South West Scotland
Scotland Bike Tours
A bike tour on the south west peninsula of Scotland
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8–10 days
- Prices from£1152 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
Welcome to Dumfries and Galloway and this intriguing bike tour in South West Scotland. Welcome to a thousand miles of quiet roads and the backdrop for countless poems, novels, rebellion, and wars. Welcome to one of the most beautiful countries in the world as voted by Rough Guide.
Scotland has always and will always be a magical destination. Perhaps it is because the history is almost palpable, ever-present, and spoken of often. Or perhaps it is the incredible landscapes, the rolling hills, and lush farmland. Here, you will find people that still take the time to stop and wave.
Highlights: (do note that this is a self-guided tour, and highlights will vary as per individual traveler's preference, time, etc.)
Highlights
- Threave Castle
- Kirkcudbright, artist town
- Solway Coast
- Galloway Forest
- Mystical cup and ring art
- Drumlanrig Castle
- Scottish landscape and Scottish hospitality
We offer other bike tours in Scotland of course!
Itinerary
10 Day Tour:
Day 1: Castle Douglas, 6.1 mi. (10 km)
Day 2: Castle Douglas, round trip, 30 mi. (48 km)
Day 3: Castle Douglas - Kirkcudbright, 23 mi. (37 km)
Day 4: Round trip - Kirkcudbright (cup and ring marks), 18 mi. (29 km)
Day 5: Kirkcudbright - Gatehouse of Fleet, 26 mi. (41 km)
Day 6: Gatehouse of Fleet - New Galloway, 19 mi. (31 km)
Day 7: Round trip - New Galloway (Raiders Road), 22 mi. (36 km)
Day 8: New Galloway - Thornhill, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 9: Round trip, Thornhill, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 10: Departure to LockerbieAll distances are approximate. You can always add distance to your cycling day.
Day 1: Castle Douglas, 6.1 mi. (10 km)
Upon arrival, there is an included transfer from Lockerbie, the famous border town, to your first night's accommodation in Castle Douglas.
The bikes will be ready and waiting so feel free to take a ride. If you have time, you can visit Threave Castle, located on an island in the middle of the Dee River, accessible by boat, a very romantic experience. You may just fancy a spin around town and visit the award-winning microbrewery.Accommodation: Douglas House B & B
Day 2: Castle Douglas, round trip, 30 mi. (48 km)
The route leads to the Scottish Riviera along the River Urr on the National Cycle Route 7 to Haugh of Urr. The Laurie Arms (opens at 12 pm) is in the village. Then you head for the coast through Dalbeattie. There is a free museum full of eccentric charm. You will reach the coast at Sandyhills and it is suggested to drop into Kippford for a pub meal, or a visit to "the Ark" for coffee and cake. You can continue through the forest, off-road for the next bit with panoramic views over the bay. Return by quiet roads to Castle Douglas and a brewery visit or coffee and cake.Accommodation: Douglas House B & B
Day 3: Castle Douglas - Kirkcudbright, 23 mi. (37 km)
Today's journey is along the Solway coast with pretty fishing villages and breathtaking views of the coastline. On the horizon across the Firth, you will see the mountains of the English Lake District. There is coffee and cake and the ruins of Dundrennan Abbey to explore. The Artists' town of Kirkcudbright with its pastel-colored houses, castle, art galleries, and museums are your destination today and will be sure to enchant. It has a working harbor and the best Fish & Chips in Galloway.Accommodation: Selkirk Arms
Day 4: Round trip - Kirkcudbright (cup and ring marks), 18 mi. (29 km)
You will have a short ride today plus a walk, to add some variety. The highlight is a visit to High Banks cup and ring rock art, which may be at least 3,000 years old. It is worth it to do a bit of research before you visit! Did you know these markings are a form of prehistoric art yet these markings are found throughout the world! Many theories have been offered as to their purpose, including rituals, or marking of the stars, but nobody knows for sure. After this fascinating stop, you ride to the coast beside the Balmae Burn. There are more cup and ring stones along the route before you return to Kirkcudbright.Accommodation: Selkirk Arms
Day 5: Kirkcudbright - Gatehouse of Fleet, 22 mi. (35 km)
You have just managed to learn how to spell and pronounce Kirkcudbright and now you are on your way again. You follow a path along the River Dee, passing the abandoned wooden fishing boats subject of thousands of photos. This is one of the best views of Kirkcudbright and you can see why so many artists come here.Twynholm could be your first stop at the chocolate factory for coffee and cake before you head for the coast and the village of Borgue. The coast beyond is full of history and curiosities. Pirates, smugglers and Viking harbors and the extravagant castle-shaped dairy known as Cow Palace.
Some of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland are dotted along this stretch of coast. The route goes off-road to visit some of them before passing through the grounds of Cally Palace where afternoon tea is served or you could wait until your first pass through Gatehouse.
Refreshed, you have a loop around one of the most beautiful quiet valleys as you ride along both banks of the Water of Fleet. Look out for some of the most beautiful old Beech trees in the area and Rusko Castle as you cross Castramont bridge to return to Gatehouse. There are gallery's, second-hand and antique shops, and of course more cafes to visit.
Accommodation: Ship Inn Hotel
Optional upgrade: Cally Palace 5 Star Hotel, with Spa. Extra price includes dinner. Requires 2 nights stay so you will need to book an additional night here. See pricingDay 6: Gatehouse of Fleet - New Galloway, 22 mi. (35 km)
Many local people have strong views on which is their favorite valley and you begin today by riding through one of them. It is a short day, with fantastic views back to the coast as you climb into the uplands. Enjoy the most perfect of downhill runs into Lauriston and the photography gallery.There are two ways to go now. Either a longer route to Ken-Dee nature reserve or the more direct route to Loch Ken. Either way, you will have Scotland's most iconic bird flying above you, the Red Kite.
Today's ride is about water; rivers, lochs and waterfalls, and the Galloway Forest. You ride along the Water of Ken to New Galloway and into The Glenkens hills. There are two tea rooms in New Galloway, both fantastic If you are lucky it may be a night for music at the Catstrand, which should not be missed.
Accommodation: Cruachen Guesthouse
Day 7: Round trip - New Galloway (Raiders Road), 22 mi. (36 km)
A day of remote and breathtaking cycling on the quietest roads you will ever bike with a long off-road forest section.An easy start, out along the Water of Ken before you turn into the uplands. This has a feel of the Highlands, with snow on distant peaks until late Spring. Along the Queens Way watching for wild goats and Red Deer. Clatteringshaws visitor center ( 10-4 ) for coffee and cake and views over the loch, before taking to the forest trail. - The Raiders Road takes you through the forest to return to Loch Ken and the road back to New Galloway.
Accommodation: Cruachen Guesthouse
Day 8: New Galloway - Thornhill, 25 mi. (40 km)
Today's ride takes you further into the rolling hills and wide horizons of the Galloway Highlands. A more remote and wilder feeling of big skies and sheep. You pass through Moniaive, the ‘Festival Village '. It may be a folk festival, theatre performance or horse show and there is often music in the bar. There is a great cafe with tempting cakes too.As you leave the village there is the only major climb of the tour, take your time to look around, there are Bronze Age forts on the hilltops. You drop down and into the village of Penpont. Another tea room and nearby is the workshop of Kirkpatrick Macmillan the inventor of the modern bicycle.
Accommodation: BQA
Options:
Nithbank Estate (located 1 mile out of Thornhill town center but in a very tranquil location. Owners are happy to arrange for transfer to nearby restaurants. See pricing.Day 9: Round trip, Thornhill, 20 mi. (32 km)
Drumlanrig Castle, as featured in the TV series "Outlander", is one of Britain's grandest castles, and today you get to ride through the grounds. Look out for some of the biggest trees in Scotland along the banks of the River Nith. There is a great tea room in what was the kitchen of the castle. You ride out along quiet roads and get your first panoramic views of the Galloway Highlands. Descending to the village of Penpont there is another tea room, and just outside the village the workshop and grave of Kirkpatrick Macmillan, the inventor of the bicycle. A short way now back to Thornhill for your final night.Accommodation: BQA
Options:
Nithbank Estate (located 1 mile out of Thornhill town center but in a very tranquil location. Owners are happy to arrange for transfer to nearby restaurants. See pricing.Day 10: Departure to Lockerbie
You have the option to stay longer, but if you can't, you will be transferred back to Lockerbie/Dumfries.If time permits, you can stop off at the Twelve Apostles Stone circle - the largest stone circle in mainland Scotland.
8 day Tour
Day 1: Castle Douglas, 6.1 mi. (10 km)
Day 2: Castle Douglas, round trip, 30 mi. (48 km)
Day 3: Castle Douglas - Kirkcudbright, 23 mi. (37 km)
Day 4: Round trip - Kirkcudbright (cup and ring marks), 23 mi. (37 km)
Day 5: Kirkcudbright - New Galloway, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 6: New Galloway - Thornhill, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 7: Thornhill, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 8: Departure to LockerbieView all our featured bike trips, specials, and news!
Accommodation
On the day to day itinerary below you will find the name of the accommodation for each overnight as well as a few alternatives, some offered only with supplement. Final hotel list is always based on availability. Be sure to indicate your preference when you book and we will do our very best to confirm your request.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Transfer from and to Lockerbie/Dumfries
- Accommodations according to length of your tour
- Breakfast
- Luggage transfer
- Rental bikes, helmets, pannier, emergency repair kit, pump, either 8 or 6 days, depending on length of tour. (Bikes are Daws Discovery Speed 2 or Specialized Sirrus)
- Maps, cue sheet, GPS file and other tourist information
- Hot line support
What’s Not Included
- Tickets and entry fees for tourist attractions, castles, gardens, etc.
- Lunches, dinners
- Bike protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2020
Arrival possible on any day! Best time to enjoy a cycling vacation here would be May through mid October.
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2020
10-day tour:
Category A: $ 2608 £ 1453 $ 2,565 € 1669 NZ$ 2810 kr 16859 $ 2,028 Single room: $ 3021 £ 1683 $ 2,971 € 1933 NZ$ 3255 kr 19528 $ 2,349
8-day tour:
Category A: $ 2068 £ 1152 $ 2,033 € 1323 NZ$ 2228 kr 13367 $ 1,608 Single room: $ 2391 £ 1332 $ 2,351 € 1530 NZ$ 2576 kr 15455 $ 1,859Extra Options
Electric, road, or gravel bike:
8-day: $ 188 £ 105 $ 185 € 121 NZ$ 203 kr 1218 $ 147
10-day: $ 242 £ 135 $ 238 € 155 NZ$ 261 kr 1566 $ 188
Upgrade in accommodation:
Gatehouse of Fleet:
5 star Cally Palace (2 night minimum stay) per person/2 nights: $ 197 £ 110 $ 194 € 126 NZ$ 213 kr 1276 $ 154 Thornhill:
Nithbank Estate, located 1 mile from Thornhill: $ 99 £ 55 $ 97 € 63 NZ$ 106 kr 638 $ 77Extra nights on request.
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This is an easy to moderate tour.
Airport Info
You can fly into/out of Edinburgh (EDI), Glasgow (GLA), or Manchester (MAN).
Local Travel
If you fly into:
Edinburgh:
You will take the tram or bus into Edinburgh center. Both the tram and the bus leave from inside the airport. From Edinburgh Central train station (Waverly), there is a train service to Manchester Airport that stops at Lockerbie. We will be there to meet you and transfer you to your first accomodation..
Manchester
You will follow the signs at the airport to the train station which is in the same complex. Train to Lockerbie (direction to Glasgow Central or Edinburgh). Where you will be met and transfer to your first accomodation - this is included in your tou.
Glasgow
From Glasgow Airport you will take a bus to Glasgow Central and then a train to Lockerbie (Transpennine service to Manchester Airport) or Dumfries (Scotrail service to Carlisle). From here, you will be met and transfer to your first accommodation.Climate
Please check local conditions before your departure. A good website to explore average high/low temperatures, average rainfall, and more weather related facts is www.weatherbase.com. Summers are pleasant here with long days and short nights (sunset can be as late as 10pm) with daytime temperatures in July typically reaching 66° F/19°C. Kirkcudbright has high sunshine totals, with 1425 hours of sunshine recorded in a typical year. Average high/low temperatures in degrees F for the region are: May, 57/44°, June, 61/49°, July, 64/53°, August, 64/53°, September, 60/50°, and October, 54/46°.
Important to know
More arrival options
- Fly to London and take the overnight bus up to Dumfries (National Express : http://www.nationalexpress.com/home.aspx). This service goes directly to Castle Douglas, your first accommodation.
- If you want to combine your travel in Scotland with Ireland, there is a ferry service from/to Northern Ireland: https://www.directferries.co.uk/ferries_from_scotland_to_northern_ireland.htm
- If you want to come from Newcastle (ferry to/from Amsterdam), there is an easy train to Dumfries via Carlisle (http://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/service/timesandfares/NCL/DMF/today/1445/dep)
Extra Stay
Always recommended!
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Galloway Cycling Holidays.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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