Cycling around Kirkcudbright. Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland.
The Buckland, Balmae & Whinnieliggate. 5 to 11 miles

	These tours have always been  popular with locals.  Views across the shore, easy-going sections, quiet woodlands, trickling burns, steady climbs, and downhill runs:  these routes combine all the elements for short rides of between 5 and 11 miles.  From Kirkcudbright, follow the A 711 south towards Dundrennan, past Sandside to Mutehill.
	Between these two groups of dwellings are a couple of roadside seats, with views across the Lake, and down to Ross Island at the mouth of Kirkcudbright Bay.  At Mutehill, either take the easy-going minor road, to the right along the shore for Balmae, or carry on along the A 711 for ¼ mile, turning into the minor road on the left, for the Buckland road.

Those taking the level road along the shore, can enjoy  views over the estuary. After a mile the road leaves the shore, (an unmade road carries straight on to the Lifeboat Station) and  climbs steadily to Torrs, with views of Ross Island. "Further on in the same direction are situated the farm-house of Torrs (Mr Barber) and the mansion-house of Balmae (W. Gordon, Esq.) From this point a beautiful view of the Solway is obtained. The Ross light-house, at the mouth of the Dee, and the Isle of Man in the distance, with the English coast to the east, and Wigtownshire to the west, form a magnificent sight." from Maxwell's Guide Book to the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright. 1878 Continue along this undulating road, passing Balmae, to a T-junction with few houses at Townhead.  From Townhead, a long descent leads back to the A711 near Mutehill.  On the descent, fine views are available over the estuary to the Galloway Hills beyond. (At Townhead, a short detour from the T-junction, passed Townhead Farm, can be made to view the ruined church & cemetery across a field). Those taking the Buckland road, will follow this road down to and alongside the Buckland Burn, past Corbie’s Nest.  Opposite Corbie’s Nest is Orchard Banks Plantation, where a few old straggly fruit trees still remain of a former fruit orchard.  Continue following the burn to the junction at Buckland Bridge.

Turn left over Buckland Bridge (3 miles), steadily climbing the hill to the top at High Kirkland, and then back down, passing Barhill Wood on the left and joining the B727 into the town, making a scenic route of 5 miles. To extend this route to 8 miles, after crossing the Buckland Bridge, turn right and follow the road along burn up, and  climb up to Miekle Sypland farm. On the way up the easy hill, look for the wild orchids on the verge and also look across to the attractive Bombie Glen on the right.  After Miekle Sypland, the road levels out, and continues straight to Whinnieliggate. At Whinnieliggate, there are a few houses, and a plant nursery in the former local school.  In a short distance, at the T-junction, turn left along the B727 (National Cycle Route 7) to Kirkcudbright.

The road descends for much of the way, passing through a mix of farmland and woodland.  After passing Lochfergus farm, the road twists down a pretty glen, at the end of which is the Wildlife Park access on the right.  The Wildlife Park, a popular visitor attraction, is a ¼ mile up a track.   (tel: 01557 331645).    Continue down past the access, to a sharp right-hand bend on the junction with the minor road from the Buckland. Total distance, via Townhead, the Buckland and Whinnieliggate, is 11 miles.

The alternative circular Balmae route, back to Mutehill and the town is 7 miles.

These two routes can be combined and/or reversed to make a variety of extended routes up to 11 miles.  There are no facilities along these routes.                                   top