Motorcycle Road Trips - Scottish Islands - Part One

A very good day KZbinrs and welcome to the first episode of the first season of my brand new series, Motorcycle Road Trips - 4 years in the waiting and 2 months in the making.
For this season, I'll be riding across 6 Scottish islands - Arran, Mull, Skye, Harris & Lewis, Orkney and Shetland - as well as undertaking 9 ferry journeys.
I begin at Kelburn Castle Campsite on the west coast of the Scottish mainland and head towards Ardrossan (riding my trusty BMW R1200GS Adventure motorcycle), where I'll be boarding the ferry to the harbour town of Brodick, on the island of Arran.
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#motorcycleroadtrip #roadtrip #scottishislands #scotland #arran #r1200gsadventure #ardrossan #brodick #calmac #ferries #islandhopping #camping #touring #scenery #motorcycletouring

[@CountryHouseGent]

After lots of requests I've now opened a "Buy Me A Coffee" page buymeacoffee.com/countryhousegent (I wanted a "Buy Me A Pork Pie" page, but the option wasn't there 🙂) Many thanks to you all,

[@mikebrown6805]

Whatever direction your videos take, you make the viewer always wanting more Kevin. Glad you're back! 👍😀

[@CountryHouseGent]

So good to hear that Mike, cheers 🙂

[@flossysmith7307]

Wow!! Absolutely cracking first video Kevin, thank you. Thats the best half an hour of telly we've had in ages. Stunning scenery but like you said, there are few words to describe the beauty in reality. So chuffed for you that you finally got to do this trip. Must add, you couldn't cram much more onto your bike, i would put my back out trying to throw my leg over the seat inbetween all that gear. Thanks again Kevin. This season of CHG looks to be something special, then again, they always are. All the best Kevin, Floss & Jan.

[@CountryHouseGent]

A very good day Floss and Jan. Really good to have you along on this adventure. Cheers,

[@abyssiniahenry128]

Let's go motoring. I'm along for the ride! Whether by land or by sea, I'll travel along with CHG....virtually.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thanks Henry, great to hear that.

[@JWthree]

I've been looking forward to this, thanks for taking us along on the journey Kevin!

[@eileenburley8693]

Eeeeek! Did you say we are going 60 MPH? This is the most fun I've had in a long time. I'm a lady on the down side of 70 , enjoying the ride from my rocking chair. I also enjoy seeing you and Aslyn.😊❤😂

[@kfrerix9777]

He's going a mile a minute! 😎

[@CountryHouseGent]

Ah, yes, hadn't thought of it that way. 🤭

[@selajoan9131]

It was a great adventure and unlike narrowboat my husband enjoyed watching too he loves motorcycles... As usual it was like we were riding on the bike with you happy to see you back hi from Wishkah maybe you could drive down highway 101 from Washington to California and pass by our house one day since you are still a young man

[@brianmyers4444]

From the banks of the muddy Wishkah!!!!

[@CountryHouseGent]

That is awesome to hear, thank you.

[@trooper2221]

Nice, enjoying this, and nice editing with the maps er google earth whatever, 👍🏻 by the way haircut looks good!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you 🙂

[@kathleensmith9307]

It's been many years since I lived in Scotland, and your video brought it all back with tears in my eyes. I'm excited to see places I wasn't able to visit, especially Shetland. Thank you for taking us along with you.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you so much Kathleen. I hope the series brings back many happy memories.

[@colinbyrne8945]

Hi Kevin. Arran is oft referred to as 'Scotland in Miniature', due to it's varied landscape refecting the mainland

[@karendotson230]

Wow, wow, wow! Love this! Thanks for taking us along!

[@dr.dereksommersby6135]

Looking forward to this! Great to see you Kevin!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Many thanks Derek

[@kfrerix9777]

Thanks, CHG. Please support our guy, if you can. Two dollars American ain't much, but I try to make a habit of it. Much love to everyone!

[@CountryHouseGent]

You are very kind, as always. Thank you and great to know you're along for the ride.

[@bobreece5842]

How do we do that?

[@RVO3VOM]

I’ll chip in 2 bucks as well and maybe Kev can get himself another decaf latte. 😊

[@kfrerix9777]

​@@bobreece5842next to the comment box, there is a heart-symbol. That's what I use. You can give whatever you want, sometimes I give a fiver, sometimes less.

[@rasper99]

Always glad to help out the best video content these days! Just sent you some pounds.

[@ghostpepperrides4805]

Beautiful

[@brianmyers4444]

New Country House Gent drinking game…..see sheep in the shot, have a shot of Scottish whiskey!!!

[@brianmyers4444]

after three episodes, this turns out to be a bad idea....unless your an experienced whiskey connoisseur....😵‍💫

[@jeannerolig6042]

Kevin, I am in complete awe of your beautiful documentary-but-more! Scotland is absolutely exquisite. I envy you absorbing this wonder all around you, and I am so grateful a small-town South Carolina, USA, person can see such a wonder with a good friend, not in a boring documentary. Cheers, my Friend! Can barely wait for the next edition!

[@joannareeves6522]

LOVE the new music...twangy and bluesy. Good job!

[@kentjwolfe]

Fabulous! Beautiful countryside. If I had one word to describe it, I'd use the same word you used from season 1 of Travels by Narrowboat. "Amazing." I'm so looking forward to more episodes. I really love the intro as well.

[@srbueller]

Wonderful, Kevin. Absolutely aces. Yours is one of the best channels on all of KZbin. Your production skills are really pro-style now. How far you've come. Congratulations...thank you for sharing your envious life.

[@Debba521]

Beautiful scenery! I've only ever ridden on the back of a motorcycle, short distances, so I can't imagine what it's like to travel that way. I think my concern would be traveling in bad weather. At least in a vehicle you've got shelter. But when the weather is fine, it must be marvelous! Very much like the opening music, nice and bluesy. Reminds me of the Allman Brothers. And certainly "Midnight Rider" fits here fairly well 😁 🎶.

[@bobreece5842]

Thanks! Let's support Kevin. The trip couldn't be cheap, and he invested in great cameras and sound equipment.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Many thanks indeed, Bob and that's hugely appreciated. Yes I poured a fair amount into this project, both money, time and effort.

[@Jahoclave]

I’m rather impressed with the advancements in gps tech that they’ve actually created a scenic route algorithm. Takes me back to my college days and having to learn the math behind calculating shortest routes.

[@ivantsanov3650]

Outstanding

[@urbanfox53]

Hi Kevin, really enjoyed the vid. It did take me back to the 1970's when myself and three friends did a tour very similar to yours, but back then no sat nav and many numb bums!, our bikes were Triumphs, Enfields, and Honda's. Never forgotten it, and yes we did get lost several times but all part of the fun, take care.

[@ThomCurley]

So good to have you back. Can’t wait to see those beautiful islands.

[@martyb3783]

Welcome Back Kevin! We've missed you!

[@Lamberth65]

Great trip!!! Reason for the 20 mph is so people will do 30. Leave it at 30 and they do 40! Have a great time, I know I am.

[@lspringerjones]

I'm so happy this adventure is starting. Always wanted to go but probably never will. Thanks Kevin.

[@gnuckolls2310]

Wonderful clarity on video and audio! Beautiful blooming flowers and trees and church in Fairlie. Looking forward to boarding the ferry in the next episode!

[@mammybee]

Thoroughly enjoyed that 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 can't wait for the next one. A true free spirit and adventurer, love it 😀

[@rikkiharcourt3868]

It’s going to be GOOD!!! Actually it is good, I am going to be with you all the way.

[@colinunderdown1758]

Where ever you go or what you film we will be here to watch it, looking forward to the rest of the series.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you Colin, great to hear that

[@campbellmj9405]

I'd love to go over there with my '09 Street Bob. May not be the best bike for the travels, but I'd be there riding and enjoying it.

[@castingshadows282]

So the journey begins, at long last. This is going to be...Enchanting, breath taking, exquisite, elegant, stunning. To mention just a few words of expression. Drive safely Kevin. 🖖🏍⛴Enjoy the trip.

[@nkbrown8382]

It’s everything you said it would be. I’m in love with the big sky views. Awesome❤️

[@michaelcollins2645]

Excellent camera and sound first class keep them coming Kevin

[@kevinvanstone6872]

Hi Kevin.. I have been looking forward to your trips on your bike. Has your concept of time change, now you are traveling faster than 4 mph . Safe travels. Kind regards Kevin Vanstone

[@ahnie771]

Super. Makes me want to visit.

[@pfallen8067]

Spent a lot of time around Largs! Thought I recognized the bay! Had business in Greenock. Beautiful country, enjoy CHG!

[@stuart4024]

Absolutely joyous Kevin , lucky lucky man, I hope one day I can follow in your footsteps.All the best Stuart

[@steebandrew5075]

Still got the 'Travels by Narrow boat' vibe, but moving much faster. Love it!

[@Kev_the-Brinklow-Kayaker]

Brilliant fantastic loved watching the camera angles were spot on and scenery makes me want to ride up there. I've no idea how I've missed these video for a month lol. Great to see you out and about. Thanks kev for the trip 👍 All the best Kev the brinklow kayaker

[@CountryHouseGent]

Ha, better late than never Kev, as they say. Very pleased to hear you enjoy the new series and great to have you along. :)

[@Daz533]

Done Scotland many times on bike , here now with family ( in car ) doing highlands , but I will watch this video when I get home and we will do the islands next year. Thank you

[@CountryHouseGent]

Many thanks Daz

[@redrockitinerant7776]

Didn't realize how much I've missed your videos until this episode. Your videos are very relaxing and bring me a feeling of peace with all the beautiful scenery and your calming voice and narrative. The last time I drove around the English countryside, I had to use a road atlas. I always got to where I wanted to go, but GPS is a beautiful thing compared to the old-fashioned way.

[@CountryHouseGent]

That's fabulous, thank you so much. Always great to hear how much the videos are appreciated. Cheers for watching and hope you enjoy the entire series.

[@JackNance22]

What an epic adventure, thanks for letting us tag along, Kevin!:)

[@CountryHouseGent]

You're very welcome Jack, thank you

[@jillanderson7048]

Oh my! This is going to be wonderful and you are correct...there aren't enough superlatives to describe Scotland and its people. My family is from Greenock and we made many a summer day trips to Largs. I'm now in Virginia, please be sure to show us a tasty fish supper! Thank you for all your efforts in putting this together for us.

[@dorissouto7751]

Thanks so much! Very beautiful and exciting! What a treat!

[@ThePtb1980]

Nice one Kevin! As a Scot I'd say your pronunciation of place names is pretty good for a Sasenach! 😆 my only correction being the U in Ullapool is as in UP not FULL. Looks like it's going to be a great trip...very jealous.

[@infinitejusticeone]

As someone who has traveled very little in my 76 years, I so look forward to these travels with you~ Thank you so very much!

[@MarkTheStoreman]

Thank you Kevin. Looking forward to the rest of the vlogs. I guess biking is similar to the narrow boating as you need to look ahead and allow for others. The sun on the scenery and the blue see was just glorious.

[@DanG4n6guy]

Wow wow wow your travels by motorcycle are just as entertaining as the narrowboat. Please tell me you didn’t sell Aslan. Thanks so much for taking us with you. Now bring that bike to America and we can ride together !

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you so much Dan, I appreciate that. Rest assured, Aslan is still very much my home. 🤗

[@ladygardener100]

Yes, I know this route, did it on my bicycle. Ull a pool, other than that, excellent pronunciation

[@etoubear]

welcome back Kevin. Based on the brief introduction to the route and the edited part one, it is certainly very interesting already. Looking forward to see the rest of travel recordings from a bike!

[@susantrulove5416]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video❤

[@sandrawolters9606]

It feels like I’m on the back of your bike!

[@CountryHouseGent]

That's what I like to hear. Cheers, 🙂

[@OvGraphics]

Kello Kev, I think I mentioned this the other day but I disremember. This regards the other show on YT here by the name of 'Back Waters and Back Roads'.... One fellow, one beagle, and one beagle barge do the Great Loop. (Also an intercontinental 150cc motor scooter.) I never even knew such a thing existed... Going from beyond the Great Lakes down to Florida and back up the NE coast of the American colonies in his version of Aslan....a shanty boat. We're kinda hooked on that show....the reason being that we were hooked on YOUR show first and since the first episode. Had it not been that we have followed you from day 1 until today we prolly would not have looked at that other show twice. Excepting the beagle, Wavy Gravy, the Kev Show and the Brenton Show are estranged carbon copies...sort of. I write to mention this to you and my viewing club members from Jolly Ol' to inform that there is....another. Not to say what you''ll see is totally representative of the good old USA...bekez river towns ain't like real life anywhere...really.... But it's fun anyway. Done my bit for intergalactic relations. Now it's off to sleep and perchance to dream of pork pies.

[@steveallen5087]

Absolutely gorgeous!!

[@michaelshuman3319]

This is going to be a very excellent series !! Thanks Kevin

[@LiverpoolHarmonica]

Thanks for all the great vlogs

[@CountryHouseGent]

You're very welcome

[@sandihandi7831]

Could hardly wait to see your new cycle series of Scotland. Not disappointed either. Such beautiful scenery. My, those roads are sure narrow. Hope you don't go around a corner and find sheep or cattle in the road. Travel safe out there and looking forward to next video.

[@cybergypsy6380]

Thanks for the ride along.

[@jameshallen007]

Excellent Kevin and superb filming!! Welcome back!

[@monicac.4028]

viewing here in Maine, USA and lovin' every minute of it.....thanks Kevin! Going to Scotland for 2 weeks soon and can't wait!!

[@saxgoon]

Good to see you again

[@clpotis]

Absolutely stunning scenery! I don’t ride the ferry much these days as the fare currently sits at $30 ish for a 15 minute ride w/car to an island near me (Northwest U.S). Less for a motorbike ($15) Looking forward to next episode! Your film skills just keep getting better!

[@martin-s-66]

Looking forward to your adventures to some places Ive been and others on my to do list

[@robbmnr8221]

Fab stuff, mate. You'll find there's nothing as depressing as Scottish housing lol.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Ah but the housing on Shetland is both simple and staggeringly well designed. 🤗

[@waywed]

A nice vlog from a Sassenach abroad!

[@shawnsalazar5416]

love it!

[@annh8885]

Yay! You're back and a new intro jingle to boot! This is gonna be a great trip! In the summer here in Seattle area the ferries to the islands are loaded with bikers. Although I will have to get used to you driving on the other side of the road 😆-Cheers from Seattle!

[@Nook747]

Lulling me off to sleep with all the twists and turns 😅😴...Great video Kevin...love Scotland

[@katherinekovachg3662]

You look healthier, happier, and more content than ever. Mazel tov!

[@tommytaylor2284]

You are so good at this Kevin well done loved it 👏

[@markabbot-cole9099]

Nice job on the filming and commentary. As you say, stunning scenery

[@chrislovejoy8249]

Smashing video Kevin going to see lots of interesting places ride safely 🏍️😊👍

[@E.K.2003]

Beautiful skies and landscape...looking forward to sharing this journey!!

[@victorfebo2672]

Kevin, you look like you have lost some weight, brother. I, too, have to lose some. Tell me what the secret is. As always, thank you for sharing these beautiful scenes with us all. Cheers from sunny Puerto Rico.

[@CountryHouseGent]

I cut out all sugars, processed sugars and artificial sweeteners, including aspartame, maltodextrine, sorbitol, glucose syrup, corn syrup, modified corn starch, modified maize starch and so on. There's at least 20 of them in common use. Easily researched on Google. You'll feel terrible for 2 to 4 weeks but well worth it. The weight falls off. 🙂

[@Skyemansthoughts]

Just subscribed after watching most of the first video on lunch break at work. Really looking forward to seeing your journey around the Isles. I'm from Skye myself currently in Durham. You missed a wee treat going to Mallaig...Although the coastal route you took is lovely if you stayed on main road to Skye ( A87 ) you could have took the road to Glenelg ( off at Glenshiel, chocolate shop/cafe ) and used the last manually operated turntable ferry in the world..operates from Easter to October. Views spectacular ( if the weather is kind ) . Looking forward to watching the rest of your videos.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Fabulous to hear a proper island dweller is watching the series, cheers. Indeed there's so many routes and staggering locations to choose from, it's not possible to include them all - though Mallaig is one of the many towns I visit during this road trip. 🙂

[@lesbrewer8431]

Wow!!! Looking forward to this trip. Cheers, Les and Anne on Glendyne

[@munro12]

Just found your channel and enjoyed Ep 1. of your island hopping trip and now I'm looking forward to the whole tour. So refreshing to have a video without annoying music!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you and welcome. Yes, I never put music on my videos, except for a theme tune at the start.

[@learnnancy1979]

❤really cool! Been on the back of some luxury Harley’s so I can appreciate this filming. Can’t wait for all of it! So beautiful!

[@alsdouble]

Places I have never been and unlkely to go now at my age and state of health. Like another continent. Quite extraordinary. Big horizons!. This is great, I am with you on the journey.

[@richardwilliams2606]

So glad to see your back. As always, enjoyed your video. Cheers from the states.

[@jonwumkes]

I watched on TV last night. Awesome job! You have outdone yourself! You have raised the bar for touring videos.

[@halfglassfull]

I visited ASDA when back home they had total of about 7 isles dedicated to sweets!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Yes I can confirm all British supermarkets are like that. 🤭

[@NicksAllotmentDiary]

Hi Kevin. A brilliant start to the trip. The audio and video were really clear. Can’t wait to see the trip across these different islands. Take care. Nick

[@CountryHouseGent]

Many thanks Nick. The audio was the part that received the most research and testing.

[@midnightdreemz1509]

I'm glad to see you again. Did you name your bike? I do miss Aslan, but im looking forward to your trip through Scotland. It's one of the most beautiful places. Thanks for sharing. Safe travels and see you soon, CHG. Tx

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you. I simply call the bike "the GS". 🙂

[@trevorpotter4360]

Travels by motorcycle rather than travels by narrow boat great stuff.

[@marionjohansson4235]

You finally got to use all the equipment, that you purchased before the pandemic 🙏🏻! It’s a very good trip. Thanks. I’ll be in England soon. 🇬🇧

[@lindakoon8694]

Loving this motorcycle trip! Great scenery.

[@baanisaan5303]

Yes Kevin, great start and I am so looking forward to the journey. The bike sounds good, looks a smooth ride although its going to take me some time to adjust to CHG traveling and filming above 3mph....

[@ben8mag]

Wow! I bet your nerves and excited. Stay safe Kevin. And thanks for sharing.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you as always Ben. Yes I was quite nervous to begin with, all new project and experience - but I soon settle into like a seasoned pro. 🤗😁

[@ben8mag]

@@CountryHouseGent so true. And I am a seasoned watcher. I don’t wave at the TV anymore. LOL!

[@brianspires6990]

i have toured Scotland a few tines and its a Wow around every corner.

[@dougie60892]

Welcome to Scotland Kevin, your bike sounds amazing, i stayed in Lamlash (Arran) on hols, lovely place. Superb video.

[@CountryHouseGent]

You have a fabulous country, Douglas (the locals aren't bad either 🙂). Yes the bike has a pleasant 'parp'.

[@CarolineDunn-jy7oi]

Absolutely stunned to see the route you are taking/presumably have taken... that is quite a trip! Enjoyed the first one and looking forward to the rest. How often can we expect new episodes? Thank you Kevin.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Many thanks Caroline. There will be a new episode every Friday 5pm UK time. 🙂

[@mark_vandy1969]

Top drawer, Kevin-really, brilliant road trip content! Glad you were able to shake off the nervousness & discover that when one is a natural, it all just falls to hand😁. We're riding shotgun on this Caledonian journey-sticking with you through every twisty course, mile after mile🛣! Cheers.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Cool, great to have you along on the journey Mark. Hope you enjoy the whole series.

[@ronaldmcinnes7840]

Thanks for a tour of my old haunts, especially Largs ( was at school there) your journey via Fairlie moor and the roads along the high road. Glasgow street was the flat street with the buildings leading to the to the ferry. Have spent many a year living in the area, catching the larger ferry Hebridean Isles( rust bucket being fixed, back in August?) and earlier ones to go to Brodick. Brilliant photography and commentary en route, Will be avidly following you up north, Safe travels.

[@bobreece5842]

Wonderful road trip, Kevin. Viewer from the US, and looking forward to every episode. I visited Scotland in 1997 and spent two days on the Isle of Skye. Homebase was Portree. Can't wait to see Skye again through your eyes From a technical viewpoint, and by a former sound man in radio production a long time ago, your audio was outstanding. You invested in quality equipment, so we can hear you clearly even on a moving motorcycle with the helmet open. Thank you for taking us on this fun trip.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Hi Bob. Yes Skye is an incredible island and one spot in particular that I visit has incredible views out to sea. Thank you for you appreciation of the sound quality. You're quite right, the video was easy to sort but the helmet mic took two weeks of continual experimentation and testing before arriving at a happy medium. To see approval from a proper professional in the field that I got it right, is just reward. Cheers, 🙂

[@patbrandow5852]

What a lovely start! I've always wanted to ride on a motorcycle, but other than a quick ride on the back of one with a friend, I've never had the pleasure. THIS is going to be a fabulous ride! Thanks, Kevin! 😊

[@patrickleclaire6404]

This is fun. Bring on Part 2.