Stranraer to Dunbar
- 7stanes Ae Forest
- 7stanes Dalbeattie
- 7stanes Kirroughtree
- 7stanes Mabie
- Carrick Forest
- Clatteringshaws Loch
- Drumlanrig
- Drumlanrig Castle to St Johns Town of Dalry
- Glentrool and Clatteringshaws Loch
- Lochinvar Circular
- Lowther Hills and the River Clyde
- Lowther Hills Circular
- Newton Stewart to the Isle of Whithorn
- Stranraer to Dunbar
- Stranraer to Newton Stewart
- The Merrick Circle
This 224 mile coast to coast route winds through the lush forests and steep hills of southern Scotland, offering plenty of quiet back roads and historic sights to explore along the way.
Whithorn is the place where Christianity was first introduced to Scotland in the 5th century. Cycle past the remains of the the historic priory on your way to Galloway Forest Park which offers the chance to see a variety of wildlife including red deer, pine martens and wild goats. Recently the area has been developed for mountain biking and there are lots of interesting trails for all abilities. If you are doing the long distance route it is possible to include a number of long off-road sections to make things more interesting!
One of the most challenging parts of the route is the section leading to Wanlockhead, Scotland's highest village, which involves a 300 metre climb. Check out the mining museum while you're up there before enjoying the 10 mile descent. All the border towns are attractive but Kelso is particularly so with its elegant town square and beautiful ruined abbey. After Kelso you can either head north remaining in Scotland to catch a train home from Dunbar, or briefly enter England to go home via Berwick upon Tweed.
If you elect for the northern option you'll pass through Abbey St Bathans with its ancient oak woods and the remains of its 12th century priory. There are some difficult hills here also, but if you've come from Stranraer they won't cause you any problem.
This route can be completed as a long distance coast to coast route, or as a series of circular day rides. Each ride has a map providing detailed information about how hilly the route is, distances*, refreshment stops, and what there is to see. Linking sections are also described. Virtually all the route is on quiet back roads, the only exception to this is between Abington and Biggar where there is a linking section on the A702/A73 for five miles. Apart from this cars should not be a problem - some back roads are so quiet you may not see any cars ar all. If you are arriving and departing by train it's important to reserve a place for your bike. There are train stations at Stranraer, Sanquhar, Dunbar and Berwick upon Tweed
If you are staying for more than a day there is a wide choice of accommodation. This ranges from youth hostels and camp sites, through friendly B&Bs, to a wide choice of hotels. The small towns each have their own individual character and aren't particularly touristy. Between Biggar and Berwick the route uses the Tweed Cycleway and National Cycle Network Route 1 to travel through the Scottish Borders. Along the way there are circular routes to explore the rivers and valleys, and look at the great abbeys and castles. Gradients are usually gentle in the valleys but crossing between them will involve a climb. Sheep farming is important here and if you are cycling for more than a day or two you are certain to see the familiar black and white border collie, still a working dog in this area. The Border forests are quite extensive too. Glentress, Cardrona and Elibank and Traquair Forests have a number of mountain bike routes which you could include in the coast to coast route
* The distances given in the circular routes are distances right round.
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