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Cycling in the marvellous Machars

sign for the Machars Cycle Route, Galloway

cycling in countryside near Newton Stewart

cycling in countryside near Newton Stewart

countryside around Wigtown Bay

countryside around Wigtown Bay

the harbour at the Isle of Whithorn

the Red Route passes by Whithorn

Head to the cyclist-friendly Machars peninsula for a pick of four routes exploring this lovely area.

The low-lying landscape of the Machars peninsula in Galloway is ideal for cycling. Choose one of four colour-coded signposted routes taking cyclists around this attractive area, which is rich in scenery, history, culture and wildlife.

  • The Yellow Route travels through the northern Machars
  • The Orange Route explores the central eastern Machars and Wigtown – Scotland’s Book Town
  • The Green Route takes you around the south west Machars, including Whithorn
  • The Red Route reveals the countryside of the south-east Machars overlooking Wigtown Bay, visiting the historic Isle of Whithorn.

The majority of roads in the Machars are very quiet, and so are ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy stress-free cycling. There are also very few hills involved so it shouldn’t be too strenuous.

This is rightly a popular area for cyclists, especially during the summer months but, thanks to the region's mild climate, it is just as enjoyable on fine days in the winter.

The quiet, triangular-shaped peninsula of the Machars gets its name from the fertile, low-lying nature of the ground. Rolling pastures contrast with the varied coastal scenery, from the gentle saltmarsh of Wigtown Bay to the rugged cliffs of Burrow Head and Cruggleton.

Away from the coast, there are rivers, wooded glens and forests. Around Glenluce, moorland stretches for miles and, north of Newton Stewart, rugged hills rise above remote lochs and glens. There is a wealth of wildlife and endless opportunities to enjoy the views.


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