I have just emmigrated from Scotland – well 6 months ago now – to Englishlandshire. I love the scenery of Scotland and miss the grandure of the Highlands and the windswept beauty of the Northern Isles (which although I haven’t been there much in recent years I miss achingly). But I have to agree – the northern part of England has a lot to offer. The Lakes (where I now find myself) are almost like mini-Highlands. It’s a shame there are way too many people in the Lakes though… and despite the access issues being less liberal I think there is more scope for riding here than in a similar size area of Scotland (Trossachs?)
Equally I am rather enjoying the Dales, Pennines, Northumbria and North Lancashire. I kind of lose interest once you get south of Lancaster though as it gets waaaaay too urban down there! I do need to explore a wee bit further afield still as there are many parts of this country I haven’t been to yet, as well as Wales south of Machynlleth….
Variety – it’s what it’s all about!
It’s going to take me a sodding long time driving to get back to Orkney again though 🙁