Caledonian Cogs
Bio
Have bike, will travel
Stories (6/0)
The People, The Poetry, and The Passing Places (Pt. 2)
One of the lesser explored areas of Scotland is the lovely Clackmannanshire. This may be down to the fact that perhaps it does not have the most mellifluous sounding of names, but it truly is a wonder and right on my doorstep too. Its beauty stems not only from its understated nature but also from the bent backs of human labour. The Rolling Hills and random woodlands are interspersed with quaint small holdings and large stables. There are vast amounts of mighty steeds and handsome geldings on display as the roads twist amongst them. Horses are, of course, majestic creatures, toned most splendidly for physical work but as the road ambles past them you occasionally catch their eye, which display a deep understanding of the feeling of freedom the bike provides. Horses approve, like a gentle Grandparent would, not directly vested in any sense of responsibility towards you, but certainly not unconcerned. I like horses but do like to keep my respectful distance. Deep in Clackmannanshire is Castle Campbell which was the lowland seat of power for one of Scotland's most notorious Clans. Clan Campbell has a convoluted and complex history in terms of whose side they were on, from the Wars of Scottish Independence to the Jacobite uprising. The only thing that is safe to say is that they have always been on their own side when it came to forwarding their interests. Castle Campbell was originally known as Castle Gloom; this arises from the Scot's Gaelic word glom meaning chasm, which refers to its position at the top of Dollar Glen, a deep scar that runs through the hillside and not a reference to the long shadow The Campbell's would come to cast across the political intrigue of Scottish History.
By Caledonian Cogs5 years ago in Wander
Here's tae the New Season!
Alain deLille is apparently responsible for the origin of the idiom, "All roads lead to Rome;" if that were true, then equally all roads would lead away from it, too! Rome, of course, can be substituted for any major capital city and my sentiment remains the same.
By Caledonian Cogs5 years ago in Wander
- Top Story - August 2018
Cursed Trees and Blessed NatureTop Story - August 2018
The Summer draws to a close but the biking season is still in full flow. Last week I took a quick jaunt south again. The Scottish borders truly have some wonderful sights, perfect for navigating your machine through in the hope of uncovering the natural beauty. What more could one want than quiet roads that traverse nature? I took the long way down, past the Harperrig Resevoir, it has suffered from the hot, dry days we experienced through June and July, but will no doubt recover with the help of the August deluges! Funny to note that whatever road you travel in Scotland you will most likely see the yellow plates of our continental neighbours, most notably the kindly Dutch. The NL seems to stand for "Never Lost," as it appears to me that they have an uncanny ability to unearth Scottish Beauty spots. Overlooking the tranquillity of the deep waters I spotted just such a couple tucking into their sandwiches, they gave a nod of approval at my passing 1200CCs. The roar of the engine echoing through the glen failed to distract them from their lunch. It's not just the advent of the Edinburgh International Festival that brings in our Euro-mates, I believe the Dutch have an inherent sense of adventure when it come to all things bonny.
By Caledonian Cogs6 years ago in Wander
'A-Road' Adventures
It doesn't take much to get inspired when you have a bike. I work funny shifts, which means I am often free when others aren't. Last week was no exception, when my Girlfriend and I decided to take a short day trip in search of said inspiration. Her ancestral line is complex and takes in parties from the depths of the Bavarian Forest through to the Clan Douglas. The clan had a stronghold in the Scottish Borders, where they controlled several areas of land. With this in mind we set out to find Morton Castle near Thornhill in Dumfries and Galloway.
By Caledonian Cogs6 years ago in Wander
Scottish Motorcycle Diaries
Be you an adventure seeker or a treasure hunter, chances are you can tick both boxes by strapping on a bike helmet and heading for the North of Scotland. I recently made the trip to the beautiful Arisaig peninsula, which sits on the western coast of Scotland before it gives way to the sea and The Small Isles of Eigg and Rum. The journey itself takes in the untamed wilderness of Rannoch Moor and Glencoe; which is where we find our adventure, navigating the serpent-like roads, the treasure is found when the clouds break and spill light across the ferocious looking mountain tops. We have had a fairly exceptional summer in Scottish terms, bright blue skies and warm, balmy nights. Sadly it was back to normal business when I set off from my home in West Lothian, under oppressive grey clouds.
By Caledonian Cogs6 years ago in Wander