Helen came with her friends in 2025. She asked for a customised trip made of routes she saw on our 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.”

This tour starts in the picturesque Gatehouse of Fleet, meanders along the coast to the Artists’ Town of Kirkcudbright and heads then into the Galloway Highlands around Thornhill. It ends by following the River Nith down to the Solway coast in Dumfries.

Highlights for them:” The Schoolhouse Cookery School in Kirkcudbright “- you can add this!

Between 25- 35 miles each day with the transfer day to Thornhill 41 miles.

Terrain: Rolling. The route to is a very gentle climb - nothing to worry about.

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.

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 1 ( 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.

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.