I have not yet started travelling this route - this web page will be compiled as I drive or cycle along. Maybe you'll follow me?

Although the area of Scotland is only about 60 % that of England, it's coastline is not far off three times the distance to travel around - which makes for a very lengthy tour indeed considering the size of the country. And not a tour to be rushed if one is to see as much as possible of this rugged coastline full of ancient churches, castles and history.

This is a tour length of about 6000 miles from the border with England near Gretna Green to the North East Coast of England near Lamberton, north of Berwick Upon Tweed. My idea is to see as much of the coast of Scotland as is reasonably practicable. I don't intend walking for miles and miles to get to a remote beach. An example of this is Sandwood Bay in Sutherland, not far south of Cape Wrath. As it's a 4 mile walk from the car park to get there - then another 4 miles back, I'm not taking on that adventure - very largely for health reasons, but also because very few other travellers would want to walk there too - that's why it's such an idyillic place in many ways - because people can't be bothered to do an 8 mile walk just to visit the place. Of course, I will be driving a lot of miles back and forth along the same stretch of road in order to visit places at the end of a 'no through road' - such as a beach at the end of a long penninsula. I'll also be reporting on places where I stay overnight in my van - and on some of the places which forbid this freedom to go where you like and stay awhile.

I am aware that there is a 516 mile tour named the 'Scotland 500' or 'North Coast 500' which is a very well known and very popular route round the North of Scotland. It is also rather crowded during holiday periods, crammed with motorhomes and camper-vans. Whilst my tour will include some parts of this popular route it will be cover far more than just 516 miles, of course, and will include many more places of outstanding scenic beauty and historic interest. I believe there is perception by many people that Scotland only really starts when you're north of an imaginary straight line drawn from coast to coast through Glasgow and Edinbugh. I trust my tour will change that perception.

I will endeavour to include information about the route for both cyclists and for those with vehicles by giving you links that will cover both types of tour as you may well want to include some cycling in your otherwise motoring tour. I know many caravanners and motorhomers like to take their bicycles with them and on this tour there is no excuse not to ride them.

Map above courtesy of URL: https://www.colinbaxter.co.uk/catalog/product?products_id=19178

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