Plan the Year’s Best Tours with KD Motorcycles, Padiham
Spring will soon be in the air!
(Let's face it, us bikers have little else to do right now the weather has soured, other than plan and get ready for those Spring and Summer rides).
Christmas is just around the corner and then before you know it, the hedgerows are going green, and your bike is practically
humming for attention. If you’re itching to plan weekend jaunts, multi day
tours or the classic “let’s see where the road takes us” runs, here’s a
practical, rider friendly plan from KD Motorcycles with the top scenic spots
across Britain, where to stay, and whether they suit groups, couples or solo
explorers.
First
things first: service the love of your life
You know she always works better after a good servicing and a bit of lube. So before you wheel her out, give your bike the care she deserves. Book a spring service at KD Motorcycles in Padiham, oil, filters, chain, tyre check and a good battery test will save grief later. Do a quick personal spa: remove the cover, wipe down the tank, check tyre pressures and lights, and give the chain a little kiss of lube. A fresh service means you can fully enjoy those golden spring rides without thinking about forced pit-stops. Routine checks and a professional service keep weekend plans predictable and fun.
The Top 15
Most Scenic Places to Visit by Motorcycle (Britain)
These aren’t ranked, they’re all brilliant for different reasons. I’ve marked whether they’re best for solo/couple trips or group outings and suggested rider friendly places to stay.
North Coast 500 (Scotland)
The canonical long-distance tour: dramatic coastal stretches, hairpins and remote beauty. Ideal for multi day solo or small group tours; plenty of biker-friendly B&Bs, campsites and motorcycle aware hotels around Inverness, Ullapool and Durness.
The Trough of Bowland / Forest of Bowland (Lancashire)
Close to Padiham and excellent for a day loop or a quick weekend. Tight, scenic lanes and moorland views; perfect for single riders, couples or small groups. Look for inns around Slaidburn and Dunsop Bridge that welcome bikers.
Kirkstone Pass & the Lake District (Cumbria)
Sweeping passes, lakeside stops and routes linking Ambleside to Windermere. Great for couples and small groups; plenty of biker friendly hotels and pubs.
Snake Pass & Woodhead Pass (Peak District / Derbyshire)
Fast, twisty, and scenic, a classic day ride from the Midlands. Best for experienced solo riders or small groups; pubs in Glossop and Edale are reliable rider stops.
A82 / Glencoe (Scotland)
Mountain scenery, dramatic valleys, perfect for a serious day of viewing and riding. Suited for couples and small groups wanting spectacular landscape photos.
North York Moors & the A169 (Rosedale / Whitby loop)
Coastal meets moorland; a mellow but stunning route with great tea stops. Ideal for couples and relaxed groups.
The Antrim Coast / Causeway Coastal Route (Northern Ireland)
Cliff top roads, coastal scenery and the Giant’s Causeway nearby. Great for tourers; many motorcycle-friendly guesthouses.
The Black Mountain Pass (Brecon Beacons / A4069)
Tight climbs and dramatic curves brilliant for confident riders; small groups or solo thrill-seekers will love it.
Snowdonia (A470 and surrounding passes)
Rugged roads and mountain views; good for touring couples and groups who enjoy stops for walks and photos (one of my personal favourites).
Cornwall Coast & Bodmin Moor (A39, A30 loops)
Coastal lanes, seaside pubs and surf towns brilliant for weekend escapes and couples’ trips.
Pembrokeshire Coastal Roads (Wales)
Quiet coastal roads and great B&Bs; a relaxed multi day circuit for couples and small touring groups.
The Cotswolds (B-road loops)
Gentle scenery, great cafés and historic pubs, superb for cruisers, touring couples and relaxed group rides
Devon’s Dartmoor (A382 & surrounding lanes)
Wild moorland roads, photo-worthy stops and biker-friendly inns.
Isle of Skye & the Hebrides (Scotland)
Remote, dramatic and unforgettable, best as part of a longer Scotland tour; ideal for small touring groups or adventurous solo riders. Note: plan accommodation in advance in summer.
North Wales Coastal and Mountain Loops (Conwy to Beddgelert)
Mix of coastal and mountain roads; ideal for mid length loops and camping or cottage stays.
Where to
stay, biker friendly tips
B&Bs and guesthouses
near popular routes often advertise motorcycle parking, drying rooms and secure storage. They’re great for couples or solo riders who want cosy stops.
Hostels and bunkhouses
are cheaper options for larger groups or
younger riders.
Motorcycle friendly hotels
and inns often offer covered parking and
mechanical contacts excellent for group bookings.
Camping & moto camping
can be brilliant in summer but consider
safety and weather changes; some campsites offer hardstanding for bikes.
When booking for a group, call ahead many
smaller places will hold a block of rooms and may offer a secure place for
helmets and luggage.
Planning
your trip: practical checklist
Book a
service at KD Motorcycles (oil, chain, brakes, tyres, battery). A pre-tour
check avoids roadside dramas. Don’t forget KD Motorcycles supply extended
warranties, which are excellent value for money.
Route
plan: pick realistic distances, 150/250 miles/day is comfortable on a
touring bike, but remember, you are also there for the views.
Accommodation:
pre-book for summer hotspots like NC500, Skye, popular Lake District inns
and North Wales.
Kit:
layers, waterproofs, ear protection and simple toolkit. Carry emergency
numbers and roadside assistance details.
Group etiquette: nominate a lead and sweep rider, pre-brief on stops and pace, and agree on communication signals.
Ride smart,
ride wide
Spring and summer are made for opening the garage, taking the cover off, and wiping the tank until it shines. Plan a service, sort your kit, pick a route that matches your crew and comfort level, and map out a few biker friendly places to bunk down each night. Whether it’s a cheeky day loop around the Forest of Bowland or a full blown NC500 adventure, the British Isles are packed with roads that remind you why you ride. We’re here at KDMotorcycles in Padiham to get you sorted, serviced and on the road, give us a bell and let’s make the 2026 riding season one to remember.
Safe miles, plenty of smiles!
No matter what you ride, get out, be safe and just enjoy it.
Oh, and bring a jacket in case the weather gets cheeky.
At KD Motorcycles we also have a full motorcycle clothing and accessories department, and can also fit trackers, heated grips etc and/or any other feature you would like to add to your machine.
