Tour suggestions?

(L Lewis) said:

I would like to go on a cycling tour of either Scotland or Ireland next year. I've never gone on a
tour like this before and would like some suggestions. With a group or alone, it really doesn't
matter. Is purchasing a map and hitting the road enough? What books would you suggest? Should I
really hook up with a tour? Lodging: B&B? Hostel? camping?

Touring in Scotland and Ireland on your own would be pretty straightforward. Everyone speaks
English, albeit with a regional accent, and by reputation are pleasant folks. Scotland is reputed to
be a low-traffic touring experience; Ireland can be high-traffic, especially in places like Dingle,
during the peak of the tourist season.

The Cyclist's Touring Club is a great resource for information and there are many good guidebooks
and Web sites.

Lodging? B&Bs whenever possible- cheaper than hotels, generally, and IME (based on touring in
France) much more pleasant. Camping if you want to, but be aware that that part of the world tends
to get a lot of rain.

Quoted message said:

Any advice would be appreciated.

I have not been biking there myself but think you will find plenty of useful info at
www-math.science.unitn.itBikeOpen ↗

Regards Per lowdin.nulowdin.nuOpen ↗

Quoted message said:

I would like to go on a cycling tour of either Scotland or Ireland next year. I've never gone on a
tour like this before and would like some suggestions. With a group or alone, it really doesn't
matter. Is purchasing a map and hitting the road enough? What books would you suggest? Should I
really hook up with a tour? Lodging: B&B? Hostel? camping?

Sustrans have established a network of cycle routes around the UK using minor roads and tracks. You
can find out more at: www.sustrans.org.uk

You might also take a peek at my own humble offering at: www.bikeroutes.org.uk

John B

Being Irish I've cycled most of Ireland and most of it is very good. I've been in Scotland twice
and loved it.

About Scotland...

Do not go at height of midge season. Bring raingear. Book remote places in advance, as unlike
Ireland, Scotland does NOT have many places to stay in many areas.

Campgrounds are less common in Ireland than elsewhere, but they're there. Maybe one every 50
miles or so.

I've toured in both and preferred Scotland. The scenery along the west coast, islands such as Mull &
Skye, and lochs inland was very nice, and frankly nicer than in Ireland. My favorite spots were the
isle of Mull and the Ardnamurchan peninsula on the mainland near Mull. The weather can be horrible
in both countries. Despite what a previous poster said, I had no problem at all finding B&B
accomodations (in June) in Scotland without reservations, and B&Bs seemed to be as plentiful in
Scotland as in Ireland. I didn't go into far northern Scotland, however.