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We had seen a number of signposts for the Whithorn Way when we cycled the Ayrshire Coastal Path and the Clyde Walkway and a quick Google suggested it would be right up our street as another route to explore when we had time... which is now.
The route is an interpretation of a pilgrimage starting from Glasgow Cathedral then winding it's way across the South West of Scotland ending at the Isle of Whithorn. We will put our own spin on things cycling in small chunks - either out-n-backs or loops where they appear.
Glasgow to Paisley
We opted to start at the Riverside Museum and make a b-line through the city for the Cathedral before starting to follow the route proper back along the Clyde.
This urban section winds it's way past the Science Centre and through the streets of Govan, Sheildhall and Braehead before crossing the White Cart river and along the "new" airport curtain road and into Paisley and the it's abbey. A cheese butty and about turn but we opted to cross the Renfrew Bridge and pick up NCR7 for a traffic free return.
Paisley to Glengarnock
We parked up at the Lochshore Park in Glengarnock and followed the flat and easy ex-railway tracks, repurposed as the NCR7, through Lochwinnoch, Kilbarchan, Johnstone and eventually reaching Paisley Abbey.
I always enjoy how these ex-rail trails allow you to creep through urban centres, seeing the city from a different perspective.
Glengarnock to Irvine
Parked the van at what would have been the old Magnum Centre and headed through Irvine and up to Glengarnock on quiet back roads (not the official route).
Picked up the official route and started our way back towards Irvine through Kilwinning where the route detours through the town centre to pass the abbey ruins.
We were welcomed back into Irvine to the sounds of some traditional Scottish folk music.
Part 2 to follow due to limit on posting pics...
I love these adventures you share with us.
Colmonell to Stairhaven
A couple back to back rides next. Between Irvine and Colmonell the pilgrimage follows a route we had already ridden (both ways) as part of our Ayrshire Coastal Path ride so we felt no need to repeat that. Instead, we parked at the small village of Colmonell and headed along the valley farm tracks to Pinwherry then past a sad looking Kildonnan House to Barrhill and then up onto the moors to Chirmorrie. Our planned cut back through a forest we had used before had us pop up in the middle of a windfarm construction site - but, being a quiet weekend, the few guys working were happy to guide us through the working machinery.
Sunday saw us start at Glenluce and head north back onto the dreich moorland to reach our last position on the route the day before.
Then about turn back through Glenluce and on a bit further to Stairhaven to clock up a little more of the route.
Stairhaven to Mochrum
We were now on the Machars and started the penultimate leg from the great little pull up at Stairhaven Beach. The route is much quieter now following back roads with some offroad fun as well as we headed over Challochglass Moor and past several lochs and Crannogs.
Eventually reaching our turning point of Mochrum with a "pull" up the motte for scenic sandwiches.
For the return we opted for a coastal route. We were warned by a local that the path between Auchenmalg Bay and Stairhaven was impassable by foot let alone carrying a bike - challenge accepted.
Mochrum to Isle of Whithorn
The final loop had us park at the quiet hamlet of Mochrum. More peaceful back roads past standing stones and other assorted ancient paraphernalia to Whithorn. Snacks consumed before heading out of the town on some pathways that may not see a lot of traffic.
The route meandered through some cracking woodland strips on narrow loamy singletrack until reaching the sea and views of the Isle of Man. Then it was cliff top riding to a nifty steep descent to visit St Ninian's Cave and on to, arguably, the more historically important concrete slab used for the 1970's Whicker Man burning statue.
The final riding was much more rugged cliff top singletrack and a bit of a test of bike handling before dropping down into the port of the Isle of Whithorn and time to reflect at St Ninian's Chapel. From here we took a direct road route back to Mochrum.
Loved it, a great route that exposes you to many different parts of our local South West Scotland, from busy urban streets through rural backwaters and down to a very quiet coast. Not much in the way of challenging riding and probably great on a gravel bike if that's your thing.
Cheers
Vincent and Jill
Love it. Great pics and description. Looks lovely 👌
Excellent again, only thing I could ask for is some captions for the pics. obviously some are self explanatory - wheres the cathedral/large church - Paisley? Radio City?
Lovely part of the world - many happy memories exploring there pre-kids with mrs_oab.
