Tuesday 13th August
Long Ride
Kirkudbright
Map Required Landranger 77 and 84 (bold bracketed in route description))
Distance 65.2 miles
Places of Interest
Kirkudbright This lovely harbour town on the mouth of the river Dee, is full of 17th and 18th century Merchant houses. Built in 1582, MacLellan's castle is a large ruin near the harbour. The towns artistic heritage is celebrated at the Tolbooth Arts Centre which displays works both past and present. One of the most famous artists was Edward Hornel (1864-1933) he lived at Broughton house, which is now the Hornel Gallery. You can visit and the garden is lovely One mile to the east is the Wildlife Park. This zoo and wildlife park features monkeys, pandas and native animals such as the Scottish Wildcat. Charge Adults 4.50, Children 3.00. Tel 01557 331645
Threave Gardens and Estate (NX 753607) (L) Owned by the National Trust for Scotland, this is a garden for all seasons, with colourful displays throughout the year. Visitor centre, restaurant and plant centre.
Tel 01556 502575
Threave Castle (NX739624) (L) A massive tower, situated on an island in the River Dee. Built by the Archibald of Grim in the late 14th century, and was later the stronghold of the Black Douglases. Ring the bell and the custodian will ferry you over
Charge
Tel 0131 668 8800
Threave Wildfowl Reserve (NX743626) (L) Regularly visited by breeding wading birds and wintering wildfowl. Bird Hides Tel 01556 502575
Food and Drink
New Galloway
Kitty's tearoom (small)01644 420246The Smithy tearoom01644 420269
Ken Bridge Hotel01644 420211
KirkudbrightLots of places
Castle DouglasP.J.'s Caf01556 502492
Garden Centre (on Eastern approach)01556 503266
Threave Gardens Tearoom01556 502575
Haugh of UrrLaurie Arms01556 660246
Route Description
TL Turn LeftTR Turn RightSO Straight on
XR Cross RoadsTJ T JunctionSP Sign Post
| 1 | (84) Exit the campsite to TR at TJ, enter Shawhead. In the village; | No SP | NX 879775 | ||
| 2 | 1.0 | 1.0 | TR at TJ, then immediately TR (Eff SO), pass entrance to Bush of Killylour RHS. CARE AT NEXT JUNCTION | SP Crocketford Castle Douglas | NX 872760 |
| 3 | 4.0 | 5.0 | TR at TJ, along A75T | No SP | NX 833728 |
| 4 | 0.1 | 5.1 | Bear right along A712 | SP Corsock Balmaclellan New Galloway | NX 832728 |
| 5 | 14 | 19 | (77) TR at XR, then TL across Ken Bridge, enter New Galloway | SP New Galloway | NX 641783 |
| 6 | 0.8 | 19.8 | TL at XR, along A762, pass through Laurieston. Just before Ringford; | SP Kirkudbright | NX 634778 |
| 7 | 14 | 33.8 | (84) TR (this avoids A75T) | No SP | NX 685581 |
| 8 | 0.7 | 34.5 | TL, opposite dead end turn to High Barcaple | No SP | NX 678577 |
| 9 | 1.0 | 35.5 | TR at TJ | No SP | NX 681563 |
| 9 | 0.5 | 36.0 | TR at TJ, along A75T, then immediately TL | No SP | NX 678557 |
| 10 | 0.7 | 36.7 | TL at TJ | No SP | NX 671548 |
| 11 | 0.3 | 37.0 | SO at XR | No SP | NX 672542 |
| 12 | 1.3 | 38.3 | TR at TJ, along A755, enter Kirkudbright | SP KIrkudbright | NX 673521 |
| 13 | 1.1 | 39.4 | TL at TJ, along A711, next to Belfry caf; | SP Auchencairn | NX 685511 |
| 14 | 1.9 | 41.3 | TL, along B727 | SP Gelston | NX 684510 |
| 15 | 7.8 | 49.1 | TL at XR, follow national cycleway back through Castle Douglas | SP National Cycleway 7 | NX 770586 |
| 16 | 3.5 | 52.6 | TR along Old Military Road, enter Haugh of Urr | SP Haugh of Urr 3 | NX 771635 |
| 17 | 2.9 | 55.5 | SO at XR, enter Hardgate | No SP | NX 807663 |
| 18 | 0.5 | 56.0 | SO at XR | No SP | NX 813668 |
| 19 | 1.1 | 57.1 | TL | No SP | NX 824681 |
| 20 | 2.3 | 59.4 | TL at TJ | No SP | NX 832714 |
| 21 | 0.7 | 60.1 | TR at TJ, along A75T, immediately after speed sign; | No SP | NX 831727 |
| 22 | 0.2 | 60.3 | TL, enter Shawhead | No SP | NX 833728 |
| 23 | 3.9 | 64.2 | TL at TJ, then TL to return to campsite | SP Dunscore | NX 873760 |
| 1.0 | 65.2 | FINISH |