South West Scotland

Day 1: Castle Douglas
Day 2: Castle Douglas, round trip, 16 mi. (26 km)
Day 3: Castle Douglas - Kirkcudbright, 27 mi. (43 km)
Day 4: Round trip - Kirkcudbright, 24 mi. (32 km)
Day 5: Kirkcudbright - Gatehouse of Fleet, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 6: Gatehouse of Fleet, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 7: Gatehouse of Fleet - Newton Stewart, 19 mi. (30 mi.)
Day 8: Newton Stewart, 20 mi. (32 km)
Day 9: Departure

All distances are approximate. You can always add distance to your cycling day.

Day 1: Castle Douglas
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.

Sample Accommodation:  Ernespie House Hotel

Day 2: Castle Douglas, round trip, 17 mi. (27 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.

Sample Accommodation:  Ernespie House Hotel

Day 3: Castle Douglas - Kirkcudbright, 27 mi. (43 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.

Sample Accommodation:  Selkirk Arms Hotel

Day 4: Kirkcudbright, roundtrip, 24 mi. (32 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.

Sample Accommodation:  Selkirk Arms Hotel

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.

Leaving Kirkcudbright, you pedal the same coast where John Paul Jones sailed to St Mary’s Isle across the bay, stole the Earl of Selkirk’s silver, and was captured and imprisoned in the Tolbooth (which is now  Kirkcudbright’s arts center.) The route goes in and out of the bays to Ross Bay to see the Ross Island Lighthouse and Kirkandrews and the family church of eccentric landowner, Jame Brown of Knockbrex. You head then via the road to Gatehouse of Fleet.

Sample Accommodation: Ship Inn Hotel

Day 6: Gatehouse of Fleet, 22 mi. (35 km)
If you like hills, we have a superb route for you to Laurieston. If not, you will love the routes along Galloway’s most loved beach Carrick shore, and the loop via Cream o Galloway for the best ice cream in Scotland. Back to Gatehouse via Cally Woods and ready for another lovely loop to the ancient woodland of Castramon Wood and Rusko Castle.

Sample Accommodation: Ship Inn Hotel

Day 7: Gatehouse of Fleet - Newton Stewart, 19 mi. (30 mi.)
Today's ride is about the views of the Solway Firth, up the coast and across to England. You begin with a climb out of Gatehouse into open moors a little inland. The route picks up National Bike route 7 to ride some miles on a rail to trail through forests and farmland, before descending to Newton Stewart.

Just outside Newton Stewart you have the young and already famous Crafty Gin Distillery (Hills & Harbour Gin)

Sample Accommodation:  The Stables Guesthouse

Day 8: Newton Stewart, 20 mi. (32 km)
You have two options today. You can bike further along the coast to Wigtown and its famous second-hand bookshops and as well enjoy a trip to Bladnoch Whisky Distillery. Or the other option is to cycle in the opposite direction and is for those who love magical waterfalls and the core of the UNESCO GSA Biosphere with Loch Trool and the area where Robert de Bruce (later King of the Scots) had one decisive victory over his English opponent.

Sample Accommodation:  The Stables Guesthouse

Day 9: Departure
 

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On the day to day itinerary below you will find the name of the preferred accommodation for each overnight. The final hotel list is always based on availability. If the preferred hotel is not available, and if alternative accommodation is necessary, the price will be adjusted accordingly but only after approval from the client. For example, if the Ernespie House Hotel is fully booked, we can offer you the King Arms Hotel. If the Selkirk Arms is fully booked you will be offered the Gladstone Guesthouse. In Gatehouse of Fleet, the Murray Arms Hotel is offered at the same price and in Newton Stewart, the Crown Hotel or Creebridge Hotel will be the alternative.

Bicycles

Standard Bike

Dawes Discovery Speed 2

• Dawes 6061 alloy standard frame
• Shimano gearing, 21 speed
• Alloy V brakes
• Dawes cushioned Discovery saddle
• Schwalbe Silento 700 x 42 C tires
• Rear rack

Ridgeback

• Alloy frame
• Disc brakes
• Shimano gearing 20 speeds
• Schwalbe 700 x 42 tires
• Rear rack

Accessories

• Helmets
• Pannier
• Emergency repair kit
• Pump

Electric Bike

Wisper Electric Bike

• Hand welded Alloy step-through frame
• Wisper high-efficiency 250W hi torque brushless motor
• Lithium Battery, three ranges
• Shimano 7 speed
• Hydraulic disc brake
• Schwalbe Marathon Plus Perf 26 inch tire
• Wisper comfort saddle
• Rear rack

Accessories

• Helmets
• Pannier
• Emergency repair kit
• Pump