Castle Douglas & Kirkcudbright

Overview

This tour allows you to ride the coast and pedal into the hills with a variety of things to do on days off. You can choose the route distance you want most days or ask in advance for longer route options. It's not always about the bike. For rest days, lazy days, and for non-cycling friends, Kirkcudbright offers wonderful things to do; cafes, river walks, and antique shops to browse. If you want things a bit more organized, options include a cooking school, archaeology, or distillery tours. There is always another castle or garden to visit or perhaps even a spa treatment. Just ask! The historic market towns of Castle Douglas and Kirkcudbright (pronounced kirr-KOO-bree) are two of Scotland's most charming small towns. Known as the 'Food Town' and 'Artist Town', they are very different but both sit in the heart of a landscape perfect for cycling. Quiet roads stretch out in a web from the coast in a cycling paradise that is true Scotland without the crowds or traffic. Historically, many have called this region home: Celtic tribes, the Roman General Agricola, Galloway Picts and St. Cuthbert who introduced Christianity to Britain from here. More recently, a flourishing colony of artists and craftspeople have settled here, drawn by the landscape and nationally significant art festivals. Castle Douglas is a historic market town that sits on the old military road linking Scotland with Ireland. It is described as the 'Food Town' without a single multinational on the main street, a feeling of having stepped back to the time of Ma and Pa shops. There are three high-quality butchers, two bike shops, a gentleman’s outfitter and more than enough excellent cafes. This is the town where the locals come to shop or sell their sheep or cows. Our top recommendation is a trip to Earth’s Crust bakery for your picnic supplies. There are traditional pubs, an award-winning microbrewery and even a quality fish and chips shop. With its pastel-colored houses, castle, numerous galleries and the fact that it still has real family-owned and operated shops and a working harbor, you will find it delightful. Quirky and cultural houses and gardens, tasting tours at the Dark Art Gin Distillery and perhaps a cookery class are all options to entertain yourself and should not be missed. This is an easy to moderate self-guided tour in which you split your cycling vacation between two destinations/hotels. Dumfries & Galloway offers a wide range of landscapes. It is flat to the South East, “undulating” along the coast, and some hills as you go inland. Most of the gradients are gentle, fine for every type of cyclist. All routes are on roads that are very quiet, often with just a few cars every hour, most of which will be driven by drivers who wave greetings for you. Our operator is a proud supporter of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere and has been awarded the Certification Mark in dedicated adherence to the six principles of the charter: Help conserve the natural resources of the Biosphere, Support the economy to benefit people and nature, Promote cultural heritage and local products, Contribute to the health and wellbeing of the community, Develop knowledge, understanding, and research, Raise awareness of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere.

Daily Ride Schedule

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

Hotel

What's Included