Scotland Ep2 - Coast, Valleys & Cairngorm Peaks – Campbeltown to the Highlands

Join me for another full day of motorcycle touring through some of Scotland’s most dramatic and memorable landscapes. In this episode of my Scotland motorcycle adventure, we leave the remote charm of Campbeltown on the Kintyre Peninsula and begin a spectacular ride north, crossing coastlines, glens, lochs, valleys and ancient military roads as we make our way toward the Cairngorms. This video captures some of the finest tarmac Scotland has to offer, combined with history, scenery and authentic touring moments from the road. The day begins in Campbeltown after a peaceful night at the Argyle Arms Hotel. With Steve’s Ducati suffering from an engine issue and the Glasgow dealer closed, Philip and I set out on our own route, aiming north before crossing towards the eastern side of Scotland. Before leaving, I take time to show the beautiful morning light over Campbeltown Harbour, a reminder of how rewarding it is to reach these remote corners by motorcycle. We take the smaller B842 along the rugged coastline, an incredible stretch of road that delivers new views at every crest. The combination of quiet tarmac, dramatic clouds, sunlight breaking through and sweeping coastal scenery makes this one of the standout roads of the entire trip. Eventually we rejoin the A83 and continue into Tarbert before turning onto the A816 towards Oban. Light showers pass through, adding contrast to the landscapes as we push north. After refuelling and lunch in Oban, we ride past the historic Connel Bridge, once a major railway crossing and now an impressive piece of engineering history linking the shores of Loch Etive. From here the route carries us onto the A85, weaving through valleys towards Crianlarich before dropping into the beautiful village of Killin, set at the Falls of Dochart. Even with light drizzle, the scenery is nothing short of spectacular. We then follow the A827 along the north side of Loch Tay, a stretch of road surrounded by wildlife, open water and rising hills. From here we continue northeast, eventually joining the A93 toward Glen Shee, where the quality of the road surface and long sightlines offer some perfect riding conditions. This route also leads us onto one of General Wade’s old military roads, built in the early 1700s to allow easier movement of troops during the post-Jacobite period. Today these roads make for outstanding riding, rich with history and sweeping high-country views. A warm drink at Tea at the Shee gives us a welcome break before we descend through Braemar and into Ballater, eventually reaching our stop for the night at the Commercial Inn in Tarland on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park. After roughly 250 miles, a mix of sunshine and light rain, and some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Highlands, this was an unforgettable day on the bikes. Tomorrow brings new plans as Steve heads to Dundee in search of a repair while Philip and I explore the east coast and maybe push towards Inverness. Whatever happens, the Scottish roads will continue to deliver. Thank you for riding with me today. Please like and subscribe to support the channel, and join me in the next episode as we pass the Macallan Distillery and cross the Kessock Bridge on our journey north. I am the Motorcycle Wanderer, and I’ll see you next time. Links 👇 Get updates or reach out to Get updates on Social Media Profiles! Instagram: /   / chipsnlees   Facebook: /   / andrew.lees.3766   Twitter: /✖️ / https://x.com/andylees16 IF YOU LIKE WHAT YOU SEE, PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL 👇 :    / @themotorcyclewanderer   Share this video with a friend on my CHANNEL :    / @themotorcyclewanderer   PLAYLISTS TO WATCH NEXT 👇:    • Portugal Fly / Ride      • Slovenia Trip      • Corsica   For business inquiries, please get in touch with me via email at: [email protected] Don't forget to subscribe here & share this video with a friend on my CHANNEL:    / @themotorcyclewanderer   #ScotlandMotorcycleTour #MotorcycleWanderer #ScottishHighlandsRide #ScenicMotorcycleRoutes #KintyrePeninsula #GlenShee #MotoTravelUK #MotorcycleAdventure