We're off up to near Kirkudbright for a long weekend with family & friends over half term. We're staying to the south, near Brighouse bay.
Might take a bike and try to squeeze a ride or 2 in. I know Dalbeattie and Kirroughtree are reasonably close, however they may be a bit too much of a stretch to get to, given other family stuff will be going on.
So, are there any decent routes in the area? Would prefer to MTB as haven't got much in lately, however if there's nothing local I could take the roadie also.
Thanks for any pointers!
Bump for the daytime crowd
Terrahawk has just moved up that way and he seems to post loads of pics. We had a week around the area on our tandems at the end of summer, mostly day rides from a base between Dumfries and Castle Douglas. we did one fab ride from Castle Douglas, out to Kirkcudbright and back over the moors via Gatehouse Of Fleet. Can send GPX if you want, PM me.
There were THREE bike shops in Castle Douglas, all seemed really friendly. The chaps in Studio Velo said they knew loads of routes and would be happy to mark some up for me so if all else fails, maybe drop them a line>
I grew up in Kbt but haven't lived there for 17 years or so, and my mtb experience of the are area is limited. Its a lovely area for road riding, apart from the A75 the roads are quiet, and a circuit like Newton Stewart/New Galloway/ Laurieston is lovely; there's plenty of forest road riding in the Galloway Forest park, you can start up the fleet valley and apart from a few miles on c roads get into the heart of the hills - there are a couple of bothies for a cheeky overnighter. I believe Cairnsmore of Fleet is a reasonable up and down with carrying for the mountain bike. A recent article in the ST magazine highlighted a Merrick (highest hill in southern Scotland) trip. There are at least two locals on here, they will be better placed to give you options.
Its a beautiful area for just pottering about, lovely coast to explore, nice wee towns (don't expect artisan coffee shops or loads of craft ale - unless things have changed in the last couple of years), Get a 1:25000 map and walk or ride!.
Have a great trip!
Have you looked at Kirroughtree,it cant be that far from Kirkudbright we were an hour from Girvan pretty sure it’s just past creetown
I was staying in Girvan few weeks ago and went there as it’s the closest I’ll get for a long time was a good days trails
Also if you meet any locals there’s loads of Off piste stuff in there too
Cheers guys - really appreciate the input - I will check out those options.
Yes I went to Kirro last time we were up there, really enjoyed it. Just not sure whether I will be allowed out for the day this time.
And yes it really is a great area for pottering about. Lovely and quiet, beautiful and completely unpretentious!
Kirroughtree and Dalbeattie are definitely best for mountain biking, but if you're over at Brighouse then they are a bit of a drive, given the small windy roads. The road riding is great though, very quiet and nice rolling hills. I'd probably do something that heads into Gatehouse, up and over the top to Lauriston, back down to Castle Douglas then back to Kirkcudbright around the coast.
Trekster our resident D+G forum user would be the best man to give you a better idea of local trails... don't forget that you have the option of Glentrool, Mabie or Ae forest 7stanes trails....
I can’t remember who it was but someone on here works at the cocoa bean in twynholm and offered to show me some trails around Kircudbright last year but I couldn’t get a pass out.
Ill see if I can find out who it was before they find this thread.
prawny , that would be Kenny(can't remember forum name)
Davy... Not familiar with anything in the area unfortunately.
Mabie is only half open, Larch disease clearance.
Gareth at Studio VeloVelo may be your best bet(retired pro biker)
Kenny at Livingston furniture restorers just down the street from there is another option