Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Rides and Touring => Topic started by: mcshroom on 05 March, 2018, 09:46:14 pm

Title: Dungeness to Durness - April 2018
Post by: mcshroom on 05 March, 2018, 09:46:14 pm
I don't know why, but this ride interests me more than LEJOG, and I've been meaning to do this for a fewyears, but never got round to organising myself. So now I've bought my train tickets down South on the 21st April, and back from Scotland two weeks later :o :D

I'm going to be staying in hotels, at my parents' in South Yorkshire, and with some friends on the way. I think I should also be able to dash home on the train from Carlisle half way through to re-supply and fettle any bike problems, before catching the early train back and continuing north.

I think I've planned out my route now, but if anyone has any suggestions on the route, or anything else, then I'd really like to hear them. Also has anyone used the Durness-Lairg bus? It says that they take bikes, but I'd never heard of it before.

I'm getting both excited and a bit worried at the moment ;D

Route Updated, see Reply #28
Title: Re: Dungeness to Durness - April 2018
Post by: sg37409 on 05 March, 2018, 10:03:22 pm
Cracking adventure. Enjoy.
Title: Re: Dungeness to Durness - April 2018
Post by: Jaded on 05 March, 2018, 11:03:54 pm
I think these are the ones that run the bike bus. Although I think it is seasonal. Worth giving them a ring.

http://www.decoaches.co.uk

I could have given you a lift but you are up a few weeks too early.  :)
Title: Re: Dungeness to Durness - April 2018
Post by: mcshroom on 05 March, 2018, 11:10:37 pm
Thanks. I've used that bus in the summer many years ago to get to the Ullapool ferry. I'm intending to take this bus home this time - http://www.thedurnessbus.com/806-lairg/

They say they take bikes, and should be running. I'm intending to contact them, but figured they may have been a bit busy with the weather recently
Title: Re: Dungeness to Durness - April 2018
Post by: Jaded on 05 March, 2018, 11:37:21 pm
Yes, there was quite a lot of weather up there!
Title: Re: Dungeness to Durness - April 2018
Post by: fimm on 06 March, 2018, 10:39:22 am
I'd be tempted to see if I could make the time to go to Cape Wrath, if I could...
Title: Re: Dungeness to Durness - April 2018
Post by: Adam on 06 March, 2018, 11:32:08 pm
In 2011, with a friend, I did Durness to Dover over 8 days, so an average of 100 miles a day, to raise money for East Anglian Air Ambulance.  North to South, on the basis it was more downhill!

Looking at your route, on day 4, by veering north-west, you're going through hillier countryside than if you stayed east of Doncaster, but I guess that ties in with staying with your parents?

For days 9 & 10, wouldn't following the cycle path along the A9 be easier?

It amazed me just how big Scotland is - and how empty the roads are compared with the south-east.  Enjoy!
Title: Re: Dungeness to Durness - April 2018
Post by: jiberjaber on 07 March, 2018, 10:22:41 am
From Tilbury to Cambs I'd probably follow this route

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26978851

South of Billericay it's a little bit wild if you are on a bike! 

The Southern bit of the route is based on how I get to Tilbury from Chelmsford, the Northern bit is based on our Audax rides out towards Cambridge.

A slightly more pleasant route would be to turn right just before 74km, then left Mill Road to Henham then right and along to Debden Green, through Debden and follow Debden Road in to Saffron Walden, right in to Brough Lane and then follow the road to Audley End to rejoin the route.  This of course adds bonus KM to your route but avoids a slog along the B1383 which can be a bit busy into and through Newport. 

You could also do this through a similar parallel route using Route 11 - turn left just before 78km to follow cycle route 50, right on to B1383, first left Rickling Green, after right @Rickling onto Rickling Rd, Poore Street to Arkesden to rejoin Route 11 then follow to get to Littlebury Green and your route to Ickleton
Title: Re: Dungeness to Durness - April 2018
Post by: fimm on 07 March, 2018, 12:16:32 pm
Quote from: Adam on 06 March, 2018, 11:32:08 pm
...
For days 9 & 10, wouldn't following the cycle path along the A9 be easier?
...
I hadn't noticed that... but you have to assume that mcshroom wants to take the Hilly Route...
Title: Re: Dungeness to Durness - April 2018
Post by: Bairn Again on 07 March, 2018, 02:10:06 pm
Hi there. id have joined you for a bit on Leg 8 but I will be away on holiday myself.

just a wee bit local knowledge on that leg...

North of the Forth Road Bridge, the mapping software has you doing a diversion via Nth Queensferry that isnt neccesary.  ridewithgps does this too.  You can just carry on after crossing the FRB on the bike path into Inverkeithing.

Slightly further north youve chosen the hilliest way possible to Kinross over Cleish.  If thats deliberate fair play, but the alternative via Hill of Beath (or if you are like me and super lazy) via Cowdenbeath.

The B996 isnt particularly busy as the M90 takes most of the traffic going north.   

Title: Re: Dungeness to Durness - April 2018
Post by: mcshroom on 07 March, 2018, 03:05:55 pm
Quote from: fimm on 07 March, 2018, 12:16:32 pm
Quote from: Adam on 06 March, 2018, 11:32:08 pm
...
For days 9 & 10, wouldn't following the cycle path along the A9 be easier?
...
I hadn't noticed that... but you have to assume that mcshroom wants to take the Hilly Route...

Sorry, yes I've deliberately chosen to go through that bit. I've ridden over the Cairnwell a couple times in the opposite direction on tour and on the Deeside loop and also over the Lecht once from the North. I fancy riding through from the south. I've also ridden the Drumochter cycle path a couple times and while Drumochter is definitely the easier route, I just don't like it very much.
Title: Re: Dungeness to Durness - April 2018
Post by: mcshroom on 07 March, 2018, 03:17:43 pm
Quote from: , on 07 March, 2018, 02:10:06 pm
Hi there. id have joined you for a bit on Leg 8 but I will be away on holiday myself.

just a wee bit local knowledge on that leg...

North of the Forth Road Bridge, the mapping software has you doing a diversion via Nth Queensferry that isnt neccesary.  ridewithgps does this too.  You can just carry on after crossing the FRB on the bike path into Inverkeithing.

Slightly further north youve chosen the hilliest way possible to Kinross over Cleish.  If thats deliberate fair play, but the alternative via Hill of Beath (or if you are like me and super lazy) via Cowdenbeath.

The B996 isnt particularly busy as the M90 takes most of the traffic going north.   



Thanks. I'd missed the diversion into North Queensferry, thanks for the correction. North of there the route planner has followed NCN1. I rode that route doing the Coast and Castles route, and it is nice, but I think the less hilly route does sound more appealing, especially considering the following day.
Title: Re: Dungeness to Durness - April 2018
Post by: mcshroom on 07 March, 2018, 04:10:16 pm
Quote from: Jaded on 05 March, 2018, 11:37:21 pm
Yes, there was quite a lot of weather up there!
Looks like there still is!
(https://scontent.flhr4-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/28685575_1559206160782762_8329564850107027593_n.jpg?oh=45bd25133c4926d97a39257271c64e58&oe=5B40E0FD)
Facebook Link (https://www.facebook.com/thedurnessbus/photos/a.773026282734091.1073741826.286857221351002/1559206160782762/?type=3&theater)
Title: Re: Dungeness to Durness - April 2018
Post by: andrew_s on 07 March, 2018, 04:11:31 pm
There are good rideable tracks between the Braemar area and Tomintoul that go via Loch Builg and Glen Avon, apart from about a mile past the Loch itself, which would be rideable on a mountain bike but would probably involve walking on a loaded tourer.
You can start at either Invercauld bridge, or a mile or so up the B976 from Balmoral.
Title: Re: Dungeness to Durness - April 2018
Post by: mcshroom on 07 March, 2018, 04:28:58 pm
Quote from: jiberjaber on 07 March, 2018, 10:22:41 am
From Tilbury to Cambs I'd probably follow this route

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26978851

South of Billericay it's a little bit wild if you are on a bike! 

The Southern bit of the route is based on how I get to Tilbury from Chelmsford, the Northern bit is based on our Audax rides out towards Cambridge.

A slightly more pleasant route would be to turn right just before 74km, then left Mill Road to Henham then right and along to Debden Green, through Debden and follow Debden Road in to Saffron Walden, right in to Brough Lane and then follow the road to Audley End to rejoin the route.  This of course adds bonus KM to your route but avoids a slog along the B1383 which can be a bit busy into and through Newport. 

You could also do this through a similar parallel route using Route 11 - turn left just before 78km to follow cycle route 50, right on to B1383, first left Rickling Green, after right @Rickling onto Rickling Rd, Poore Street to Arkesden to rejoin Route 11 then follow to get to Littlebury Green and your route to Ickleton


Thanks, I'll have a look. That bit is the area I have the least experience riding.
Title: Re: Dungeness to Durness - April 2018
Post by: Bairn Again on 07 March, 2018, 08:01:33 pm
Quote from: mcshroom on 07 March, 2018, 03:17:43 pm
Quote from: , on 07 March, 2018, 02:10:06 pm
Hi there. id have joined you for a bit on Leg 8 but I will be away on holiday myself.

just a wee bit local knowledge on that leg...

North of the Forth Road Bridge, the mapping software has you doing a diversion via Nth Queensferry that isnt neccesary.  ridewithgps does this too.  You can just carry on after crossing the FRB on the bike path into Inverkeithing.

Slightly further north youve chosen the hilliest way possible to Kinross over Cleish.  If thats deliberate fair play, but the alternative via Hill of Beath (or if you are like me and super lazy) via Cowdenbeath.

The B996 isnt particularly busy as the M90 takes most of the traffic going north.   



Thanks. I'd missed the diversion into North Queensferry, thanks for the correction. North of there the route planner has followed NCN1. I rode that route doing the Coast and Castles route, and it is nice, but I think the less hilly route does sound more appealing, especially considering the following day.
Ive had a look at day 9.

This : https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26981599 is about 6km longer from Perth to Alyth but has much less on the A94 (which can get busy and not very pleasant on weekdays) and instead uses some lovely Perthshire lanes
Title: Re: Dungeness to Durness - April 2018
Post by: Jurek on 07 March, 2018, 08:26:29 pm
Jane OTP has done this ride, if memory serves.
It might be worth giving her PM a rattle....
Title: Re: Dungeness to Durness - April 2018
Post by: fuaran on 07 March, 2018, 08:39:30 pm
Quote from: mcshroom on 07 March, 2018, 03:05:55 pm
Quote from: fimm on 07 March, 2018, 12:16:32 pm
Quote from: Adam on 06 March, 2018, 11:32:08 pm
...
For days 9 & 10, wouldn't following the cycle path along the A9 be easier?
...
I hadn't noticed that... but you have to assume that mcshroom wants to take the Hilly Route...

Sorry, yes I've deliberately chosen to go through that bit. I've ridden over the Cairnwell a couple times in the opposite direction on tour and on the Deeside loop and also over the Lecht once from the North. I fancy riding through from the south. I've also ridden the Drumochter cycle path a couple times and while Drumochter is definitely the easier route, I just don't like it very much.
I'd agree with you here, following the A9 is boring. Over Glenshee and the Lecht is more fun.
For day 10, I'd go for the A939 over Dava Moor, then towards Cawdor and into Inverness (following NCN1).
For day 11, there's a nice wee road along the north side of the Beauly Firth for a few miles. Also note there steep steps on the Invershin Viaduct, may be tricky with a fully loaded bike.
Title: Re: Dungeness to Durness - April 2018
Post by: mcshroom on 07 March, 2018, 09:09:20 pm
Quote from: fuaran on 07 March, 2018, 08:39:30 pm
I'd agree with you here, following the A9 is boring. Over Glenshee and the Lecht is more fun.
For day 10, I'd go for the A939 over Dava Moor, then towards Cawdor and into Inverness (following NCN1).
For day 11, there's a nice wee road along the north side of the Beauly Firth for a few miles. Also note there steep steps on the Invershin Viaduct, may be tricky with a fully loaded bike.
I'll have a think. I've actually ridden down that bit of the A9 before on the planned route, but looking at it again I'd really prefer not to.

Quote from: andrew_s on 07 March, 2018, 04:11:31 pm
There are good rideable tracks between the Braemar area and Tomintoul that go via Loch Builg and Glen Avon, apart from about a mile past the Loch itself, which would be rideable on a mountain bike but would probably involve walking on a loaded tourer.
You can start at either Invercauld bridge, or a mile or so up the B976 from Balmoral.

What sort of surface is this track likely to have? I'll probably be on 32mm Marathons, so they can handle dirt tracks but not anything too rocky.
Title: Re: Dungeness to Durness - April 2018
Post by: Jaded on 07 March, 2018, 09:45:42 pm
agree with fuaran.

Leave Inverness over the Caledonian Canal past Scourgie, then Beauty, Muir of Ord. Conan Bridge. There is fast traffic but less of it than down south.

Given you are starting from Lairg, this might not be appropriate, but there is a Hotel at Overscaig; I phoned them up and got a late breakfast arranged when I did a 200km from Ullapool, via Lairg, to Tongue. They are used to Audaxers, but may not be open at this time of year. There's also a hotel at Riconich.
Title: Re: Dungeness to Durness - April 2018
Post by: fuaran on 08 March, 2018, 01:03:29 am
Quote from: Jaded on 07 March, 2018, 09:45:42 pm
agree with fuaran.

Leave Inverness over the Caledonian Canal past Scourgie, then Beauty, Muir of Ord. Conan Bridge. There is fast traffic but less of it than down south.
Nicer to go across the Kessock Bridge, then the minor road along the north shore to Redcastle. Then its only a mile or so on the main road to get to Muir of Ord.
Title: Re: Dungeness to Durness - April 2018
Post by: Captain Offensive on 08 March, 2018, 03:48:19 pm
That looks like a bloody excellent adventure - dead jealous.

Your final two days should be good.  I did Inverness to Lairg over two days last year; though I diverted across the Black Isle rather than around to Dingwall.  That was a nice ride.  Larig to Durness was lovely.  Quite straightforward and should be a lovely end to your trip.   http://www.richmay.co.uk/allpointsnorth/

I live down on the South Coast though so know your first day area better.  Mostly pretty good but if (like me) you might like passing nice churches and the like let me know and I might suggest some minor tweaks between Dungeness and Ashford.  Avoiding Maidstone is highly reccomended.  Route 17 passes on the hll above the town; it might be a bit muddy in April but still better than Maidstone!  My main suggestion though would be to sack off the suggested route where it has you crossing the Medway alongside the motorway.  Rather than hanging a left there carry on through Borstal and follow the cycle way down alongside the east back of the river into Rochester; go past the castle, and join NCN 1 - head over the Medway bridge and then follow route 1 on some nice quiet lanes (well once you are out of Strood) into Gravesend:  see the latter part of this ride for info...  https://www.strava.com/activities/1193655641
Title: Re: Dungeness to Durness - April 2018
Post by: seasider on 08 March, 2018, 07:23:02 pm
Can recommend the Hotel in Lairg.Part of our group on an EtoE stayed at the Hotel, we ate there but actually slept in the BandB across the road.It was run by an elderly lady who didn't bat an eyelid dealing with four hairy **sed cyclists and cooked a excellent Scottish farmhouse breakfast to set us up for the ride to JoG that day. Happy memories.
Title: Re: Dungeness to Durness - April 2018
Post by: telstarbox on 08 March, 2018, 07:49:05 pm
NCN1 has an extended rough section east of Gravesend (the canal bit) which I wouldn't recommend.
Title: Re: Dungeness to Durness - April 2018
Post by: Kim on 08 March, 2018, 08:23:38 pm
Quote from: telstarbox on 08 March, 2018, 07:49:05 pm
NCN1 has an extended rough section east of Gravesend (the canal bit) which I wouldn't recommend.

Second the disrecommendation, especially if it's wet.
Title: Re: Dungeness to Durness - April 2018
Post by: Jurek on 08 March, 2018, 08:40:19 pm
Quote from: Kim on 08 March, 2018, 08:23:38 pm
Quote from: telstarbox on 08 March, 2018, 07:49:05 pm
NCN1 has an extended rough section east of Gravesend (the canal bit) which I wouldn't recommend.

Second the disrecommendation, especially if it's wet.
Happily, there is an alternative via Chalk and Higham.
ETA - There is shedloads of NCN1 in North Kent that I would avoid like the proverbial.
Eg: Oare and bits around Northfleet.
Title: Re: Dungeness to Durness - April 2018
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 09 March, 2018, 05:45:54 am
Avoid the post office in Muir of Order unless you have a lot of time on your hands. Dunno if he is still there but we asked for directions from the post master and got a full on drawn map, a magic trick and a joke.
Title: Re: Dungeness to Durness - April 2018
Post by: loafer on 10 March, 2018, 03:13:05 pm


Quote from: andrew_s on 07 March, 2018, 04:11:31 pm
There are good rideable tracks between the Braemar area and Tomintoul that go via Loch Builg and Glen Avon, apart from about a mile past the Loch itself, which would be rideable on a mountain bike but would probably involve walking on a loaded tourer.
You can start at either Invercauld bridge, or a mile or so up the B976 from Balmoral.

What sort of surface is this track likely to have? I'll probably be on 32mm Marathons, so they can handle dirt tracks but not anything too rocky.
[/quote]

hi mcshroom
                     this might be of use regards the track ..I thought of it on my failed joggle 2015 info off ctc forum hope it is helpful... BTW sounds like a great trip ..     https://forum.cyclinguk.org/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=98229
Title: Re: Dungeness to Durness - April 2018
Post by: mcshroom on 17 April, 2018, 10:23:06 pm
Right, sorry this has gone quiet for so long, but taking on everyone's feedback, I've updated the route. This is what I'm now doing: -
(http://macnet.org.uk/routes/D2D/d2d_tracks.jpg)

DateDayFromToDistance kmCulm kmRoute
Sun 22-Apr1DungenessGravesend9797Route (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://coupefamily.me.uk/macnet/routes/D2D/01-dungeness-gravesend.gpx)
Mon 23-Apr2GravesendCambridge120217Route (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://coupefamily.me.uk/macnet/routes/D2D/02-gravesend-cambridge.gpx)
Tue 24-Apr3CambridgeGrantham139356Route (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://coupefamily.me.uk/macnet/routes/D2D/03-cambridge-grantham.gpx)
Wed 25-Apr4GranthamRotherham93449Route (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://coupefamily.me.uk/macnet/routes/D2D/04-grantham-rotherham.gpx)
Thu 26-Apr5RotherhamDarlington160609Route (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://coupefamily.me.uk/macnet/routes/D2D/05-rotherham-darlington.gpx)
Fri 27-Apr6DarlingtonCarlisle115724Route (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://coupefamily.me.uk/macnet/routes/D2D/06-darlington-carlisle.gpx)
Sat 28-Apr7CarlisleInnerleithen117841Route (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://coupefamily.me.uk/macnet/routes/D2D/07-carlisle-innerleithen.gpx)
Sun 29-Apr8InnerleithenKinross95936Route (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://coupefamily.me.uk/macnet/routes/D2D/08-innerleithen-kinross.gpx)
Mon 30-Apr9KinrossBraemar1181054Route (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://coupefamily.me.uk/macnet/routes/D2D/09-kinross-braemar.gpx)
Tue 01-May10BraemarInverness1301185Route (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://coupefamily.me.uk/macnet/routes/D2D/10-braemar-inverness.gpx)
Wed 02-May11InvernessLairg941278Route (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://coupefamily.me.uk/macnet/routes/D2D/11-inverness-lairg.gpx)
Thu 03-May12LairgDurness901369Route (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?lnk=http://coupefamily.me.uk/macnet/routes/D2D/12-lairg-durness.gpx)

I do also have the off road option for Braemar to Tomintoul if the weather stays nice :)

I'm now sorting all my kit out, and need to contact the Durness Bus to make the reservations. Setting off on Saturday! :o
Title: Re: Dungeness to Durness - April 2018
Post by: mmmmartin on 26 May, 2020, 03:11:47 pm
Hi - I'd like to say thanks to all those who made helpful contributions to this thread, and to add that I'm planning to copy - totally shamelessly - the route planned by McShroom. With the minor change that since I'll be in the area I'll have a go at getting to Cape Wrath, because reasons.

This obvs will be next summer or the year after, and the plan is to do it as a series of DIY by GPS 200k audax rides. Unsure whether to take tent or rely on B&Bs all the way.

But anyway - thanks to all. Esp McShroom who sent me his links.