This pretty cycling route passes through some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery – but you’ll barely see any other tourists on the way.
In the UK, long distance cycling has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many keen to get out into nature, with a particular uptick since the Covid lockdowns.
This cycle route covers a lot of ground while passing through cities and stunning natural landscapes.
The Kirkpatrick coast to coast route starts at Stranraer, in south west Scotland, and ends at Eyemouth in the Scottish Borders. If you’re planning on cycling this route, you will need around four to eight days.
It’s an on road route meaning you’ll have a clear path to follow your journey across the south of Scotland. In comparison to the NC500, a popular road-rip route around Scotland’s northern coast, this part of Scotland, although equally beautiful, attracts far less tourists.
At 250 miles, it is the longest waymarked coast to coast crossing in the UK, with signage in place. Known for passing through leafy B-roads, the countryside you’ll see along the way is second to none.
After leaving Stranraer, you’ll head to the coast and follow the ocean, turning in-land to cycle to Wigtown, Scotland’s National Book town, and then on to Newton Stewart on a fantastic countryside road, according to Stuart Kenney from Much Better Adventures.
Then, you’ll head to Castle Douglas via the Gates of Fleet, then to Kirkcudbright, and across the hills to Dumfries.
You’ll arrive at the Scottish Borders via Langholm, and through the Tarras Valley Nature Reserve. Entering the Borders at Hawick, you’ll cycle through Coldstream and out towards the coast at Eyemouth.
The route is located in the south of Scotland and there are plenty of places to stop off and see on your way.
You can see the Cairn Holy Chambered Cairns which is a pair of burial sites sitting on the slopes of Cairnharrow in the Galloway Hills, or Melrose Abbey which is one of the most iconic landmarks in Scotland.
If you would prefer to take a tour with a local guide, Dumfries offers a range of sight seeing tours where you can learn about the history of the area.
