Club Daytrip to Scotland August 2010

This is the route we took around Galloway in Scotland which is approx 117 miles. Part of the route goes through Galloway Forest Park, the roads were impressive with loads of twists and turns just made for biking. This was a trip that we all enjoyed and would definately do again.

Depart Kilkeel 05:00
Depart Belfast (ferry) 07:30

Route Scotland
Stranraer
Newton Stewart
New Galloway
Glenlee
Dalmellington
Ayr LUNCH
Fisherton
Girvan
Stranraer Arrival 17:00 Depart Stranraer (Ferry) 17:30
Arrival Belfast 20:30
Arrival Kilkeel 22:00

Well what can you get for £20 theses days? How about a daytrip to Scotland for you and your bike. Yes Stena Line are doing an offer for £20 on a day return ticket for bike and rider Belfast - Stranraer return. If you want to take a pillion this is only £10 extra. At these crazy price your mad not to take advantage of this. As a club we decided to give this ago and we planned the route above. We knew this would be a long day leaving Kilkeel at 5 am and not returning till 10pm but those that done the trip all agreed that it was well worth the effort. For any individual or club that is considering doing something similar I hope this article will be of assistance.

Well where do we begin?
The ferry terminal in Belfast is easily accessible from both the M1 and M2 motorways, just take the Fortwilliam turnoff on the M2 just out of Belfast. There are good road signs pointing the way to the terminal, or if you have satnav visit the Stena Line website for the co-ordinates. The ferry we booked the 7.30 sailing is a 3hr crossing if you book the later sailing this is a 2 hr sailing but leaves you with less time in Scotland. The food on the boat was of good standard (most of us ate the good ole Ulster fry). Prices though are a bit on the high side so be prepared to pay a little over the odds. Some of us took flasks which reduced the total cost of the trip. With the 3 hr crossing it leaves plenty of time to catch a few zzeds should you feel the need.

On arrival in Stranraer we took the A75 to Newton Stewart, there was a lot of traffic on this stretch of road. As you might expect this is the main road for most of the ferry traffic but some good overtaking opportunities arise from this. This is a good road, well maintained and wide enough if you like to white line. With being on a tight schedule we did not go into Newton Stewart but would if we visit again, instead we took the A712 into Glenlee. This road has some breathtaking scenery if you can take your eyes of the road long enough. Most of this road travels through Galloway Forest Park, full of undulating bend after bend this leave little time for sight seeing. We did however set a conservative speed along this road as in parts the road surface has deteriorated and there are large pot holes. For our first stop we chose to pull in at Chatteringshaws Loch. Here there is hard parking with a visitors centre, shop and toilet facilities. The views from this spot are truly breathtaking as the wooded mountains rise up all around leavlng this tranquil Loch at its base.

On the bikes again through New Galloway onto the A762 into Glenlee, joining into the A713 to our next stop at Dalmellington. The A713 was the best part of the route, the road was well maintained and full of good tight and flowing bends. Along the left hand side you can't but notice the house in the above photograph. It does stick out like a sore thumb but some how still fits into its majestic surroundings. We pulled into a filling station just on the north side of Dalmellington to refuel both bikes and riders. Whilst there, there were loads of bikes that passed by, this must be a popular route for bikers and I can see why. There are toilet facilities at the filling station should you need to change your pants after you scared the s*** out of yourself on this fantastic road.

Proceeding along the A713 our next destination was Ayr. We were able to spend approx 1.5 hrs here for lunch. We were fortunate enough to find a small cafe "The Lunch Box" on the esplanade just across from where we parked up. With a party of 13 travelling we were impressed with the speed at which the food came out. In the past on some of our rideouts we have waited almost an hour for all or party to be served. The food was of good standard and reasonably priced. Toilet facilities are also available to the rear of the premises. With time on our hands we were able to have a laugh and enjoy the craic, and take the micky out of a few people. Well rested with full bellies it was time to take the coast road back to Stranraer.

Taking the A719 (coastal route) out of Ayr, at this point our bikes got separated at traffic lights and we split into two groups. This was unintentional and after a quick phone call it was agreed that we would all meet in Girvan. This stretch of road was a total contrast to the earlier part of the journey which passed through wooded areas. Once again Scotland surprised me with its natural beauty. Long sweeping bends with good straight bits in between we were able to set a faster pace. Branching onto the A77 just south of Turnberry Golf Course it is just a short dart down into Girvan. We pulled up at the small fishing harbour where we all tried to blame each other for getting split up. After we finally decided it was Dee's fault we then headed to the port at Stranraer. The road down from Girvan to Stranraer is excellent were you can set a faster pace. This road is covered with average speed cameras, which as you know are all forward facing :-) !! We arrived into Stranraer at 17.10 just in time for the 17.30 sailing.
This was a trip that all our riders enjoyed, although it was a long day the time flew past but has left us all with enduring memories!!

We have to give a mention to some of our members for organising this trip and making it a success :- Willie our VP the event organiser, Linda and Carolann our Secretary & Treasurer for booking tickets and admin, Dee our Road Captain for getting us all there and home again and finally to all our members who participated in this event.
My thanks go to you all !!