Cycling around Kirkcudbright. Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland.
Urr Valley & Solway Coast 36 miles

From the town follow the A711 towards Castle Douglas, crossing Tongland Bridge over the tidal river Dee. In ½ mile, just past Tongland Power Station, turn right down to Old Tongland Bridge and follow this quiet undulating minor road to Rhonehouse (6½ miles).  At the cross roads in the village, carry straight on.  Within ¼ mile, turn right down a minor road passing Kelton Hill Farm and up a short rise.  From the top of the rise, near a cottage, there is a good view north to the Galloway Hills.  The descent is by the boundary of Threave Gardens (NTS), to a junction (to join the National Cycle  Route 7), to the right of the entrance to the Gardens.  Turn right for the Gardens; or left and cycle along to the main road leading into Castle Douglas.  Alongside the main road is a cycle path, close to Carlingwark  Loch, for the remaining ¾ mile into town which finishes at the end of Queen Street.

Cycle up to the roundabout at the top of Queen Street (9½ miles).  The main shopping street, King Street, is busier and runs parallel to Queen Street.  The toilets and Tourist Office are in the Market Hill car park near the roundabout.  To continue the tour, take the A745 Dumfries exit from the roundabout.  In ½ mile turn right along a minor road to Haugh of Urr.  (This is the Old Military Road which can be followed to Dumfries).

The road rises through open farmland before descending to a narrow stone bridge over Urr Water and into Haugh of Urr (13 miles - shop and pub).  At the crossroads turn right, out through the village past the shop and the pub, along the B794 road. Cycle along, with the attractive Urr valley to the right.

At the cross roads in Dalbeattie (16½ miles), turn right along the A711 for Auchencairn.  In  mile at the traffic lights on the bridge over Urr Water, turn left and continue along the A711, through parkland and pasture, to Palnackie (20 miles - tearoom, pub and shop).  The lower reaches of Urr Water are now to the left.  In Palnackie there is a small harbour on the tidal Urr Water.

(In another mile along the A711, a visit may be made, on a minor road to the left, to the ruined Orchardton Tower - Historic Scotland).  Continue along the level road to Auchencairn (24½ miles - hotel,shop & garage), with views across Auchencairn Bay.  (On a fine day, an attractive  detour can be made to Balcary Bay.  In the village by the bridge, turn left along the minor road above the shoreline for a level ride of 2 miles each way).  This description is on the information plaque in the layby at described below:- " Auchencairn has been described as a "bright, rose bowered, garden circled seaside village" enjoying superb views across the bay and of the surrounding countryside. The village is situated on the steep side of an east facing hill with the sentinels of Barcloy, Bentudor, Bengairn (1290ft)   and Screel (1126ft) standing guard to the north west.   In time past, mining and smuggling played an important part in the development of the area.  Main Street has many picturesque cottages with their closes (narrow Passages) allowing fascinating glimpses of the landscape beyond. The village square proudly displays an unusual cast iron "fountain" incorporating a lamp.  This was erected to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria."

From Auchencairn village climb steadily for 3 miles (about halfway up, there is an information plaque & viewpoint in a layby, with an outlook to the Cumbrian Fells and the Isle of Man.); before descending the 1½ miles through a twisty wooded glen to Dundrennan (29 miles).   In the village there is parking at the ruined abbey, managed by Historic Scotland.  On the climb out of the village, a roadside seat is located with a fine view back to Dundrennan Abbey.

Cycle along the A711, through undulating countryside for a further 7 miles to Kirkcudbright.  About two miles from the town, the road descends Gilroanie Hill from where there is an attractive view over the Dee Estuary.  At the bottom of the hill (Mutehill) follow along the A 711, close by the estuary, where there are a couple of roadside seats, with views across Manxman's Lake; and back to the town of Kirkcudbright (36 miles).

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