If you seek remoteness
Southern Upland Way
There are quite a number of books that feature our bottom left bit of Scotland. We were looking for a quote about the beauty, freedom and pure escapism of this area as we take the first steps towards opening. Then we thought about the 39 steps and Hannay, the hero of the book needs to get away from London.
"I fixed on Galloway as the best place to go. It was the nearest wild part of Scotland, so far as I could figure it out, and from the look of the map was not over thick with population."
There have been 4 films of the book from the original Hitchcock 1935 version which most consider still to be the best, right up to a 2008 television series. The 1978 version starring Robert Powell is good and recent enough to ask random people in the area if they remember it being filmed.
When the path slowly disappears…
…and forest gives way to the big sky
All of the films get across the remote feel of this area with a very special feel all of its own that is lumpy and pointy enough to be the Highlands but has a romantic coastline of tucked away harbours that would not look out of place in Cornwall.
Hidden tracks for gravel riding
In Cuckoo - land
Quiet roads for road cycling
Beautiful Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere
We have spent the glorious weather of the lockdown weeks, looking over maps of our area. When we welcome guests back we want to have some new routes and new ideas. We have been doing more bushcraft in the garden, getting our skills together and trying out new equipment to make food and brew the perfect coffee when we stop on the rides.
Loch Stroan - Raiders Road, Galloway Forest Park and our GSA UNESCO Biosphere
We have had enough time on our hands to go exploring, to try and find ways to link part A with part C without going our usual way through B. It has been fun and has kept up our moral and a great day on a bike is the best reminder of why we love this area and get such a thrill out of showing people around it.
…and nothing is complicated.
It is starting to feel like we can invite guests from the UK back here soon. There is a whole lot of summer left, and a ride in October with the vivid colours of Autumn and a cosy hotel to look forward to every evening, well that is something to start planning. For our overseas customers, we are already getting bookings for 2021. It will look just as beautiful, the trees a little taller and the views just as memorable.
In the meantime, have a look at our routes and our new offers for gravel rides: “Gravel for Mortals” -
See you all soon, Warren & Esther
Loch Stroan - Raiders Road