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We're planning to head over to the southern reaches of Scotland over summer for a week of camping (caravanning) and day rides on the tandems. Found a nice looking campsite in Glentrool, but most of the road routes I've found are in the Dumfries / Castle Douglas area.
Any recommendations for campsites, road routes (25-50 miles ideally) and other things to consider (in case of bad weather or just wanting a day off riding) would be very much appreciated. I know we've plenty of time but hey, planning is good, it gives me something to look forward to.
Most of the bits of D&G I've explored have been a bit crap for road riding, there's hardly any flipping roads so most loops end up being quite long, and every road is a main road.
Had a fun ride once from creetown, over the hill behind the town by the radar station or whatever it is, down the other side until the road runs out then turn around and back over. Wasn't particularly long, but it's the biggest, steepest hill I've ridden.
Worst midges ever in Galloway
We have stayed at Barnsouls campsite before, quiet and out the way. Was in a pod and I'd recommend it.
http://www.barnsoulcaravanpark.co.uk
Midges at Glentrool are worst ever.
Mossyard campsite near Gatehouse of Fleet is lovely: http://mossyard.co.uk/. That's our go-to location down there, both Campervans and caravan. We'll placed between Kirroughtree and the Dumfries area Stanes.
Can't comment on road routes, but as said there ain't many quiet/back roads. There just ain't many roads. A75 NOT one you'd want to ride on if possible.
We stayed at Auchenlaurie the first time we went up, it's a bit 'Haven' but it was a nice site, had stuff there (pool, takeaway etc) and was just down the road from kirroughtree. We went to Glentrool too so it can't have been too far away.
Stayed in Kirkcudbright (well. just over the river) few times. Loads of nice quiet roads to explore out that way - Glentrool is kind of stuck in the middle of a forest so there's not loads of roads generally!
Try this route - passes pretty close, easily cut-shortable and nice along with it http://www.mapmyride.com/gb/kirkcudbright-sct/galloway-recycle-sportive-route-121692555
"Worst midges" is right - not a single one showed it face any of the times we've been there, or dared to bite us. Rubbish! 🙂
There is some absolutely fantastic road riding in the northern reaches of Galloway, Google ayrshire alps.
http://www.cycle-route.com/routes/Dumfries_and_Galloway-Routes-7.html
Camp sites:
Hoddam
Sandyhills
Kipford
Glenearly
Mossyard
Luce Bay
Moffat
Brighouse Bay
Three Lochs
http://www.queensberrybay.co.uk/
http://www.discoversouthwestscotland.co.uk/activities/cycling-in-south-west-scotland/
http://www.cycle-n-sleep.co.uk/LOCALscotland/dumfries.htm
http://www.portpatrick.me.uk/cycling-portpatrick-scotland/
http://www.southofscotlandcountrysidetrails.co.uk/where-to-ride/ae-forest/
Lots of quiet roads
brilliant area for mixed terrain rides.
sandyhills bay is a cracking place to stay too.
Drumlanrig and a tour of; http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/usbiography/mac/kirkpatrickmacmillan.html
Some tough but scenic riding in the Wanlockhead/Leadhills area, big,big climb up to the radar station(golf ball)
http://www.leadminingmuseum.co.uk/
Try your hand at gold panning;
http://www.leadminingmuseum.co.uk/gold-panning/
http://www.dumfries-and-galloway.co.uk/sights/glenkiln.htm
Link this http://www.caerlaverockestate.co.uk/caerlaverock-castle.php with a trip to Brow Well, a Robert Burns attraction then on to http://www.savingsbanksmuseum.co.uk/. Lots of quite roads and sightseeing from Hoddam or the Powfoot(by the sea)site.
Most of the bits of D&G I've explored have been a bit crap for road riding, there's hardly any flipping roads so most loops end up being quite long, and every road is a main road.
I grew up riding in D&G and it's a fantastic part of the world for road riding, with hundreds of miles of quiet roads and varied terrain; hills, forest, coast. The Galloway side probably has fewer roads, but there are still options there. Dumfriesshire, Annandale and Eskdale and out to Langholm are fantastic for riding. Lots of wee back roads you can combine in different routes, and interesting castles and other tourist sites to visit.