During winter, it’s not uncommon for a person to start to develop a form of minor cabin fever. You might have spent December cooped up indoors, perhaps in closer proximity to your family members than you’d like. This, on top of seasonal blues, can lead to your mental health taking a little bit of a dive.
You might address this problem by simply hopping into the saddle of a motorcycle and going on a long road trip during January. But getting the most from a trip of this kind means picking the right route, and planning meticulously in order to cope with the weather. Motorcycle accident claims can offer compensation if you suffer a crash, but the better approach is often to prevent the crash from occurring in the first place.
So, where might you travel?
The Cornish Coastal Run
At this time of year, the South West tends to be slightly milder than the rest of the country. The altitude is lower, the sea is all around you, and you’re a little bit closer to the equator.
There are also several amazing scenic roads in this part of the country. Between St Just and St Ives, for example, there’s the B3306, while further north you’ll find the famous Atlantic Highway.
You can stay in one of the larger towns, like St Ives or Penzance, and use it to explore all of the quieter roads around you. At this time of year, tourist activity is low – but you’ll need to watch out for salt spray and damp patches.
The Yorkshire Dales Loop
Further north, in Yorkshire, we find vast tracts of what we might consider ‘classic’ British countryside. You’ll find a number of amazing B-roads, which will guide you through some of the most arresting scenery the country has to offer.
Several market towns, like Grassington and Hawes, are particularly stunning – and they offer a range of amazing pubs. You might start a loop between Skipton, Hawes, and Rippon. Be extremely careful when it comes to ice. You might find that many of the higher passes, like Fleet Moss and Buttertubs Pass, are closed off. Make sure that you’re wrapped up warm, with thermal layers and heated equipment.
Hogmanay and the Lowland Lochs
If you’re going to be travelling up to Scotland for the annual Hogmanay celebrations, then you’ll probably want to explore a few of the routes around Edinburgh. Many of the roads are more approachable than you’d think, especially at lower altitudes. The roads through Loch Lomond (A82), and the Trossachs (A83), are particularly appealing.
The Hogmanay events themselves are best enjoyed in the middle of town – but since these are night-time events, you’ll still have plenty of time during the day to ride. Again, it’s vital that you’re cautious. Check the weather reports, and make sure that your battery is prepared for cold starts.
