Part 5: The Finale - Finishing with a Motorbike Trip to Scotland and the Lake District
- Jul 10, 2025
- 2 min read
Sad faces? Not quite yet. We couldn’t have a trip covering England, Ireland, and Wales without going the whole hog and sneaking in a little detour to Scotland. I mean, it’s not really out of the way — just a 400-mile stretch to soak up some Scottish beauty before rolling back home to County Durham.
Thanks to the restful day before, we were ready for another early start. Our destination? St Mary’s Loch — one of our favourite haunts — via the stunning Lake District.
Leaving Wales, the weather was teasing us with rain, but thankfully it stayed dry and warm enough for me to skip the waterproofs and enjoy some freedom of movement. The Britannia Bridge was too windy to cross safely, so we took the chance to see the Menai Suspension Bridge again, but this time from a fresh angle. Such an impressive structure!
The ride north treated us to breathtaking scenery, but the joy paused briefly as we hit rush hour traffic near Liverpool and Lancaster. Luckily, filtering on a bike (even with two panniers!) meant we could keep moving — far better than being stuck in a car.
Cue the rain. A quick pit stop at Costa helped us recharge both gear and bodies, then we powered on towards the Lake District, through Carlisle, and finally into Scotland.
Scenic Highlights of Our Motorbike Trip to Scotland and the Lake District: The A708 & St Mary’s Loch
The A708 is a motorbiker’s dream — twisting roads framed by rolling hills and lush valleys that invite you to explore every turn. One of the standout sights along the route is the Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall, a stunning 60-meter (197 ft) cascade plunging into the valley below. It’s the highest waterfall in the Southern Uplands and well worth a visit.
On a previous motorbike trip, we actually hiked up the waterfall trail — yes, in full bike gear! The trail is highly recommended for its breathtaking views and natural beauty, but if you’re thinking of following in our tyre tracks, you might want to leave your heavy gear in the top box before the climb. Trust us, walking uphill in biking jackets and motorbike boots is a challenge you only want to attempt once!
St Mary’s Loch itself is the largest natural loch in the Scottish Borders, surrounded by hills that have inspired poets like Sir Walter Scott. It offers peaceful fishing spots, scenic walks, and a real sense of tranquility — perfect for unwinding after a day on the road.
Nearby, we stopped at the Loch of the Lowes for a quick snack, a drink, and some photo opportunities before heading home.
What an amazing day — and an immense trip overall. From England to Ireland, Wales, and Scotland, the memories we’ve made on this motorbike trip to Scotland and the Lake District adventure are priceless. Until the next journey…
Want to see the amazing roads, a very wet rider and pillion, and some of the most breathtaking Welsh, English, and Scottish views?
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