Hi
I am planning to go next Monday 12th on a UK trip on my Tenere visiting most of the UK's National Parks on my way round.

I will be in staying in or close to following places;-

Mon 12th Brecon Wales
Tues 13th Keswick Cumbria
Weds 14th Oban Scotland
Thurs 15th Braemar Scotland
Fri 16th Helmsley North Yorks

and on Sat 17th I will be travelling home via Peak District down to near Nuneaton to ride south on the Fosse way (tarmac on-road bits) to near Ilchester Somerset.

If anyone wants to come and say hello on the night stops above or join me on part of the ride then please contact me.

All in all its about 2000miles. First National Parks (NP) are Dartmoor, Exmoor & Brecon on 12th, Snowdonia & Lake District NP's on 13th, Galloway Forest, Trossachs NP's on 14th, Cairgorms NP on 15th, Northumberland, Keilder Forest, North York Moors NP's on 16th and finally Yorkshire Dales and Peak District NP's on 17th and then home.

That's a good ride out!

I'm worried that you are going to miss out some great roads in the Lakes though, arriving from Wales then off to Oban. I was going to suggest some awesum roads, but I just don't think you'll have the time. If it wasn't mid-week I'd have come and guided you along a few.

Galloway Forest is also a great place to ride, you could fill in three days alone just covering these two parks.

Not sure which route you are taking from Galloway to Oban, but Glasgow is always a sod. Lots of main roads and traffic, then caravans, motor homes and sunday drivers (every day of the week) alongside Loch Lomond and you'll need to be committed to make any progress, or just relax and accept you are going to travel along at 20mph stopping (as you'll be behind a motorhome) every time something comes in the opposite diection!!

You've chosen some fantastic places though, and the long range forecast looks good too.

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Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

Thanks Gas Up for the reply.
Yes I know but this is like a weeks hols doing a bit of a recce so that later on I can go back and do more in any NP which I fancy. Also its the first time away on my own doing a bit of camping in the southern parks and probably hostels in the northern ones.

Fancy coming over to Keswick on Tuesday evening? I am looking at camping in Castlerigg Hall? Any good? or can you suggest better? Or would I be better in a hostel(weather dependant)?

cheers

Which part of Dartmoor are you going to say at?

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Previous bikes:TS50 - RD125LC - XT250 - ZXR750L3 - BMW 650 Funduro - BMW 1100GS - XT660Z Tenere

I've just spend 15 minutes on a reply, only to loose it!

Anyway, yes, Tuesday I'm OK with that, I'll PM my mobile number.

I've no experience with Cassltrigg (it's beside the stone circle you know? Don't worry, it's just a pile of rocks, something you get used to living up here!) but I did consider it for the Lakes meet in July.

You could consider Brotherswater ( http://www.sykeside.co.uk/camping.htm) on Kikstone Pass, it's a much nicer place to be, and the view down the valley in the morning is one of the best.

From Brotherswater, I can think of a 2 hour (or so) run out through the best of the Lakeland roads (Wrynose and Hardknott passes), if you still have any energy left after the ride north.

__________________
>-------<

Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

Yes got PM-should have read this reply first though as you have answered questions-thanks.
I'll consider the ride through the passes you mention but I agree I don't think I will have the energy after the ride up North! but you never know!

Hi Mike

Thanks for reply. Not staying in Dartmoor just visiting briefly and then onto Exmoor and staying overnight in Brecon.

It will just be a quick visit into these two SW NP's as I have to progress on up North.

If your around I could meet you for a ride through Dartmoor and maybe Exmoor if you wish? Just PM me your mobile if your can make this.

thanks.
Mark

I've stayed at Castlerigg many a time. There's Castlerigg Hall (slightly lower on the hill, more camping club feel, views not so good) and Castlerigg farm site just above it, lovely views down to Derwent Water and Catbells etc beyond, probably cheaper and certainly feels more biker/walker. Boith have full facilites. There's a pub 50 meters from them, used to have a good selection of beers and reasonable pub food - think the bar is called 'CragHopper' or something. Both are at the very top of the hill, with a steep walk of about a mile to Keswick itself. Lovely roads from there though, down through Keswick into Borrowdale or over the Newlands Valley to Buttermere, or other way past Thirlmere then on to Ambleside and a left to Kirkstone or right to the Langdales and Coniston. Lucky man! Enjoy!

Brotherswater booked for 13th-looks great-thanks.
I will text you on the Tues prior to arrival at site as they say mobiles don't work in the valley and as I am on Orange I guarantee my phone won't work long before then!

Thanks- I have booked Brotherswater as recommended by Gas Up but thanks for the tips anyhow.
I am really looking forward to this even more now and appreciate all the replies and tips.