I’ve travelled to a fair few remote parts of this planet over the years, but most have required a long-haul flight to reach them.
The Scottish Highlands, however, no matter where you are in the British Isles, are no more than a (often very long) car drive away.
And the further north you travel, the more you feel the weight of the modern world lift from your shoulders; the air becomes fresher, the pace of life is slower, the roads are clearer and the weather is wilder.
Yes, it can be hostile up north, especially on the west coast, but a wise man once said, "There is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing". Or something like that.
On the approach to the very first climb in the Cycling Climbs of Scotland, over Quinag mountain, the purity of the landscape and its exquisite ruggedness are simply stunning.
Every stubborn blade of grass that withstands the howling winds, every exposed rock that has been worn bare from years of exposure to the elements, is a jewel.
And this is repeated over and over, on climb after remarkable climb. Then there’s the lack of people, and to be more precise, cars.
The roads are empty and quiet, sweeping and flowing their way through hills and valleys, connecting far-flung villages and towns via savage inclines and stunning vistas.
These roads are freedom, so if you want remote, if you yearn for adventure, there’s no need to travel to the ends of the earth. Just pack your best waterproofs and warmest baselayers, and head north to the remote part of Britain.
Here are a few of my absolute favourites, from the Borders to the Highlands.
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1. Lowther Hill
The service road that takes you up to the radar station on top of Lowther Hill is just sensational.
If you approach from Mennock via Wanlockhead, you will have been climbing for 11km before you turn to take on the tough 4km to the summit to reveal one of the best views the whole country has to offer.
2. The Serpentine
A little further north, on the Island of Bute, lies the most compressed set of hairpin bends in the UK.
This is Britain’s answer to Lombard Street in San Francisco, but whereas that has only eight hairpins, the Serpentine has 14.
The corners are stacked one on top of another, all packed into 750 metres.
It's worth the price of the ferry alone.
3. Bealach na Bà
Continuing up the west coast, no list of Scottish climbs would be complete without the mighty Bealach na Bà, the fiercest climb in the land.
You face more than 9km of wild, weather-beaten ascent over the crown of the Applecross peninsula.
This is the holy grail of British climbs.
4. The Lecht
Hidden in the Cairngorms National Park lies The Lecht, an absolute monster of a road that will have your jaw hitting the floor when you first cast eyes on it.
Its early slopes are viciously steep, but these are just the warm-up; once you leave the forest and line up for the exposed journey to the top, religious or not, you may be inclined to cross your chest before you take on this absolutely classic ascent.
5. The Wall of Talla
Back down in the Borders, this exquisite little road is just about the perfect climb.
Rising up and away from the Talla Reservoir, it’s another climb that scares the life out of you at first glance.
Once on its slopes, though, its beauty and spectacular views far outweigh the hurt it dishes out.
