Robert The Bruce Trail Motorcycle Tour

Glasgow, Scotland

5* Hotel Glasgow - Dinner, Bed & Breakfast - ensuite Double/Twin room

Originally designed for Gerry and David Bruce who wanted to retrace their ancestry others can now enjoy their 5 day, 4 night holiday experience with 3 days motorcycle riding visiting places in Scotland associated with the life of King Robert the Bruce. Each day we tour a different section heading South to Ayrshire and Dumfries, East to Dunfermline and Melrose and north to Scone.

Scotland, Nr Kilsyth Gerry and David Bruce at The Tak-me-Doon Road

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Routes

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).

Glen Trool Stone 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.

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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. Melrose Abbey

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.

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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. Stirling Castle

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

Motorcycles For Rent

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

Suzuki V-strom

Restrictions: Minimum age 25, minimum experience 3 years, Excess £500

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

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

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

Harley-Davidson Dyna Switchback

Restrictions: Minimum age 25, minimum experience 2 years, Excess €2000

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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