Scenery, variety, and great hospitality are a few of the things Scotland has to offer for touring motorcyclists.
Scotland attracts motorbike tourists not only from south of the border in England and Wales but also from Ireland, France, Germany, the Netherlands and beyond. All these riders have one common goal and that is that they wish to travel through some of the most beautiful countryside in Europe.
However, biking in Scotland can be very dangerous, especially if you are planning to journey down some of the more famously challenging routes. So, there are a few precautions that must be taken to ensure that you and everyone around you can stay as safe as possible
What should I expect when biking in Scotland?
Whether riding alone or in a group, planning your route is crucial, particularly if you must arrive by a certain time.
What should you plan before setting off?
Always have a route plan, whether travelling alone or in a group, especially if you need to reach destinations by a set time.
What essentials should you take with you?
- Insurance documents
- Mobile phone and charger
- First aid kit
- Sat-nav or maps
- Enough fuel for the journey or a clear plan of where to refuel, as stations can be scarce in remote areas
How much time should you allow for your journey?
Expect to exercise patience and leave plenty of time, particularly if catching a ferry. Journeys may take longer if you avoid, or don’t have access to, motorways or A roads.
What roads and routes are available in Scotland?
- There are only seven motorway stretches: the M8, M9, M73, M74, M77, M80, and the M90.
- Dual and single carriageways are monitored by fixed, mobile, and average speed safety cameras.
- Motorways are quicker but many bikers prefer B roads for the scenery.
- B roads often include long single track stretches, limited passing places, and greater danger.
What hazards should you expect on rural roads?
- Farm vehicles, tractors, slurry trailers, and cattle being moved across roads
- Loose gravel and soft verges where sheep and lambs graze
- Blind spots and unmarked stretches of road
- Deer on A roads, which can be startled and hazardous
All these factors affect your ability to travel, corner, and stop safely
What role does weather play?
Scottish weather is unpredictable and can quickly change road conditions. While sometimes seen as a nuisance, it is part of what makes the scenery unique.
Thompsons can help you make an accident claim
Of course, you should do everything in your power to keep yourself and anyone you are travelling with as safe as possible while you are touring around Scotland. But sometimes things happen that are out of your control; causing a motorcycle accident that could potentially be fatal will be devastating for you and your family.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused at least partly by another person, you could be able to make a compensation claim. Our experienced lawyers possess all the expertise to help you or a loved one receive the redress you're entitled to, providing you with honest, straightforward advice about making a claim. Realising what a difficult time this may be for you, we will use our extensive knowledge and sensitive understanding to help you get the just outcome that you deserve.
To learn more about what the claims process entails contact our lawyers today for no-obligation advice. If you do decide to take matters further, we offer a No Win No Fee Solicitors package to give you peace of mind about your finances.
David Adams
David Adams
"No win no fee is, in a nutshell, a speculative funding arrangement which basically says if we think that your case has got reasonable prospects of success, we are happy to shoulder the liability on the costs with that."
Frequently Asked Questions
What precautions should I take when touring Scotland by motorbike?
Plan your route, carry essentials such as documents, a phone, and a first aid kit, and prepare for limited fuel stations and unpredictable weather.
What are the main risks of touring on Scottish roads?
Single-track roads, farm vehicles, livestock, loose gravel, deer, blind spots, and sudden weather changes all pose risks to motorcyclists.
Can I claim compensation for a motorcycle touring accident?
Yes, if another person was at least partly responsible, Thompsons Solicitors can help you pursue a claim on a No Win No Fee basis.
