Very true you Scot's have been gifted with a beautful country. I rode the coast 18 months ago. Up the East, across the top and down through the lochs, it absolutley blew me away and I fell in love with the place. I stopped at J O'Groats and was going to camp nearby, I got there early and hated the place, all set up to take your money (reminded me of home). I jumped on the bike and headed West to Tongue, in fact I ended up in a place called Crask Inn (googlemap it), not even a TV signal, a bed for the night in the ranger's house, a Salmon pie meal and 2 pints for £27 though. I even went for a walk the next morning before moving on.
I had to head West again as I'd turned South too soon and wanted lots of them West coast roads I'd bee told about.
I don't think anywhere in England comes close to the beauty of Scotland and I didn't meet anyone I wanted to punch either (an everyday occurance here).
I'd love to ride some of the Scottish Islands and hear some of your biking experiences on the Isles.
Gretna was great , I popped over to England for a McD's, heard Michael Jackson died five days ago and married my bike the next morning. (I've nothing against Wacko by the way).
Unfortunatly where I am I have to make the most of what I've got, in Lewisham I'd head out to Kent, not as pretty as Devon but much better safer riding.
Boxhill for me now is great for a bacon baggette, talking bollox and ogling bikes, then I head South to explore Surrey, It's the most wooded county in England don't you know?
Not sure about living in London without a bike though mate, it's the only way to get around stress free.
Sorry to go on a bit.
