3E - The Scottish Riviera
Start – Any day of the week.
Distance – 18, 27 and 24 miles (29, 43, 38 km).
Grade – Easy / Moderate.
Comments – A relatively easy cycle in mostly flat countryside to a National Scenic Area.
Price – £245 p.p.
Tour Features - Below we briefly list the interesting features you will find on each day of the cycling tour. Full information on where to find these features is provided in the Tour Information Pack - supplied on arrival at the welcome meeting. Route maps and local info leaflets are included in the pack along with our suggestions on the best places to visit and also refreshment stops.
All the cycling routes have of course been selected to provide the best scenery each day between your overnight stops.
Pre-tour accommodation is in Castle Douglas.
Day 1 – Castle Douglas to Kippford via the Urr Valley
Distance – 18 miles. Grade – moderate.
Terrain – an occasional hill.
Summary – A river valley route to Dalbeattie and on to the best beach in the area. Some villages before the National Scenic Area and your accommodation.
Features:
Haugh of Urr village – church detour
Motte of Urr – the remains of a 12th century motte and bailey earthwork castle
Dalbeattie – pop. 4000 – several features including excellent local museum and ‘7 Stanes’ mountain biking trailhead nearby.
Sandyhills Beach – expansive beach and recreational area.
Colvend – small visitor centre, shop and nearby craft farm.
Rockliffe – old fashioned village on the coast with excellent tea room, gallery and hotel.
Mote of Mark – former pre 7th century citadel of Celtic Chieftains with commanding views.
The Muckle Hill and Jubilee Path – another viewpoint and popular path. We also point you to an interesting house garden full of driftwood and stone features.
Kippford village – a popular yachting village. We recommend a popular pub food location.
B&B accommodation in Kippford.
Day 2 – Solway Coast Circuit
Distance – 27 miles. Grade – Moderate.
Terrain – a couple of hills to Mersehead, then mostly flat. A hill for the New Abbey option.
Summary – This route follows the line of the coast with quiet road roads used.
Features:
The Needles Eye – an unusual rock formation.
Mersehead Nature Reserve – on a detour route – run by RSPB.
Southerness holiday village and lighthouse – with championship golf course.
Powillimount – shore recreation area
John Paul Jones birthplace – founder of the US Navy.
Carsethorn – village by the coast.
Kirkbean – village.
New Abbey - a 10 miles extra detour with several places of interest. Visited on other tours.
Accommodation again in Kippford.
Day 3 – Kippford to Castle Douglas.
Distance – 24 miles. Grade – Easy.
Terrain – Reasonably flat after leaving Kippford.
Summary – Cross the River Urr and continue along the coast with several features.
Features:
Dalbeattie – pop. 4000 – several features including excellent local museum and ‘7 Stanes’ mountain biking trailhead nearby.
Palnackie – a former busy port beside the River Urr with a visitor attraction nearby.
Orchardton Tower – a 15th century tower house – the only round one in Scotland.
Auchencairn – village with shop and pub.
Balcary Bay – beauty spot.
If not visited on Arrival Day -
Threave Garden – one of Scotland’s finest gardens. Several places of interest which we advise about.
Threave Castle – ring the bell for the boatman to take you to the castle on the island.
Sulwath brewery – a small brewery and visitor centre – a good place to end the tour!
Carlingwark Loch – beside Castle Douglas.
Castle Douglas ‘food town’ – with lots of attractive independent shops.
Tour End
