Southern Upland Coast 2 Coast (C2C01) – Challenging
Day 1 – Portpatrick
After arriving in Portpatrick, guests have time to explore this lovely wee village and can wander along the cliffs, keeping Ireland in sight across the water; or merely relax in one of the many seafront cafes.
Day 2 – Portpatrick to Newton Stewart (31 miles)
Our first day in the saddle is a relatively easy one, sticking to minor roads and deserted moorland as we leave the Irish Sea behind us. We pass the tiny, quaint village of New Luce, the spectacularly situated Castle Kennedy and the densely forested Loch Ronald before descending on Newton Stewart, a peaceful little town bisected by the River Cree.
Day 3 – Newton Stewart to Moniaive (38 miles)
We follow the wooded Queen's Way today, passing a wild goat park, deer range and the spectacular viewpoint at the head of the Glen of the Bar. The terrain is decidedly hillier today, giving us a good chance to test our climbing legs before arriving in the peaceful village of Moniaive for well deserved refreshment.
Day 4 – Moniaive to Thornhill (14 miles, more optional)
We travel through two more tranquil villages this morning, on our way to Drumlanrig Castle. Here guests can visit the Scottish Cycle Museum, which houses a replica of the first bicycle, invented only a few miles from here. There are also some superb mountain bike trails within the castle grounds, and mountain bikes can be rented if needs be. Many other outdoor activities are available at Drumlanrig, and this can make for a nice break from the road.
Day 5 – Thornhill to Moffat (32 miles)
Travelling through the Forest of Ae and its numerous cycle paths we leave the Lowther Hills behind us. Now into Annandale, we use the valley of the River Annan as our guide through the moorland on our way to our overnight stop in Moffat.
Day 6 – Moffat to Gordon Arms Hotel (41 miles)
This is the most strenuous day on the bike as we hit four quite challenging climbs over the course of the day. The scenery is absolutely stunning on this leg of the tour however, combining the peace of the Eskdalemuir Forest with the views over the valleys of Ettrick and Yarrow. We spend the night in a historic hotel at the head of St. Mary's Loch – a well known beauty spot.
Day 7 – Gordon Arms Hotel to Lauder (34 miles)
Starting the day with a climb to clear away the cobwebs, we journey past a number of interesting places today; among them Traquair House (home of the former kings and queens of Scotland), Abbotsford House (Sir Walter Scott's family home) and Melrose (one of the prettiest towns in the region). We finish with a short climb up and over into the next glen and the market town of Lauder.
Day 8 – Lauder to Ellemford (31 miles)
Today we hit the isolated moorland plateau of the Borders, a place which feels completely deserted (apart from sheep) and can be quite spooky on a foggy day. A clear day, however, and the views carry for miles. Avoiding the busy town of Duns, we journey into our final range of hills – the Lammermuirs - and a beautiful retreat set deep in a wooded valley.
Day 9 – Ellemford to North Berwick (32 miles)
Our last day in the saddle sees us traversing the Lammermuir hills, passing Whiteadder Nature Reserve on the way. The final climb is rewarded with a view of the North Sea and the white-topped Bass Rock signalling our destination. We then cycle through the pretty, undulating countryside of East Lothian before skirting the coast and some stunning sandy beaches. The seaside town of North Berwick awaits us, as does the wonderful sense of achievement we will have on completing this unique and unforgettable tour.
Please Note:
This tour can be adapted to become either an Easy or Moderate trip by adjusting the daily distances. Please contact us for further details.
Additional Activities
We are able to organise a range of additional activities for you to experience on this tour, these include:
If you are interested in any of these activities, please mention them when making your booking enquiry.
Day 1 – Portpatrick
After arriving in Portpatrick, guests have time to explore this lovely wee village and can wander along the cliffs, keeping Ireland in sight across the water; or merely relax in one of the many seafront cafes.
Day 2 – Portpatrick to Newton Stewart (31 miles)
Our first day in the saddle is a relatively easy one, sticking to minor roads and deserted moorland as we leave the Irish Sea behind us. We pass the tiny, quaint village of New Luce, the spectacularly situated Castle Kennedy and the densely forested Loch Ronald before descending on Newton Stewart, a peaceful little town bisected by the River Cree.
Day 3 – Newton Stewart to Moniaive (38 miles)
We follow the wooded Queen's Way today, passing a wild goat park, deer range and the spectacular viewpoint at the head of the Glen of the Bar. The terrain is decidedly hillier today, giving us a good chance to test our climbing legs before arriving in the peaceful village of Moniaive for well deserved refreshment.
Day 4 – Moniaive to Thornhill (14 miles, more optional)
We travel through two more tranquil villages this morning, on our way to Drumlanrig Castle. Here guests can visit the Scottish Cycle Museum, which houses a replica of the first bicycle, invented only a few miles from here. There are also some superb mountain bike trails within the castle grounds, and mountain bikes can be rented if needs be. Many other outdoor activities are available at Drumlanrig, and this can make for a nice break from the road.
Day 5 – Thornhill to Moffat (32 miles)
Travelling through the Forest of Ae and its numerous cycle paths we leave the Lowther Hills behind us. Now into Annandale, we use the valley of the River Annan as our guide through the moorland on our way to our overnight stop in Moffat.
Day 6 – Moffat to Gordon Arms Hotel (41 miles)
This is the most strenuous day on the bike as we hit four quite challenging climbs over the course of the day. The scenery is absolutely stunning on this leg of the tour however, combining the peace of the Eskdalemuir Forest with the views over the valleys of Ettrick and Yarrow. We spend the night in a historic hotel at the head of St. Mary's Loch – a well known beauty spot.
Day 7 – Gordon Arms Hotel to Lauder (34 miles)
Starting the day with a climb to clear away the cobwebs, we journey past a number of interesting places today; among them Traquair House (home of the former kings and queens of Scotland), Abbotsford House (Sir Walter Scott's family home) and Melrose (one of the prettiest towns in the region). We finish with a short climb up and over into the next glen and the market town of Lauder.
Day 8 – Lauder to Ellemford (31 miles)
Today we hit the isolated moorland plateau of the Borders, a place which feels completely deserted (apart from sheep) and can be quite spooky on a foggy day. A clear day, however, and the views carry for miles. Avoiding the busy town of Duns, we journey into our final range of hills – the Lammermuirs - and a beautiful retreat set deep in a wooded valley.
Day 9 – Ellemford to North Berwick (32 miles)
Our last day in the saddle sees us traversing the Lammermuir hills, passing Whiteadder Nature Reserve on the way. The final climb is rewarded with a view of the North Sea and the white-topped Bass Rock signalling our destination. We then cycle through the pretty, undulating countryside of East Lothian before skirting the coast and some stunning sandy beaches. The seaside town of North Berwick awaits us, as does the wonderful sense of achievement we will have on completing this unique and unforgettable tour.
Please Note:
This tour can be adapted to become either an Easy or Moderate trip by adjusting the daily distances. Please contact us for further details.
Additional Activities
We are able to organise a range of additional activities for you to experience on this tour, these include:
- Golf
- Fishing
- Horse Riding
- Mountain Biking
- Watching Rugby
- Clay Target Shooting
- Boat Trips
If you are interested in any of these activities, please mention them when making your booking enquiry.
Price Breakdown - (C2C01)
From £695 per person (based on two sharing)
Price includes:
From £695 per person (based on two sharing)
Price includes:
- 9 nights accommodation in characterful 3 or 4 star small, family-run hotels or B&B's.
- Full daily breakfast.
- Fully planned routes and maps.
- Local information pack.
- Luggage transfer (optional).
- Emergency vehicle assistance.
- Single Supplement – enquire for a quote.
- Bike Hire - £90pp.
- Additional activities – enquire for a quote.
- Guide - £75pp per day
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