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Cycle through the Galloway Forest Park

looking across the water to the hills of Galloway Forest Park in autumn

autumn in Galloway Forest Park

looking across the reflections on Loch Trool, Galloway Forest Park

Loch Trool, Galloway Forest Park

repairing a bike at the Breakepad bike shop at Kirroughtree mountain bike centre

the Breakepad bike shop at Kirroughtree mountain bike centre

a boy mountain biking at Kirroughtree, Dumfries & Galloway

mountain biking at Kirroughtree

Even if you’re not an extreme mountain biker, you'll relish a ride on the trails at Kirroughtree in the wild and scenic Galloway Forest Park.

The brooding Galloway Hills contrast with the gentle landscape of Dumfries & Galloway's Solway coast. The Galloway Forest Park covers 150,000 acres of beautiful countryside taking in moorland, mountains, lakes and rivers.

The park is a major draw for mountain bikers, who are well catered for with lots of trails clearly marked out. You can try mountain biking at the park's 7stanes centres which offer tracks for all abilities.

Test your skills on the Larg Hill blue route at Kirroughtree and cycle the long sections of narrow, flowing single-track that end in a superb plunge through magnificent woodland. If you don’t want to stop, the optional Doon Hill extension adds 4 km and offers some great views.

If you are not ready to hurtle downhill but would like to get out in the forest on two wheels, try a choice of introductory cycling routes in Kirroughtree Forest, part of the much larger Galloway Forest Park. It shouldn't prove too difficult, as the hills are fairly short, and once you are up there you are often rewarded with a fine view.

All the routes start from the visitor centre, where there is an adventure playground, picnic areas and tearoom, and a Forestry Commission exhibition.

The towns of Newton Stewart and New Galloway are ideal bases for exploring the park.