What is the ADV Summit all about?

The ADV Summit aims to bring like minded people together once a year. It is a non-profit weekend organised by RightRoute filled with adventure. Unlike other ADV festivals I have attended, it is much smaller and has a much more intimate feel to it. Instead of pitching your tent on a field amongst hundreds of others, most people sleep in cosy wooden huts located in the Katun Vranjak Eco Village. It borders the ‘Biogradska Gora’ National Park and is surrounded by rugged terrains, high altitude passes, pristine forests and cold rivers and lakes!

In total we were about 50 people sharing one passion: Adventure Bikes! During the day there was a choice of riding twisty mountain roads and explore the National Park with a guide. Alternatively, you can hit off-road trails which start directly in the village. Personally I didn’t ride any asphalt during the weekend! In the evening we enjoyed delicious local food, listened to interesting presentations and enjoyed a few drinks!

ADV Summit Day 1

Upon arrival I set up my tent and enjoyed the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Soon after more adventure riders started arriving. There was also an organised ride from Podgorica with most people reaching the village around 6pm.

Once everyone had settled in, dinner was served. Unlike other festivals where you queue at food vans, this was a very different experience. Katun Vranjak Eco Village treated us to a variety of national specialities. They farm their own foods which is 100% organic. It was delicious and everyone got to eat together!

After dinner, Rakija started flowing. It’s Montenegro’s national drink, which is produced from very strong fruit spirits. We had the pleasure to listen to interesting presentations from far-away travels in this magical outdoor setting until around midnight. And we didn’t even finish all the Rakija on the first night

ADV Summit Day 2

The big decision on the second day was whether to return to asphalt or head further into the mountains. I decided to head into the mountains on my Tiger 1200 Rally Pro! The bikes varied from big Adventure Bikes to two stroke dirt bikes. The trails were absolutely great, with stunning views and varied terrain. I was comfortable on about 80% of them. The other 20% was pretty challenging for me, as there were a few hill climbs with loose rocks. Coming down from them on my Tiger 1200 Rally Pro was tricky at times! But thanks to some other guys running road tyres and taking it slowly I wasn’t the last

It was a full on riding day. Honestly, a little too long for me. We had left around 10am and when the clock hit 4pm I was shattered! The only opportunity for rest was during a tube puncture repair. And to my surprise it was fixed in less than 15 minutes. I took a short cut with three others and returned to the village early for a hot shower. Meanwhile the rest of the group finished with a short road ride through the National Park to finish off the day!

After a hot shower and another delicious feast there was one more highlight! Vasilis Orfanos, who won the Dakar Rally in 2003 (400cc category) shared his journey with us. Watching his Dakar footage and hearing first hand what it takes to prepare for and win a Dakar race was pretty awesome!

ADV Summit Day 3

I woke up aching a little from the off-road. Either I was the only one or nobody else wanted to admit it. But 6 hours of solid off-road riding is definitely more than I am used to. After a hearty breakfast we started to take down our tents and load up our bikes as everyone prepared to go home. With temperatures reaching 39 degrees during the hottest time of the day, some decided to leave in the afternoon.

I stayed for another delicious lunch as I exchanged contact details with new friends we made over the weekend. We’d agreed to meet and ride with various people in Montenegro, as well Kosovo. After lunch it was time to leave with nothing but beautiful memories of an awesome weekend off-road riding in Montenegro!

Do you want to be part of the ADV Summit 2023?

Then follow RightRoute on Instagram or drop Djordje a line.

You can also visit the ADV Summit as part of a motorcycle trip through Montenegro. Bike rentals start from only 40 Euros a day, up to 140 Euros if you want to rent the BMW 1200 Adventure. You can explore Montenegro independently or join a tour.

My highlights

I love attending ADV festivals but this smaller event was very special. I made so many new friends and I’m super excited to do some more riding together during the next few weeks. Eating high quality, organic food instead of queueing at a food van was also super nice. And the off-road trails we were able to ride directly from where we were located beats any other ‘Adventure Trail’ I’ve been able to ride at any other festival. Hanging out with a Dakar racer and spending a day off-road riding together is also not an opportunity you get every day!

I can wholeheartedly recommend the ADV Summit Montenegro and I am sure it wasn’t our last one. We are heading to Africa next but I’m sure we will be back when we find ourselves in Europe again.

Are you ready to explore Montenegro?

We’ll definitely be exploring a lot more of Montenegro and sharing our favourite routes with you over the coming weeks

If you have any questions about the ADV Summit or Montenegro in general just drop us a line or get in touch with Djordje directly!

! How to prepare for a round-the-world trip by motorcycle !

The post ADV Summit: The best way to explore Montenegro! appeared first on ADV Travelbug.

With the right skills you can ride any bike you want, regardless of size! Don’t believe me? Our friend Jocelin will show you how. Check out her “Be The Boss of The Bike” series on YouTube. She is a certified BMW Off-Road Instructor, was part of the International GS Trophy Team in 2018 and has a ton of useful tips and tricks to improve your technique!

But it takes some practice, confidence and skills!
And I was a brand new rider who wanted to touch the ground with the tip of my toes at least!

How Touratech lowered my Tiger 900 Rally Pro

Shortly after getting my license I got in touch with Touratech. But I didn’t even know what they were able to do for me at this point! In fact, I was after their Companero Adventure Suit in preparation of our trip to Africa. But we soon discovered that there is so much more Touratech could do for us. They felt confident that they could fully customise the Tiger 900 Rally Pro to fit me.

Will I be able to touch the ground with both my feet?

We can certainly make it happen!

My first conversation with Touratech
Click here for a detailed review of the tiger 900 rally Pro

Touratech Customisations

So we went for the full works! We wanted to ride the bikes to Morocco and all over Africa so no expense was spared on the protection of the bike.

What customisations were instrumental?

They key changes in the lowering process were my customised seat and the lowered suspension. Touratech managed to shave off around 3cm of the original seat. And sure, Triumph has a lowered seat option that’s 2cm lower, but it’s not as comfortable and in addition you’ll lose the heated seat function. So the Touratech seat works much better for me. And thanks to the progressive fork springs and suspension lowering shock by Touratech I have saved another 4cm. Overall my lowered Tiger 900 Rally Pro is about 7cm lower than the original bike. And that makes all the difference!

Are there any drawbacks with my lowered Tiger 900 Rally Pro?

My ground clearance is effected of course and I have less suspension travel but that’s expected. I haven’t had any issues with it but as my skills improve I would consider having the bike less lowered. For now however it has enabled me to throw myself into the off-road world with complete confidence despite having such a big first bike. Other than that I scrap the footpegs in very tight corners occasionally but that’s not an issue.

What I love most about my lowered Tiger 900 Rally Pro

I didn’t want to limit myself to the bikes where I could naturally touch the ground. I previously considered the BMW F650 GS, lowered Tiger 900 GT and a bunch of other bikes. But Touratech showed me just what is possible! From now I’ll first think about the bike I want to ride and deal with the customisations accordingly!

I hope this blogpost has been useful especially to shorter riders like myself. Are you tempted by the lowered Tiger 900 Rally Pro? Do you have any questions I haven’t answered that you are curious about? Or simply want to let us know that you enjoyed this blogpost? Then leave us a comment below – we are always happy to hear from you

The post This is My LOWERED TIGER 900 RALLY PRO appeared first on ADV Travelbug.

This Guide includes our Top 10 Things to See on the Isle of Skye and useful advice to planning your trip!

Top 10 Things to See on the Isle of Skye

1. The Quiraing

The Quiraing offers views of some of the most spectacular landscapes in Scotland. It was formed by a massive landslip, which has created high cliffs, hidden plateaus and imposing rock pinnacles. The Quiraing walk is particularly popular with hikers and photographers, but I think EVERYONE should make time for this 2 hour walk and soak in this otherworldly landscape.

The Quiraing is part of the Trotternish ridge, the nothernmost peninsula of the Isle of Skye. If for any reason you choose not to do the hike, I strongly encourage you to at least walk from the parking lot to the Quiraing Lookout. It only takes about 5 minutes and the view is stunning!

2. The Fairy Glen

The Fairy Glen is like a miniature version of the Quiraing, where a tiny single track road winds around small round topped grassy hills with lochands. The landscape is very enchanting and picturesque. It’s best to explore these unusual land formations by following one of the trails, getting lost and taking in the views. You don’t need to hike very far. In fact, it’s not even a 5 minutes walk from the car park to immerse yourself in the landscape. It wasn’t busy when we visited but if the car park is full you can also park in Uig from where it takes about 30 min. to hike to the Fairy Glen. We absolutely loved it here!

3. Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls

Kilt Rock is a 90 meter rock formation resembling a pleated kilt, both in shape and colour. But arguably most people come here to watch the mesmerising Mealt waterfall plummeting from the top of the cliffs into the sea. The only other time I’ve ever seen this before was the McWay Falls along the Big Sur of California.

From the parking lot it’s just a few steps to this gorgeous look out point and during peak season there is usually a piper, adding to the dramatic atmosphere of this awesome place!

4. Brother’s Point

The Brothers point, also known as Rubha nam Brathairean, is a dramatic headland walk along the coast marking the easternmost point of Trotternish. It wasn’t the highlight of all the places we visited on the Isle of Skye but what I liked is that most people don’t bother with this hike. During peak season the Isle of Skye can attract big numbers of tourists and this walk allows you to get away and enjoy some of its beauty to yourself! It’s very beautiful and well worth the hike but if you find yourself strapped for time then I would give this one a miss, because the other highlights are simply unmissable!

It’s worth pointing out that some of the headland can be quite wet (even on a sunny day) and we both got wet feet so perhaps bring a spare pair of socks. Outside of summer I would probably skip this one altogether unless you are very confident that your footwear will keep you dry

Click here for directions!

5. The Old Man of Storr

Now this was probably my favourite and certainly the most jaw-dropping place we visited on the Isle of Skye. ‘The Old Man’ refers to one of the majestic rock pinnacles you hike up to from where you will experience 360 degrees views of some of Scotland’s finest landscapes. Hiking up to ‘The Old Man’ was a little steep. Instead I followed the trail path further along from where you get an incredible view of the rock pinnacles.

From the car park there are stone steps leading up to the top. I was surprised that a lot of people turned around at this point to get back down. One of the highlights for me was the actual walk past the pinnacles and further along, so if you’ve made it this far, just push yourself a little bit further.

This hike takes about 2 hours and here are the directions of how to get there. If it’s a misty or foggy day you may not see anything from the top (or bottom). But catch it on a clear, sunny day and you’ll be mesmerised by the beauty of this place!

6. Fairy Pools

The Fairy Pools are located at the foot of the Black Cuillin mountain range from where a series of waterfalls creates beautiful rock pools with crystal clear spring water. The beauty of this place is undeniable but it was also the busiest place we visited on the island and the hike felt a little ‘crowded’ compared to everywhere else we’d been on the Isle of Skye.

The hike takes about an hour and the car park charges a whopping £5 GBP even for motorbikes. We managed to find off-road parking which I like to think was legal but it’s certainly difficult to park for free around here.

It’s worth mentioning that we had to wear our midge head nets during the majority of this hike. Midges generally like damp conditions and the water pools provide a perfect breathing ground for them. Although we hiked here on a rainy and windy day (they don’t usually like winds) we could not avoid them. So come prepared!

The ferry pools are definitely worth visiting, although between the midges and crowds of people it wasn’t my number one highlight. That said, the wild camping around here is simply awesome and that’s what really made it for us!

The walk to Coral Beach from the gravel car park is about 25 min. each way. However the car park is small and at the end of single track. This means it fills up quickly with nowhere else to park and you may need to turn around if you arrived here too late in the day during peak season. Luckily there is no issue parking a motorbike without taking up a car parking space!

Best wild camping spot

Once you pass the Fairy Pools continue towards Glenbrittle Campsite & Cafe. It’s roughly a 10-15 min. drive and you’ll notice a few suitable and stunning wild camping spots along the way. We wild camped next to a river with stunning views of the mountains. But beware, it’s generally pretty bad in regards to midges out here. If you need a hot shower or laundry facilities then just head to the campsite.

The Fairy Pools are located 20 miles (35 minutes drive) from Portree.

7. Coral Beach

Coral Beach is the prettiest beach on the Isle of Skye and pretty unique as it’s made of crushed white corals. When the sun is out the beach looks tropical as does the turquoise coloured sea. Visiting when the tide is half in will give you the best opportunities to photograph Coral Beach from its best side. Right next to the beach is a small hill, known as ‘Ghrobain’. It only takes a few minutes to hike up it and be rewarded with stunning panoramic views. During low tide you can explore the small island called ‘Lampay’ via a coral causeway.

It is possible to wild camp on Coral Beach just behind the little hill, out of sight. However, you’ll have to be able to carry all the camping gear and supplies 3.6km each way as you can only get to this beach by foot. I think it’s one of the best wild camping spots on the isle of Skye!

Coral beach is located about 26 miles (45 minutes drive) from Portree.

8. Neist Point Lighthouse

On the most westerly tip of the Isle of Skye you’ll find the Neist Point Lighthouse. It’s a popular sunset point with stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and lighthouse itself. During the day it’s meant to be a good spot to spot dolphins. So if you bring a good picnic and some patience you might just get lucky! It’s also possible to wild camp out here but it does get very windy!

Neist Point Lighthouse is located about 31 miles (1 hour drive) from Portree.

9. Camasunary Bay

There is a lovely hike through the Cuillin Mountain range in the south of the Isle of Skye leading to Camasunary Bay. The southern part of the Isle of Skye is much quieter than the north. So if you want to enjoy a beautiful hike away from the crowds then this is it!

Whilst in this area it’s also worth checking out Elgol & Torrin. The winding single track roads are very scenic, passing a 16th century church & graveyard, a marble quarry. The hairpin road leads to an old port with beautifully restored croft-houses, some of which have been turned into AirBnB accommodation. From here you can book boat tours to visit the nearby Spar marble cave.

10. Camas Daraich

Camas Daraich is another beautiful white sand beach but much quieter than Coral Beach. The reason for that is that it’s located in the southern part of the Isle of Skye which many people don’t bother to visit. Perhaps that even makes it more unique and beautiful! It’s not too easy to reach and the hike takes about an hour with some steep hills and boggy terrain. But in return you might just have this awe inspiring beach all to yourself!

You can combine a hike to Camas Daraich with a hike to the Point of Sleat – the southernmost point in the Isle of Skye. The hike also provides nice views of the surrounding islands. But of course nothing beats setting eyes on Camas Daraich!

How to get to the Isle of Skye?

You can take a ferry to the isle of Skye, however you don’t have to! In fact you have 3 options to get there, so let’s take a look at them!

1. The Skybridge (cheapest option to reach Isle of Skye)

There is actually a free road bridge spanning the sea between the villages of Kyle of Lochalsh (mainland) and Kyleakin (Skye). It is 1.5 miles long. Since the toll charge was scrapped in 2014 it now provides the cheapest way to cross over to the Isle of Skye!

2. The original Glenelg-Skye Ferry (coolest option)

The MV Glenachulish is the last manually operated turntable ferry in the world! It runs annually from Easter to October, seven days a week, roughly every 20 min. between 10am and 6pm. The 550 metres crossing only takes 5 minutes, making it the shortest sea crossing to the isle of Skye!

Note: It’s not possible to pre-book this ferry!

3. The Skye Ferry

This is a much BIGGER ferry which runs all year round between Armadale and Mallaig. The crossing takes about 45 minutes and can be booked online (highly recommended in peak season!).

Note: You can pre-book your ferry here!

Bridge crossing vs Ferry to reach the Isle of Skye

Why pay for a ferry if the road bridge is free you might wonder? Well, in our case we were coming from the south having visited the Glenfinnan Viaduct and Morar Beach earlier that day. Taking the Skybridge would have meant a 2.5 hours (110 miles) detour, requiring us to backtrack to Fort Williams where we had stayed the previous night. So the ferry option from Armadale made much more sense for us. The other advantage with this ferry was also that it takes you to the south of the Isle of Skye. Knowing that we were leaving the island from Uig, which is in the north, this option saved us many unnecessary miles.

There is definitely something special about taking the turntable ferry, if you aren’t on a tight time schedule. It is also the shortest sea crossing. But which option makes most sense for you will largely depend which direction you will be coming from and if you are heading back to the mainland after your visit or continue island hopping. Just be aware that there the Skybridge and Skye Ferry are pretty far away from each other and plan accordingly.

I also cannot urge you enough to pre-book your ferry tickets during peak summer season. With a motorbike you might be lucky enough to still get onto a fully booked ferry. But with a car you may need to wait several days if you simply turn up on the day. So plan ahead to avoid disappointment!

Where to stay on the Isle of Skye?

Portree is the largest town on the isle of Skye and an excellent base to explore the island from! The most popular place to visit on the island can easily be reached on day trips. If you are wanting to spend time in the Cuillin mountain range you are better served finding accommodation in the southern part of the island. If a daytrip is enough though, then consider visiting the mountains after you take the ferry from Mallaig to Armadale and then base yourself in Portree to visit the rest of the island.

Fiona and I wild camped on the isle of Skye! There are fantastic wild camping spots near the Ferry Pools, Corral Beach and Neist Point. Looking for campsites with facilities? Here is a list of all campsites on the isle of Skye!

But if you are looking for a base to explore the island from then Portree is where you’ll want to be!

Where to eat on the Isle of Skye?

There are many restaurants in Portree, no matter if you are looking for gastro pubs, Fish & Chips by the harbour, gourmet burgers or oriental food. However, we also found that while riding around the island there were inexpensive food trucks serving decent food and we often relied on those. You might also want to check out The Oyster Shed, a seafood market, just half an hour away from Portree where you can taste delicious, fresh oysters.

For a list of fine dining options, including Michelin Star restaurants click here.

Are you ready to explore the Isle of Skye?

I hope this in-depth guide has provided you with some travel inspiration and useful information to plan your trip. The Isle of Skye is no hidden secret and attracts many visitors. To escape the crowds make sure you explore the south of the island also! The Isle of Skye is definitely one of the most beautiful places to visit in Scotland! We loved our visit and hope this blog post will ensure that you will too

The post The Ultimate Guide to the Isle of Skye appeared first on ADV Travelbug.

I count myself incredibly lucky that I was able to take the new Tiger 1200 Rally Pro for a little spin ahead of the global Tiger 1200 reveal! Whereas I didn’t have enough time on the bike to provide a detailed ride report, I do want to share my first impressions with you. I am also very familiar with the Tiger 900 Rally Pro, having ridden over 15,000 + miles on it since its launch, so I will also point out some similarities and differences, for those wanting to make up their mind between the Tiger 900 Rally Pro vs Tiger 1200 Rally Pro.

My First Impressions

My first thought was: “Wow. The Tiger 1200 doesn’t actually look much bigger than the Tiger 900”. It has the same slim and narrow design which I really love.

Next the 21 inch front wheel stood out immediately. As a tall rider (I’m 1.80 m) who doesn’t struggle with the seat height, having maximum ground clearance is a huge advantage!

Then my eyes caught the shaft drive and I thought “yes”!! When you live on the road, having one less thing to maintain is a big bonus!

But of course what left me speechless was the low weight of the bike! It feels light and easy to handle. I honestly can’t wait to put some proper mileage onto the Tiger 1200 and take it off-road!

Tiger 1200 Rally Pro vs Tiger 900 Rally Pro

As I know the Tiger 900 Rally Pro so well, I was happy to see some of my favourite features carried over to the Tiger 1200. Let’s take a look at some of the similarities and then dive into all the new features the new Tiger 1200 Rally Pro offers!

T-Plane Triple Engine

The Tiger 1200 features the same T-plane triple engine featuring the new 1-3-2 firing order. But what does that actually mean? Simply put, the bike feels like a V twin at lower speeds to provide a better off-road riding experience but delivers all the benefits of a triple engine at higher speeds. You are essentially getting the best of both worlds!

7 inch TFT Screen

The 7 inch TFT screen displays the information crisp & clear. You can change the colours and layout however you like. And the graphics on the new Tiger 1200 are now even better!

6 Riding Modes

You can select one of 6 Riding Modes from the home screen. Choose between standard Road riding, Rain, Sport mode and two off-road modes. The regular Off-road mode will disable ABS on the rear wheel, whereas Off-road Pro removes it completely and also switches off Traction Control. And just in case that’s not enough you can even fully customise your own Rider mode. Honestly, I never tried as I feel that the various riding modes cover any riding situation I might find myself in already. But I think it’s pretty impressive to have this option!

Easily Adjustable Seat & Windscreen

The windscreen is easily adjustable to suit your adventure! You can lower the windscreen for off-road riding and raise it up for touring! I really like this feature as Adventure Bikes often come with tiny little windscreens designed for off-road riding. They often aren’t suitable for long-distance travelling. However, the new aero windscreen on the Tiger 1200 deflects even more wind providing maximum comfort for long-distance riding!

The seat is also easily adjustable by 2 cm. At my height I prefer the higher seating position. However, when riding two up fully loaded off-road I like the option of lowering the seat to give me a bit more confidence that I can still reach the ground on uneven terrain. You can also purchase a lower seat option which will reduce the height by an additional 2cm. The standard seat height on the Tiger 1200 Rally Pro is 875-895mm.

My Triumph Connectivity App

Underneath the seat is a little storage with usb charger. So you can charge your phone on the go and control calls and music via Bluetooth using the “My Triumph Connectivity” app. You can also access turn-by-turn navigation via the app. It works pretty well but I still like seeing a map, so personally I prefer to use Google Maps on my phone instead.

Control your Go-Pro on the go! We don’t use this feature enough because having the Go-Pro in stand-by drains the battery faster. But when we ride off-road it’s so handy not having to stop and start all the time. You can also see on the screen that the camera is actively recording so you are less likely to accidentally record or even worse think you are recording when you are not!

Quickshifter & Cruise Control

The new Tiger 1200 also has a quickshifter. Having enjoyed it on the Tiger 900 Rally Pro for the last couple of years I have to say I would miss not having one anymore. It’s so much fun in the twisties and surprisingly handy when switching gears off-road.

Cruise control is another very useful feature and really handy for the occasional long, mandane rides down the highway. I also find that I tend to go too fast on boring straight stretches so cruise control definitely helps me avoid those speeding tickets

Tubeless Tyres

Both the 21” front and 18” rear spoked wheels are tubeless

New Tiger 1200 Rally Pro Features

Now let’s take a look at all the fantastic NEW FEATURES you can expect from the TIGER 1200 RALLY PRO:

Keyless Drive

Keyless Drive including ignition, steering lock and fuel cap. Opinions always seem divided on this one, personally I love it!

Shaft Drive

Lightweight shaft drive. Again, for someone who travels permanently, the lower the maintenance the better!

Hill Hold

Hill Hold prevents the Tiger 1200 from rolling backwards by applying the rear brake until sensing that the rider is starting to move off. Although I never had issues starting on a hill I am embarrassed to admit that we did roll backwards once down a steep hill in Costa Rica. Our break pads were completely worn out and I panicked on a steep hair pin turn. I didn’t have the reflex back then to stall the bike in gear, so instead I pulled the clutch in and we essentially started rolling backwards. A horrible feeling! I doubt it would ever happen again (lesson learnt!) but nonetheless I think Hill Hold is a pretty useful feature to have!

Semi-Active Suspension

Showa semi-active suspension automatically adapts the pre-load for each riding mode. The rider is then able to adjust the front and rear suspension damping, which can be selected from 9 predefined settings. This can all be easily selected directly from the TFT screen. Now this is something I missed on the Tiger 900 Rally Pro and I’m very happy to see this feature on the Tiger 1200 Rally Pro!

Magura HC-1 Lever

The lightweight, compact Magura front brake and hydraulic clutch are easily adjustable and offer better feel and control off-road!

Brembo Stylema Monobloc Brakes

New category leading Brembo Stylema Monobloc brakes. As somebody who has been in a head-on collision I certainly appreciate having the best quality and most responsive brakes available!

LED Lights with Adaptive Cornering

The new Tiger 1200 Rally Pro also features a lightweight silencer and new LED lights with adaptive cornering

How does the Tiger 1200 Rally Pro compare to the old Tiger 1200?

It truly is a completely new bike compared to the old Tiger 1200 which was quite top heavy. The new Tiger 1200 is a complete transformation in weight, performance and capability and a whole 25 kg lighter than the old model! A lot of the weight loss comes from the new lightweight frame which is about 5 kg lighter. 

But the Tiger 1200 is not only significantly lighter than the previous model, it is also significantly lighter than its closest competition! If you compare it to the BMW R 1250 GS Adventure, you’ll find that the Tiger 1200 Rally Pro is 19 kilos lighter!

How much will the Tiger 1200 Rally Pro set you back?

The cost of the new Tiger 1200 Rally Pro is £ 17,700 ($ 22,500).

It’s available in the following colours: Matt Khaki, Sapphire Black and Snowdonia White.

The high service intervals of 10,000 miles help keep the maintenance costs down!

And if this is your first Triumph motorcycle, you will benefit from 3 years warranty (unlimited mileage) which can also be extended!

What accessories are available?

Triumph provides 50+ accessories to fully customise the style, comfort, technology and protection of the bike covering everything from luggage system, crash bars, seating options and even a Bluetooth communication system designed in partnership with Sena to offer an improved sound system!

Tiger 1200 Rally Pro vs Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer

I have only had the chance to ride the Tiger 1200 Rally Pro (not Explorer). But let’s have a quick look at the ADDITIONAL FEATURES you can expect from the higher spec TIGER 1200 RALLY EXPLORER:

• The 30 liter tank offers a fantastic range of up to 600 km for long-distance riding
• The Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer has higher and wider handlebars for better off-road handling
• Both rider and pillion seats are heated and can be adjusted individually
• It has a newly developed Blind Spot Radar system. Blind Spot Assist uses a rear facing radar to let you know when another vehicle is in your blind spot. Lane Change Assist gives off a warning if you want to change lanes while a vehicle is approaching!
• In addition to engine crash bars you also get fuel tank protection bars
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring

Why I am tempted to switch to the Tiger 1200 Rally Pro

The Tiger 900 Rally Pro was love at first sight for me. But certainly after putting some proper mileage on it I was sure – this is the the perfect adventure bike for me! I have ridden a few 1200cc Adventure Bikes before (KTM, BWM) and I never felt I wanted such a big bike for a round-the-world trip! Why? I felt that the additional benefits (more comfort, more power) outweighed the disadvantage of having a much heavier bike.

But now the Tiger 1200 Rally Pro is only 10% heavier than the Tiger 900 Rally Pro. That’s pretty impressive! And when I rode it, I really liked it.

It’s light, has a low centre of gravity and is very easy to handle and maneuver!

FIrst impressions riding the Tiger 1200 Rally Pro – Sandra (ADV TRavelbug)

Taking the Tiger 1200 for a spin has definitely inspired me to consider a larger Adventure Bike to continue my round-the-world travels on! Of course I need to spend much more time with it, take it on some adventures and most importantly see how I feel riding off-road with it. And I certainly can’t wait!

We’ll be sure to update you with a more detailed ride review next year after taking the Tiger 1200 Rally Pro for more than just a spin!

We hope you enjoyed reading about our first impressions of the Tiger 1200 Rally Pro. Check out our YouTube video as well and stay tuned for more updates! We’d also love to hear your comments below. Looking forward to the Tiger 1200 Rally Pro? Do you have any questions or feedback on this blog post? Let us know below

The post My First Ride on the NEW TIGER 1200 Rally Pro appeared first on ADV Travelbug.

If you want to watch our entire motorcycle tent set up and take a look inside it, you can also watch our YouTube video below. Keep reading for a detailed overview!

What are we looking for in a good motorcycle tent?

Ideally you’ll want a light and compact tent which is durable enough for a round-the-world trip! It needs to keep you dry in the rain, have a good layout to organise your stuff and should easily fit into the panniers on your motorcycle.

The Lone Rider ADV tent fits perfectly into hard panniers. If you are using soft panniers you may need to place it into your duffle bag instead. Ours lives in the beavertail of our Mosko Moto duffle bag.

However, you should note that Lone Rider’s semi-rigid luggage solution offers more space than any soft luggage and will accommodate the ADV Tent perfectly. So if you are looking for the best of both worlds, do check it out!

What we love about this Motorcycle Tent

High quality materials make this a very durable tent

• Poles and pegs are made of aircraft grade aluminium making them super light
• Fabrics of the tent are made of ultralight, UV-resistant, ripstop material
• Quality zippers that won’t break easily
• All of the seams are taped and coated to be 100% waterproof
  (we had our fair share of rainy nights and can confirm we always stayed dry)

We love the design of this motorcycle tent and all its thoughtful touches

The Lone Rider ADV tent comes in a waterproof compression bag. It also features a molle system which you can easily secure onto panniers or other luggage solutions. I love that it features a roadside breakdown safety triangle. Let’s be honest, nobody carries one around. But knowing you’ve got one on you at all times is a great feature!

You also have lots of mesh pockets inside the tent to organise your stuff. The mesh layer on the roof of the tent even allows you to dry a fiber cloth towel overnight. There is a zip on each side of the tent should you wish to run a power cable through. The windows provide better airflow and you can even stash away the zipped open door for that perfect panoramic view. The reflective SOS ground mat is my absolute favourite feature though! Another great, useful design feature that we’ll hopefully never need!

What shortfalls does this motorcycle tent have?

If you take the world’s best tent makers and compare it with their best models of a 3 season tent which is durable enough for a round-the-world trip you may find two things.

1. The Lone Rider ADV tent is not as easy to set up in the rain

In 2020 we mostly camped in Germany, Austria, France and the Checz Republic. We didn’t have much rain that summer and I don’t recall ever setting up the tent in the rain. But in 2021 we rode from Land’s End to John ‘O Groats. I can’t tell you how many nights of downpour we encountered in Wales and the Scottish Highlands alone. And sometimes we even had a solid week of rain!

Now there are tents that you can set up in the rain without the inside getting wet. The Lone Rider ADV tent isn’t one of them. Sure, you can arrange the poles first, then secure it against the waterproof outer layer and then clip the inner tent onto the pole structure last. It’ll do the job but it’s a little tedious.

If you are just a good weather camper, never mind. But if you’ll be camping most nights no matter what, then it’s something to bear in mind.

2. There are lighter motorcycle tent options on the market

Always be careful when comparing the weight of a tent as you also need to consider how many seasons it’s suitable for and its durability. So of course we are not drawing comparisons with lighter low-quality tents. The Lone Rider ADV tent is a quality tent so of course you need compare it with other tents that are just as durable.

Some of the best tent makers out there charge upwards of 1,000 USD if you want something very light but just as durable!

If money is no obstacle and you want the absolute best weight / space ratio then yes, there may be a better tent for you. But if forking out upwards of 1,000 USD seems a little insane to you as well, then we have to admit that the Lone Rider ADV tent is an incredibly great option at only 420 USD.

Why should I buy the Lone Rider ADV motorcycle tent?

It’s durable enough to take you around the world, even if you camp in it every night. It might be a kilo heavier than similar top quality tents, but it’s almost a third cheaper as well!

If the extra kilo doesn’t bother you, go with the Lone Rider tent. If you want to go lighter and have something easier to set up in the rain then it’s worthwhile considering other options.

Our Ultimate Guide to Minimalist Motorcycle camping!

Do you want to get your hands on the Lone Rider ADV motorcycle tent?

For full transparency please note that this blog post includes affiliate links. We have done our best to provide an objective review that highlights why we love the tent but also don’t hide any shortfalls it may have. We want you to be able to make a more informed decision if this tent is right for you!

If you are redirected to the Lone Rider website via this blogpost and purchase a product from them as a result, then we will receive a small commission. However, there is absolutely no additional cost to you!

We hope you found this review helpful. As always we’d love to hear your comments and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. Just leave us a comment below

The post Motorcycle Tent: How good is Lone Rider’s ADV Tent? appeared first on ADV Travelbug.

In addition we hope that this blogpost will provide you with even more travel inspiration and at least a few secret locations you haven’t already read about Here are our TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN CORNWALL & DEVON.

1. Wild camp in Dartmoor (One of my favourite things to do in Devon)

Not only is Dartmoor one of the best places to visit in Devon, but it also happens to be the ONLY place you are legally allowed to wild camp in England. And what a stunning place to take advantage of it! It’s a hikers paradise but don’t worry if hiking is not your thing. Simply driving through Dartmoor and experiencing all the free roaming wildlife already allows you to take in the landscape. And there are loads of shorter walks you can do. To find out more about where you can legally camp and read about my favourite hike to the mossy woods click here.

2. Check out Totnes’ alternative scene (Devon)

Totnes is an old market town with a thousand year old castle and Tudor houses in the historic centre. It has a buzzing highstreet of eco-supermarkets, coffee shops and vegan food places. It’s a pretty small town with a vibrant music and art scene. This New Age community even has its own currency – the Totnes Pound. I kid you not!

If you want to experience the bohemian vibe of Totnes, I recommend you to visit during market days – Friday and Saturdays. You can shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, fresh fish, as well as antiques and cloths. We had a little wander around and enjoyed some top notch vegan food from one of the stands. On the way back to the bike we could even pick some fresh herbs grown by the community which you can help yourself to!

3. Enjoy traditional Cream Tea in Cockington (Devon)

The first thing you need to know is that cream teas in Devon and Cornwall are NOT the same! In Devon you put the cream on top of the scones, followed by the jam. If you do this in Cornwall you will genuinely offend people!

Seriously! Locals will come up to you and insist that the jam comes first. It happened to us countless times. The Queen likes it cream first and I couldn’t agree more! Furthermore I always find the cream tastes better in Devon as it has a much thicker consistency.

You can get cream tea around every corner in Devon and Cornwall. One of my all time favourite places to enjoy it is Cockington – a tiny village near Torquay with thatched roof houses. But you can of course enjoy cream teas in countless other scenic locations like St Michaels Mount.

4. Climb Trencrom Hill for unparalleled panoramic views (Cornwall)

Imagine a time long gone by before drones were the new norm. When places like Trencrom Hill were TRULY special! Trencrom Hill is an iron age hill fort and one of very few places where you can see the north and south coast of Cornwall at the same time. In addition you don’t need to be much of a hiker. From the car park it’s a mere 20 min. walk up the hill. Easy! In addition it’s really not touristy at all. So if you are looking to do something off the beaten track, then Trencrom is one of the best things to do in Cornwall. Click here for directions. It’s fairly close to St Ives too so easy to visit on the way!

5. Pick Mussels in Gwithian (Cornwall)

Eating seafood is one of the best things to do in Cornwall and Devon of course. But what about picking your own? Most seaside towns will cater for crabbing. Take a walk along the harbour and you are certain to see a place that will sell you a bucket, crab line, net and some bait. It’s a cheap and popular activity, so you’ll often spot families lining the harbour and catching crabs.

But what about mussels? I’m about to share my secret spot in Cornwall where you are guaranteed to find hundreds of mussels all year round. Gwithian beach overlooks St Ives and is a popular surfing spot. It’s essential that you visit during low-tide, when the rocks I will direct you to are fully exposed. You won’t find them during high-tide so you HAVE TO check the tide table! On Google Maps enter “Gillick Rock” and it’ll lead you straight to it. Fiona and I had picked a few dozen and cooked them up immediately on the beach – delicious!

6. Dine in a real castle (One of my favourite things to do in Cornwall)

This has got to be one of the most unique things to do in Cornwall! Carn Brea is a 14th century listed castle which is currently in private use as a restaurant. I first discovered it over 10 years ago when the restaurant was mainly run by the owner – a kind man from Jordan. It was definitely more rustic back then. There were fewer tables and the entire place was lit by candles. He has since passed away and the restaurant continues to be run by his family. There are more tables now which cater to slightly more guests and other lighting has been introduced alongside the candles. But it’s still very unique and I highly recommend it.

These days you can even visit the rooftop of the castle. Carn Brea has never been about fine dining. It’s always been about mediterranean food, quite average, at low prices. Although the prices have increased ever so slightly, the restaurant remains reasonably priced. You can literally eat a meal with a drink here for 25 GBP. Well worth it in my opinion. After all, you don’t get to dine in a castle every day!

7. Take a surf class in Perranporth (Cornwall)

Of course you can surf in Devon as well but I am a little biased as I moved from Devon to Cornwall specifically to surf. Newquay and Bude dominate the surf scene with Fistral Beach holding most international surf events taking place in Cornwall.

But when you are starting out you definitely want to avoid busy beach breaks. So one of my favourite places to surf has always been Perranporth – a wide flat beach with soft sand which stretches several miles. Check out Perranporth Surf School for more information!

8. Put your off-road skills to the test on the TET

The Great Western Trail is a part of the Trans European Trail (TET) which also runs through Devon & Cornwall. Any road legal vehicle which is insured and licensed is allowed to use it. If you are riding a motorcycle, then the trails are definitely more suitable for lighter two stroke dirt bikes. But if your off-road skills won’t let you down you can of course tackle it on bigger Adventure Bikes too. If you want to view and download the route click here. Fiona and I tried to take it on fully loaded on our Tiger 900 Rally Pro and boy was I out of my depth. Admittedly we didn’t make it far at all. But if you want to find out more about the route from someone who has actually ridden it then check out Julian’s photos and article.

If you are not quite ready to take it on alone and want to join a tour, it’s worth getting in touch with Big Bikes on Byways. Tim and Sean are awesome off-road riders and between them you will be travelling with a mechanic and a medic – pretty handy, right? Oh and they are also great human beings and you’ll definitely have a fun time out riding with them!

9. Taste award-winning ice cream and gin in Devon’s prettiest seaside town

Salcombe is unlike any other seaside town in Devon. Coming here provides a big contrast to some of the run-down towns dotted along the coastline that forgot to move with the times. This stunning little seaside town is lined with boutique shops, local art galleries and great seafood restaurants. It’s a popular sailing spot with some lovely stretches of golden sand beaches and award winning Devonshire ice cream from Salcombe Dairy! Don’t care much for ice cream? No worries – head to the Salcombe Gin Distillery instead

10. Discover the isles of Scilly

In order to reach the isles of Scilly you will need to jump on a plane or take a ferry from the mainland. They lie roughly 50 kilometres away from Land’s End in Cornwall. It’s possible to visit one of the five inhabited islands which are covered in heathland and fringed by sandy white beaches. What makes a visit particularly special is that the islands are completely unspoilt and compared to the mainland they don’t get crowded!

I’ve been wanting to visit this archipelago for a very long time. When I was a student living in Cornwall I could never afford to go, so I was excited to discover the islands with Fiona this summer. I was surprised that the prices for the ferry and Skybus have increased fourfold but we were still determined to go. Despite visiting in peak season the weather forecast was extremely rainy. So given the cost of the trip we didn’t splash out in the end. I hope we get to visit these islands one day as they are one of the most beautiful places you could possibly visit in Cornwall. Few people make it out to the isles of Scilly which make them a truly unique destination!

Book a ferry to the isles of Scilly

Book a Skybus to the isles of Scilly

Ready to explore Devon & Cornwall?

I hope this blogpost has provided you with some travel inspiration and perhaps highlighted a few destinations you haven’t already thought about. Questions? Feedback? Or simply want to share your favourite thing to do in Devon & Cornwall? Then please leave us a comment below. We are always happy to hear from you

Make sure you also check out my guides of the very best places to visit in Devon & Kernow!

The post 10 Awesome Things TO DO in CORNWALL & DEVON appeared first on ADV Travelbug.

1. ST. MICHAEL’S MOUNT: Could it be Le Mont-Saint-Michel in Cornwall?

There is a beautiful rocky island with a medieval castle set on top of it in Penzance. You can walk to it during low tide across a man-made causeway of granite. The walk is particularly beautiful but it’s also possible to visit on high tide by boat. I’ve never visited the castle itself but I have walked to the island many times and had Cornish cream tea whilst soaking in the views!

The village consists of only a handful of shops. To access the subtropical gardens you’ll need to book a visit to the castle! Everyone I know who has visited really enjoyed their visit. But you don’t need to go inside the castle to enjoy a visit to St Michael’s Mount.

Top Tip

You should visit during low tide as the walk to the island is really beautiful! We also recommend that you check out the National Trust website as you may need to book in advance. There is no entrance fee! However visitor numbers are currently capped due to Covid!

2. PEDN VOUNDER BEACH: Most beautiful beach in Cornwall

I promise you that this beach will leave you speechless! You will genuinely NOT BELIEVE that you are seeing this in the U.K. If you are lucky enough to make it here on a sunny day during low tide you’ll see what I mean. Honestly, Pedn Vounder is like no other beach in the UK! It’s absolutely gorgeous to overlook from the coastal path. But you definitely need a good pair of trainers for the steep walk down to make it onto the beach!

If you don’t feel climbing down onto the beach, don’t worry. The beach is lovely but the views from the coastal line overlooking it are even better! Going for a hike and enjoying your picnic with this view alone is absolutely worth the visit.

When I lived in Cornwall Pedn was mostly known for being a nudist beach. These days it attracts a mixed crowd with nudist mostly found towards the far end. Just thought it was worth mentioning to avoid surprises

Top Tip

Remember this is a tidal beach. If you visit during high tide there might not be any beach visible. So plan your visit accordingly!

Your best bet is to park in the village of Treen. The car park charges 2 GBP for the day and the short hike to Pedn Vounder beach from there is gorgeous!

3. KYNANCE COVE: One of the best coastal walks in Cornwall!

There is no doubt that Kynance Cove is one of the most spectacular places to visit along the Cornish coastline! The colour of the turquoise sea, white sand beaches and dramatic rocks stacks are truly mesmerising.

We visited during high tide when most of the white sand beaches weren’t visible. So our pictures don’t do this magical place justice! During high tide you can still enjoy the dramatic coastline but most of the beaches completely disappear. However at low tide you can explore the towering rocks stacks and caves which make this place so unique. So I highly recommend that you check the tide table and get here as early as possible in the day to avoid the crowds!

Top Tip

You can pay 5 GBP for the National Trust car park at Kynance Cove or park for free at Lizard Point. The two mile coastal walk from Lizard – England’s most southerly point – to Kynance Cove is truly stunning! I highly recommend it if you have the time. If you are opting for the car park directly at Kynance cove though make sure to get here as early as you can. During busy summer months it can fill up rather quickly!

4. POLPERRO: Old Cornish Smugglers Village

Step back in time as you wander the cobbled streets of this idyllic old fishing village. Polperro is still a working fishing port and during high tide you might be able to spot boats unloading their catch. Needless to say that if you are looking for delicious locally caught seafood, then you are in the right place! Polperro has a small beach and natural pool but there are far more attractive options along the coast if you are looking for beach time.

The nicest thing to do in Polperro is to eat delicious fresh seafood overlooking the picturesque harbour and lose yourself in the narrow streets surrounding it. There are many charming cottages, art galleries and souvenir shops in town. Polperro has a strong art scene with a yearly art festival usually held in June. Other festivities include the Water Carnival and Furry Dance.

Top Tip

There is a huge car park located just outside the town from where you can follow the river right to the harbour of Polperro. If you want to avoid the pricey parking charges, keep going straight after the roundabout and you will find a legal parking spot alongside the road only 5 min. walk up the hill!

5. MINACK THEATRE: This incredible open-air theatre is perched on the cliffs of Cornwall

The Minack is a stunning open-air theatre nestled along the dramatic Cornish coastline overlooking the Atlantic ocean. It was built by Rowena Cade, her gardener and a few more helping hands by hand and a few sticks of dynamite in 1929. How incredible is that?

To build the theatre Rowena carried sacks of sand up the cliffs and mixed it with concrete. So it’s no surprise that it took most of her life to create the masterpiece you are looking at today. I visited this magical place many years ago. Unfortunately there were no entrance tickets available on the day when Fion and I visited recently! You can pre-book a visit to see the theatre here.

But of course the best way to enjoy it, is to watch an actual play! I only visited the theatre during the day and can confirm it’s well worth a visit but I would love to watch a performance here sometimes.

Know before you go

The views of the rugged coastline from Minack theatre are breathtaking. However, it is located in such a way that you won’t be able to see it from the coastal paths. It’s also located in a no-drone zone, so if you want to see it you’ll HAVE TO book a visit!

Top Tip

You can easily combine a visit to the Minack theatre with a visit to Pedn Vounder Beach as they are close to each other and the coastal walk is simply stunning!

6. LAND’S END: The most south-westerly point of mainland Cornwall

I remember the first time I visited Land’s End and just how disappointed I felt. The main attraction should be its natural beauty. But unfortunately your first impression is a tacky tourist complex. It feels like walking through a mini amusement park with the famous landmark at the edge of the cliffs. And for 15 GBP a professional photographer will take your picture here. BUT, BEFORE YOU WRITE IT OFF …

The surrounding coastline and cliff walks are absolutely stunning and hiking to Land’s End is truly spectacular! It’s a completely different experience to reach Land’s End point this way. And yes, you can totally bypass the entire tourist complex this way.

Fiona and I walked from Porthcurno all the way to Sennen. Even though it wasn’t a sunny day, it was still absolutely stunning and spectacular! It should take you roughly 2.5 – 3 hours to reach Land’s End from Porthcurno. It took us more like 4 hours though as we kept stopping for pictures every two seconds! We aren’t the fittest but I blame the gorgeous views mostly.

Oh yes, and there was a lovely little cafe along the way that was calling out for a Cream Tea! The walk from the ‘Land’s End’ signpost to Sennen only takes 30 min. and takes you past the shipwreck as well.

Top Tip

If you want to avoid queing and paying a photographer 15 GBP for a photo at the Land’s End signpost then visit before the gates open. We rode in on our motorbike around 7.30am. You can easily get inside using the gate to the right of the main entrance!

7. BEDRUTHAN STEPS: Most dramatic beach in Cornwall

This place reminds me a little of the 12 Apostles in Australia! Or Diamond beach in Nusa Penida. It’s certainly unlike any other place in Cornwall! Along the dramatic coastline giant rock stacks dominate the beach surrounded by wide golden sand beaches. It is completely unspoilt and best viewed from the cliff tops! At low tide the beach stretches for over a mile. And on high tide, you guessed it, there is no beach at all. The shape of the rock formations continue to change all the time due to the erosion caused by the waves!

Legend has it that the line of huge rocks were stepping stones of the Cornish giant named Bedruthan. In the 18th Century there also used to be a cliff top mine called Carnewas Mine which raised thousands of tons of iron ore. Staircases were cut into the rocks allowing the miners access to the beach. The steps are constantly undergoing work by the National Trust to make them safe to use by the public now. Due to recent cliff falls the beach is not currently accessible. But don’t worry, the view from the clifftops alone is so stunning, it will make the visit worthwhile!

Top Tip

Check the tide table again because Bedruthan is a tidal beach as well. As stunning as the coastline is at any given time, come here during low tide, and I promise you’ll be left speechless!

8. ST. IVES: Most beautiful seaside town in Cornwall

Fall in love with St.Ives as you wander through the maze of narrow cobbled streets and soak in the unique vibe of its art and surf scene! It has many independent shops and beautiful fisherman’s cottages and the best way to explore this picturesque town is to get lost in its narrow lanes. One of my favourite features is that it is surrounded by several beautiful beaches. No matter if you want to surf or looking for a sheltered and quiet beach, there are plenty of them wrapped around this beautiful town to choose from.

And don’t miss out on the many delicious seafood restaurants in town. Just be cautious of the seagulls – they can be pretty vicious around here! If you are on a budget or just looking for a small bite to eat I recommend the Cornish Bakehouse. They sell an excellent cray, prawn and crab baguette for 5 GBP.

Top Tip

St.Ives can get super busy in the summer, especially during term holidays. The crowds can definitely kill some of its charm. It’s usually quieter around 10am and it can get pretty crowded from noon onwards. Also, if you aren’t staying in town then you might be better off catching the train in. Whereas it’s pretty easy to park your motorcycle, trying to find parking for a car here can be pretty frustrating!

9. CHAPEL PORTH: Learn about Cornwall’s past & heritage!

Cornwall has a strong heritage and you will more than likely spot the many tin mines dotted across the peninsula. I have always loved the coastal walk from Chapel Porth to the engine houses of Wheal Coates via St Agnes Beacon. The panoramic views are stunning and reach all across to Porthtowan and Portreath! And the tin mine and engine houses are really well preserved. There is so much local history to discover and I personally prefer learning about it outdoors rather than inside a museum!

The fastest way to get to the Wheal Coates Tin Mine is parking in the National Trust car park of Chapel Porth. The walk only takes about 20 minutes. However, my favourite way to reach this place is to park up at Porthtowan during low tide, walk across to Chapel Porth and make your way to the Wheal Coates Tin Mine. Watch out though and check when the tide comes back in so you don’t get caught out! Porthtowan itself has a beautiful beach and a lovely cafe located right on it.

Know before you go

Tin mines are scattered ALL OVER Cornwall and you don’t have to come to Chapel Porth just to see them. I personally just really like it here because the backdrop and coastal views are so special!

Top Tip

Cornwall is spoilt with gorgeous stretches of coastline. So if you don’t care much for tin mines and you are strapped for time then give this one a miss. But if you want to learn more about Cornwall’s culture and visit some places that aren’t already highlighted in every other travel blog then this is for you!

10. PORT ISAAC: Charming cornish fishing village

Port Isaac is a tiny, but very charming fishing village along the north coast. I particularly love the narrow, winding streets behind the harbour lined with white-washed cottages. Many of the traditional slate-fronted houses date back to the 18th century and are listed buildings. The harbour is still very much in use and you will be able to see fisherman unload their catch of crabs, fish and lobster. Needless to say there are excellent seafood restaurants in town. Sadly for us, due to Covid many of them were closed.

Know before you go

There isn’t an awful lot to do in town and there are far more beautiful beaches to explore. Port Isaac is perfect to explore by foot and feel like you got lost in time if you find yourself in this part of Cornwall. It’s quiet, unspoilt and rustic. But if you are stopping by for longer than just a bite to eat and quick stroll around town, then you should definitely hit the coastal trails. You can either hike towards Polzeath or Tintagel in the other direction and the views are simply stunning!

Port Isaac is not THE highlight of Cornwall and I wouldn’t specifically drive here if you aren’t in the area already. It made it onto this list because it’s very authentic and doesn’t get overrun by tourists. So if like us you are doing a roadtrip across all of Cornwall, this is a lovely little stop to incorporate. It provides a nice contrast to other picture-perfect, well maintained places like Polperro that get a little too busy with tourists in the peak season!

Top Tip

Port Isaac is a car-free village. You will need to park at the large car park and take a stroll into town. Just follow the steep hill leading down towards the harbour. Have fun going back up

Are you ready to visit Cornwall?

Hopefully this blogpost has given you some travel inspiration and perhaps even helped you plan your next roadtrip. Bear in mind that Cornwall gets pretty busy in the summer. And let’s face it … it’s the UK so there is no guaranteed sunshine if you come during peak summer months anyway.

My favourite time to visit is April or October when there are few tourists and hotel prices drop. Especially very busy places like St. Ives feel so much more magical during quieter times!!

Questions? Thoughts? Or simply want to share your favourite place in Cornwall? Please leave us a comment below – we always look forward to hearing from you

The post Top 10 Beautiful Places to Explore in Cornwall appeared first on ADV Travelbug.

Our ride through Devon was a trip down memory lane for me! I moved to Devon at the age of 16 but it’s been a very long time since I’ve last visited. I knew a lot of stunning places and couldn’t wait to show Fiona round my favourite spots. But as I used to live on the south coast I didn’t know the north coast well at all. This was about to change however!!

As part of our Land’s End to John O’Groats road trip, we made our way through the south coast of Devon. And once we reached Land’s End, we travelled back up the north coast. But we didn’t just stick to the coast! We also found some off-road adventure on the Trans European Trail (TET) and visited some National Parks too!

HERE ARE 5 PLACES YOU SIMPLY CAN’T MISS WHEN VISITING!!!

1. DARTMOOR: My favourite National Park in Devon

If you love hiking and nature then you’ll be spoilt for choice across the 386 square miles of moorlands. In addition, Dartmoor is the ONLY place in England where you can legally wild camp. You can hike across the tors, tackle steep hills, go fishing or take a dip in one of the many lakes. We were very excited about wild camping. However, there are many luxurious boutique hotels and cosy B&Bs inside the National Park.

Just driving through Dartmoor alone is absolutely stunning. But it’s obviously a hiker’s paradise! My absolute favourite hike was walking to the Wistman’s Mossy Woods. Anywhere you hike you will be sure to see free roaming ponies and horses, sheep, Highland Cows and other wildlife. You’ll often find sheep asleep on the road or crossing over so there is really no point driving fast and disturbing their piece. Fiona and I spent two nights wild camping and hiking across Darmoor and absolutely loved it!

2. SALCOMBE: the prettiest seaside town in Devon

Hands down the prettiest town in Devon! Salcombe is located within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the coastal views are simply stunning, as well as the surrounding countryside! The crystal blue waters make it a popular sailing spot and attract many tourists for kayaking or paddle boarding. Fiona and I enjoyed our time on the golden sand beaches of East Portlemouth which has a stunning view over the town. It’s impossible to miss as you’ll be looking right onto it when walking through Salcombe. The ferry ride will only set you back 2 GBP and takes only a couple of minutes to drop you at this dead-gorgeous beach! However, remember to bring a picnic as there are no facilities on the beach.

The town itself is lined with boutique shops, local art galleries and gift shops. There are some fantastic restaurants serving locally caught fresh seafood. We may have gone crazy on crab sandwiches which are very easy to find. Two more things you should try whilst in town are Salcombe Dairy Ice-cream and the award-winning Salcombe Gin. There is a distillery right in town if you fancy a tasting!

And don’t miss out on one of the most stunning coastal walks in Devon along the South West Coast Path to Start Point Lighthouse. For detailed directions click here.

Where to stay

Fiona and I camped at the Higher Rew just out of town, but there are many fancy boutique hotels and nice B&Bs located in Salcombe as well.

3. BLACKPOOL SANDS: my favourite beach in Devon

Blackpool Sands is a crescent-shaped beach made of pebbles located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is surrounded by scented pines and my absolute favourite beach in Devon! It even has a cafe right on the beach serving local organic foods. The car park charges cars 7 GBP for the day but we could park our motorcycle here for free! If you are staying in the nearby town of Dartmouth you can also hike to Blackpool Sands. It takes around 2 hours and provides gorgeous views of the surrounding coast line.

The beach is pretty wide so although it can get pretty busy it doesn’t feel too crowded. In addition it is a blue-flag beach, which means it’s safe for swimming.

Are you a history buff? Then you might like to check out the next beach along too. A Sherman tank on Slapton Sands commemorates the tragedy of Exercise Tiger during World War Two in which 946 American servicemen lost their lives. German E-boats surprised the troops but sadly many lives were also lost in ‘friendly fire’.

4. CLOVELLY: this ancient fishing village is a true gem!

Clovelly is one of the most picturesque fishing villages I’ve ever visited. It’s impossible not to fall in love with it as you stroll down its cobbled street along flower-strewn cottages down to the harbour. There is strictly no car traffic which adds to its charm. Donkeys transport everything from groceries to furniture.

It’s pretty unique to spend the night in Clovelly. It’s a very popular tourist destination for day visits but most people leave by 5pm. Experiencing Clovelly in the evening, away from the crowds, is a truly unique experience and will make you feel like you have stepped back in time. Fiona and I arrived here in the evening. We loved exploring the town which we had pretty much to ourselves and chatting to the locals.

After a perfect dinner we decided not to come back the next morning as we knew it wouldn’t be as special. First of all it would have been far more crowded the next day. Secondly, the Visitor Centre right next to the car park charges an entrance fee during the day. The entrance fee was definitely a bit of a surprise to us. I’m also not entirely sure if we would have been willing to pay it. In general, we avoid most attractions with an entrance fee. I am not sure if Clovelly would have had the same charm for us after paying the entrance fee on a busy day so I recommend visiting in the evening!

Clovelly’s Annual Festivals

Clovelly and the surrounding coastline were historically known for smuggling, piracy and shipwrecks. Its heritage is still very much reflected in various annual festivals like the “Lobster & Crab Feast” in September, “Hering Festival” in November, the “Seaweed Festival” in June and “Maritime Festival” in July.

Where to stay

There are only two hotels in town: the 400 year old New Inn and the C18th Red Lion on the quay. We didn’t stay in town but enjoyed delicious lobster and seafood for dinner at the New Inn. It’s a lovely traditional pub with a fabulous selection of cider which they make themselves. A double room at the New Inn will set you back 140 GBP.

Fiona and I found a friendly farmer just outside of town who was happy for us to pitch our tent in his field for the night!

5. VALLEY OF ROCKS

The Valley of Rocks is a fascinating valley running parallel to the dramatic coastline bordering Exmoor National Park on the north coast of Devon. Hike up the cliff tops for some truly stunning views of the unique coastline and mountain backdrops! You are almost certain to encounter free roaming goats wandering the rock faces. The best way to experience this rugged valley is to take in the views with a coastal hike. There is a popular circular route from the nearby town of Lynton to the Valley of Rocks. Click here for maps and directions or to find more challenging hikes in this breathtaking location.

Are you ready to explore Devon?

Hopefully this blog post has provided you with a useful overview of some of the highlights Devon has to offer. It has such a great mix of natural beauty, coastal walks, beaches and picturesque towns. No matter if you are heading to the north coast or south coast, there is an abundance of natural beauty to explore. Want to learn how to surf? Check out the Croyde Surf Academy. And if you are into off-road riding, do check out the Great Western Trail of the TET. But whatever you do, make time for some stunning hikes and plenty of stops for traditional Devon Cream Tea. And if you want to check out Devon’s alternative scene, then make sure to check out the historic market town of Totnes.

If you have any questions or simply want to tell us about YOUR favourite place in Devon then please leave us a comment below. We are always happy to hear from you

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Triumph Adventure Centre

The day started early with an 8am meet up at the Triumph Adventure Centre. Outside the entrance Triumph’s latest generation of Triumph Tiger, Bonneville Street Scrambler and Scrambler 1200 motorcycles were ready to greet us. Inside, Matt and his great team of instructors met us, sorted us out with refreshment and kindly asked us to sign our life away Nothing to worry about, just a standard piece of paper reminding you of the risks when riding off-road!

We then walked towards the changing rooms where each participant had a locker set up for themselves with off-road body armour which we could request in advance. Everything was ready. Knee braces, body armour, jackets, trousers, gloves and even rain gear. Not that we’d need it. The heat wave across England meant the trails were bone dry. It was going to be a scorching hot day!

Everyone arrived and geared up within the next half an hour. The refreshment area was a nice space to socialise and introduce each other. Meanwhile, a pretty cool video was projected in the background giving us a taste of what the day had in store for us. Steep hills, deep gravel, river crossings and dusty power slides. Everyone was buzzing to get out on the bikes!

The Triumph Experience Day helped me improve my riding confidence, bike handling and maneuvering skills. The terrain was really varied and quality of training top notch!

Sandra (ADV TRavelbug)

Picking our Triumph weapons for the day

We all had a preferred motorcycle. To my surprise, most people wanted to jump on the Scrambler. I know the Tiger 900 Rally Pro handles beautifully off-road and is very easy to handle. Why make life harder for yourself? In other words, the Scrambler didn’t tempt me! I had taken it on a test ride just a few weeks ago and wondered why anyone would ride it off-road, when the Tiger was clearly a much easier and more comfortable choice for off-road riding. Granted, doing power slides on a scrambler looks about 10 times cooler than doing it on the Tiger! But other than that I assumed everyone would be fighting over the Tiger 900 Rally Pro. I was wrong!

In any case, we needn’t have worried. The day is designed for everyone to try the Tiger and Scrambler! Though you don’t have to switch if you don’t want to!

I will add here that by the end of the day everyone who tried both the Tiger and the Scrambler agreed that the Tiger 900 Rally Pro was definitely easier to handle for off-road riding. See … told you all

Quick briefing before we hit the road

Some of us were quite familiar with the Scrambler and Tiger and others hadn’t ridden one before. So we had a quick briefing to make sure everyone knew how to adjust the settings and switch into off-road mode. And so no one would start searching for the key on their keyless ride. So after a brief intro of the bikes and what to expect from the day we hit the road!

Slow speed maneuvers

We had just enough time on the road to get a feel for the bike, especially for those that hadn’t ridden it before of course! Then we hit the gravel and once we were inside the Triumph Training arena ,we stopped to split into groups and go over the basics. Everyone wanting to hit the trails hard went into one group. There were some seriously good riders on the day and I knew better than to fool myself that tagging along with them would be a good idea. That thought was confirmed when I saw them power sliding literally into each corner they took shortly after!

I stayed in a group of four riders that all had some off-road experience but never had any training. Except Karen. She is a very confident on-street rider who hadn’t been off-road before. To my surprise you couldn’t tell. Her tight turns on gravel were solid! But Phoenix impressed me most! At only 5ft she handled the tall Scrambler like a boss! I have always had huge respect for off-road riders that can’t reach the ground properly with their feet and not letting it hold them back.

The exercises on the day were all aimed to drum the correct body position for off-road riding into you, enable you to shift your body weight to initiate turns and counter steer for tighter turns. We also spend some time focused on braking and getting a feel for what exactly the front brake and rear brake do by themselves. So no one would be scared of a drifting rear tyre and learn how to apply brakes properly. We also covered hill climbs. But throughout the day we would always return to turns which got tighter and tighter with each exercise!

Trail riding

Trail riding can be pretty exhausting! So the day was split between doing an exercise, followed by some trail riding, another exercise, a little break, some more trail riding and so on. It was the perfect mix to get a lot of riding in, but also enough brakes to hydrate and practice slow speed maneuvers.

The trails were mostly gravel, with ruts, potholes and loose stones with some single trail sections. I was particularly impressed with one particular loop of the training ground covered in all sorts of ruts. Some pretty deep, and a couple really muddy despite the otherwise dry conditions. The loop is pretty small so you can do it over and over again and really nail riding through ruts!

Meanwhile the other group was riding up steeper hills, focused more on single trail riding, jumps and power sliding. The terrain also has some awesome water crossing, although sadly we didn’t get a chance to ride it on our one day training. There were a few muddy paddles which are usually much more challenging but we just so happened to visit after the heat wave so there wasn’t much water or slick mud.

Back to the Triumph Adventure Centre

Throughout the day Triumph provided us with refreshments, plenty of water, various energy bars and of course a much needed lunch! It was also a nice way to catch up with the other group and hide in the shade for a bit.

Around 3.30 pm the day had finished and both groups got together for the final ride back which would leave the Triumph training arena and take on some byways open to the general public. Everyone was pretty exhausted! But we had an awesome day and were up for one last ride. So we blasted down some more gravel roads and Matt delivered on the water crossing he’d promised me to finish the day on a high!

I cannot tell you how grateful I felt for the clean showers and fresh towels once we got back to the Triumph Adventure Centre. We were all dripping with sweat and desperate to clean the dust of our faces!

Overall impressions of the Triumph Adventure Experience

The training was really top-notch and focused on improving our techniques! My Triumph Adventure Experience Day was equivalent to a Level 1 training. Despite that I definitely feel I learnt how to improve my body position and turn tighter. I would have loved to stay another day to practice hill starts, ride more single track and take on water crossings but that simply means I will be back for more soon

The instructors were all brilliant, the terrain was very impressive and the facilities were top-notch! Can I recommend it? 100%. Will I be back? You bet!

Sandra (ADV Travelbug)

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1. Old Harry Rocks, Dorset

On the most eastern point of the Jurassic coast you will find the three famous chalk formations, called Old Harry Rocks. The only way to visit them is to hike. If you are looking for a short, easy hike of no more than half an hour I recommend parking at the Bankes Arms Inn Studland. And it’s also a very nice pub for lunch with a nice beer garden.

Although the viewpoint looking straight across the Old Harry Rocks is gorgeous, the highlight for me really was the coastal walk overlooking the dramatic white chalk cliffs. The hike from Old Harry Rocks to Swanage is simply gorgeous so if you have more time, pop on your hiking boots and start your hike in Swanage Bay instead. It’s about 10.5km (6.5 miles) so factor in about 3 hours round-trip with breaks.

2. Corfe Castle, Dorset

Corfe Castle is a cute little village in Dorset and the site of a ruined castle which sits on top of a hill. Driving into the historic village is really beautiful with stone houses lining the streets and the backdrop of the isle of Purbeck which the castle ruins stand on. Even without paying to go inside, it’s really lovely to drive through the village. The central point of this historic town is a little square with an old church, some independent shops, taverns and inns. If you have visited the Old Harry Rocks and heading further east, you will naturally pass it. It’s definitely worth a quick stop!

3. Lulworth Cove

Lulworth Cove is a pebble beach, particularly popular at low tide when it forms beautiful little rock pools. The beach itself is not the main draw (for me personally) so much as the surrounding countryside and coastal walks. There is a great big car park in Lulworth Cove and the tiny village has a few lovely Inns and restaurants serving seafood. It’s very cute and perfect for lunch! But the highlight, without a shadow of a doubt, is to hike across to Durdle Door!

4. DURDLE DOOR: Dorset’s most iconic and photographed landmark

The most popular destination in Dorset is this natural limestone arch which stands about 200 feet above sea level. There is a huge car park from where you can hike to it. It takes about 15-20 min. to reach the point from where you can overlook Durdle Door. The downhill path isn’t very steep but if you add the further 143 steps to reach the beach, it can be a little exhausting on the way back up. Don’t worry though – it’s worth every step! Durdle Door is absolutely gorgeous but on a hot summer’s day (especially during half term!) this place can get somewhat overrun with visitors, killing a little of its charm. So it definitely pays off to time your visit outside of school holidays and ideally mid week! Durdle Door is magnificent but so are the surrounding coastal walks so I wouldn’t rush your visit here!

5. Chesil Beach

Chesil Beach is a 29 kilometre (18 miles) long beach running from West Bay to the isle of Portland. It is up to 15 meters high and 200 meters wide. It looks especially unique from above as it runs parallel to the coast so bring your drone if you have one! Contrary to other beaches you don’t find any facilities here. No deckchairs, no pastel painted beach huts, no ice-cream stand. If you prefer wild, rugged and quieter places all to yourself then THIS IS IT! And if you happen to enjoy fishing then you are in for a treat. Bexington is a fantastic spot to catch mackerel!

The pebbles on Chesil beach around Portland are roughly the size of a potato. But around Bridport you’ll find smaller pea-sized pebbles. Legend has it that smugglers landing on the beach could judge their position just by picking up the pebbles and feel their size. These days, the pebble sizes might help you decide where your camping chair is less likely to topple over!

Chesil Beach is NOT great for swimming due to strong undercurrents. It’s best visited by people who like to get away from the crowds, appreciate rugged nature, a quiet fishing spot or explore the wildlife around!

Looking for a safer beach for swimming?

If you are looking for a beach more suited to swimming, try Westbay. West Bay is a little harbour village with two main beaches. East Beach is a sloping shingle beach with a gorgeous backdrop of the surrounding sandstone cliffs. The cliffs rise 50 meter vertically above the beach and from atop you can enjoy breathtaking views over Chesil Beach. West Bay is a smaller, quieter and more sheltered beach with shallow water. If you are looking for a good swimming beach and coastal walks for fossil hunting close to a town with facilities, then this is a good option!

Are you ready to explore Dorset?

We definitely found that Dorset had more to offer than expected! I’ll remember it mostly for stunning cliff walks overlooking the white chalk cliffs. And secondly for the absolutely fantastic views across the coastline riding down the A35 on our motorbike!

Any questions or simply want to share your thoughts on this blogpost? Please comment below. I’m always happy to hear from you

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