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Cycling Signposted Routes in Dumfries & Galloway

Foldout map covering Dumfries & Galloway and its various signposted cycle routes

'Dumfries and Galloway offers the place and pace to suit the cyclist, with unspoilt scenery, contrasting landscapes, a mild climate and a wealth of history and heritage to explore.

With over 450 miles of signposted routes, from the KM Cycle Trail to the National Cycle Network, you'll be spoilt for choice in Dumfries and Galloway. You can do as much or as little as you want. You can challenge yourself to a whole day cycling on a national route or simply cycle at your leisure along our country roads.

'We also have around 40 miles of off-road paths, which are some of the best in the country, set amid spectacular scenery. If you're looking for exhilarating action, try one of the many off-road trails or mountain bike centres at locations such as Ae Forest, Mabie Forest and Galloway Forest Park.

The KM Cycle Trail 
'The Trail takes its name from the inventor of the pedal bicycle, Kirkpatrick Macmillan (1813­78). This route runs between Dumfries and Drumlanrig Castle and Country Park, home to the Museum of Cycling. Constructed to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the pedal bicycle in 1990, the KM Cycle Trail passes through Keir Mill. It was here in Courthill 'Smiddy' (blacksmith's workshop) that the world's first pedal cycle was created. Now a private house, the building features commemorative plaques. The route takes cyclists by bridge over the River Nith, through Newbridge and along gently undulating roads to the settlements of Throughgate, Dunscore and Keir Mill.

The Caledonian Cycle Route
This route runs between Locharbriggs and Dumfries town centre, through Heathhall, with links to Locharbriggs Primary School, Lochthorn Library and Dumfries Railway Station. It also provides a route from Dumfries to the countryside surrounding Ae. Constructed on the former Caledonian railway line, the route is mainly off-road and features controlled crossing points and recently constructed bridges.

The Machars Cycling Routes 
The Machars routes follow the low lying landscape of the Machars peninsula in Galloway and is ideal for cycling. Four colour colour-coded sognposted routes take cyclists around this attractive and varied area, which is rich in scenery, history, culture and wildlife.

Yellow Route   25 miles - northern Machars, visiting Kirkcowan, Bladnoch and Wigtown.

Orange Route   22 miles - central eastern Machars, taking in Kirkinner, Garlieston, Sorbie, Whauphill, Bladnoch and Wigtown.

Green Route   20 miles - southwest Machars, passing through Mochrum, Port William, Monreith and Whithorn.

Red Route   17 miles - countryside of the southeast Machars overlooking Wigtown Bay, visiting the Isle of Whithorn, Sorbie and Whithorn.

The map also covers the National Byway and the National Cycle Network as it heads through Dumfries & Galloway.

Information courtesy of Dumfries & Galloway Tourist Board, Dumfries & Galloway Council and other partner bodies.