Garbage Run riders guide

DAY FIVE
Today we head for the border, cutting upwards to Brampton and then onto
Gretna Green if anyone wants to get married on route. A bit of a slog west
along an A-road takes us to Dumfries, before we shoot off at a right angle,
riding across country in the direction of Ayr on the coast. This is probably my
favourite stretch of road, simple because it goes on for about 70 miles with only
one junction along it and barely any built up areas. You’re just riding through
forests and open ground, and the pace is just flowing.
We skirt around Ayr - rather than venture into it - on a rather bland stretch
of double carriageway, but it is worth the effort as all of a sudden the road
descends on the shores of the Firth of Clyde and the monotony of the 20 miles
of dual carriageway is long forgotten. We now ride north along the shore,
heading for Greenock, where we catch the short ferry to Dunoon. It costs
about £5 per bike, depending on the group price we negotiate at the time
(not included in the price). Before that we might stop for an ice-cream at the
famous parlour at Largs and pick up a disposable BBQ for anyone who didn’t
bring a stove as that night’s camping is at the remote site of Glendaruel, which
is picturesque, and follows a great run through a freshly paved woodland route.
DAY SIX
That’s it, we’re in the Scottish Highlands, heading north to pick up the North
Coast 500 coastal road. We stop at Inveraray for pictures, and breakfast,
before winding up to the famous biker cafe the Green Welly (for brunch)
before making our way through the magical Glen Coe. It can get a bit busy
with tourist traffic through here but it’s still a stunning stretch of scenery
that propels you all the way into Glencoe village, then onto Fort William. We
generally have lunch at Fort William, with something for every budget and
taste. Don’t follow me to McDonald’s if you don’t want to!
The route is easy to follow now. Don’t be afraid to stop for photo opportunities
as no doubt you’ll catch the rest of the group up at the next vantage point.
We’re aiming for Applecross and the magnificent Pass of the Cattle. This one
is a bit dependent on mood and weather. It can get a bit wet and blustery up
there but hopefully we’ll get good weather as the run over the top is one of the
best. You just have to take your time. There are a few tight turns and the road
is narrow. The choice is yours to do it. There is another way around (a long
way around admittedly) but we’ll see how it is on the day. We generally camp
at Applecross, but there might be a change for this year. You’ll just have to wait
and see.