Ride Info

Distance - 30 miles (48.7 km)
Total ascent - 528 metres (1733 ft)
Terrain - Country lanes, forestry tracks and a small section on an A Road
Duration - Around 3 - 4 hours
Start / Finish - Gatehouse of Fleet (NX 6000 5633)

The Route

Click here for full details of the route on the OS website. From here you can also download a GPX file.

1. Leave Gatehouse via the High Street heading SW. Cross over the River Fleet and take the first right onto the B796.

2. What follows is a gentle 6.5 mile climb through rough pasture, woodland and moorland. Look out for Rusko Castle on your right - a 17th Century ruined tower, and keep an eye out for red squirrels.

3. You top out at Gatehouse Station (now a private house) before turning right onto the disused Portpatrick Railway line. This line linked Castle Douglas to Portpatrick was opened in 1861 and closed in the 1960s. It carried both goods and passengers arriving in Portpatrick from Northern Ireland.

4. After 1.5 miles you come across the Big Water of Fleet Viaduct. A magnificent structure spanning the Fleet valley via 20 gigantic brick-built spans.

5. The old railway line acts as a guide for the next 10 miles or so all the way through to Mossdale. There are points where the forestry ask you to leave the trackbed but they are well signposted and the gravel surface is pretty well maintained. The line passes through mixed forest and the desolate Loch Skerrow (along with the old platforms of its forgotten station) before crossing the viaduct at Loch Stroan and joining the A762 at Mossdale.

6. For 4 miles you follow the A762 south. Although an A road it is wide and quiet enough not to cause major headaches.

7. At Laurieston, turn right onto a country lane signposted to Gatehouse of Fleet.

8. A sharp climb follows for 4.5 miles, at first running alongside the delightful Kennick Burn before rising into scrubland and windswept moorland.

9. What goes up must come down, and the descent into Gatehouse is a joyous 4-mile rollercoaster where barely a pedal is turned. Be mindful of the sheep and cattle which are often loose on the road, but I guarantee a wide grin on your face as you finally turn right at the old Mill Pond and pedal back into Gatehouse and the finish of this ride. Reward yourself with coffee and cake. You deserve it!

Disclaimer

This route is for information purposes only. You use it entirely at your own risk.

Please ensure that you have appropriate equipment (maps, trail spares, food, water) and that someone knows where you are going and your expected return time.

Check the weather forecast and understand how that might affect the trail conditions. The weather changes quickly in Galloway so make sure that you pack appropriate clothing.

The Forestry often close tracks due to logging operations so be prepared to alter your route when told to do so. Enjoy the forest - it is a magical place. But also respect the access that is granted to you. For more info check out Forestry and Land Scotland's Safety Page.