A seven night self-guided cycling tour Lochs and Glens Glasgow to Carlisle. 7 nights bed and breakfast in (en-suite wherever possible) guesthouse accommodation, 6 days cycling, luggage transfers, train ticket back to Glasgow, route guide and maps. Hire of a 21 speed all-terrain bicycle would be extra.
Starting in Glasgow one of Scotland’s greatest cities, rich in industrial heritage and a thriving cultural scene. The route leaves Glasgow along the river Clyde to the coast, then heads south passed famous links golf courses. The dominant feature of the tour is the rolling hills of Ayrshire and the Galloway Forest Park. Beautiful landscapes of rivers flowing through valleys and lochs amid wild moorland hills. The final leg of the route passes through the popular tourist town of Dumfries. Known as ‘The Borders’ you will see ruined castles, a reminder of cross border raids that for centuries blighted this region. Despite its turbulent history, this Gateway to Scotland is now a peaceful farmland with quite country towns along the Solway Firth. The larger city of Carlisle in England is your final destination of this tour.

This cycle tour is operated by Explore Britain Cycling from County Durham in England.

START of TOUR: Glasgow is in central Scotland.

ARRIVAL DAY: At Glasgow. Your 1st nights’ accommodation is in the centre of Glasgow near the start and finish of this tour. There are many places to eat in this vibrant city from fish and chip shops to traditional pubs and a large variety of restaurants (meals not included in the tour price). Overnight Glasgow, Scotland.

DAY TWO: Cycle from Glasgow to Kilwinning. Distance approx. 31 miles (50km). After breakfast you would pick-up your bike from the shop (if you have hired one) and begin the ride through Glasgow on a biker friendly section giving you plenty of time to get used to your bikes and take in the sights. The route starts very flat ridding through parks and along miner roads to the outskirts of Glasgow. There are many opportunities to stop on route to have a pub lunch or buy sandwiches from villagers like Lochwinoch and Kilbrnie. For the last 7 miles of today’s ride you join a quite country road along a lush green river valley to the town of Kilwinning, with a selection of pubs and hotels for you to choose for your evening meal (not included). Overnight Kilwinning, Scotland.

DAY THREE: Cycle from Kilwinning to Maybole. Distance approx. 33 miles (53km). Heading to the coast from Kilwinning on a traffic-free section making this a superb biking experience with stunning views across the Firth of Clyde to the Isle of Arran. At Irvine you will encounter the first of many golf courses, the famous links course at Troon. Following the coast through sand dunes you reach the seaport town of Ayr, an ideal place to stop and have lunch. A steep climb onto the Carrick Hills is rewarded by magnificent views over the beautiful Scottish Coastline and Isles, descending down again you reach your destination for today Maybole. This busy little market town has a variety of places to eat (meals not included). Overnight Maybole, Scotland.

DAY FOUR: Cycle from Maybole to Newton Stewart. Distance approx. 34 miles (55km). Today is the most challenging section of the tour, but it is also the most rewarding along a miner country road, quite remote in parts especially between Crosshill and Glentrool Village. Rising into the Galloway Hills you reach the highest point of this tour at over 400 meters this provides stunning views across the Galloway Forest Park and over Glen Trool. The spectacular scenery makes the climbs a distant memory and on the right day this is a never to be forgotten bike ride. A long downhill section descends into the busy tourist town Newton Stewart with many places to eat here from fish and chip shops to traditional pubs and restaurants (meals not included). Overnight Newton Stewart, Scotland.

DAY FIVE: Cycle from Newton Stewart to Castle Douglas. Distance approx. 44 miles (71km). Although this is the longest ride of the tour but there are no steep hills to climb, so this allows you plenty of time to explore a bit more if you like. This section is quite different in character from the high moors and valleys you have already passed through. Flirting with the coastline you will catch glimpses of the Solway Firth passing through towns like Gatehouse of Fleet and Kirkcudbright, all provide services for the traveller. Heading inland along undulating country roads in-between dry stonewalls you reaching your destination for today Castle Douglas and your next overnight stop. Castle Douglas has a variety of places to eat in the town from fish and chip shops to traditional pubs and hotel restaurants (meals not included). Overnight Castle Douglas, Scotland.

DAY SIX: Cycle from Castle Douglas to Annan. Distance approx. 42 miles (68km). With only a few hills to start today’s ride it is predominantly flat biking through breathtaking surroundings. Heading out of Castle Douglas the route follows an old military road to Dumfries, with many tourist attractions including museums and the home of Robert Burns. Leaving Dumfries towards the coast is a lovely section passing the delightful Eastpark Wetland Wildfowl Nature Reserves and the ruins of Caerlaverrock Castle. Continuing along the beautiful Solway Firth estuary at times right on the coastline to your destination today Annan. There is a good selection of places to eat from fish and chips to traditional pubs and hotel restaurants in this busy town (meals not included). Overnight Annan, Scotland.

DAY SEVEN: Cycle from Annan to Carlisle. Distance approx. 29 miles (47km). This is the shortest and flattest day of the tour, it allows you plenty of time to explore a bit more if you like. From Annan the route follows miner roads through rich green farmland to the village of Gretna Green. This was a place famous in days gone by, where eloping lovers were married without residential qualifications or consent of parents. The route takes you across the border into England and your final destination of this tour Carlisle. The principle town of Cumberland there is a busy shopping centre and tourist attractions including museums a Castle and a Cathedral. Carlisle also has a wide range of restaurants and cafes for you to have an enjoyable evening out (meals not included). Overnight Carlisle, England.

FINAL DAY: Return to Glasgow. Today you catch the train with your bike back to Glasgow.

GRADE C (cycling): Between 29 - 44miles (47 - 71kms) a day. The route is principally flat with just 2 days that have moderate climbs. We recommend that clients bring their own bicycle equipment helmets, clothing and shoes. If you have clip-on shoes we suggest that you bring your pedals too. We will start cycling about 10am and finish at approx. 4pm. These grades are for guidance only and will depend on weather conditions and your fitness.