Dales Adventures On The Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Part 2

North To Ullapool

Leaving John O'Groats behind, Dale pointed the Bullet 350 west towards Ullapool, taking in some of Scotland's finest roads along the way.

There is something about riding through the Highlands that photographs never quite capture. The roads seem to roll endlessly through mountains, lochs appear around almost every corner, and every few miles there's another reason to pull over, take your helmet off and simply enjoy where you've ended up.

It was exactly the sort of riding the Bullet 350 was made for. There was no rush, no pressure to get anywhere by a certain time, just enjoying the road and letting the journey unfold one mile at a time.

As Dale made his way towards Ullapool, another unexpected moment raised a smile. A lone piper stood playing beside the road, his music echoing across the hills.

Now, we'd like to think he was there especially to welcome Dale and the Bullet 350, and we're sure Dale would happily agree with that version of events!

Joking aside, it became one of those memorable little moments that you simply can't plan, but somehow become some of the best memories from a trip.

A Return To Ullapool

Ullapool wasn't just another place to tick off the map.

For Dale, it held some very special memories.

Almost fifteen years earlier he had travelled there to meet his dad, who was staying nearby with his caravan. Returning all these years later brought those memories flooding back and gave him the chance to stand in the same place, now arriving on a Royal Enfield Bullet 350 instead of in a car.

Sometimes a journey isn't only about discovering somewhere new. Sometimes it's about returning to somewhere that already means something.

It was another reminder that this adventure was becoming far more than simply riding from one destination to another.

The Road To Wick

Another part of the journey brought back memories from an even earlier chapter of Dale's life.

Long before many people knew him through Royal Enfield, Dale worked in heavy haulage, transporting enormous loads all over the country.

One particular job had stayed with him.

More than twenty years ago, one of the trucks he drove carried a huge pontoon from Docking Solutions in Totnes all the way to Wick in the far north of Scotland.

As the Bullet climbed the same road and worked its way up the very same hill, Dale couldn't help but smile.

Twenty years earlier he'd tackled it in a fully loaded heavy haulage truck.

Now he was riding exactly the same stretch of road on a single-cylinder Royal Enfield Bullet 350.

The scenery hadn't changed.

The road was still just as impressive.

Only the vehicle had.

It was one of those lovely full-circle moments that made the whole trip even more personal.

Glencoe And The Commando Memorial

As the journey continued south, Dale found himself back in Glencoe.

It had been around fifteen years since he'd last visited and, just as he remembered, it didn't disappoint.

The dramatic mountains, winding roads and ever-changing weather make Glencoe one of those places that every motorcyclist should experience at least once.

The Bullet 350 seemed completely at home as it wound its way through one of Britain's most spectacular landscapes.

There was also time to stop at the Commando Memorial, another place that encourages you to pause for a while and simply take in the surroundings.

Moments like these remind you that motorcycle journeys are rarely just about riding. Sometimes the best part is switching the engine off and appreciating where you've arrived.

 

When Glasgow Fights Back

Not every road can be breathtaking scenery.

Eventually the Highlands gave way to Glasgow, where the adventure encountered its biggest obstacle yet.

Traffic.

Lots of it.

After days of quiet Highland roads, endless views and relaxed riding, Glasgow rush hour was a bit of a shock to the system.

If every great adventure needs a villain, Glasgow traffic certainly put itself forward for the role.

Thankfully, once clear of the city, normal service resumed and the Bullet carried on as though nothing had happened.

Heading Back South

After another overnight stop in Gretna, it was finally time to leave Scotland behind and head back into England.

Scotland had certainly delivered. Incredible scenery, unforgettable roads, fantastic people and memories that will stay with Dale for many years to come.

As always, though, there were still plenty more miles waiting.

The route south wasn't rushed. It continued exactly as the journey had started, making it up as he went along, stopping wherever looked interesting and making time to visit several Royal Enfield landmarks that had been on his list for some time as part of his personal challenge to celebrate 125 years of Royal Enfield.

That freedom to simply follow the road had become one of the best parts of the entire adventure.

Day Eight – A Moment To Remember Dave

Of all the places Dale visited during the ten days away, one stop stood out above all the others.

On day eight he called in to visit Dave's grave, where he met up with Dave's wife.

After riding at the front during Dave Day, travelling all the way to John O'Groats and beginning the long journey back through the country, it felt like the right time to stop, reflect and spend a quiet moment with an old friend.

Sat in the peaceful woodland beside Dave's grave, Dale had time to think about everything the trip had already become.

It had started as a tribute ride.

It had become an adventure.

But most importantly, it had become a celebration of friendship, of memories and of everything that motorcycling has a wonderful way of bringing into our lives.

It was a fitting pause before the final few days of the journey, and one that will undoubtedly stay with Dale for a very long time.

Royal Enfield – 125 Years Of Adventure

One of the reasons for extending the trip was to include several Royal Enfield landmarks along the way.

As part of his own challenge to complete 125 different things to celebrate Royal Enfield's 125th anniversary, Dale had deliberately built these stops into the journey wherever he could.

It felt entirely appropriate.

Here was a rider travelling the length of Britain on one of the most iconic Royal Enfields ever built, visiting places that form part of the brand's history while creating a few memories of his own at the same time.

The Bullet 350 had now covered well over 1,500 miles, carrying everything it needed without complaint, and still felt ready for the final chapters of the adventure.

And so the Adventures continue.......