Ride Options
Imagine riding in Scotland’s Galloway Forest on a short break or a longer holiday
The Galloway Forest is home to the UCI Gravel World Series, The Gralloch, and Galloway Cycling Holidays had put the routes together for them.
We have explored the forest tracks for a decade now and have put together two very special gravel cycling breaks for you:
a short 4-day break based either in Gatehouse of Fleet, or Kirkcudbright
a 7-day self-guided holiday from Thornhill to Gatehouse/ two stunning bases and only one transfer day
Gravel Hub Explorer
A short break Gravel Cycling with Galloway Cycling Holidays
1 base/hub only
4 nights with one of our hotel partners
price from £660 pp
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Two people sharing : £660 pp
Single/Solo occupancy: £950 pp
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This schedule is a suggestion. We will send you the GPX files (depending on your distances) and you can decide on the day and wind direction which route you do.
Day 1 - Arrival & your first ride. Distance can be variable depending on time of arrival
Day 2 - Above Gatehouse - Taking the road into the hills above Gatehouse and to Kirkcudbright for some coffee and cake. Back along road and gravel along the beautiful shores of Carrick and Cally Woods.
Distance: we suggest/you decide (max 50 miles)
Day 3 - Raiders Road. The route goes into hills and its magical lochs and rivers. You cycle along an old railway back to Gatehouse.
Distance: we suggest/you decide (max 50 miles)
Day 4 - Clatteringsshaws and Kirroughtree - amazing views.
Back via an old Roman Road and Anwoth to Gatehouse, or come back via the road on the National Cycle Route 7.
Departure: We bring you back to the trains station.
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Distance: Tell us what you are used to. We would argue that Gravel miles are double miles (compared to road cycling). We put something together.
Difficulty: Medium
Neither the coastline not the forest are flat, but there are no crazy, relentless climbs either.
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A mix of coastline and drove roads and forest tracks
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Gravel Bike hire is available with us.
Price: @£40 per day per bike with one of our the holiday options.
Otherwise: @45 per bike per day/ £65 for race days
We have a fleet of Specialized Diverge models:
GRX components,
45mm profile tyres to ride forest tracks and the ancient roads along the coast or the forest tracks in the hills
Sizes: various - to fit riders from small to extra large with relaxed geometry.
45mm profile tyres to ride forest tracks and the ancient roads along the coast or the forest tracks in the hills.
Note - these are not mountain bikes!
Brief Overview:
This option is ideal for those exploring Scotland and wanting scenic views and real Scottish culture, or for those just wanting a break from the “usual” and take a deep breath in Galloway’s amazing nature.
Gatehouse of Fleet and Kirkcudbright are ideally suited as a base for a short Gravel break. Both are located within the UNESCO accredited Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere and offer unique routes along the coast and the Fleet Valley National Scenic Area.
Routes can be anything between 30 and 60 miles, so let us know what your style is and we will find the right routes for you.
Road and Gravel Holiday
A unique 7-day holiday designed by Galloway Cycling Holidays for a great combo of road and gravel cycling; we call it the Half&Half Tour
2 bases/hubs only in Thornhill and Gatehouse of Fleet and only one transfer day
Self-guided (whole or partial guiding an option)
price from £990 pp
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7 day schedule:
SHARED from: £990 per person, based on shared accommodation
SINGLE (part of a group) from: £1290
SOLO: £1340
Gravel Bikes are an Extra @£40 per bike per day.
There is a 5% discount per person for groups of 4 or more people. Please ask for a code when ready to book.
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Day 1: Arrive in Thornhill, settle in and get your bike fitted. We will do the introduction to navigation with ridewithgps and make sure all is well.
We have two short rides for you to test the bikes and get a feel for the area, including a loop to see the grave of the inventor of the bicycle - how amazing is that!
Day 2 & 3 - Thornhill : Explore the area and hills of the Galloway Highlands and Lowther Hills. This includes a visit to Wanlockhead, highest village in Scotland and the amazing Mennock pass - this is our Alpine riding - Want more? - you can ride the highest tarmac in Scotland.
Other routes let you explore the rolling hills to Ae Forest with grand views when returning to Thornhill, and a loop through the almost hidden and “awesome” Scaur valley.
Day 4 - This is over 40 miles, and is exposed to the weather in places. The good thing is, that it is down hill to the coast at Gatehouse of Fleet, but there are a number of short climbs early on in the ride and one long-ish one just before Gatehouse.
Day 5 + 6 - Gravel Heaven, Your gravel routes are a mix and match and can be customised to suit you. But a flavour would be: tracks that are part of the UCI World Gravel Series event The Gralloch that loops back to the iconic Gatehouse of Fleet Viaduct, or a loop to the quirky town of Kirkcudbright and off-road tracks along the coast back to base. Or choose the routes to Clatteringshaws Loch with the grand views across to Merrick, our highest hill.
Day 7 - Departure : We bring you back to Lockerbie or Dumfries (or as discussed
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Most suggested routes are around 40 miles on quiet rural roads and gravel tracks. But remember Gravel-miles are double-miles if you are not used to them.
The transfer day from Thornhill to Gatehouse of Fleet is 41 miles on quiet country roads with long gentle ups and downs - we can put in a bit of gravel if you like!
We call the terrain undulating and rolling: some hills, but nothing too serious unless you ask for a challenge. You are in a cycling paradise here, with so many options, you get to pick and choose.
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Staying in 4*- rated accommodation with breakfasts.
The prices include:
Pickup from Lockerbie or Dumfries and bringing you to the first accommodation.
Luggage transfer .
Transfer from Gatehouse of Fleet back to Lockerbie or Dumfries train/bus station
If you arrive by car, we can arrange safe parking and bring you back to it.
Tour duration can be shortened (or extended), but require a minimum of two nights in one location.
If you are unfamiliar with using GPS navigation in remote, non-signed territories, we would strongly recommend to have at least one guided day with us. This will also have the benefit that you will learn more about the in-depth local stories and cultures.
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Gravel Bike hire is available with us.
Price: @£40 per day per bike with one of our the holiday options.
Otherwise: @45 per bike per day/ £65 for race days
We have a fleet of Specialized Diverge models:
GRX components,
45mm profile tyres to ride forest tracks and the ancient roads along the coast or the forest tracks in the hills
Sizes: various - to fit riders from small to extra large with relaxed geometry.
45mm profile tyres to ride forest tracks and the ancient roads along the coast or the forest tracks in the hills.
Note - these are not mountain bikes!
Brief Overview:
A truly special opportunity to explore the remote and breathtaking landscapes of Galloway, carefully researched and thoughtfully organised by Galloway Cycling Holidays.
Gravel bikes are ideal here—smooth on roads, confident on rural lanes, and perfect for accessing Galloway’s gravel paradise.
You’ll stay in just two locations: Thornhill in the Galloway Hills, and Gatehouse of Fleet on the coast, with direct access to Galloway Forest, home of the UCI Gralloch Gravel Race. Ride Alpine-style passes to Scotland’s highest village, then enjoy the iconic forest gravel around Gatehouse.
Relax and experience more -
Coffee and cake are a must on most rides and we show you how to make this special. We can give you help and advice on equipment and navigation, and as a one time photographer, artist, farmer and wildlife ranger we are here to make sure your rides are safe, informative and enjoyable.
We know the stories of the land and the people. We know the names of the hills, their meaning and how to pronounce them. You relax on the ride and we show you the special places.
Be Guided
1 -4 people: £250 per day (£230*)
5-8 people: £300 per day (£270*)
*As part of our Gravel Hub with accommodation: £230/£270 per day
Price
Bike Rental
Bike hire and gps self guiding - we have a fleet of Specialized Diverge gravel bikes that you can hire from.
Tell us your height so we can pick the right frame size for you.
Helmet and Bike repair kit is free. We have some saddle bags for your personal kit.
The bikes have flat pedals. If you have your own pedals and shoes, we can put them on.
We are happy to share some gps files with you for a minor fee.
Price
£45 per day*
*£40 as part of our Gravel Hub
Get in touch.
Tell us which holiday option you like and/or if you just wish for a guided day, or bike rental. Tell us when you would like to come.
Road & Leisure
If you are interested in our Road and Leisure Tours, head over to our dedicated Road Tour website.
