A Bit Scott-ish
Pedalling through Scotland in Search of Adventure, Nature and Lemon Drizzle Cake
A Bit Scott-ish is the tale of a cycle ride through Scotland, meeting locals and fellow travellers, delving into Scotland's tumultuous history, surviving storm and wind, and discovering just how hopeless it is possible to be at Nature. And at finding the way. And at quite a few other things as well.
It is the story of cycling from the Orkney Islands down through the length of Scotland, including John O'Groats, Inverness, the Cairngorms and Edinburgh, finishing at the border with England.
‘With almost unquenchable good humour, the author takes on everything that Scotland can throw at him.‘ Velo Vision cycling magazine
‘A nice line in self-deprecating humour.‘ Stirling Observer
‘Witty. A light touch.‘ Cycle Magazine
'A real winner. The pencil sketches are loaded with yet more laughs, yes, but also pathos and a certain infectious wonderment at the sheer diversity of humankind.' The Daily Record
Click here to see the route and photos from the ride.
Click here for A Bit Scott-ish on Amazon
Reviews
The Local History Magazine: "This is an easy to read, charming and very funny book taking in some of the most breath-taking sights in Scotland. The natural beauty of the scenery is conveyed through evocative descriptions and the most appealing aspect of the story is quite simply the way it is told. The narration varies from eloquent descriptions of magnificent landscape to droll conversations with the weird and wonderful people encountered on his travels, not to mention the search for a slice of lemon drizzle cake! There is a familiarity with the author from the very beginning of the book; it is almost like sitting down for a chat with an old friend and it is certainly one of the most entertaining and unusual history lessons you are ever likely to have."
The Stirling Observer: "Carden comes equipped with a nice line in self-deprecating deadpan humour as a coping mechanism, much of it revealed in terse exchanges between him and the eponymous Scott, his bike. Following a series of some-better-than-other cycle paths and a few scary A-roads, the author’s journey is about more than just jokes. He also delves into the history of the various areas he passes through, including Stirling and its surrounds."
Cycletourer website: "With Mike’s engaging and witty style you are soon travelling along with him as he takes on mountains, copes with the elements of a Scottish summer and being directionally challenged.”
A Bit Scott-ish by Mike Carden on Amazon
Click here for A Bit Scott-ish on Amazon
Other books in the series: