Testimonials

The Great Escape Tours has Featured in The Times supplement 'Beyond The Beach' 50 Thrilling Adventures: No. 42 'Highland Fling' 25/10/2009

HIGHLAND TOUR (from Oct '09 issue of Gun magazine, royal enfield owners club)

In july this year i ventured on a 4 day 5 nights guided tour of the western highlands of Scotland, on a Royal Enfield 500 in the very capable and knowledgable care of Kenny Finlayson. An ex racing mechanic who maintains a fleet of 500cc bullets and who is "THE GREAT ESCAPE TOURS" The tour starts and finishes in Thurso, covering over 100 miles per day. The stops are frequent and leisurely for refreshment and sightseeing and i guarantee the scenery,landscape and veiws are breathtaking. Kenny with his laid back and relaxed nature is totally in control of all eventualities. Ours being an unplanned off road experience (well almost) where we had to negotiate 2 landslides across the road, the councils lads worked like troopers to lay down a quick surface for our bikes to cross. This was an all inclusive CLASSIC TOUR. Your luggage is taken ahead to the next hotel en route, there being a tank bag provided for your cameras etc and daily needs. The only money you require is for beer in the evenings, all food, fuel and refreshments and entry fees being covered in the inclusive price. The roads used were single track mainly and included the western coastal route, places of interest along the route are too many to list and the scenery is just stunning. Our bikes attracted inquisitive crowds wherever we stopped and stares as we passed through villages. (who wouldnt when a group of Enfields with sports silencers go past?) Kenny takes groups of 6 bikes, pillions if required, otherwise single seats. Its an experience of a lifetime. Check it out on www.thegreatescapetours.co.uk

Thanks Kenny

See you next year

Seth Allen, Lincolnshire

Kenny

Belatedly wanted to say what an excellent time I had on the tour. Sorry I never let you have the exit form, but I would not change a thing. While the hotels were fine, particularly at Tongue, I’d also be just as happy to do the B&B version.

Saw a lot of familiar views, and the Tongue Hotel, on David Mitchell’s ‘Who Do You Think You Are’ the other day. Brought back some happy memories of the tour.

Having barely ridden off-road before, I really enjoyed the track up to the clearance village, and would like to do a bit more. The landslide by Loch Hope was another highlight for me (kind of you to arrange it….), and I really enjoyed winding up your 350 on the last afternoon. Just like being 16 on a Fizzie again, but with about 4 stone more weight and a lot less hair……

On the trip back, I wondered what the hell was wrong with my Honda at first. Having plenty of power was fine, but it felt so top heavy it was really hard work for the first 40 miles or so. Thought something had broken, but it was me.

Yours, Mark Waters

Hello Kenny and family

My brother and i would like to thank you for the special effort you made on his birthday, the salmon was a surprise, as was cooking it in the dishwasher (still wonder where you got it?????). We have been thinking of a dedicated flyfishing trip in 2010, get the feeling you would enjoy that , what do you think? I have purchased a 350 bullet, not as much pull but perfect for round here, who knows i may ride it north next time.

TTFN Nigel and Craig Andrews, Carlisle

Hi Kenny

trust you are all well and had a good finish to the season. Attaching some photos . We've had a few laughs telling friends about the trip. Thanks again for a great week, great to meet you and your family.

Steve and Gillie, Devon

Just a quick note to thank you for a great trip, a truly unique experience, couldnt believe how quiet the roads were and its strange getting back amongst the traffic down here, loved the scenery and was pleasantly surprised there are still real wilderness areas left in the UK. It really did feel like a step back in time , i kept expecting a ford popular to appear ahead.

All the best Kenny and good luck with your endeavours

P.s. thanks for the tip about the button it fixed it

Yours, Richard Furneaux, Devon

HOOTS MON

Had a superb trip up north and will definately be back ,one tip ,NO HAGGIS,it came back on me for two days. Loved the mountains and will miss the empty roads.

Clive Woods, Newcastle