Welcome to My Dumfries

Cycle Runs From Dumfries

There are a lot of nice cycle runs from Dumfries. A nice, easy one is round the Glencaple loop. Head out towards the hospital, but when you come to the Three Road Junction (you'll know it when you see it) either go straight on, along the back of the hospital, or if your feeling a bit more energetic you can go right and follow the Nith down to your right, but this does eventually involve a steep climb back up to the middle road. Either road will allow you a stop at Castledykes Park, if you're already in the mood for a break. Continue to follow this road and you will reach Glencaple in about 4 minutes time, with the Nith Hotel an ideal stopping off spot, although there's also a shop. From there it's a nice, flat ride along the banks of the Nith for about 2 miles, although, be warned, there always seems to be a head wind (whichever direction you go in!). The road then turns sharp left at Caerlaverock Nature reserve, which is another good stopping off point, or you can continue up the hill (this is one of 2 semi climbs on the run) to Caerlaverock Castle, which you should certainly allow time for a stop at. Then it's on to Bankend, which is just a small village about 2 miles away. If you're feeling really energetic, you could turn right here and head for the Brew Well, a seaside spot with Burns connections, but you'll probably prefer to head straight on, back to Dumfries. This again involves a bit of a climb, but it's worth it for the views you'll get as you climb higher, and eventually you get to free wheel for about the last 2 miles as you head back towards the Crichton and Hospital, and eventually, back to the Three Road Junction. A more energetic ride takes you by the lovely village of New Abbey. There are a couple of big climbs on this one, but I think you'll find the views make it worth while. Head out of Dumfries over St. Michaels Bridge. At the T Junction turn left and carry on through the little village of Islesteps. From here it's a nice downhill sweep until you reach Mabie Forest. Here you come to your first climb, quite a long steep one at that, but when you reach the top, the views you have over the Solway Firth, on a good day all the way to the hills of the Lake District, will make it all seem worth while. You then get a rest for a few miles as you head for New Abbey. Our route actually takes us along the first road on your right, just as you enter New Abbey, but it's worth taking a detour into the village for the Old Mill and Sweetheart Abbey. There are also a couple of hotels and shops. Anyway, take advantage of the little rest, because you are about to face a fairly testing climb. Once you have completed the climb, however, the views are brilliant, and it's mainly down hill all the way home now. You will pass a loch on your right, which is another pleasant place for a stop, before reaching the village of Beeswing. A right turn here takes you down hill into Dumfries, the downside is that it is a fairly busy road, although not a motorway by any means.