The full Galloway
A customer’s tour that became a classic.
A special 10- day leisure cycling tour designed by Galloway Cycling Holidays . 4 locations with day loops, exploring the best Galloway has to offer - A deep dive to get to know the Solway coast and the Galloway Highlands.
OVERVIEW
Helen came with her friends in 2025. She asked for a customised trip of routes she saw on Galloway Cycling Holiday’s website.
Their experience in her words (Google Review): “The scenery in Galloway is unparalleled. I’ve personally done over 35 cycling trips throughout Europe and the Galloway rides and Galloway Cycling’s planning (and execution) definitely ranks at the top.”
Staying at least two nights in a location makes exploring the beautiful region very intimate and sustainable.
Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
Cycling Style: Self-guided, Leisure road cycling, luggage transfer provided
Extras: bike rental, Dark Art Gin tour and tasting, Stationhouse Cookery School and presentations
The tour starts in the picturesque town of Gatehouse of Fleet, part of the special Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. It then meanders along the Solway coast to the Artists’ Town of Kirkcudbright. From there it heads inland through moorland under big skies, with free roaming sheep and cattle to Thornhill. You are in the mountains of the Galloway Highlands and the big houses and castles now. The tour comes to a close by following the River Nith down to the Solway coast in Dumfries, resting place for the Scottish national poet, Robert Burns.
Highlights for them: ” The Schoolhouse Cookery School in Kirkcudbright “- We could add this to your itinerary too.
Tour details
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Note: Prices quoted are for Standard rooms and standard double beds. Premium rooms are usually available.
from £1200 (Classic)- £1540 (Premium) per person, depending on room type in the hotels, based on sharing a room
SINGLE as part of a group from: £1590
Solo from: £1610
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Bike rental is an Extra.
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There is a 5% discount per person for groups of 4 or more people.
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Between 25- 35 miles each day with the transfer day to Thornhill 41 miles.
Terrain: Rolling. The route to Thornhill has a very long gentle climb - nothing to worry about.
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Day 1- Arrival:
Make your way to Lockerbie or Dumfries by train ( this links with airports in Edinburgh , Glasgow or Manchester ) and we will bring you to your accommodation in Gatehouse of Fleet. We get to know you and introduce you to the area and get you ready to make the most of your stay. If you hire bikes from us, we do a bike-fit and we make sure you are ready to navigate with the ridewithgps app on your phone.
Day 2: Gatehouse - Cairnsmore of Fleet and Creetown
An easy day to settle in, but nevertheless impressive: Cairnsmore of Fleet and the viaduct, one of the UNESCO Biosphere’s core areas. Cuckoo and Golden Eagle and your first Belted Galloway cowsThis day is an out and back route to a lovely cafe in Creetown in the Gem museum.
Day 3: Cycle to Kirkcudbright.
Explore the locals’ favourite - Carrick Beach, or pick your own - there are so many amongst those secluded bays. Eccentric architecture, Viking history and the Artists’ Town of Kirkcudbright as your destination.
The following days take your pick. You can take part in the Stationhouse Cookery School, visit the Dark Art Gin Distillery, or maybe have a farm tour to learn about the land and the animals - Gledpark, SolwayView& Balmangan Farm
Helen and her friend did half a day at the Cooking School and then went off to Ross Bay Lighthouse, scene of a murder-mystery.
Day 4: Balcary Bay
You cycle along the coast, passing Dundrennan where May Queen of Scots spent her final night before heading to England to meet her cousin Elisabeth I ( it did not end well ). Your destination is a small sandy beach with a castle in the distance and imposing cliffs a short walk away. Auchencairn’s village shop and cafe is a must-stop place for delicious homemade food.
Day 5: KenDee Marshes and the Galloway Hoard.
More than 1,000 years ago, a beautiful place above the Dee. Viking people were busy burying treasure, much unique in the world worth $4million. Nowadays it is a quiet remotel landscape with sheep, cattle, red kites and visiting wildfowl. A visit to the Laurieston Gallery/cafe on your way home ( It was once a pub where David Bowie drank! ).
Day 6: Cycle to Thornhill
A 40 mile trip into the Galloway Highlands along the path of the River Dee. A cafe in New Galloway (and Kenmuir Castle -a ruin), before the climb into high-moorland where sheep and cattle roam freely and views into a far horizon of mountains.
Day 7: A loop with Morton Castle, Durisdeer and Drumlanrig Castle
Apart from seeing two castles - Morton castle, a ruin; and Drumlanrig castle, seat of the Duke & Duchess of Buccleuch, as well as a backdrop to the Outlander and other films and TV series; and Durisdeer church with the beautiful tomb made of italian marble. This is also the day to visit the grave of the inventor of the bicycle, Kirkpatrick Macmillan.
Day 8: Cycle to Dumfries
The route goes along the river Nith valley. Highlights would be the often overlooked 12 Apostles stone circle, and the haunted bridge near Irongrey.
If you like to get pampered, we can base you at the Cairndale Hotel and Spa in Dumfries ( 2025 Scotland Spa of the year ). And if you fancy a whisky tasting , we would recommend the Globe Inn for world-class food paired with Annandale’s own whisky.
Day 9: To Powfoot and back.
We love this route: Fairly flat, along the Nith estuary and the Solway Firth, visiting Caerlaverock Castle, Ruthwell Cross, the first ever Savings bank- Henry Duncan.
Powfoot is a great place to have your tea and coffee and see the tides go in and out.
Day 10: Departure
We will bring you back to the train station in Lockerbie, or to your car, or whatever we arrange with you.
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If you arrive by car, we can arrange safe parking and bring you back to it.
If you arrive by train/coach, we will arrange pickup and transport back to the stations.
There is a 5% discount per person for groups of 4 or more people.
Location 1: Gatehouse of Fleet - a UNESCO Biosphere town
The town is set in the heart of the Fleet Valley National Scenic Area –a nationally outstanding landscape – wild moorland above the town and below, the Fleet estuary with its fine beaches and rocky shores. It has some of the finest cafes in Galloway, and some unexpected shops. The 4 star hotel is multi award winning - and you have a choice of award winning restaurants - Gatehouse is amazing!
Location 2: Kirkcudbright - the ‘ Artist Town ‘
The pastel coloured townhouses, galleries and craft shops, and the working harbour combine to give the town a unique charm. The Dark Art Distillery, Dark Sky planetarium and the Cooking School are new additions to the many studios and artist galleries. It is a great place to spend time walking around and browsing the artist studios. There are great cafes and a range of quality places for evening meals. Accommodation can be anything from 4 star hotel with fine dining to self catering, and everything in between. Quiet roads and tracks take you on some of the best rides in the UK.
Location 3: Thornhill
Located at the foot of the Lowther Hills, home to the highest village in Scotland, Wanlockhead, It is remarkable that such a small place has so many “points of interest”. - The bicycle was invented here - reason enough to visit! and Drumlanrig Castle - the film makers choice of location.
We know you will have a great time at the BQA - hotel, and enjoy the relaxing cafes nearby.
Location 4: Dumfries
Dumfries is our biggest town (still no city status!). Fascinating red sandstone architecture, very charming but in need of renovation. The Cairndale Hotel - Spa of the year 2025, is the place to stay - it is amazing! and the Globe Inn, for food and whisky (owned by the Annandale Whisky Distillery), and a cultural insight into Scotland’s national poet Robert Burns who lived and died here.
