Galloway Cycling.

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Just back from a three day cycling trip to Galloway - a birthday treat from Susan. We stayed in an excellent B&B in Wigtown at the north-eastern end of the Machars Peninsula - http://www.hillcrest-wigtown.co.uk/ This corner of south west Scotland is clearly visible across the Solway Firth from home in Cumbria and we'd wanted to explore it for a while. The best way to do this by far is by bicyle.
Saturday - We left Wigtown and rode south down the Machars heading for the Isle of Whithorn via Garliestone and Whithorn.  The weather was superb and the sea was a fantasic colour. Once at the Isle we locked the bikes up and had a good wander around. The Isle of Man was clearly visible and the Irish Sea looked more like the Mediterranean. Our return route took us across the peninsula to Port William on the west coast and then back north east to Wigtown. There were no big climbs but heading west was hard work due to a strong head wind. Just before Wigtown we stopped off at the Bladnoch Distillery - the most southerly one in Scotland - and bought a wee sample.
Ater a shower we had a wander down to Wigtown Harbour and then had a meal in the town before returning to our large room and Four Poster Bed.

Isle of Whithorn Harbour.


Isle of Whithorn.


On the road to Port William.


Making friends in Port William.


Heading back to Wigtown.


Wigtown Harbour.


Relaxing in the B&B.


Sunday - After a full Scottish Breakfast we drove to Port Patrick on the Rhinns of Galloway. From here we headed south on the bikes for the Mull of Galloway - Scotland's most southerly point. We followed minor roads which were more challenginng than those on the Machars. Once again the weather was fantastic and the views superb. At the Mull we had tea and scones then had a wander around the lighthouse. The ride back north was hard work as we had a head wind all the way.

Leaving Port Patrick.


On the road to the Mull.

Mull of Galloway Lighthouse.


Is this really the Irish Sea?


Leaving the Mull.


On the road back to Port Patrick.



Port Patrick.


Monday - Wigtown is Scotland's Book Town and Susan was keen to look around the many book shops so we had a shorter ride. There are four waymarked cycle routes on the Machars. We chose the 25 mile Yellow Route which explores the north west corner of the peninsular. It proved very scenic on another fantastic sunny day and gave Susan plenty of time to wander around browsing in the shops after an excellent Cafe stop.

Torhousekie Stone Circle.


A quiet Galloway road.


Mochrum Loch.


Heading back to the book shops.


Outside one of the Book Town shops.

We thoroughly enjoyed our three days in this quiet corner of Scotland and will definitely return.

http://vimeo.com/26904864 Has a short video clip of cycling from the Mull.

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