Last week we checked out some of the finest spots in the UK for bikers to go riding, but suffice to say there are many more to list; let’s take a look.
England
We’re starting once again in England, the home of the finest motorcycle gear shop in the world (Bike Stop, duh!), but this time in the Midlands. The B6047 between Market Harborough and Melton Mowbray is a stormer of a country road, with dips and tight corners aplenty. It pays to play it cautious on the first couple of goes, but its technicality will keep you focussed and grinning from ear to ear. Melton itself is famous for its pork pies while Oakham, down the fast, sweeping A606 sits next to Rutland Water which is well worth stopping by to relax and grab a brew.
For those who love a bit of walking, chances are you’ve heard of the South Downs Way that traverses parallel to the south coast. Near to this, but much more suitable to two wheels with an engine, is a great route heading east from Winchester – the A272. Incorporating fast sinuous dual carriageway and wide sweepers with great countryside views, the road is a great way to spend anywhere from a few hours to a whole day riding, depending on how far you want to go. Loomies Moto Café sits a short way from Winchester on the crossroads with the A32 (look for a BP on the right side, it’s behind that); they offer up all a biker could want from a café, and a large parking area for the multitude of bikes that descend on a sunny weekend. Depending on how far you want to go along the A272 there’s a tonne of great seaside spots to drop down to for some chips.
Wales
Headed out to the west and Wales has plenty more to offer. We checked out the Brecon Beacons last week, but heading north and west from there can offer up a great day trip out to the Irish Sea coast and Aberystwyth. Heading from Brecon either via A470 and A44 to take a northern loop, or heading westward along the A40 and A482 are superb ways to enjoy some fine Welsh roads and get to a coastline you might not otherwise think to visit. The return trip is a full day’s relaxed ride if you mooch about Aberystwyth, but well worth it.
Isle of Man
Arguably the daddy of motorcycle routes – the Isle of Man TT circuit route is fully accessible to riders, with Mad Sunday offering a chance to ride it with only one-way traffic, although be prepared for some seriously fast riders to shame your cornering skills. Arguably heading to the Isle of Man is worthwhile for the riding outside of the TT racing period to appreciate the tranquillity of the island, but if you’re a petrolhead then nothing else will do other than the unique descent of motorcycle nutcases on the island (when it doesn’t get cancelled anyway!)
Northern Ireland
The Antrim Coast makes many riding routes lists, and with good reason! Hugging a dramatic coastline the A2 takes you through an ancient volcanic landscape. The main part that’s ridden is around 40km in length, however heading further will afford you a visit to the Giant’s Causeway, a truly unique spectacle. The North West 200 road race gets held here too, so for the petrol heads among you heading here in May might be your thing.
Scotland
To see some of the finest Scotland has to offer, without heading too much off the beaten track, the loop of the A82, A828 and A85 between Crianlarich, Glencoe and Oban is a great option. It also gives you the chance to see and climb Ben Nevis if you divert to Fort William from Glencoe. For a taste of countryside you just don’t get in the southern parts of the UK, this comes well recommended. It can get a little busy in summer, but the scenery more than makes up for it!
If you need some expert advice, then you can have a chat online with us via web chat on our website. We’re finally reopening on Monday the 12th of April, and our café will be opening for takeaway at the weekends starting from the 17th; in the meantime our online shop is alive and well, and taking orders for delivery. You can also check out our full range on our website with free delivery for any order over £50 on the UK mainland, and delivery possible to almost anywhere else. Not only that but our ‘No Quibble’ returns policy allows for returns within a 365-day period – see our returns page for more details.
