Starting at the Town Hall Square in the historic city of Carlisle, National Cycle Route 7 takes you out of the city in a north-westerly direction.
You then follow minor roads to Longtown where the A7 bridge takes you over the River Esk, before returning to minor roads to Gretna Green.
Continue west through Eastriggs and Annan to Dumfries. The ride is flat but sometimes uses fairly busy secondary roads although there are good views over the Solway Firth in places. Caerlaveroch Castle and National Nature Reserve are well worth a visit.
Traffic-free routes by the River Nith take you through Dumfries from where you head out on the track along the old railway line to Cargenbridge.
From here it's an undulating ride along minor country roads to Castle Douglas and Kirkcudbright and then nearer the coast to Gatehouse of Fleet.
After travelling north to Gatehouse Station those with sturdy bikes and provisions can take the off-road alternative to Glen Trool.
Others return towards the coast at Creetown on minor roads and then on to Newton Stewart along a railway path.
After Newton Stewart, you enter the more remote country of the Galloway Forest Park.
Minor roads lead to Glen Trool and then through Glen Trool Forest.
Along this section you should carry a repair kit, food and drink as it's a long climb on a single-track road up to the Nick of the Balloch - watch out for timber lorries throughout this section.
From here it's a rapid 1.5km descent to the River Stinchard and then another steep uphill stretch to Doughty Hill and The Pilot.
Once over the summit, it's an enjoyable run down country roads to Crosshill, which offers the first facilities for 21 miles.
From Crosshill the route leads you through Maybole, after which there is another climb that rewards you with magnificent views of Arran and the Ayrshire Coast.
The route is pretty flat along urban roads and cycle tracks through Ayr, Prestwick and Troon and almost completely traffic-free from Troon to Kilwinning.
You may find the Ayrshire Coast Cycleway route description (a shorter part of this route) helpful.
After 6 miles along country roads to Kilbirnie, you join an excellent cycle track along an old railway line to Paisley.
The route then passes through parks, along river banks, cycle tracks and quiet urban roads to Bell's Bridge on the Clyde in the heart of Glasgow.
Important note regarding Clatteringshaws Loch to Big Water of Fleet Viaduct harvesting
Forestry Commission Scotland harvesting may affect the section of route between Clatteringshaws Loch to Big Water of Fleet Viaduct.
We have been asked to let you know that:
- Route must users alert Forestry Commission workers to their presence where possible.
- Route users must ensure the operators of big working machines have seen them.
- Under no circumstances should route users pass notices which read, "Do not proceed beyond this point".
- Large groups should contact the local Forestry Commission office in advance (Tel: 01671 402420).
An unsigned alternative route (going south) exists. The following description includes references to Ordnance Survey mapping for those happy to use this.
The route is via Raiders Road - which is an untarred forestry road starting just across the bridge from Route 7 (OS NX545753).
After about six miles, at the signposted Barney Water turn (623717) go right on a forestry track to cross the Dee at Barney Water.
Then, after about half a mile (612711) keep right just after a bridge and continue straight on which will take you generally south and then south-westerly towards the Big Water of Fleet viaduct.
The route goes through OS grid references 608700 and 591671 and towards the end of this track it runs fairly close to the old railway.
When the track ends at a T-junction, turn right, away from the old railway line and, keeping left, follow this track back up towards the railway on the other side of the Little Water of Fleet Valley.
After about two miles, at the next junction (561649) go right and down to Meikle Cullendoch (560652) where you rejoin Route 7.
This is an attractive quiet run, shared with tourist traffic on the Raiders Road, although not many cars use this toll road (no toll for bikes) and there's a speed limit.
New forestry roads can appear from time to time so a map and a compass is a good idea to prevent confusion.
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Please note
We have taken all responsible steps to ensure that these routes are safe and achievable by people with a reasonable level of fitness.
However, all outdoor activities involve a degree of risk. To the extent permitted by law, Sustrans accepts no responsibility for any accidents or injury resulting from following these routes.
Walking and cycling routes change over time. Weather conditions may also affect path surfaces.
Please use your own judgement when using the routes based upon the weather and the ability, experience and confidence levels of those in your group.