Ullapool to the Isle of Sky

Some days on the road, things don’t go as planned—but somehow, they end up better because of it.

I started the morning with my usual routine. Up early, waited for breakfast, ate, and got geared up. By 9:30 a.m., I was rolling out of Ullapool, aiming for a hotel somewhere near Glencoe—or was it Glencoonon? Honestly, I can’t remember the name exactly, and it turns out, neither could my GPS. It led me to a Royal Hotel… just not the Royal Hotel I had booked.

After some confusion, I checked my itinerary and saw I was 25 miles off. Not a disaster, but enough to remind me how much I rely on that little screen. I punched in the correct address and rode another 45 minutes to my actual hotel. Lucky for me, the road getting there was a beautiful one.

The hotel itself was great—comfortable room and an inviting bar/dining area. Only one other person was there when I walked in. He was digging into a plate of fish and chips that looked too good to pass up. I ordered a Guinness and a local whisky first—both were excellent—then followed his lead and ordered the fish and chips. It was gigantic. The kind of meal you need a full day of riding to deserve.

As the evening rolled in, more guests came down for drinks. It must’ve been happy hour—pints in hand, they wandered outside and perched on a stone wall by the road, chatting and soaking in the view. No rush. No noise. Just the easy hum of contentment. It was the kind of moment you can’t schedule—only stumble into.

I recorded a short video interview with Jenna, capturing a bit of the atmosphere and my thoughts. I truly love this part of the world. The people are kind, the pace is slower, and the motorcycle roads are nothing short of fantastic. Nancy would have loved this place—these quiet moments, the winding roads, and the people who greet you like you’ve been here before.

📽️ Click here to watch the video clip

https://youtube.com/shorts/2cUNcIUiGo0?si=QJ4nQ3nEx3-_joHp




 






 


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