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, built by Archibald 'The Grim' in 1369 as a stronghold for the Black Douglases. There is a cycle path from town, and you can get used to the bikes and the GPS navigation as you stretch your legs. You may just fancy a spin around town and pay a visit to the award-winning microbrewery.

Sample Accommodation:  Ernespie House Hotel

Day 2: Castle Douglas, Kirkpatrick Durham and Corsock, 22 mi. (36 km)
This loop shows you the other side of Castle Douglas - the rolling countryside, where the sheep and cows are reared. You will see the higher hills of the Glen Kens in the distance, cycle along the beautiful River Urr, go through small villages and experience the typical life in the Galloway countryside.

Sample Accommodation:  Ernespie House Hotel

Day 3: Castle Douglas - Kirkcudbright, 27 mi. (43 km)
Today's journey is along the Solway coast with its 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 are the ruins of Dundrennan Abbey (where Mary Queen of Scots spent her final days in Scotland) and ahead is Auchencairn Community Store, the finest cafe in the area. The 'Artist Town' of Kirkcudbright with its pastel-colored houses, castle, art galleries, and museums is your destination today and will be sure to enchant. It has a working harbor and the best fish restaurant 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 doing a bit of research before you visit! Did you know these markings are a form of art or ritual found throughout Northern Europe? There are many theories, but what we do know is that Galloway is a focus of these sites in the UK. After this fascinating stop, you'll ride to the coast - you may like to take a picnic.

Sample Accommodation:  Selkirk Arms Hotel

Day 5: Kirkcudbright - Gatehouse of Fleet,  22 mi. (35 km)
Leaving Kirkcudbright, you'll pedal along the coast where John Paul Jones (founder of the US Navy) sailed to St. Mary’s Isle across the bay, stole the Earl of Selkirk’s silver, and was later captured and imprisoned in the Tolbooth (which is now Kirkcudbright’s arts center). The route hugs the coast to Ross Bay to see Ross Island - this is a magical unvisited area where you can take a farm tour to get up close to Belted Galloway cows and highland cattle. You are on National Cycle Route 7 - take your time and visit the many beaches on your way 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 of 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. We take you up the coast on quiet roads and bike trails. You'll begin with a climb out of Gatehouse onto open moorland with a chance to see eagles. The route is remote with views across the Galloway Highlands to the highest mountains in Southern Scotland. Luckily there are two great cafes along your route 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 cycle further along the coast to Wigtown - the national 'Book Town' with many second-hand bookshops and enjoy a trip to Bladnoch Whisky Distillery. Or, the other option is to cycle inland and visit the waterfalls and lochs at the heart of the UNESCO Biosphere. The Bruce’s Stone is your destination where Robert de Bruce (later King of the Scots) claimed a 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

Ridgeback & Specialized Hybrid Bikes

• Comport geometry
• Ridgeback - lower-angled top tube
• 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 Wayfarer Step-Through

• Hand-welded, 6061 alloy step-through
• Wisper Super Hi Torque (100Nm) Mid Drive 43.2V 250W Nominal
• Lithium Battery, 700Wh Max Range = 90 miles (140km)
• Shimano Alivio 9 speed with Rapid Fire shifter
• Hydraulic APEX disc brake
• Kenda 27.5” 2.2 high puncture resistance with reflector
• Wisper Comfort, e-bike with seat handle
• Rear rack

Accessories

• Helmets
• Pannier
• Emergency repair kit
• Pump