Launched to coincide with the opening of Cycling UK’s new Gallovidian Gravel long distance cycling route in Dumfries and Galloway, Saddle Skedaddle’s seven-day, guided gravel riding holiday explores Scotland’s newest cycling adventure.
Following most of Cycling UK’s new Gallovidian Gravel route, Saddle Skedaddle’s guided holiday – the Galloway Gravel Escape – breaks up the long-distance way into manageable riding days.
Starting in Dumfries, also known as “Scotland’s Queen of the south”, the riding begins at the start of the new Gallovidian Gravel route. Exploring Mabie Forest and Lochaber Loch, cyclepaths and singletrack take riders through open countryside past Loch Arthur, the hamlets of Beeswing and Corra, and the coastal village of Rockcliffe.
Venturing into dense woodland and remote moorland, the route visits the quaint village of Gatehouse of Fleet before heading northwards to Galloway Hills and the Big Water of Fleet Viaduct. Raiders Road (named after the area’s historic cattle rustling) takes riders alongside the Black Water of Dee and onto Clatteringshaws Loch.
A loop ride in Newton Stewart combines sections of the Gallovidian Gravel to create a 35 mile ride that takes in singletrack, gravel tracks and fire roads. It’s a great chance to see deer, ospreys, red squirrels and even wild goats roaming around the remote terrain.
The final ride of the seven-day trip follows steep gravel tracks through Kirroughtree Forest before joining the National Cycle Network to the former ferry town of Creetown. The long but gradual climb up Cambret Hill is worth it for the views across Wigtown Bay and over to the Mull of Galloway peninsula. Riders can even catch a glimpse of the Isle of Man on a clear day.
After a tricky stretch of singletrack into Gatehouse of Fleet, there’s a gentle ride through the grounds of Cally Palace, and the coastline along Fleet Bay. Leaving the gravel roads behind, one final climb and an off-road descent to the River Dee estuary leads riders to the “Artists’ Town” of Kirkcudbright, the final stop of the trip.
Accommodation on the trip is a mix of B&Bs and family-run hotels. Evening meals aren’t included but Saddle Skedaddle typically books a table for the group.
About the Galloway Gravel Escape
- Dates: 30 May to 5 June 2027 and 25-31 July 2027
- Price: From £1,595pp. Price includes accommodation (half board), full support service (including guide/support vehicle/luggage transfer), GPX files and a scheduled group transfer back to Dumfries. Bike hire not included, £215pp.
- Donation: £5 suggested donation to Cycling UK, the charity that promotes all forms of cycling and inspires people across the UK to discover the joys of cycling. Saddle Skedaddle also makes a donation to Cycling UK for every mile ridden on the route by its customers to support its upkeep
- Website: skedaddle.com