Cycling around Kirkcudbright. Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland.
Borgue and Knockbrex. 18 miles

This round trip visits several popular places on the region's 200 mile dramatic coastline.   Along the route, of 18 miles, are rolling hills and acres of sky.  Take the A755 towards Gatehouse, crossing Kirkcudbright Bridge over the tidal river Dee just above the Harbour. Carry on past the Creamery and in ½ mile turn left along the B727 towards Borgue, following the National Cycle Route 7, passing The Stell (a small hamlet), Gibb Hill sawmill and Seaward caravan park. The road runs along the shore and it can be busy. The Dhoon shore, at 3½ miles, is particularly attractive when the tide is in, and can be visited for toilets/picnic, paddle/swim.

From the Dhoon, continue along the B727 climbing steadily.  In a mile there is a road on the left leading down to the shore at Brighouse Bay (holiday park), with a branch to Ross Bay.  Worth a visit on a fine day, but return must be by the same route. However, follow the B727 road to Borgue (5¾miles), hotel, P.O. shop & tearoom in Braefoot Cottage.  At the junction in the village, turn left, (following Route 7), to the high point just beyond the church, from where there the Isle of Man can been seen on a clear day. A detour may be made down to Borness, above the shore. Keep on the through road, National Cycle Route 7, passing by undulating  farmland, with coastal and inland views.  The very short detour to Kirkandrews is recommended, if only to view the church (built in 1906, standing small and square, with parapet and castellated tower, the church resembles a miniature castle). At Knockbrex (9½miles), there is a fork in the road (where Route 7 goes to the right).

To the left is signed Carrick 1½ miles (No through road); and a detour over some unmade roads down to Carrick shore can be made.  For Carrick, follow the public road through a gate for ¾mile, to the end of the tarmac.  Just beyond is a roadside parking area, where there are views across Fleet Bay to the Galloway Hills. From this point, the road is only suitable for all-terrain bikes, becoming narrow steep and unsurfaced, leading down to a gate in ½ mile.
The direct way from Knockbrex to Lennox Plunton farm (11miles) is to take the road to the right (along Route 7).  Fine examples of Galloway drystane dykes (walls) can be seen along this section.  (At Lennox Plunton a minor road on the left goes to Rainton farm (signed Route 7 and Cream O’Galloway).  Follow this road, over a cattle grid to make a detour to the Cream O' Galloway Visitor Centre (Cafe). Return to Lennox Plunton, to re-join the tour.)
From Lennox Plunton carry straight on (leaving Route 7) towards the B727 and Barharrow farm (12½ miles).  At Barharrow, turn right onto the A755 climbing up to Minto cottage, and then along the undulating road back towards Kirkcudbright.  The descent into town, gives good views across the town and down the estuary.  Arrive in Kirkcudbright, pass the Borgue junction on the right, the Creamery on the left, and cross over the Bridge.

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