Motorcycle Road Trips - Scottish Islands - Part Four

Having arrived at the tiny harbour village of Lochranza on the Isle of Arran, I now need to find a campsite. Firstly however I explore the ruins of Lochranza Castle, as well as buy something to eat at an unexpected snack bar.
The next day a ferry and Claonaig on the Scottish mainland of Kintyre, beckon . . .
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#motorcycleroadtrip #roadtrip #scottishislands #arran #scotland #r1200gsadventure #lochranza #lochranzacampsitegolf #lochranzacastle #camping #claonaig #tarbert #kintyre #fastroads #calmac #ferries #islandhopping #motorcycletouring

[@CountryHouseGent]

If you'd like to contribute, I've now opened a "Buy Me A Coffee" page buymeacoffee.com/countryhousegent Many thanks to you all,

[@gullduckatt2617]

Kevin this is refreshing and great ,please more of these ,the best yet.i have been watching u since e1

[@darrenniles2448]

@@CountryHouseGent I was honoured to contribute some coffee is, if there is another way to support you where you get more of a percentage of the money at the end of the transaction I would love to know about it, you have brought so much joy to me through your videos that I want to show you my appreciation

[@angelaaz6282]

I’ve just bought you 3 coffees so the best of fun on the Scotland camp and ride! ⛺️🏕️

[@CountryHouseGent]

@angelaaz6282 Gratefully received Angela, I've replied to your contribution. Cheers again 🙂

[@CountryHouseGent]

Cheers Darren. I think Buy Me A Coffee is the best option so far in terms of commission taken by the platform. 🙂

[@deacjansp2]

I’ve been savoring these slowly over the summer, just up to this part now. The photography is so beautiful! You’re the reason I’m falling in love with Scotland! I’m grateful!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you so much. It's reward enough to hear that. Cheers 🤗

[@JustDucky-d9k]

So peaceful and civilised on the Scottish isles. You're right, Kevin, it is a privilege to travel like this. You're a lucky man.

[@NK-iv1ik]

With 90 F outside, the frost you were scratching off your bike made me feel very nostalgic… The memory of frosty morning air was the sweetest! What a beautiful time you are having! Thank you for sharing!

[@victorfebo2672]

What a beautiful country Scotland is! It is one of my favorite countries in the world. If I could take back time, I would have moved to Scotland after finishing my bachelor's degree. As always, Kevin, thank you for taking us along on these beautiful travels for free. God bless, brother!

[@alsdouble]

Buy me a coffee? Okay, Probably a full on egg, sausage, bacon bap with a pint thrown in for later. Great journey, great places. My parents used to enthuse about these places in camper vans,. Decades ago. At least 3 camper vans.They were right! Fabulous quality camera work too.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Ooh a sausage, egg and bacon bap sounds perfect about now. 🙂

[@happysporran]

Another gem, they always leave me looking forward to next week's video.

[@NicksAllotmentDiary]

Hi Kevin. You certainly have picked some excellent campsites. Tarbert looked like a lovely little seaside town. Take care. Nick

[@willhackley1682]

Absolutely love these episodes. The scenery is gorgeous. The hum of the bike and open spaces. Love it!

[@Dannyshort1003]

That Friday feeling is here. And so is a new episode of Kevin’s. Brilliant!❤️❤️

[@MrRebus51]

Thanks again for another interesting video. Pleased for you that the weather so far has been kind .

[@claren4643]

Really just lovely sort of "taking this trip" with you! Thanks.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you Clare, you're very welcome 🤗

[@JWthree]

Beautiful. I'll say it again, thanks Kevin for sharing your adventure with us!

[@lisagarcia6314]

Beautiful Island Kevin! I loved seeing the Castle. I'm always amazed by the architecture of old buildings. The talented people who helped build and design them wow! Each stop provides a new variety of Scotlands Beautiful Ilands. Thank you Kevin it's such a pleasure to go along with you. May the roads you travel continue to bring you joy.

[@LarrySams71]

once again an outstanding episode, Kevin!!!! my observations gleaned from your stay on Arran: there is a complete absence of litter or graffiti on the roadways or byways, and none of the the relentless advertising signage one sees everywhere in the US, however remote -- thanks for sharing this experience with us...

[@CountryHouseGent]

Cheers Larry. Yes the conditions of the roads, the villages, towns and countryside, were a huge takeaway from this riad trip. The pride is evident.

[@L2succeednow]

That breakfast looked scrumptious, love a bit of fried pudding, trouble is these days most supermarket black pudding is not a patch on the butchers

[@conniemckenzie4648]

As usual, so absorbing, the end came all too soon! That camping site looked pristine. How nice to have such agreeable places to stay. Tarbert looks a lovely town. You are certainly having a great relaxing time with glorious weather. Not to mention the coffees and takeaways! Looking forward to Part Five. 😀

[@HelenCooper-cl8jg]

A mention of your ‘old man’ and a biker too. Assuming he is no longer with us, I bet he would have been so proud of you and all you have achieved/are achieving. 🤗

[@CountryHouseGent]

Hi Helen. No he's alive and well (I believe) but haven't seen him for quite a few years. Such is life.

[@HelenCooper-cl8jg]

@@CountryHouseGent So sorry, I shouldn’t make assumptions……you’ve turned out to be an awesome human being without his input so it’s his loss! 😎

[@sonerila6987]

This is just fascinating. Thank you for the history lessons & historical sites. And, of course, the animal closeups :) I have Scotland ancestry, but have never been there. I groaned when you wiped the ice crystals from your motorcycle seat. It's 116 degrees Fahrenheit here in California & has been in triple digits for weeks. No sign of a heat break. So I'll just watch you on your roadtrip & be taken away to paradise. Let me buy you a coffee to warm up. 🍮 I'll have an ice cream to cool down.🧁I've been watching your vids for a very long time (since the beginning, actually).

[@CountryHouseGent]

You're very welcome and cheers for watching. 116 degrees sounds excruciating. I don't envy you at all. Hope it cools soon.

[@Brad-mc7ut]

Loving this footage Kevin it draws me in! Love the bike too.

[@robinfredrickson4227]

Kevin 🙋‍♀️ Really enjoying the bike trip!! Stay safe and dry.

[@MrVerno46]

How about SCORE! Another lovely production from CHG!!

[@jeannerolig6042]

Black pudding...I had to look that one up to see exactly what that is. Now I know. Kevin, you have again given us a glimpse of beautiful far away places. This one was stunning! Cheers!

[@terenceseymour-tf8rptassie725]

aka blood pudding the name puts people off but is tasty fried and served with eggs and tomatoes

[@StevesRepairs]

Thanks Kevin, this was another great episode on your fantastic adventure and it just gets better and more beautiful, particularly the first sandwich. I can't wait for the next episode. Take care and all the best. Stevie

[@aBoatTime-uw9br]

Fantastic Scenery Kevin.

[@jillanderson7048]

I don't want this series to end. Kevin, still waiting on that look at a yummy fish supper.

[@buddrw]

Who's driving that bus, Max Verstappen? Guess we'll find out next time. Love these videos, keep them coming Kevin!

[@CountryHouseGent]

😆 Definitely tried to close the door on me.

[@jamesfoley6555]

Thank you, fabulous vlog🙏✝️🙏🇨🇦

[@tombowers3681]

Kevin, thank you. I am loving this series. Many years ago, my antique Harley tried to kill me and it put me off motorcycling ever since. But the wonderful video from such a beautiful part of the UK is really reminding me of what I enjoyed about riding.

[@thefitzs]

What happened? If you don't mind my asking

[@tombowers3681]

@@thefitzs I had a 1942 Harley WLA. Beautiful Sunday, out for a ride. rear tire went flat, bike tried to swap ends right into a guard rail. Still hurts when I think about it. Can't enjoy riding anymore and haven't in 18 years.

[@thefitzs]

​@@tombowers3681Oh gosh! I'm glad you made it out. My sister and her husband had a bad wreck on a bike and she doesn't go anymore either. I hope you're able to get back on that "horse" one day.

[@Santafefrank]

Thanks 😊

[@AndyPriceVideos]

Always a pleasure and never a chore watching your videos Kevin. A great way to start the weekend.

[@martyb3783]

What a beautiful place. Those camp sites are awesome! It makes me wish I was there. Great video as always Kevin.

[@jeannebrown-r5s]

Really enjoying the road trip. Stay safe and wishes for beautiful campsites. 😎

[@bren106]

Your very positive words about the Advant swayed me so I went and looked at them in the flesh, or rather in the polymer. A bit lighter in the pocket and very happy, much easier to fit comms than others I've had to faff about with in the past. Thank you Kevin.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Great to hear that, I must go and check the new model myself. You're right how easy it is to fit the earphones and mic. Very comfortable as well I found.

[@ivantsanov3650]

Nice

[@annewhite8465]

Can't tell you how much I'm enjoying your motorbike trip to Scotland, Kevin. You are heading into my old stomping grounds in the next one and I eagerly await all your future vlogs. Thanks for taking your time with these vlogs and showing us the truly stunning scenery along the way.

[@CountryHouseGent]

My pleasure Anne, thank you. Quite gorgeous routes and scenery to come.

[@shy_pilgrim]

Yes, such a privilege, an amazing privilege to "journey" with you. Thank you for sharing your trips!

[@richardholappajr.6184]

Thank you, Kevin, for sharing your adventure! Truly enjoyable!

[@susanhill9166]

Hi Kevin, fantastic place to live so quite and peaceful. Thank you for sharing. Take 😘 care X X X

[@valyd45]

I could see you in a Dutch barge Kevin! You could even keep your motorcycle on it. Keep the dreams flowing because ya never know. Great video😎

[@oneshoan]

You ended too soon 🤣! It was a beautiful trip. Loaded bases is a baseball term. And can be the difference of winning or losing a baseball game. Can’t wait for the next video!!!

[@2gray2care]

What a lovely video. I have been told that the road going from Inveraray down through Tarbert and into Campbeltown is the famous “Long and Winding Road” in the song by Paul McCartney. Lots of twists and turns but beautiful views of Loch Fyne.

[@CountryHouseGent]

I didn't know that. I think Paul must've liked Scotland a lot.

[@infinitejusticeone]

Love your haircut!!! What a beautiful spot for breakfast, ideal! Thank you for recording the history of the castle it is so nice to know! The countryside is so gorgeous! So far, this is my favorite day!

[@CountryHouseGent]

Yes the little snack bar was totally unexpected, sitting there as it was in such a tiny remote settlement. So much charm and character.

[@martin-s-66]

Where you missed the campsite and turned your bike is a whiskey distillery 😅. Wonder if you had the company of the red deer that often frequent the Lochranza campsite and adjoining golf course. Loving these episodes Kevin

[@dougie60892]

You are having a great time, ive never been on that short ferry trip, 10 pounds to camp, a winner . Your weather has been decent, good video.

[@KimberlyLane-hw6uq]

I love your new haircut

[@johnrymer6329]

That’s so cool Kevin..love it. Without a doubt I could live in that little village by the sea!

[@CountryHouseGent]

It was so quiet Johny. Eerily quiet.

[@karendotson230]

I look forward to every Friday! Thanks for taking us along!

[@marylougross4548]

So jealous!!! It's just breathtakingly beautiful!!! You're a lucky guy!!!

[@jaystockham8566]

Thanks so much for sharing your adventures with us. Simply beautiful!!! Cheers and best regards.

[@ianplummer9061]

Just enjoyed 2 lovely hours watching all four parts.. absolutely beautiful scenery, great relaxing watch and why not a boat in every port... Thanks CHG...

[@CountryHouseGent]

Fantastic Ian. Thank you. 🙂

[@dr.chrismort8448]

Lovely video Kevin, you’ve captured your journey perfectly

[@danscriviner3562]

Thanks for taking us along! Been enjoying your videos since I found you on Amazon prepandemic. Seems like another time and place

[@lspringerjones]

That sky is a special kind of blue.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Indeed it is very rich.

[@David.W.Kelsey]

Stunning views again, you've been really lucky with the weather 🤗👍

[@colinunderdown1758]

I was just thinking the same, but if it had been wet and windy we would still have watched this series.

[@AndrewShort-bh6hm]

Great video Kevin, surprised you went past the islay ferry where you can get to the Isle of Jura, A lovely remote island which I think you would love. Enjoy. Dave & Elaine.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Hi Dave and Elaine and cheers for watching. On this trip I stuck to the route and islands I'd discussed during the prep.

[@larisal1500]

lovely scenery and weather Kevin so thank you for sharing! I love the old stone structures & would not want to be a prisoner in that prison. So nice finding "unexpected gems" along the way too! Like all your gear & u seem very well prepared.

[@kentjwolfe]

Yet another fantastic video. I must say, interesting breakfast. I've never heard of black pudding and looked it up. I'll pass, LOL. 🤢 Looking forward to the next episode. 😊

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you Kent. Yes one of those foods that tastes 100 times better than it sounds. 😁

[@redrockitinerant7776]

​@@CountryHouseGent Hmm... Black Pudding sounds interesting. I'd like to try it. I just fried up a bison burger, and the blood that flows out around the edges and fries has quite a good flavor. Does black pudding have a similar flavor?

[@CountryHouseGent]

@redrockitinerant7776 Black Pudding recipes vary from region to region but generally is a well-seasoned sausage.

[@john-wq8kf]

I remember when my family used to fish for herring in Loch Fyne, last time I was around there and like Mallaig it’s sort of lost its soul. But hey that’s the way of this world of ours now I’m afraid.

[@maxiemills6982]

The countryside is stunning!

[@wayneharris7534]

I'm so glad you filmed this place Kevin .it brings back so many good memories .of my trip North of the boarder .. All those years ago..I actually camped out in these ruins while waiting to catch the ferry .. Myself and a few biker friends spent three months turning the Scottish Highlands.. Two of whom stayed and live there .both of them work on fishing boats . across Scotland. To be honest I don't blame them making that decision Strangely enough old Billy's asthma problems have totally cleared up since he decided to move to Scotland... It must be the clean air. He is now breathing in However he is shortly coming to stay at my place while he sorts out a few family problems around the death of his father and the will he left . So my old Harley will be getting a lot of use in the coming weeks. To be honest I am looking forward to seeing him again after so many years. He is one person who you can depend on when things get a little heated. between you and others..I never had to worry about my back being covered.. I still don't understand why people look at bikers as trouble makers ..in fact they are normally the ones who stop and ask people if everything was alright with Thier vehicles and if they needed any help.. anyway keV keep smiling and making these brilliant videos for people to watch... Without them people woul never know just what they are missing...

[@markmanning8714]

Breakfast sandwich made my mouth water. Vlog was so good, I watched it twice. I look forward to watching every Friday evening undisturbed. Thank you for doing the leg work for me, I’ll be taking my CCM maverick on the same journey (probably only the first few islands) in the autumn but will be taking the soft option of staying in hotels.

[@patbrandow5852]

Nice! Such a lovely ride today. ❤

[@flossysmith7307]

Morning Kevin. Another cracking video. Experiencing that trip must have been good for your soul, watching the video's certainly is for ours. Thanks Kevin. Absolutely fell in love with Tarbet, I nearly shouted "Co-op" as it came into view (little things and all that ha ha!) Thanks again Kevin, always a real treat. All the best for now, Floss & Jan.

[@brucekay9761]

Top stuff as usual mate! I used to ride bikes in the police and I find myself looking at the road as if I was actually riding the bike. Love it!!

[@danielgoulding4623]

We ALL wish we were there too .

[@scottalpervitz1019]

I have named your steel horse "nomad".😄

[@CountryHouseGent]

Good name. 😁

[@kfrerix9777]

​​@@CountryHouseGentit's a good name, but I always associate it with Galileo, the "away" craft for surface visits from Star Trek.

[@scottalpervitz1019]

Ya I thought about that later too. Still applies in the sense that Kevin sneaks in the occasional Monty Python, Faulty Towers etc. in his videos.

[@baronetessdawson]

Astonishing how remarkably beautiful the Skies of Scotland truly are… ⚜️🩵🩵🩵⚜️

[@CountryHouseGent]

Yes incredibly rich blue. 🙂

[@arkansasboy45]

I am really enjoying this journey. Thank you so much for taking us along.

[@brianparker7644]

This Desert Dweller has been pummeled with greenery the last couple weeks...and all of it was legal on international level...so, Wow....and thank you. 😁😁

[@CountryHouseGent]

Yeah, maaaannnn. Cheers ✌️

[@TerryC69]

Hi Kevin! I most likely will never be able to visit these places myself. I appreciate your sharing this experience with us.

[@johnmacdonald1878]

I've sailed around Aran and visited the flesh pots of Brodick, Campbeltown and Tarbet. Never by bike or car. Very Nice, 🙂If you ever have the chance to sail or motor boat around the Clyde its very nice.

[@CountryHouseGent]

That's something I would seriously love to experience, John.

[@mickstupp6300]

That's a lovely big sky up there. Amazing landscape. Very enjoyable as a viewer.

[@jacquelineryde7339]

Another super vlog, we are becoming a bit addicted to this 😂❤

[@suzannebigbee7596]

So relaxing to have a quick ride on a motorbike with you!

[@annjarvis9300]

Awwww more wonderful scenery and of course a castle thank you for sharing it’s just grand be careful and tc Kevin all the best the oldies 🤗🤗👍👍

[@alanjackson4646]

Used to visit West Tarbert regularly when serving in the RN. T hat bus driver was a bit mean with the road. Great journey, thanks AJ

[@cliff8680]

Hi Kevin!! Enjoying your road trip videos. Thanks for taking us all with you for a look at Scotland.

[@texasal]

I'm really enjoying the bike videos. Such beautiful countryside and harbor towns. Thanks for sharing your adventures!

[@mammybee]

Another brilliant episode Kevin, I am earmarking these campsites for my 1st big roadtrip with "Wee Eric" The camper 😊🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 oh and of course the wee cafe's lol 😅🤤 Good times!!

[@steveallen5087]

I love it. Gotta get back there!! 😊

[@DaveP668]

You missed Kennacraig to Islay with the long ferry trip back to Oban. My favourite island, so near on the map, so far in reality.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Indeed Oliver there were so many permutations of route I could've taken but not possible to do them all, so stuck with the route I announced a couple of months previously. 🙂

[@ianrobinson254]

Another great video Kevin put together lovely weather again looking forward to the next video 👍🏽👍🏽

[@Annbakerful]

You're going to Mull my most favourite place in the world!

[@nosmoking4933]

Hi Kevin. I love watching these videos. How many episodes are there ? The more the better. 😊

[@CountryHouseGent]

Not 100% sure yet. The trip took 28 days, 24 of which were travelling days. Each day is currently working out at an average of 2 episodes per day, with one episode per week. So there will be quite a few 😳🙂

[@johndunleavy]

A total joy to share your delight in the captivating surroundings of the Scottish Highlands and Islands. I've spent many happy holidays in the Durness and Cape Wrath area and also on Coll and Mull. Thank you for sharing your adventures.

[@CountryHouseGent]

Many thanks John. I've been to the Scottish mainland many times but the islands were nothing how I imagined.

[@Balthazar1963]

Love the intro with the historic plaques about Alba Aosmhor... followed by a great pan of the lass in her current state! In general... now we are actually touring the homes of once-powerful "lairds." Capitol! Loved the small restaurant venue experience... made me suddenly hungry. Nice tribute to the men on HMS/M Vandal. Lot's of evidence of violent antiquities all about GB! If you make your way all the way on th' rooood to Oban, yea may partake o' a wee dram o' their fine, fine product!! It's going to be a good Friday. Cheers from Mississippi... was "slat-trapping" catfish in the river this morning since before sun up. Really enjoyed this watching this tour while eating a late lunch. Thx Kevin.

[@theIM2000]

I'm certainly enjoying this tour. Being a biker in Scotland and having a campervan means I've ventured all over, with the exception of Mull and Shetland, so I'm interested in the next video and sticking with the journey to the end.

[@stephengardiner9867]

...gorgeous scenery, fantastic roads... and traffic cones!... just like here in Ontario!... if I had one cent for every traffic cone ever produced, I would be as rich as Elon Musk.

[@CountryHouseGent]

My own theory is that there's so many traffic cones in existence, they have to put them on the roads to store them. 🤔😁

[@kcsteeler]

I'm sitting here drinking a nice mug of coffee. Freshly ground beans, carefully brewed just lovely. Care for one too? 😁

[@CountryHouseGent]

I will indeed. Always tastes so much better when someone else is buying. 😜 Cheers 🙂

[@LynnPierce-y2k]

Kevin, episode 4 is the best by far of your new season. Smart to slow things down and let the viewer take in your surroundings. Black pudding was new to me, but if I see an opportunity will have to try it. Do you ride with your headlights on, I hope so as your roads are super narrow, and many drivers aren’t looking out for an oncoming motorcycle,if you can try to film the inside of the shops and restaurants you visit. If you use your body camera I don’t think the shop owners I’ll even be aware your camera is on. Stay safe! DaveP from Florida

[@CountryHouseGent]

Hi Dave. Yes the bike has a day running headlight and also the two driving lights, so even the most oblivious driver will (should) see me. 🙂

[@morgidvmw0mdv]

My first legal bike was a Honda 50. I passed my test on it and then I bought a second hand Norton ES2 500cc single Not the one with the Featherbed frame. That should give you an idea how long ago that was, I dont think you can do that nowadays?? Ahh Lovely times.

[@simon40607]

Absolutely brilliant 👍🏻 filming and thanks for sharing your adventures ! Something some can only dream of doing . Your bike is superb and I noticed your excellent camera and microphone set up 👍🏻 very clever. Could you make a video of how you set up for filming? Best wishes from Simon

[@brightstar586]

Absolutely fantastic!

[@jeffreystoddard7201]

And here I thought I was having a grand time on my vacation. Stunning. Does the windscreen do a good job of quieting the buffeting at speed? Excellent job of camera work and editing . I can only imagine the footage left on the cutting room floor is amazing as well...

[@CountryHouseGent]

Thank you Jeffrey. The screen cuts down a lot of it but cos I'm tall, I get a bit more than others might. I'm using up pretty much all of the footage taken so far.

[@morgidvmw0mdv]

The first bike I rode was a James 125 with the gearchange on the tank. It belonged to my best friend and we rode it around the back lanes where we lived, there was also a recreational field nearby where we did a bit of grass tracking. We were around 12 at the time. This went on until a local bobby put a stop to it.

[@sueg1530]

Amazing views and beautiful weather, just wonderful. Thank you for our Friday Scotland fix Kev x

[@ghostpepperrides4805]

Black Pudding. Looked it up. One day I’ll try it. Have you eaten Spam?

[@CountryHouseGent]

Yes I've had spam several times, fried and with baked beans.

[@ladygardener100]

Yes, last time we moored in Lochranza, it was millpond, so not worried anchoringb in weed, had half pint in the hotel, then a malt on board, then a katabatic wind set up at 02.00, and we were shot out , lifejackets on, and up to Tarbert, Loch Fyne at 06.00, millpond again, the locals thought we were over reacting, lol.

[@ladygardener100]

In the 1980s i camped on the grass at the Castle

[@Daytona2]

Beautiful weather 🌄🌅 Interesting bike history 😊