This tour is all about riding but it not only focuses on these great roads but returns you at the end of each days riding to a fantastic 5* hotel. The Hotel du Vin at 1 Devonshire gardens comprises a terrace of Victorian town houses providing 49 timelessly styled bedrooms and stunning suites, all featuring luxurious hand sprung mattresses, fine Egyptian linen, deep baths and powerful drench showers, plasma TVs and DVDs.
This luxurious hotel has an enviable reputation for service and style, with stunning bedrooms and suites, bistro, bar, cigar shack and whisky room, there is only One Devonshire Gardens for escapes, weddings, golf and field sports.
The tour price includes Dinner, Bed and Breakfast and so at the end of your days riding you will discover that Bistro du Vin serves a classic, French styled, elegant and informal dinner. So sit back, relax and look forward to tomorrows journey.
Look at this itinerary and discover some of the most interesting motorcycle routes in scotland
Bruce Trail - South West (220 miles)
We shall begin by taking the M8 motorway for a short distance. Don’t be alarmed we rarely ride on major roads but this urban highway has a 50MPH limit and affords the opportunity to familiarise yourself with riding on what will be to some the wrong side of the road.
We shall leave the main road to join quieter twisty, more interesting, back roads and this route shall head south into Ayrshire continuing south to reach Turnberry Castle the birthplace or Robert the Bruce about an hour and a half later (60 miles).
There is nothing of the castle to see with a lighthouse now occupying the site but we shall take a break for morning coffee at nearby Turnberry before we head to Glen Trool where Bruce returned to Scotland and won his first battle against the English. From there we progress east to the Dumfries where Robert the Bruce famously slayed John Comyn at the altar of Greyfriers Church where we stop for lunch about an hour and three quarters ride from Turnberry (65 miles).
We begin our return leg of the journey passing through Annandale to Moffat (Annandale was gifted to the Bruce Family by King David of Scotland in 1124) and onwards to Biggar where we stop for afternoon tea (50 miles) and from there through Lanark then Strathaven before continuing north to complete our journey back to Glasgow (45 miles).
In total about 220 miles with 6 hours spent in the saddle.
View Route Guide (indicative only, actual may differ)
Bruce Trail - South East (200 miles)
We shall continue or exploration of the lowlands this time heading east, but firstly we take a northerly route out of Glasgow passing through Bishopbriggs, Torrance and Lennoxtown before crossing the Campsie Hills to take us on a more biker favoured route to Dunfermline Abbey where the body of Robert The Bruce is buried. We shall take a coffee break in Dunfermilne circa 50 miles/ 90 minutes into our day.
As we depart Dunfermline we cross the Forth Bridge towards Edinburgh, which I plan to circumnavigate albeit I have shown the journey through the city on the route map, we can finalise this part of route on the day.
We continue our journey to Haddington where you will find the site of William the Lions palace. William was King of the Scots from 1165 to 1214 which was the second longest rein in Scots history before the act of the union. The yellow flag with red lion often depicted as a symbol of Scotland were derived from William’s coat of arms. He was the Grandson of King David and it is through this ancestry that Robert the Bruce claimed the throne of Scotland.
We shall take lunch in Haddington about 40 miles and an hour’s ride from Dunfermline.
Next we head south crossing the Lammermuir hills to Melrose where we shall take a brief stop at the Abbey where the heart of Robert the Bruce is buried before continuing to Peebles where we shall take afternoon tea (about 55 miles from Haddington and 90 minutes riding).
Leaving Peebles we head back to Glasgow circa 55 miles and about another 90 minutes riding. Overall this day will be about 200 miles with 5 ½ hours in the saddle.
View Route Guide (indicative only, actual may differ)
Bruce Trail - North (210 miles)
We begin with a visit to a somewhat touristy former railway station but nevertheless informative offering on the life of Robert the Bruce. This is very close to Cardross where Bruce lived and died. We shall proceed up the western shore of Loch Lomond and stop for morning coffee at The Drovers Inn about 90 minutes total ride time and circa 56 miles from Glasgow.
Next we continue our journey to the north east passing through Crainlarich, Killin and Aberfeldy to arrive in Pitlochry in time for lunch (circa 57 miles and 90 minutes riding).
As we begin our return leg heading south we stop off at Scone Palace where Bruce was crowned where we shall take a brief stop before continuing to Stirling Castle and the Bannockburn Heritage centre. These are both close to the famous battle sites at Stirling Bridge, Falkirk and Bannockburn.
Our final section of this route brings us over to Caron Dam and down to Kilsyth before completing the journey to Glasgow at circa 25 miles/55 minutes bringing this day to around 210 miles with 6 hours in the saddle.
View Route Guide (indicative only, actual may differ)
Please note that maps are indicative because it is not always possible to enter all the waypoints and on the day of departure as we need to review our routes based upon the latest traffic and weather information available making changes as and when necessary.
Most motorcycles available for hire are obtained directly from local mainstream dealers and are subject to change especially if the tour listed was last run in previous years. We can source others to ensure most riders needs are accommodated.
However, apart from our own fleet we do not have exclusive access to third party rental motorbikes and so models, availability and prices must be confirmed.
Prices and terms are set by the dealers who supply the machines and they are liable to update them regularly.
Suzuki Intruder 800
Suzuki’s middleweight M-series cruiser has all the qualities to appeal to the UK rider. It has a relaxing easy ride, with plenty of performance, comfort and power to make sure the rider has a totally involved experience.
Restrictions: Minimum age 25, minimum experience 3 years, Excess £500
Daily Hire: Pound £120
Suzuki V-strom
Restrictions: Minimum age 25, minimum experience 3 years, Excess £500
Daily Hire: Pound £120
Suzuki Bandit
The GSX1250FA is one of the most impressive sports-tourers available and beneath its fully faired, sporty exterior there beats the heart of a machine that delivers power right through the rev-range. This bike is a picture of comfort for cross-continent touring, but it also has an abundance of torque and superb handling capabilities to give an addictive riding sensation whether you are heading across the channel or down the twisty back-roads closer to home. The Suzuki GSX1250FA is a lot of motorcycle for the money and put very simply, the best value sports tourer on the market.
Restrictions: Minimum age 25, minimum experience 3 years, Excess £500
Daily Hire: Pound £130
Harley-Davidson Road King
It may look like it's just cruised straight out of the 1950's with its whitewall tyres, classic-styled saddlebags and ‘boulevard looks' but don't be deceived. This Classic tourer has all the 2014 advancements brought in across the Harley Touring range. They have streamlined the front fender to show off more wheel, the controls have been completely redesigned and better laid out making them easier to reach and read. The new high output Twin Cam 103 engine gives higher mid-range power and the ABS, electronically linked brakes provide powerful and safe braking.
Restrictions: Minimum age 25, minimum experience 2 years, Excess €2000
Daily Hire: Pound £130
Harley-Davidson Sportster XL1200 Custom
The original Sportster goes large. Around its 1200cc Evolution engine (amongst its many iconic features) it sports a fat front tyre on a steel laced wheel, a wider flatter custom tank, two-tone paint and a two-up classic seat.
Restrictions: Minimum age 25, minimum experience 1 year, Excess £500
Daily Hire: Pound £130
Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback
Restrictions: Minimum age 25, minimum experience 2 years, Excess €2000
Daily Hire: Pound £130
BMW F800R
From the 'Roadster' range, the F 800 R is an extremely capable motorcycle and makes an excellent touring bike.
There is a £40 insurance surcharge for not UK license holders.
We will arrange to take riders to the dealers premises to collect. Those who want delivery and uplift at the hotel will be charged an additional fee typically £50 each way
Restrictions: Minimum age 25, minimum experience 1 year, Excess £1500
Daily Hire: Pound £133
Suzuki Intruder 1500
A timelessly styled cruiser that will make you want to take the long way home, every time. The muscular and classic look of the machine is enhanced by a modern feel that moves the cruiser market into a whole new dimension.
Restrictions: Minimum age 25, minimum experience 3 years, Excess £500
Daily Hire: Pound £135
Suzuki Intruder 1800
The Intruder M18000RZ is a real head-turning and eye-catching machine. It’s a gorgeously styled cruiser with stunning performance to match. Chrome, chrome and more chrome add to the appeal of this fantastically sculptured and imposing prowler of the cruiser world.
Restrictions: Minimum age 25, minimum experience 3 years, Excess £500
Daily Hire: Pound £145
BMW F850GS
860 mm seat, 853cc, 70KW (90HP), 92 NM torque, Riding Modes; Rain and Road, ABS Pro, LED Headlight (Low/High beam Headlight), LED Rear Light, LED Indicators, TFT with Connectivity, Adjustable Brake & Clutch Levers, Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), USB Port, Cross Spoke Wheels, Adjustable Windscreen
Restrictions: Minimum age 25, minimum experience 1 year, Excess £2000
Daily Hire: Pound £210
BMW F750GS
The F 750 GS gives you more power, more comfort, more spirit of GS. N.B. There is a £40 insurance surcharge for non UK license holders.
We will arrange to take riders to the dealers premises to collect. Those who want delivery and uplift at the hotel will be charged an additional fee typically £100 each way.
Restrictions: Minimum age 25, minimum experience 1 year, Excess £2000
Daily Hire: Pound £210
BMW R1200RS
When fitted with panniers this makes a great touring bike and is a classic 'roadster' version of the iconic BMW boxer engine.
There is a £40 insurance surcharge for not UK license holders.
We will arrange to take riders to the dealers premises to collect. Those who want delivery and uplift at the hotel will be charged an additional fee typically £50 each way
Restrictions: Minimum age 25, minimum experience 1 year, Excess £1800
Daily Hire: Pound £229
BMW R1250RT
The new R 1250 RT gives you more freedom than ever before. The high torque curve, the elasticity and the irresistible power with fewer gear changes quickly become indispensable companions. N.B. There is a £40 insurance surcharge for non UK license holders.
We will arrange to take riders to the dealers premises to collect. Those who want delivery and uplift at the hotel will be charged an additional fee typically £100 each way
Restrictions: Minimum age 25, minimum experience 1 year, Excess £2000
Daily Hire: Pound £247
BMW K1600GTL
The first six cylinder BMW motorcycle and winner of multiple motorcycling awards. N.B. There is a £40 insurance surcharge for non UK license holders.
We will arrange to take riders to the dealers premises to collect. Those who want delivery and uplift at the hotel will be charged an additional fee typically £100 each way.
Restrictions: Minimum age 25, minimum experience 1 year, Excess £2500
Daily Hire: Pound £264
BMW R1250GS
The increased engine capacity brings you increased performance 136 HP and 143 Nm maximum torque at 6,250 rpm. N.B. There is a £40 insurance surcharge for non UK license holders.
We will arrange to take riders to the dealers premises to collect. Those who want delivery and uplift at the hotel will be charged an additional fee typically £100 each way.
Restrictions: Minimum age 25, minimum experience 1 year, Excess £2000
Daily Hire: Pound £280
Other makes and models of motorcycle may be available for hire on special request, so, if you have a preferred ride just ask and we shall see what can be arranged.
Parties interested in this tour should get in touch now to intimate interest via our Enquiries Form or email hi@mctours.eu or phone +44(0)141 416 0230