In 1982, at the age of just twenty-three, Elspeth set off alone on a 35,000-mile solo adventure around the world on her 1974 BMW R60/6. In an age before email, mobile phones and satnavs and with no sponsorship or support, the journey took her two-and-a-half years travelling through twenty-one countries.

Returning home in 1984, Elspeth finished her architecture degree and in 1988 bought a derelict water tower, which she spent seven years converting into her home. She still enjoys riding her collection of motorcycles, which includes the trusty BMW R60/6 which carried her around the world, but also owns a BMW R80GS Basic.

Read more about Elspeth on her website.

Some road signs are easier to read than others, Thailand

Other means of transport are available, Rajasthan, India

Rajasthan couple, India

Truck, Quetta, Pakistan

Ladakh - Srinagar road, India