Exploring the Dumfries & Galloway countryside by bike is an absolute delight. This beautiful corner of South West Scotland near Kirkcudbright offers cyclists of all abilities a number of cycling routes.
These include quiet lanes and roads to a huge variety of off-road forest trails. Bring your own bike or hire one for the day and prepare to experience superb coastal views and wild unspoilt Scottish scenery.
This cycling guide provides a selection of bike routes and adventures, both on and off road. You can choose your start and finish point and how far you wish to explore. There are paved and road routes, gravel trails and mountain biking singletrack. The suggested cycle routes below are just a guide and can be easily adapted to suit your ambition and ability.
There are several local bike hire companies that will advise visitors of popular routes and provide handy maps, bike locks and bike helmets if required.
Family cycling – quiet lanes
Road Cycling Route Suggestions
Here are a number of cycle trails that can be explored. Each of the routes include cafés and pub options for refreshment and opportunities to rest up as well as a few highlights to look forward to.
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The Kirkcudbright Circular
Start: Centre of Gatehouse DG7 2HS, 24 miles, duration: 2.5-4hrs
This is a beautiful on-road route to Kirkcudbright for shopping or just a visit, which takes in quiet Borgue back roads and runs close by Ross Bay Retreat (2 miles away) so easy to pick the trail up from there instead.
Route Highlights Include:
- The Coo Palace – built in 1911 as a modern dairy in such an elaborate style that the locals named it the Coo Palace.
- Castle Haven Dun – next to Castle Haven Bay is an old stone fort, or Dun, with outer fortifications on a cliff facing out towards Wigtown Bay.
- Borgue Hotel for refreshments & loo break.
- Dhoon Beachis a beautiful beach. The Dee estuary has been a magnet for artists, photographers and bird watchers for generations.
- Kirkcudbright– Scotland’s Artists’ Town. The extensive salt marsh and reed beds at the confluence of the rivers Dee and Tarff are nationally important wildlife habitat, especially for birds.
- Broughton House– This National Trust house was the home of influential Kirkcudbright artist E A Hornel. It has a beautiful garden.
- Cocoabean Factory – 300 metres off route, a family run chocolate factory and visitor attraction with a café.
Route Map & Details – https://www.gatehouse-of-fleet.co.uk/index.php/cycling/497-kirkcudbright-circular
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Castle Douglas Circular
Start: Centre of Gatehouse DG7 2HS, 33.7 miles, duration: 3.5-6 hours
Gatehouse to Castle Douglas and back via Laurieston. This ride takes in the best of Galloway scenery; rolling farmland, tidal reed beds, beautiful Laurieston Forest and spectacular views over the Fleet valley and coastal islands. The route is hilly in places with a total of 1,300ft (396m) of ascent.
Highlights include:
- The Glenlochar barrage completed in 1934 is an important structure for controlling the flow of water in the Galloway Hydro scheme.
- The Red Kite Feeding station at Bellymackhill farm, where they feed these huge birds of prey every day at 2pm.
- Knocktinkle viewpoint. The viewpoint offers fine views to Cairnsmore to the west and the Fleet estuary to the south. Note the many drystone walls, some up to 200 years old built to control the livestock.
Route & Details https://www.gatehouse-of-fleet.co.uk/index.php/cycling/493-castle-douglas-circular
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Gatehouse Viaduct Circular
Start: Centre of Gatehouse DG7 2HS, Distance: 19.5miles, Duration: 3-5hours
After 4 miles of mostly uphill along the road towards Laurieston, you follow Forestry tracks which require a mountain/gravel bike. The views are spectacular moors and forests all the way to the Gatehouse Viaduct. From Gatehouse Station it’s a lovely downhill all the way back to Gatehouse.
Highlights Include:
- Knocktinkle Viewpoint. Pause at the viewpoint and admire the views of Cairnsmore to the west and the Fleet estuary to the south.
- Galloway Forest Park covers a large area of forest interspersed with rugged hills, lochs and woodlands. There are many miles of waymarked cycle routes of varying difficulty.
- Dismantled railway line. The railway that ran from Dumfries to Stranraer was closed in 1965. It is now a listed building. The railway features in John Buchan’s ‘Thirty Nine Steps’.
- Cairnsmore National Nature Reserve
Route Map & Details: https://www.gatehouse-of-fleet.co.uk/index.php/cycling/498-circular-part-off-road-to-gatehouse-station
Kirkcudbright Harbour
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Maclellan’s Castle & Carrick Bay Loop from Kirkcudbright
Start: Kirkcudbright, Distance 21 Miles, Duration: 2-3 hours
This coast to coast circular trail on quiet roads starts in Kircudbright but can be started from any point if needed. If staying at Ross Bay, the route can be joined on the road near the Borgue Hotel just a couple of miles away. It then heads out towards Carrick Bay and includes Dhoon Beach & Maclellan’s Castle in Kirkcudbright itself.
- Carrick Bay – is a small bay, with a sandy beach sitting at its north eastern end with a rocky headland
- Dhoon Beach a lovely sandy beach. The Dee estuary has been a magnet for artists, photographers and bird watchers for generations.
- Maclellan’s Castle – Ruins of Sir Thomas MacLellan’s 16th century tower townhouse in Kirkcudbright
Route Details & More Information: https://www.komoot.com/smarttour/e932180776/maclellan-s-castle-carrick-bay-loop-from-kirkcudbright
Using the route planning and navigation app Komoot, you can discover the best cycle routes, guides and advice. Each ride can be categorised by the type of biking adventure you’re looking for. Just select the category that best describe what you want to experience and find your next bike adventure near Kirkcudbright and surrounding area.
Cycling the countryside
Gravel Biking Trails in & around the Galloway Forest Park
For those who love cycling and getting out into the countryside and away from it all you cannot beat the Galloway Forest Park. There are a number of superb gravel cycle trails set within the Galloway Forest Park. A gravel or mountain bike will be ideal for this terrain.
Take a drink and picnic with you and don’t forget your camera to capture the memories!
Galloway Forest Park Cycle Trails Include:
- Clatteringshaws to Glentrool Loop: A cross-country trail that starts at the Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre and goes along the banks of Clatteringshaws Loch – https://scotlandstartshere.com/tours/gravel-clatteringshaws-loop/
- The Raiders’ Road: A very scenic circular trail that can be accessed from the New Galloway car park
- Drumlanrig Castle & Country Estate: A trail with green and blue gravel paths that go through the estate, past lochs, and through woodland – Visit Drumlanrig Castle & Country Estate: https://scotlandstartshere.com/point-of-interest/drumlanrig-castle-country-estate/
- Newton Stewart to Wigtown: A trail that goes from Newton Stewart to Wigtown along St. Ninian’s Way – https://scotlandstartshere.com/tours/newton-stewart-to-wigtown/
- Galloway Forest Gravel Epic: A long route that starts north of Newton Stewart and includes a 3 km climb, a descent to Clatteringshaws Loch, and a 53 km loop – View Route: https://gloriousgravel.com/product/gravel-sportives/galloway-forest-gravel-epic
- Anniversary Cairn Trail: A trail that goes through mature woods to the Galloway Forest Park 50th Anniversary Cairn, and then back past Bruntis Loch. View Trail: https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/forest-parks/galloway-forest-park/kirroughtree#
- Bruntis Lochs: A trail that goes through mixed woodland and visits both the Big and Little Bruntis Lochs. View Trail Options: https://www.forestry.gov.scot/images/pdf/rec_pdfs/Galloway-Forest-Park-Map-and-Trail-Guide.pdf
- Water of Trool Trail: A scenic cycle trail that goes through oakwoods alongside the Water of Trool, and includes the Martyr’s Tomb and Spout Head Waterfall. View Trail: https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/forest-parks/galloway-forest-park/glentrool#
Adventures in the Galloway Forest Park
The ‘Raiders Gravel’ Multi-Day Gravel Biking Event
During this Summer, ‘Raiders Gravel’ took place. It was a multi-day gravel biking race event that hosted the 2024 British Gravel Championships to crown the national gravel biking champions. It took place near Gatehouse of Fleet and included the Galloway Forest Park in Dumfries & Galloway on Saturday, 31 August 2024.
Each day the riders enjoyed some of world’s best gravel trails through one of Britain’s most beautiful areas.
One competitor Nath Curtis said ‘This area offers some of the best gravel trails in spectacular scenery that I have found across the whole of the UK’.
The three race stages were designed for everyone and a gravel adventure for all. The gravel trails can be ridden anytime of the year and can be completed in their entirety or in part. Cyclists can ride any of the sections and enjoy some of the trails that the racers experienced.
The Three Race Stages with Map Links:
Stage 1 – ‘The Clatteringshaws’ Distance: 84.55km
Enjoy the Raiders Road, which lends the event its name, heading west along the stunning Forest Drive. This is the route which can be done in its entirety or just choose a section to ride.
Ride details via ‘Ride with GPS’ route to download – https://www.raidersgravel.com/stage-1
To see some of the trails and views that the Galloway Forest Park offers and can be experienced view the YouTube video below.
Stage 2 – ‘The Grannoch’ Distance: 100.9km
After a thrilling descent join the Laurieston Road, before back on the gravel tracks, heading east past Loch Skerrow, Stroan Loch an along the abandoned Portpatrick Railway. After a short stretch on Raiders Road there is another tough climb up Slaughter Hill followed by a tricky descent back to the Raiders Road.
The middle section is less taxing, however the later climbs provide stunning views! Enjoy a final sight of Loch Grannoch before descending down towards the Big Water of Fleet Viaduct.
Ride details via ‘Ride with GPS’ route to download – https://www.raidersgravel.com/stage-2
Stage 3 – ‘The Skerrow’ Distance: 65.6km
Start the gravel trail at the Big Water of Fleet Viaduct. This section is mostly downhill or flat with a little climb. Follow the Blackwater of Dee River for a while, before turning back on yourself to follow to the river’s opposite bank along Raiders Road. This section is pretty flat, looping round Stroan Loch before joining the old Portpatrick Railway line, guaranteeing stunning views at the top. A gentle and relaxed tarmac descent down Laurieston Road into Gatehouse is the reward after and lovely gravel stretch to finish.
Ride details via ‘Ride with GPS’ route to download – https://www.raidersgravel.com/stage-2
Lovely Cycling Trails in Dalbeattie Forest
Mountain Biking Trails in Galloway Forest Park
Glentrool is part of the 7Stanes Mountain Bike Venues. It features green and blue graded trails for families and beginners. It is also the starting point for an epic 36 mile offroad journey called the ‘Big Country Route’ into the heart of Galloway Forest Park with hills, lochs, incredible views and wildlife. The cafe will provide a map and advice if needed.
Good gravel bikes and mountain bikes are suitable for cycling at Glentrool.
These mountain bike trails include the following:
- The Glen – Grade – Green: Easy, 3 ¾ miles / 6.0 km
The Glen is a short leisurely trail around the picturesque Palnagashel Glen. Suitable for families looking for an unhurried pace. Enjoy picturesque views of Palnagashel Glen, on this short but sweet route that meanders along the banks of Black Linn and through tall larch trees. There’s forest track and a section of gentle singletrack.
- The Green Toor – Grade – Blue: Moderate, 5 ½ miles / 9.0 km
The Green Torr climbs gradually up through the forest to stunning views over Loch Trool. This ride mainly features purpose built singletrack, and the lack of large rocks and tree roots make it welcoming to less experienced mountain bikers. The most challenging section is the steady 218 metre climb through forest to the Green Torr, after which you can enjoy the long final descent back down to the Glentrool Visitor hub.
- The Big Country Route – 36 miles / 58.0 km
Take a day long ride into the wild heart of Galloway Forest Park with magnificent views of the nearby lochs and hills. Embark on an epic journey that encompasses staggering views of Galloway’s lochs and hills. This route takes you along minor public and forest roads, and while there’s no technical singletrack, the Big Country route still offers a challenging ride with long climbs and some sharp descents.
View the Glentrool Cycle Trail Map: https://forestryandland.gov.scot/media/qhsh0kin/fls-7stanes-routecard-glentrool.pdf
Sunset cycling
There is also excellent mountain biking and off road trails for all abilities at the following forest locations:
Cycling in the forest
Cycling – Guaranteed ‘Miles & Smiles’
Whether it is back roads around Kirkcudbright, The Raiders Road or heading on to the trails of Galloway Forest Park cycling is a lovely way too explore the countryside. It is a great way to see so much more and rarely fails to put a smile on your face. Pop your helmet on, get saddled up and head out on two wheels to find out why.
Enjoy!
Useful Links & More Information:
- Bike Rentals near Kirkcudbright
- Cycling Kirkcudbright – https://www.kirkcudbright.town/activities/cycling/
- Komoot – Best Cycle Routes in Dumfries & Galloway
- The best cycling routes around Royal Burgh Of Kirkcudbright
- Cycle Trails near Gatehouse of Fleet – https://www.gatehouse-of-fleet.co.uk/index.php/cycling
- Cycle Sales, Hire & Repair – Kirkcudbright
- Raiders Road Trail Map & Route details – https://info.dumgal.gov.uk/CorePathMaps/Cycling/Raiders-Road.pdf
- Glentrool Mountain Biking Trails – https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/forest-parks/galloway-forest-park/glentrool
