Gravel Hub Explorer

Imagine riding in Scotland’s Galloway Forest - the home of gravel in the UK, with the people who created the UCI Gralloch events.

The Galloway Forest is home to the UCI Gravel World Series, The Gralloch, the biggest event in the world.

We have explored the forest tracks for a decade now. Hard won knowledge, to put together a 4-day Galloway Gravel Taster for you.

OVERVIEW

An ideal way to experience Scottish gravel riding, the very best in the world. Epic landscapes and real Scottish culture, with the company that knows the area the best.

Gatehouse of Fleet orKirkcudbright are ideally suited as a base for a short Gravel break. Both are located within the UNESCO accredited Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere and offer unique routes along the coast and the Fleet Valley National Scenic Area.

Routes can be anything between 30 and 60 miles. We are here to help the ‘ gravel curious ‘ to get a feeling for off-road riding, and the experienced rider to get deep into wilderness

A short break Gravel Cycling with Galloway Cycling Holidays

  • Location: 1 location: Gatehouse of Fleet, 4 star rated hotels

  • Duration: 4 days / 3 nights

  • Cycling Style: Self-guided, Gravel, off-road - guiding is available.

  • Extras: Gravel bike rental - guiding .

woman riding gravel bike Loch Dee, Galloway

Tour details

  • 4 day schedule:

    Two people sharing : £660 pp

    Single/Solo occupancy: £950 pp

    Gravel Bikes are an Extra @£40 per bike per day.

    There is a 5% discount per person for groups of 4 or more people. Please ask for a code when ready to book.

  • Terrain: A mix of coastline and drove roads and forest tracks

    Distance: Tell us what you are used to. We would argue that Gravel miles are double miles (compared to road cycling). We put something together.

    Difficulty: Medium

    Neither the coastline nor the forest are flat, but there are no crazy, relentless climbs either.

  • Day 1 - Arrival & your first ride. Distance can be variable depending on time of arrival

    Day 2 - Above Gatehouse - Taking the road into the hills above Gatehouse and to Kirkcudbright for some coffee and cake. Back along road and gravel along the beautiful shores of Carrick and Cally Woods.

    Distance: we suggest/you decide (max 50 miles)

    Day 3 - Raiders Road. The route goes into hills and its magical lochs and rivers. You cycle along an old railway back to Gatehouse.

    Distance: we suggest/you decide (max 50 miles)

    Day 4 - Clatteringsshaws and Kirroughtree - amazing views.

    Back via an old Roman Road and Anwoth to Gatehouse, or come back via the road on the National Cycle Route 7.

    Departure: We bring you back to the trains station.

    • Staying in 4*- rated accommodation with breakfasts.

    • The prices include:

    • Pickup from Lockerbie or Dumfries and bringing you to the first accommodation.

    • Luggage transfer .

    • Transfer from Gatehouse of Fleet back to Lockerbie or Dumfries train/bus station

    • If you arrive by car, we can arrange safe parking and bring you back to it.

    Tour duration can be shortened (or extended), but require a minimum of two nights in one location.

    If you are unfamiliar with using GPS navigation in remote, non-signed territories, we would strongly recommend to have at least one guided day with us. This will also have the benefit that you will learn more about the in-depth local stories and cultures.

  • Gravel Bike hire is available with us.

    Price: @£40 per day per bike with one of our the holiday options.

    Otherwise: @45 per bike per day/ £65 for race days

    We have a fleet of Specialized Diverge models:

    • GRX components,

    • 45mm profile tyres to ride forest tracks and the ancient roads along the coast or the forest tracks in the hills

    • Sizes: various - to fit riders from small to extra large with relaxed geometry.

    • 45mm profile tyres to ride forest tracks and the ancient roads along the coast or the forest tracks in the hills.

    • Note - these are not mountain bikes!

cyclist on empty beach with Gravel bike

Gatehouse of Fleet

Gatehouse of Fleet is a small picturesque town (it does like to be called a town, though more of a village in size ) in the south of the UNESCO Biosphere.

The town is set at the heart of the Fleet Valley National Scenic Area –a nationally outstanding landscape – which encompasses the Fleet Valley from the wild moorland at the top of the valley to the estuary with its fine beaches and rocky shores. Gatehouse is an 18th century planned town and is remarkably well preserved with most of its historical features easily viewed. The place has a buzz about it. Great cafes and fine restaurants that you will love!

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