Scotland
Coast to Coast
Adventures on two wheels
Bikepacking
5 days | 5 nights
200 miles
Camping | BNB
Whiskey tasting
Dark sky gazing
£395
4th of June 2024
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The south of Scotland is quickly becoming one of the top cycling destinations in the world, and it's not hard to see why. With short train links to Edinburgh and Glasgow, many people are starting to explore this beautiful region that is often overlooked.
Featuring idyllic beaches, vast forest parks, and endless country roads, the south of Scotland is the perfect destination for a cycling holiday. Plus, you have the right to roam, meaning you can camp wherever you like and fully immerse yourself in nature and experience the stark beauty of the country.
But it's not just about cycling. We carefully selected each destination for its strong connection to nature and dedication to maintaining Scotland's unique landscape. There are incredible organizations working hard to showcase the county in the most sustainable way possible, so we partnered up with some of our favorites to ensure you get to learn all about these amazing projects.
We will also be following some of the famous John Muir Way, a beautiful off-road route through the middle of the country created by the man himself, who is heralded as the father of environmentalism. And don't forget about some of our favorite local shops serving up tasty snacks along the way.
This coast to coast ride has it all. And what better way to experience it, than with a group of like-minded adventurers.
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Scotland has the right to roam so we can camp where wherever we like. However, to ensure we have all we need, we have partnered with some amazing local organizations to guarantee we have a few home comforts when we arrive, but still feel connected with nature!
Each location will have full bathroom facilities and showers, as well as kitchen use and an option to take refuge indoors if the weather is not on our side.
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Every day, we will have the chance to discover and learn about the local area and its culture. You can stargaze in some of the most stunning dark sky destinations in the world, listen to local experts talk about sustainable foraging or explore the country's incredible connection to the land by visiting the John Muir Museum.
Also, we will be staying a short distance away from some beautiful lochs. So, if you want to take a dip after a day of adventure, be sure to bring your swimsuit!
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Electric Van support
Accommodation + Breakfast each day
Whiskey tasting experience
Dark Sky Talks
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Timings
We will start the ride at 9 am on the 4th of June in Ayr on the west coast. Then aim to finish around 4 pm on the 8th of June in Dunbar on the west coast.
By train
The closest stations to the start and end point are Ayr (east coast) and Dunbar (west coast) both have direct train links to Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Be sure to book your bike on the trains when you buy your ticket.
If you would like to stay close by the night before, there are plenty of options in Glasgow and some in Ayr too.
By car
There is 24-hour parking available at Prestwick Town statioStationn. You will need to download the JustPark App
If you have left your car at the start point, then you can catch a train to Edinburgh and change for trains to Glasgow and then Prestwick Town. It takes around 2 hours.
Before and After
If you are travelling up the night before then there are plenty of options to stay in Glasgow and some in Ayr.
We have included a nights stay in Dunbar on the 8th, so we can all have dinner and say our goodbyes in the morning.
Itinerary
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As we leave the west coast and gaze out over the Isle of Arran, we find ourselves in the UK's biggest forest park - Galloway Forest Park. Covering over 774 square kilometers, this area is home to wild deer and offers a tranquil retreat with very few human visitors. Fortunately, there is a fantastic cycle path that runs through it, passing alongside the largest mountain in Southern Scotland - the Merrick.
At the end of the day, we'll finish in the charming village of Glentrool, located in the heart of the forest park. With a small population of just 150, it boasts a strong community feel. Recently, it was awarded funding to develop its village hall and attract more tourism to the area. The village hall has become a cultural hub of activity, built with sustainability at the forefront. We're excited to visit and learn about their recent projects, as well as make good use of their facilities and secluded camping area.
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After spending the night in Glentrool, we embark on our second day following cycle route 7 through the Forest Park. Along the way, we pass by the majestic Minnigaff hills and the famous Clatteringshaws loch, both of which are simply breathtaking. This area has a uniquely wild feeling and some of our favourite gravel trails in Scotland.
As we continue our journey, we begin to arrive in the smaller villages located on the outskirts of the park. Our final destination for the day is Moniaive, where we will be spending the night. This quaint village has a vibrant music scene that has attracted many artists over the years. We will also have the opportunity to indulge in a delicious Italian meal while we're here.
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We'll start by traveling along some quiet country roads, heading towards Ae - the UK's village with the shortest name. Ae has a vibrant cycling community because it is one of the seven stanes mountain bike centers in the region. After refueling, we'll follow cycle route 10, which winds along the river Ae and takes us up through one of Scotland's largest wind farms. Then, we'll descend into Moffat - Europe's first 'Dark Sky Town' known for its excellent opportunities for stargazing. There, we can enjoy the local amenities or explore the local distillery.
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The route from Moffat is considered one of the most scenic roads in the UK. It offers a breathtaking view of the Grey Mare's Tail waterfall and passes through the stunning Tweed Valley Forest Park. The park is home to one of the seven stanes mountain bike centers, Innerleithen. Recently, the town hosted world championship events in cycling and has some great cafes to stop by. From there, we head towards Dunbar, stopping at some great viewpoints over the Pentlands and a short distance from the coast.
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Just a short distance to the coast from here, but some lovely country roads along some of our favourite sustans routes. Then once we arrive in Dunbar we can choose between; the pub, the John Muir Museum or a dip in the sea! And finally, we will finish with a group meal in one of our favourite pubs and say bye in the morning before everyone heads home.
Book a call with us to talk through the details.
"What a wild ride! Genuinely had an awesome time, Conor took care of me and my mates with expert care and he was a barrel of laughs" - Jamie Carter
FAQ
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We would suggest using a hybrid or gravel bike for this tour. At times we travel off-road on gravel paths so your bike will need to be able to handle those routes.
But the most important thing is you are comfy on the bike and that it is well-serviced.
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We will be traveling around 40 miles per day and on some days climbing a total of 1000 metres. So you will need to have a good level of fitness to join the tour.
That being said, this is not a race. We prioritise the experience of the journey and will make sure to check in regularly to see how the group is doing.
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Yes, but the wonderful thing about Scotland is that most of the hills are fairly gradual, often not exceeding 8-10% gradient. So we can take our time and slowly climb the highest mountains.
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Yes, please get in touch with us via the contact form and we can provide you with more information.
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You will need good waterproof/ windproof jacket for cycling. And a change of clothes for the evenings.
It is also useful to have a head torch for camping along with a beanie to keep your ad warm.