Loch Doon, SW Scotland

[Jacko]

This isn’t really an “event”, but perhaps as close as we can get pending restoration of some measure of personal liberty in the People’s Republic of Sturgeonistan...

For the time being we are allowed out of our houses for “recreation” in the open air, but the Good Lord is busy dumping half of the Atlantic ocean on us today, which somewhat dampens one’s enthusiasm for al-fresco or “topless” motoring.

However, the rain is washing any salt off our local roads, so as soon as it dries a bit I’m minded to head up the A713 for a coffee and bun on the shores of Loch Doon.

The Loch was used as a seaplane base and aerial gunnery range in WW1, which tradition we try to uphold by water-skiing there with our bushplanes whenever the water is calm enough (see photo).

While the takeaway cafe there has little to commend it to any gastronome, it just happens to be situated in East Ayrshire and within the statutory limit of 5 miles from South Ayrshire and from Dumfries & Galloway.

If any of the Ayrshire Elans might be inclined to join me there, please send a PM.

[Jacko]

Last weekend we fired up a couple of 360 cubic inch air-cooled engines and went looking for some “Lotus-friendly” roads in South and West Scotland.

As and when our Elans emerge from SORN/hibernation, this looks quite a pleasant drive around the Galloway hills:



What do y’all think?

Does anyone have a suggested route further east - in the Border region?

[Fredjohn]

Although I'm unable to do this, living way down south, could you please post a readable map. When I expand it, it remains blurred.

I'm sure there's a way to post an interactive map or at least a link to one.

Thanks for this great idea though. Perhaps open it to any Lotus?

[Jacko]

The best I can do is to post this .gpx file, which should open in Google Earth or any “maps” app:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/n8xtqywu2mren ... 4.gpx?dl=0

It’s a free country (or rather it used to be) so any moderately interesting mechanically propelled vehicle would be welcome.

We should also be able to arrange for a Jodel and/or a Husky (bushplanes) to provide close air support and warn of any obstacles (or, in case anyone brings a 911, any breakdowns).

[KenCarson]

Round trip from Moffat up the A701 to Blyth Bridge, A72 to Peebles, on towards Selkirk on the A72 then the A707. Back to Moffat on the A708. Best to do it in that direction as the climb out of Moffat is great fun but going down is a bit scary when your brakes start to fade! I've only done the round trip once in the Elan when I started at and returned to Peebles. If you aren't grinning at the end you haven't tried.

[GeoffSmith]

Although I'm unable to do this, living way down south, could you please post a readable map. When I expand it, it remains blurred.

I take it Jacko's route didn't necessarily stick to roads! This appears to be a close approximation.

[Jacko]

That’ll be a nice drive when the sun is shining. The A701 out of Moffat and past the Devil’s Beef Tub is part of our favourite route to Edinburgh, but I’m not familiar with the rest (after Peebles).

Plenty of watering holes on that circuit too, if and when they’re allowed to open.

[Saltire]

If you’re looking for good drives in Scotland, I’ve enjoyed some of these. They may have been conceived for bikers, but they suit small, nimble sports cars well too

[Scott J]

Some good routes and part of the country I don’t know well and need to explore. Glen Coe, fort Bill, and north just so congested these days.