In November I am going up to see my brother (BMW freak !) in the Orkneys. I will be travelling up to Aberdeen to catch the ferry. Does anyone know of any likely problems. I went in February this year with no problems, had them chemical heat patches in my gloves and boots and they worked a treat. He darn't ride my 749 because he might like it ! You only get one life and it shouldn't be spent wholly on a BMW.
Orkney Trip from Lancashire
- Thread starter winston
- Start date
Hi
Went up to the Orkneys for a weeks diving in scapa flow this year, couple of tips.
Watch out for speed cameras and unmarked cars after Aberdeen.
Fog appears really quickly on the final coast road
Damm cold
Don't call the locals Scottish, they are Orcadians, I asked if they were in Lord of the Rings... not amused
Watch your fuel, one stretch was 96miles without a turning off or major junction.
Great place but bit surreal
Went up to the Orkneys for a weeks diving in scapa flow this year, couple of tips.
Watch out for speed cameras and unmarked cars after Aberdeen.
Fog appears really quickly on the final coast road
Damm cold
Don't call the locals Scottish, they are Orcadians, I asked if they were in Lord of the Rings... not amused
Watch your fuel, one stretch was 96miles without a turning off or major junction.
Great place but bit surreal
If you are sailing from Aberdeen your only worry is the amount of speed cameras on the A90. There are an awful lot between Dundee and Aberdeen and there is a 4 or 5 mile stretch of long term road works with SPECS cameras installed between Dundee and Perth - no worries if you're on a bike though 
I don't know what road Green was on but I can't think of any fuel stops more than 30 miles or so apart.
If you're on your bike you'd be better to use the A94 to Forfar then head over to Montrose by the B9113/A934. From there take the A92 to Stonehaven where you join the A90 for the last few miles to Aberdeen. Much nicer road with bends in it and no speed cameras 
Have a good trip. If your passing my way let me know and if I'm around I can offer a coffee to warm you up.
I don't know what road Green was on but I can't think of any fuel stops more than 30 miles or so apart.
If you're on your bike you'd be better to use the A94 to Forfar then head over to Montrose by the B9113/A934. From there take the A92 to Stonehaven where you join the A90 for the last few miles to Aberdeen. Much nicer road with bends in it
and no speed cameras Have a good trip. If your passing my way let me know and if I'm around I can offer a coffee to warm you up.
239desmo
Is it nearly bedtime?
Think Paul748 and Green are perhaps geting confused with the leaving point. There is a ferry from Scrabster which would take you North of Aberdeen and past Helmsdale but if you get that far you missed Aberdeen! I know several folk who go to Orkney diving and Scrabster is the usual departure point for them. I'd offer you a coffee as well but it's a 300 mile detour in total and my coffee sure ain't that good!Derek said:If you are sailing from Aberdeen your only worry is the amount of speed cameras on the A90. There are an awful lot between Dundee and Aberdeen and there is a 4 or 5 mile stretch of long term road works with SPECS cameras installed between Dundee and Perth - no worries if you're on a bike though
I don't know what road Green was on but I can't think of any fuel stops more than 30 miles or so apart.
If you're on your bike you'd be better to use the A94 to Forfar then head over to Montrose by the B9113/A934. From there take the A92 to Stonehaven where you join the A90 for the last few miles to Aberdeen. Much nicer road with bends in it
Have a good trip. If your passing my way let me know and if I'm around I can offer a coffee to warm you up.
Aye I've been on it in the old days when cars were craned on and off. Crossing the Pentland Firth on the return leg was great fun - I've never seen so many people being simultaneously sick239desmo said:Think Paul748 and Green are perhaps geting confused with the leaving point. There is a ferry from Scrabster which would take you North of Aberdeen and past Helmsdale but if you get that far you missed Aberdeen! I know several folk who go to Orkney diving and Scrabster is the usual departure point for them. I'd offer you a coffee as well but it's a 300 mile detour in total and my coffee sure ain't that good!
uke: uke:uke:Hi
Was from Scrabster, you get to Aberdeen and think almost there... oh no.
7 hours in a car loaded up with stinking dive kit and even stinkier divers it was grim,
The new ferry is superb however.
Actually saw a local on a 916 when over there which seemed totally pointless.
Diving was superb and local Orkney Heather Ale is a product of great pleasure
Can't wait to go back but will fly in future.
Cheers
Was from Scrabster, you get to Aberdeen and think almost there... oh no.
7 hours in a car loaded up with stinking dive kit and even stinkier divers it was grim,
The new ferry is superb however.
Actually saw a local on a 916 when over there which seemed totally pointless.
Diving was superb and local Orkney Heather Ale is a product of great pleasure
Can't wait to go back but will fly in future.
Cheers
Lancashire to Orkney and Back
Thanks for all the tips. I went in Feb. this year on my 749 (Brrrrhhhh !). I used those chemical heat patches in my gloves and boots and they really kept me warm for 8 hours despite the freezing weather. Brilliant for only 50p each. Four pounds to keep warm there and back - great value.
Anyway I'm changing my 749 for a Multistrada 1000ds next Sat from Ducati Leeds (good shop) so this journey should be more comfortable.
Thanks for all the tips. I went in Feb. this year on my 749 (Brrrrhhhh !). I used those chemical heat patches in my gloves and boots and they really kept me warm for 8 hours despite the freezing weather. Brilliant for only 50p each. Four pounds to keep warm there and back - great value.
Anyway I'm changing my 749 for a Multistrada 1000ds next Sat from Ducati Leeds (good shop) so this journey should be more comfortable.
