South West Scotland

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 Lockerbie

All 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 pricing

Day 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 Lockerbie

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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.