|
ROON THE LOCH Ref: CD01
Passing Lochside Park on the shores of Carlingwark Loch, this relatively flat tour takes a wide sweep around Carlingwark Loch at the south end of Castle Douglas. Continue past the cuckoo bridge with fields on either side, ahead offers views of the hill range of Screel
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Castle Douglas
Ending in: Castle Douglas
Daily Distance: 5 miles (8.00 km)
Difficulty Grade: Easy
Duration: 1 Day |
|
AROUND GREENLAW Ref: CD02
This tour is a local jaunt around the hinterland of Castle Douglas. It passes through rich farmland with several roadside cottages along the way. It is also suitable for a pleasant evening cycle.
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Castle Douglas
Ending in: Castle Douglas
Daily Distance: 6 miles (9.60 km)
Difficulty Grade: Easy
Duration: 1 Day |
|
THE FORD Ref: CD03
This is a nice half day leisurely ride. There are panoramic views as you go downhill to the Urr Valley where real ale and good food are available in the village pub, hosted by Wullie who will look after your every need. After a visit to a country church the River Urr is
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Castle Douglas
Ending in: Castle Douglas
Daily Distance: 8 miles (12.80 km)
Difficulty Grade: Strenuous
Duration: 1 Day |
|
AROUND THREAVE CASTLE Ref: CD04
Lots to see on this countryside tour around the outskirts of Castle Douglas. The River Dee is crossed on two occasions. The route also passes through three small villages. There are views of Threave Castle (not accessible from this point) before passing beside Threave Garden,
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Castle Douglas
Ending in: Castle Douglas
Daily Distance: 8.5 miles (13.60 km)
Difficulty Grade: Easy
Duration: 1 Day |
|
OLD BRIDGE OF URR AND THE HAUGH Ref: CD05
This is a peaceful countryside route going not too far from Castle Douglas to the Old Bridge of Urr settlement and then broadly following the River Urr. Different return routes are available but a pub lunch and real ale are available on the return journey.
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Castle Douglas
Ending in: Castle Douglas
Daily Distance: 9 miles (14.40 km)
Difficulty Grade: Easy
Duration: 1 Day |
|
THE CROWS NEST PASS Ref: CD06
This tour gets its name from the excellent Crows Nest restaurant at the extremity of the tour which is open all day and popular with cycling tourers. The first part is undulating with a rise to the top of a hill, then the quiet road goes downhill to gain views of the River
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Castle Douglas
Ending in: Castle Douglas
Daily Distance: 13 miles (20.80 km)
Difficulty Grade: Easy
Duration: 1 Day |
|
THE LAURIESTON LOOP Ref: CD07
This is a pleasant route that first of all follows the edge of Loch Ken where a bird nature reserve is worth a visit. An excellent village pub is on hand to serve a pub lunch. On the return route a quiet road follows the line of the River Dee before visiting two villages,
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Castle Douglas
Ending in: Castle Douglas
Daily Distance: 14 miles (22.40 km)
Difficulty Grade: Easy
Duration: 1 Day |
|
THE DURHAM AND HAUGH LOOP Ref: CD08
Although of a relatively short distance, there are two hilly parts which make this pleasant countryside cycle of moderate difficulty. The route passes through no less than five villages with the last having a first class pub which is popular locally for its excellent food
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Castle Douglas
Ending in: Castle Douglas
Daily Distance: 15 miles (24.00 km)
Difficulty Grade: Moderate
Duration: 1 Day |
|
URR VALLEY TO DOACH WOOD Ref: CD09
Excellent views are part of the charm of this route with a choice of pub lunch or restaurant for a midday break. The town of Dalbeattie (pop. 4000) has an excellent museum and other attractions. The Doach Wood is near to the end of your journey but a walk through the wood
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Castle Douglas
Ending in: Castle Douglas
Daily Distance: 16 miles (28.80 km)
Difficulty Grade: Moderate
Duration: 1 Day |
|
THE WEE KIRKCUDBRIGHT CENTIPEDE Ref: CD10
Named after a local folk song, this tour visits the town of Kirkcudbright which is ten miles from Castle Douglas, and where there are numerous attractions. Kirkcudbright, a well known artists town, has the Stewartry museum and several art galleries which are worth a visit
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Castle Douglas
Ending in: Castle Douglas
Daily Distance: 21 miles (33.60 km)
Difficulty Grade: Moderate
Duration: 1 Day |
|
AROUND SCREEL AND BENGAIRN Ref: CD11
Although this route takes its name from the two highest hills in the area Screel (343m) and Bengairn (391m), it is not particularly strenuous. The first part of the route follows the National Cycle Route before heading to the coast where a pub lunch can be obtained at the
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Castle Douglas
Ending in: Castle Douglas
Daily Distance: 22 miles (35.20 km)
Difficulty Grade: Moderate
Duration: 1 Day |
|
THE PARTON AND KNOCKVENNIE CIRCUIT Ref: CD12
The first part of this route follows the shores of Loch Ken. One of Scotland’s lesser known famous sons, James Clerk Maxwell (1831 – 1879), is buried in the churchyard here which looks over Loch Ken. As a physicist he carried out major work on electro–magnetism,
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Castle Douglas
Ending in: Castle Douglas
Daily Distance: 22 miles (35.20 km)
Difficulty Grade: Strenuous
Duration: 1 Day |
|
THE NINE MILE BAR Ref: CD13
The title of this route is an alternative name for a village which is said to have been founded by a religious sect led by the eccentric Mother Buchan in the 18th century. The undulating route on quiet roads provides some excellent views over the countryside. A roadside
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Castle Douglas
Ending in: Castle Douglas
Daily Distance: 22 miles (35.20 km)
Difficulty Grade: Moderate
Duration: 1 Day |
|
THE HAAS Ref: CD14
The first part of this route is along peaceful country roads and then through a farm before emerging at the top of a hill to give magnificent views over the Solway Coast. After meandering downhill for a while, a bar lunch can be obtained in the village. It is worthwhile
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Castle Douglas
Ending in: Castle Douglas
Daily Distance: 22 miles (35.20 km)
Difficulty Grade: Moderate
Duration: 1 Day |
|
DAVID COULTHARD MUSEUM Ref: CD15
This is a new attraction to spring up in Galloway and is a nice distance from Castle Douglas to provide a not too strenuous day trip. Several racing cars, trophies and memorabilia make the tour a must if you are interested in motor racing. As well as the Pit Stop Diner at
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Castle Douglas
Ending in: Castle Douglas
Daily Distance: 24 miles (38.40 km)
Difficulty Grade: Moderate
Duration: 1 Day |
|
THE DEE VALLEY Ref: CD16
This is a particularly peaceful route which has two visitor attractions i.e. Tongland hydro-electric power station including salmon pass and visitor centre and the David Coulthard museum. Having gently descended to sea level, the homeward journey gradually rises though rich
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Castle Douglas
Ending in: Castle Douglas
Daily Distance: 25 miles (40.00 km)
Difficulty Grade: Moderate
Duration: 1 Day |
|
URR VALLEY TO BALCARY BAY Ref: CD17
Another route using the picturesque Urr Valley for access beyond. This time a flat peaceful cul-de-sac road along the shores of Balcary Bay is one of the additional features. At the furthermost point a hotel is ideally situated to provide a quality lunch before going the
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Castle Douglas
Ending in: Castle Douglas
Daily Distance: 26 miles (41.60 km)
Difficulty Grade: Moderate
Duration: 1 Day |
|
THE TWYNHOLM TOUR Ref: CD18
A village settlement can be traced here back to Iron Age times. In the 18th and 19th centuries it was a busy place with a corn mill, saw mills and a centre for blanket and tweed weaving. To bring it completely up to date, it now holds the David Coulthard museum, being the
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Castle Douglas
Ending in: Castle Douglas
Daily Distance: 28 miles (44.80 km)
Difficulty Grade: Moderate
Duration: 1 Day |
|
THE KIRKGUNZEON LOOP Ref: CD19
The furthermost part of this route is the village of Kirkgunzeon, thought to be a settlement as far back as the 12th century. It now consists of attractive single and two storey houses with the churchyard known for having particularly tall monuments. Beginning on a former
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Castle Douglas
Ending in: Castle Douglas
Daily Distance: 28 miles (44.80 km)
Difficulty Grade: Moderate
Duration: 1 Day |
|
THE WEE TOON Ref: CD20
Within the Wee Toon, the Mill on the Fleet is a restored water powered cotton spinning mill built in 1785, in its industrial heyday. The route there is a pleasant cycle route through farming countryside on quiet roads. There are several excellent places for pub lunches as
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Castle Douglas
Ending in: Castle Douglas
Daily Distance: 30 miles (48.00 km)
Difficulty Grade: Strenuous
Duration: 1 Day |
|
COASTAL TO KIRKCUDBRIGHT Ref: CD21
The tour begins with a pleasant relatively flat cycle for approximately 6 miles. Coming close to the coast the journey is easy to follow with the coastline often in sight. There are various detours of a few miles each which will take you closer to the sea. There are several
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Castle Douglas
Ending in: Castle Douglas
Daily Distance: 30 miles (48.00 km)
Difficulty Grade: Moderate
Duration: 1 Day |
|
THE RAIDERS ROAD Ref: CD22
The Raiders Road in the eastern corner of the Galloway Forest Park is now a forestry road which is popular in the summertime. It was formerly an old cattle smuggling route, which followed the banks of the Black Water of Dee, and more recently was the scene of S.R. Crockett’s
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Castle Douglas
Ending in: Castle Douglas
Daily Distance: 34 miles (54.40 km)
Difficulty Grade: Strenuous
Duration: 1 Day |
|
AROUND LOCH KEN Ref: CD23
This route follows the shores of Loch Ken and the River Dee. The first part of the route passes through several interesting villages as well as two sailing and boating centres. There are several places available for a bar lunch around the middle part of the route. The journey
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Castle Douglas
Ending in: Castle Douglas
Daily Distance: 35 miles (56.00 km)
Difficulty Grade: Moderate
Duration: 1 Day |
|
THE FLEET CIRCULAR FITNESS TOUR Ref: CD24
The first part of this journey is through open countryside to the picturesque town of Kirkcudbright. The second part is both countryside and coastal with various places to stop off and even have a swim if desired. A visitor centre at a farm ice cream factory is on our route
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Castle Douglas
Ending in: Castle Douglas
Daily Distance: 36 miles (57.60 km)
Difficulty Grade: Strenuous
Duration: 1 Day |
|
SWEETHEART ABBEY Ref: CD25
This route is suited to cyclists who like open roads with lots to see in the countryside with several villages along the way. The highlight is the attractive small town of New Abbey where there are several places of interest including Sweetheart Abbey, the former home of
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Castle Douglas
Ending in: Castle Douglas
Daily Distance: 41 miles (65.60 km)
Difficulty Grade: Moderate
Duration: 1 Day |
|
THE GLENKENS Ref: CD26
This route follows part of the Raiders (cattle stealers) Road route and thereafter covers some remote hilly farmland areas in the Galloway Hills, which are known as The Glenkens. There are a number of places of interest as well as places to stop for refreshment. The village
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Castle Douglas
Ending in: Castle Douglas
Daily Distance: 45 miles (72.00 km)
Difficulty Grade: Strenuous
Duration: 1 Day |
|
THE URR VALLEY AND SOLWAY COAST Ref: CD27
Although generally fairly flat, this route has some undulating parts but no steep hills. It is a full day tour with two detours suggested, i.e. of additional 6 and 12 mile distances. This is one of our best routes with beautiful countryside and coastal scenery. There are
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Castle Douglas
Ending in: Castle Douglas
Daily Distance: 48 miles (76.80 km)
Difficulty Grade: Strenuous
Duration: 1 Day |
|
GATEHOUSE STATION Ref: CD28
As with many of our routes, local knowledge is necessary to access this tour due to the fact that Gatehouse station is not particularly near to the town. The area's claim to fame is the commanding railway viaduct which was used in the classic film 'The Thirty Nine Steps'.
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Castle Douglas
Ending in: Castle Douglas
Daily Distance: 55 miles (88.00 km)
Difficulty Grade: Strenuous
Duration: 1 Day |
|
NEWTON STEWART IN A ONER (LINK ROUTE) Ref: L01
Cyclists who have decided to take a two-centre holiday can use this link route to cycle to Newton Stewart from Castle Douglas in one day. As well as being a link route this journey is full of features in its own right - if rather longer than desired for some cyclists. There
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Castle Douglas
Ending in: Gatehouse of Fleet
Daily Distance: 40 miles (64.00 km)
Difficulty Grade: Strenuous
Duration: 1 Day |
|
GATEHOUSE HALFWAY HOUSE (LINK ROUTE) Ref: L02
If wishing to cover the link route between Castle Douglas and Newton Stewart in two shorter stages, with an overnight stop in between, this is the first day of the two stage journey . The popular and picturesque town of Gatehouse of Fleet is the overnight stop location.
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Castle Douglas
Ending in: Gatehouse of Fleet
Daily Distance: 25 miles (40.00 km)
Difficulty Grade: Moderate
Duration: 1 Day |
|
GATEHOUSE TO NEWTON STEWART (LINK ROUTE) Ref: L03
This is the second stage of the two day link route between Castle Douglas and Newton Stewart. There are two options to travel to Newton Stewart. This route is the longer of the two, the other being 8 miles shorter. The tour is basically a hilly route on a quiet single track
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Gatehouse of Fleet
Ending in: Newtown Stewart
Daily Distance: 24 miles (38.40 km)
Difficulty Grade: Moderate
Duration: 1 Day |
|
NEWTON STEWART TO CASTLE DOUGLAS (LINK ROUTE) Ref: L04
This is the shortest route between Newton Stewart and Castle Douglas. It is partly on a well maintained forestry road which goes through a well known beauty spot which is open to the public. The route is generally through the Galloway hills although none of the hills are
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Newton Stewart
Ending in: Castle Douglas
Daily Distance: 31 miles (49.60 km)
Difficulty Grade: Strenuous
Duration: 1 Day |
|
NEWTON STEWART TO NEW GALLOWAY (LINK ROUTE) Ref: L05
This route is the first part of a two stage link route return journey back towards Castle Douglas. The route has many features relating to wildlife and nature including a wild goat park, deer range and museum. About two thirds along the route is a forestry visitor centre
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Newton Stewart
Ending in: New Galloway
Daily Distance: 19 miles (30.40 km)
Difficulty Grade: Moderate
Duration: 1 Day |
|
NEW GALLOWAY TO CASTLE DOUGLAS (LINK ROUTE) Ref: L06
This is the second part of the two stage link route back to Castle Douglas from Newton Stewart for cyclists desiring a two-centre accommodation holiday. The route which generally follows Loch Ken and the River Dee, is on peaceful and quiet roads. After passing through a
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: New Galloway
Ending in: Castle Douglas
Daily Distance: 20 miles (32.00 km)
Difficulty Grade: Moderate
Duration: 1 Day |
|
MIDWEEK TWIN BASED TOUR Ref: LO7
MIDWEEK TWIN BASED TOURS
Our popular midweek twin based accommodation breaks are designed for cyclists who wish to experience two different parts of Galloway but don't want the upheaval of moving accommodation places each night of the tour. This
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Castle Douglas
Ending in: Castle Douglas
Daily Distance: Depends on half way stops or not
Difficulty Grade: Moderate
Duration: 5 days or longer |
|
GLORIOUS GALLOWAY – EASY AND INTERESTING Ref: MB05
This is a 7 day tour, with daily distances between 8.5 (last day of tour) and 19 miles, the average being only 12 miles per day. Grade - Easy Terrain - Generally flat with some gentle rises. This tour has been chosen to suit the novice cyclist who would like to travel some
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Castle Douglas
Ending in: Castle Douglas
Daily Distance: 12 miles (19.20 km) average
Difficulty Grade: Easy
Duration: 7 Days |
|
GENTLE GALLOWAY TOUR Ref: MB14
This regular weekly tour to experience the delights of Galloway is around 20 miles per day, starts on a Tuesday, and is designed for those who would like a leisurely cycling break and meet others with the same objective - subject to others booking!
The
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Castle Douglas
Ending in: Castle Douglas
Daily Distance: 20 miles
Difficulty Grade: Easy
Duration: 7 days |
|
GLENTROOL AND WOOD OF CREE Ref: NS01
This tour leaves the town of Newton Stewart and gently rises for about 10 miles towards the source of the River Cree. It then heads into the hills to the Galloway Forest Park and the popular area of Glentrool where there are magnificent views over the Galloway hills and
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Newton Stewart
Ending in: Newtown Stewart
Daily Distance: 32 miles (51.20 km)
Difficulty Grade: Strenuous
Duration: 1 Day |
|
THE WIGTOWNSHIRE MOORS AND LOCHS Ref: NS02
This route is suitable for seasoned cyclists who prefer to cycle on quiet remote roads with little chance of meeting others apart from local farmers. A packed lunch is recommended. Although away from the coast and in the more hilly parts of the region, no part of this route
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Newton Stewart
Ending in: Newtown Stewart
Daily Distance: 49 miles (78.40 km)
Difficulty Grade: Strenuous
Duration: 1 Day |
|
THE MACHARS AND WIGTOWN BAY Ref: NS03
Although a relatively flat journey, this route is given a strenuous rating due to the distance travelled. This is really an excellent day’s cycling for a fit cyclist who should be able to cover about 10 miles to the hour which would also leave time for lunch and to
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Newton Stewart
Ending in: Newtown Stewart
Daily Distance: 50 miles (80.00 km)
Difficulty Grade: Strenuous
Duration: 1 Day |
|
MINNIGAFF AND PENKILN BURN Ref: NS04
Whether as an easy part-day route or even an evening jaunt, this circuit is not too far from Newton Stewart. Once into the countryside the single-track road rises slightly before following approximately the line of the Penkiln Burn, which originates in the Kirroughtree forest
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Newton Stewart
Ending in: Newtown Stewart
Daily Distance: 7 miles (11.20 km)
Difficulty Grade: Easy
Duration: 1 Day |
|
THE CHALLOCH AND BISHOP BURNS Ref: NS05
This is a pleasant countryside cycle of a nice length. Apart from the two named burns (small rivers), the River Cree bounds the east side of the route. This is a suitable morning or afternoon jaunt with time left to spend in Newton Stewart or on another of the shorter tours.
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Newton Stewart
Ending in: Newtown Stewart
Daily Distance: 15 miles (24.00 km
Difficulty Grade: Moderate
Duration: 1 Day |
|
NEWTON STEWART CIRCUIT Ref: NS06
Initially following the riverside for a mile or so into the country, this route returns to the highest part of Newton Stewart which provides extensive views of the Galloway Forest park and Cairnsmore of Fleet (710m). This is an easy and pleasant cycle ride which gives a
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Newton Stewart
Ending in: Newtown Stewart
Daily Distance: 4.5 miles (7.20 km)
Difficulty Grade: Easy
Duration: 1 Day |
|
THE DOON OF MAY Ref: NS07
Taking advantage of the relatively flat terrain and peaceful roads in the North Machars area, this route passes through typical Wigtownshire countryside as well as several villages including the town of Wigtown, known as Scotland’s book town. A distillery visit, including
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Newton Stewart
Ending in: Newtown Stewart
Daily Distance: 36 miles (57.60 km)
Difficulty Grade: Moderate
Duration: 1 Day |
|
THE GARLIESTON CIRCUIT Ref: NS08
The small town of Garlieston was laid out in a crescent around Garlieston Bay by Lord Garlies around 1760, with shipbuilding and a corn mill as local industries. The large country mansion, Galloway House, is nearby. This route takes you south of Newton Stewart passing through
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Newton Stewart
Ending in: Newtown Stewart
Daily Distance: 37 miles (59.20 km)
Difficulty Grade: Moderate
Duration: 1 Day |
|
THE MACHARS MAGICAL TOUR Ref: NS09
Although covering relatively flat terrain, this tour is categorised as strenuous due to the distance covered. All the main places of interest are covered which includes visitor centres, towns, villages and ports. In general this is a countryside tour, not always on the quietest
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Newton Stewart
Ending in: Newtown Stewart
Daily Distance: 50 miles (80.00 km
Difficulty Grade: Strenuous
Duration: 1 Day |
|
BRUCE’S STONE AND GLENTROOL Ref: NS10
This is a cycle tour into the spectacular Galloway hills and the Galloway Forest Park. Bordering the River Cree, the journey takes you through some picturesque countryside and forest areas before turning into the hills, eventually to reach the popular tourist attractions
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Newton Stewart
Ending in: Newtown Stewart
Daily Distance: 25 miles (40.00 km)
Difficulty Grade: Moderate
Duration: 1 Day |
|
GLENTROOL AND CLATTERINGSHAWS Ref: NS11
Using part of the National Cycle Route, this tour is best suited to fit cyclists as much of the journey covers the Southern Upland Way walking route over hills and past lochs. The peaceful and beautiful hills and Galloway Forest Park make this an ideal tour to get away from
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Newton Stewart
Ending in: Newtown Stewart
Daily Distance: 35 miles (56.00 km)
Difficulty Grade: Strenuous
Duration: 1 Day |
|
CAIRNSMORE OF FLEET AND CLATTERINGSHAWS Ref: NS12
This route follows part of the National Cycle Network although a different route to that used for the 'Glentrool and Clatteringshaws' route. It is similar in nature but not quite as rugged. The first part is through the southern part of the Galloway Forest Park, including
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Newton Stewart
Ending in: Newtown Stewart
Daily Distance: 33 miles (52.80 km)
Difficulty Grade: Strenuous
Duration: 1 Day |
|
HIGH AND LOW AROUND NEWTON STEWART Ref: NS13
This route firstly traverses some of the higher ground around Newton Stewart and then to the flatter area to the south. Apart from Newton Stewart there is one village about midway on the route where a bar lunch can be had. The journey on fairly peaceful roads should be within
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Newton Stewart
Ending in: Newtown Stewart
Daily Distance: 22 miles (35.20 km)
Difficulty Grade: Moderate
Duration: 1 Day |
|
KIRROUGHTREE Ref: NS14
Using part of the National Cycle Network route to avoid most of the busier A75 road, this tour uses the same route for both outward and return journeys. At Kirroughtree there is a Forest Enterprise Visitor Centre, walking and mountain biking routes as well as a tearoom/restaurant.
.........[Click for more]
Starting from: Newton Stewart
Ending in: Newtown Stewart
Daily Distance: 8 miles (12.80 km)
Difficulty Grade: Easy
Duration: 1 Day |
