Origins of Cycling

THE ORIGINS OF CYCLING

Included
Hire of 21speed hybrid cycles and equipment
B&B accommodation in twin/double rooms with shower w/c
Tour information including maps and detailed routes
Emergency support

Excluded
Lunches and Dinners
Castle entrance fees

Extras
Single rooms
Luggage transport
Hotel Accommodation

Access: by air to Edinburgh/Glasgow Airports: by train with Scotrail to Lockerbie. Transfer from/to Lockerbie & Castle Douglas £35per trip for 2 persons.

Car parking available

Duration: 7 Nights/8 Days

Start: any day April to October
Minimum two persons

Level 2

Tour Code: OOC

Price £430 per person
Luggage carrying

£65 p.p.

Single supplement £10 per night

Option: perhaps spend an extra night in Edinburgh or Glasgow

Day 1. Arrive CASTLE DOUGLAS
Meet at B&B accommodation for route briefing and cycle provisiom. Opportunity for a short local cycle to Threave Castle or the National Trust for Scotland’s popular Threave Garden depending on arrival time. The bustling market town, with its ‘unique shopping experience’ including a small brewery, is an ideal place to start and end the tour.

Day 2. CASTLE DOUGLAS - THE SCOTTISH RIVIERA 25ml(40km)
Leaving Castle Douglas you head for the Solway Coast to Balcary Bay, a local beauty spot, before a flat route towards the River Urr at Palnackie village with the option to climb Orchardton Tower, the only round one in Scotland! Dalbeattie pop. 4,000 and nearby Forest, a mountain biking haven, is on the way to popular and picturesque Kippford with a good pub with views of the yachts in the estuary.

Day 3. THE SCOTTISH RIVIERA - DUMFRIES 30ml(48km)

Today’s route takes you through two National Scenic Areas and some spectacular coastal scenery to Dumfries beside the River Nith. Sandyhills beach, Southerness point with lighthouse and the house of John Paul Jones, the founder of the US Navy are all in the morning. The village of New Abbey with Sweetheart Abbey, old Corn Mill and Shambellie costume museum is an ideal refreshment stop at the award winning Abbey tea room. Overnight stop at Dumfries, the largest town of the region.

Day 4. DUMFRIES - THORNHILL 22ml(35km)
Today you follow much of the KM Trail which commemorates Kirkpatrick Macmillan with a route from Dumfries to the smithy where the pedal cycle was invented at Keir Mill. This excellent route largely follows the River Cairn to the village of Dunscore village before crossing over to the River Nith valley. The pretty town of Thornhill is your accommodation for 2 nights.

Day 5. DRUMLANRIG CASTLE AND THE SCOTTISH CYCLE MUSEUM mileage options 8/18/27ml(13/29/43km)
Drumlanrig Castle, 4 miles from Thornhill in majestic woodland is a ‘working’ castle with parts open to the public. Mountainbiking, walking and fishing are some of the activities available. Some craft shops, excellent tea room and the Scottish Cycle Museum with a replica of the first pedal cycle make it a place you could easily spend the day. You can use today as a semi-rest day or visit the Castle as part of 18 or longer 27 miles countryside and glen tour.

Day 6. THORNHILL - NEW GALLOWAY 26ml(42km)
You join the National Byways Cycle Route across peaceful upland countryside with several small communities. The village of Moniaive is an ideal stop off point, particularly because of the Green Tea House which serves delicious organic food. Continue on a gradual climb over to The Glenkens with views of Earlstoun Loch before visiting St John’s Town of Dalry and on to the smallest Royal Burgh in Scotland, New Galloway.

Day 7. NEW GALLOWAY - CASTLE DOUGLAS 18/25ml(29/40km)
Today’s route back to Castle Douglas is a peaceful cycle along the side of Loch Ken, also the Galloway Kite Trail. The red kite birds of prey can be seen along the way and particularly at a feeding station visitor centre 6 miles from Castle Douglas. The longer route visits Threave Castle and/or Threave Garden. Return to the same B&B as your first night.

Day 8. Depart CASTLE DOUGLAS