domestic trips are the answer. In November I was able to return to Scotland (still deep in area by area lockdown) and toured a little of the West coast (avoiding the NC 500) and the wild beauty of the highland uplands. After meandering up the A82 and missing my ferry for Skye, like many I chose the “long way round” and the 836 and one of my favourite roads via the River Tirry. Scotland has some amazing roads, fantastic food and lovely wild camping spots – reminded me of Norway in places and with lockdown continuing into 2021, I will be back this November.
Tag Archives: Journeys
Overland Event
I was lucky enough to join Paddy and his team supporting Metal Mule at the Overland Event in September. The event is not just another bike rally as nearly all the presenters are either published authors, have written for Overland Magazine (that includes me), or are film makers. Paddy describes the event as an “immersive experience that has a uniquely relaxed atmosphere” — and he is right. It was a relaxing but frenetic September break and Paddy delivered a varied agenda with motorcycle travel at its heart. There was food, drink, and music from around the world, and hundreds of riders with stories to tell, motorcycle test rides, historic and modified travel motorbikes on show, specialist equipment vendors, author presentations and workshops. I had my XT660Z and R1150GSA on show, much beer was drunk, many friendships renewed, the bands were great and where else can you get woken up to the sound of a travelling accordion player.
Porjus Northern Lights
Still riding north on my way to Nordkapp, I have stopped for a couple of nights in the little town of Porjus. Famous for a whole host of reasons most noticeably the resting place of Easy Elsie, the massive hydro station, and during the winter… an active sight for northern light spotting. I am lucky enough to be staying the self catering lodges owned by Patricia Cowern, the renown nature and northern lights photographer – the images below are Patricia’s – you can view her work and make a booking via Arctic Colour. Also worth a visit is the Laponia Shop a great opportunity to see traditional Sámi crafts and meet Asbjorn and his parents.
