In the meantime, the first part of the route out of Newton Stewart is complete and makes a lovely day ride.

Starting in the small town of Newton Stewart, a good navigation landmark is the Bridge of Cree, the road bridge over the river that links Minnigaff to Newtown Stewart. Route 73 is not signed yet, but if you are on Route 7, look out for the signs for the Riverside Path which heads south from the east side of the road bridge (Route 7 heads north on the road opposite). Follow the route along a back lane and cycle track and cross the footbridge over the river to come out near a supermarket. Alternatively, from the west side of the Bridge of Cree, turn left and follow the main street for less than 100 metres and take the first left down Riverside Road. This leads you onto cycle track and alongside the river to the footbridge. From here follow the Riverside Path sign onto a cycling and walking path on the west side of the river, which passes under the A75 and then skirts round fields. There is one short and steep section (14% gradient) up to where the path begins to run alongside the A74 for 1 mile (1.6km) to Lamanchan View.

Here, turn left onto a minor road heading towards the shimmering estuary of the River Cree which is visible through the trees. After 2¼ miles (3.6km) on this quiet, fairly flat road, you come to the entrance to the Moss of Cree. A short distance off the road you can view the open heather-covered expanse and read about the history of this estuarine raised bog which was planned with conifers in the 1960s and 70s, but is now being restored. A further 3½ miles (5.6km) and very close to Wigtown is the site of the Martyr’s Stake, where Covenanters were executed by drowning in 1684. (The Covenanters refused to accept that the king was the head of the church and the penalty was death.)

It’s a short climb up to the small town of Wigtown, which is Scotland’s National Book Town. There are many second-hand bookshops to keep bookworms happy for several hours. The honey-coloured Town Hall at the east end of the town square houses a museum and a wildlife centre where you can see live webcam coverage of local ospreys nesting in the early summer. Or head down Harbour Road to the old Wigtown Harbour where there are bird hides looking over the mud flats of the estuary. A further 2¼ miles (1.8km) out west from the town on the B733 and the B7005 takes you to the Bladnoch Distillery where there’s a Visitor Centre and guided tours.

You can either return to Newtown Stewart on the same route or devise a circular route on minor roads. Remember that the Sustrans website has detailed OS-based online mapping to help you with route planning.

Information Centres:

Newton Stewart, Dashwood Square, Newton Stewart DG8 6EQ

When coming out of Longniddry railway station, turn right and go straight through the roundabout onto the B1377. After a few hundred metres, look out for a sign on the right-hand side of the road for the path to Haddington. Take care turning right and onto the track under the railway line. Keep to the left to follow the track which runs just to the south of the live railway. This dust path is on what used to be the Haddington branch line from Longniddry, which operated from 1846 to 1968. The leafy corridor of the railway path curves for 4 miles through farmland and, after passing under the A1, enters the town of Haddington on the B6471.

Having been bypassed by the mainline railway and the A1, Haddington retains many fine old buildings and the old Nungate Bridge, just south of the Victoria Bridge, is worth a visit. Route 76 goes right through the centre of town, along Market Street and over the River Tyne on Victoria Bridge (not to be confused with the River Tyne in England). About 200 metres east of the bridge, turn left and follow a path alongside a playing field and cross the river again on a footbridge. You then join a lovely riverside path for just under a mile (although, unfortunately, parts of the path were washed away in recent floods). Turn right at the end of the path at Abbey Bridge and follow the Route 76 signs along country roads - keep left at the next junction and after less than 2 miles take a left fork onto a single track road that runs past the substantial ruins of Hailes Castle. Built on an escarpment above the River Tyne, the castle, which has its origins in the late 13th Century, has to be visited to appreciate what a fine and impressive structure it once was. From the castle, it’s a fairly easy run down to the village of East Linton, passing under the A1 again. Preston Mill to the north-east of the town is now owned by the National Trust for Scotland. It is one of the oldest meal mills in Scotland and still in working order.

If you want to carry on to Dunbar, turn right onto the B1377 before you enter East Linton, and join the A199 and then the A1087 to Dunbar. The majority of traffic is now on the A1, so these roads are relatively quiet. Dunbar is a very pleasant town, with a picturesque harbour, rugged cliff faces, fine restaurants, a leisure pool and John Muir’s Birthplace. Mary Queen of Scots was brought to Dunbar Castle by the Earl of Bothwell on 24 April 1567 after he abducted her and they returned to the castle after their marriage on 15 May. After Mary’s subsequent surrender and abdication, the Scottish Parliament ordered the destruction of the castle. You can see the ruins near the harbour although access is closed for safety reasons. If you wish to leave Dunbar by train, remember to book bike space in advance. Dunbar is on the main east coast line and spaces are limited.

However, you have the option of continuing north from East Linton to North Berwick. There is a network of quiet roads from which to choose. A suggestion is to follow the B1407 past Preston Mill, take the first left. After slightly under two miles on a straight minor road, turn left, then right, left and right and follow the road into North Berwick through Wamphray, with the volcanic spur of Berwick Law to your left. North Berwick is another lovely destination, with a harbour, sandy coves and the renowned Seabird Centre. In terms of travelling with your bike, it has the distinct advantage of being at the end of the line, having a frequent service into Edinburgh, and no need to book bike spaces.

Information Centres:

Edinburgh & Scotland (AY) 3 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2QP

Dunbar (S) 143A High Street, Dunbar EH42 1ES

North Berwick (AY) Quality Street, North Berwick EH39 4HJ

At the intersection in the village of Kames turn left following signs towards Ardlamont.

Carry on along the coastal road passing a caravan site on your left.

At the T-junction take a right, travelling westwards (notice the old red telephone box on your left immediately after the junction).

Follow the road, bearing northwards until you reach Millhouse.

Continue straight on at the intersection in Millhose (rejoining the B8000), following signs northwards towards Kilfinan and Otter Ferry.

At Kilfinan there is a small hotel where refreshements are available.

About 6 miles on from Kilfinan is another intersection, turn right, following signs towards Glendaruel (Alternatively at this juncture, turn left for a short ride to Otter Ferry with beautiful views of Loch Fyne. In Otter Ferry is another tempting hotel right on the shore line).

Follow the road eastwards until the junction with the A8003. Turn right (soutwards) at this point towards Loch Riddon (Loch Ruel), rejoining National Route 75.

Make sure to stop at the cliff top view points along this route where there are magnificent vistas of the Kyles and Isle of Bute.

Contiune southwards until you reach the final point of the route back at Tighanbruaich where welcoming pubs awit your arrival.

Take care along the A8003, this road can be busy in the summer months.

]]> 2010-09-07 T;14:08:00+00:00 http://www.routes2ride.org.uk/routes2ride/glasgow_waterways_loop/ A short circular ride around some of Glasgow's historic waterways including the Forth and Clyde Canal, The Glasgow City Branch Canal and the River Kelvin.  During the 19th Century, the Forth and Clyde Canal was a vital trade route between the East and West Coast of Scotland; canal barges carried much needed goods to the towns and cities along the Central Belt.    

Starting at Spiers Wharf in the historic Port Dundas area north of the city centre, travel north along the tow path past Partick Thistle Stadium on your left followed by Ruchill Park on the opposite bank on your right.

At the Stockingfield canal junction the route joins the Forth and Clyde Canal; simply bear left along the southern banks of the canal towards the iconic Maryhill Locks.

Immediately after the fourth ovular shaped lock (and just before you reach the kelvin Aquaduct) is a zig-zag ramp on your left, down to the River Kelvin Cycleway. At the end of the ramp, turn left (south) along the cycleway towards Glasgow Botanic Gardens and Kelvingrove Park.

Continue along the cycleway until Hillhead, about a mile after the Botanic Gardens. About 50 metres after the Great Western Road Bridge (Kelvin Bridge) is a walkway on your left towards Kelvingbridge SPT subway station. Cycle through the station carpark, past the entrance to the subway station and turn left on South Woodside Road (becoming North Woodside Road as you cycle under the Kelvin Bridge).

Continue along North Woodside Road until it becomes Braid Street, just after St Georges Road. Take a right at Braid Square follwed by a left immediately after the North woodside Leisure Centre.

Join the cycle path at the south east corner of Braid Square continuing over Garscube Road via the cycle bridge. Foolow the path eastwards towards Spiers Wharf and the end of your journey.

Visit the Sustrans Shop

This route provides a leisurely opportunity to explore the rolling hill country between Insch and the Gartly Moor to the west, with sweeping views over the Pictish province of The Garioch to Bennachie.

The route is on public roads with a tarred surface, winding through beech avenues, open farmland and forests. For those seeking challenging off-road cycling, the Forest Enterprise Cycle Trails at Gartly Moor Forest can be reached from Insch via the 'Gartly Moor Link' route (waymarked in white).

Starting at Insch station, head north along the B992 (Commercial Road) past the Carriages pub on your left.

After riding 600 metres the post office and Commercial Hotel appear on your right just before you approach the junction with Insch high Street.

Take the left turn at the junction with the High Street onto Market Street.

Continue along Market Street, sheltered avenues of beech lead to the ancient Picardy Stone with its fascinating Pictish symbols.

Two kilometres past the Piccardy Stone the road reaches a T-junction. At this point take the right towards Gartly Moor. Ride for just under a kilometre and take the next right sign posted to Wardhouse.

After a mile of beautiful, winding countryside you come to another small junction just after a small farmstead, take the left towards Wardhouse.

Continue past Mains of Wardhouse and on towards Dunnideer past quiet farms in the valley of The Shevock. Dunnideer hill fort and tower appear as a prominent landmark on your right - if you have time, a brisk walk to the top is highly recommended (Please follow footpath, the entrance of which is located 500 metres south east of Dunnideer village).

Continue eastwards towards worthy refreshments in Insch village centre and then back to the train station.

Insch train station is on the Aberdeen - Inverness rail line. Bike reservations are free (make sure there are enough spaces for your group and that you also have reservations for your journey home).

]]> 2010-09-01 T;15:19:00+00:00 http://www.routes2ride.org.uk/routes2ride/elgin_experience/  A 14 mile loop through Moray’s historic capital city and surrounding countryside. Highlights include Elgin Cathedral, Elgin Museum,CooperPark and Milton Duff Distillery. The loop is easy to ride with no major hills.  A pleasant loop through Moray’s historic capital city and surrounding countryside.

Starting from the Library in Cooper Park (facing the pond), turn left and cycle along the wide path around the park until you come to the footbridge over the River Lossie.

Cycle over the bridge then turn left along the path and right at the junction.

Turn right at the junction, along Brodie Place, passing Seafield School on the right.

Turn left at the next junction, into Munro Place and cycle till you reach the main road. Dismount here and cross the main road in front of the Bonnie Earl pub using the traffic island.

Take the first left into Covesea Road and cycle for approximately 1 mile.

Turn left at the signpost for Findrassie and cycle through the woods and open country until you come to a crossroads, where you cross straight over.

For approximately 2 miles admire the views over the Moray Firth on the right and Quarrelwood Woodland Park on the left.

Joining the busy trunk road at the junction, turn right and travel for approximately 500 yards before turning left towards Miltonduff and Pluscarden Abbey.

Cycle for approximately 2 miles, through farm and woodland, until you reach a T junction. Take care on this 1/3 mile stretch along A96.

Turn left here and immediately right at the War Memorial, past the Miltonduff Distillery on the left. (7 miles, halfway).

Turn right at the next T junction, signed to Kellas and Dallas.

Turn left towards Birnie and New Elgin.

After approximately 1.5 miles, turn left at the next T junction and travel towards New Elgin, passing the Elgin Golf Club House on your left and the Glassgreen Range on your right.

At the junction with the busy main road, turn right and immediately left, signed Linkwood (Thornhill Road).

Turn left at the junction by the Cottar Hoose, passing the cemetery and the Moray College Linkwood Annexe building on your right (11.8 miles).

Turn right immediately past the Annexe, over the railway bridge and into Ashgrove Road. This road leads to the very busy A96, so take great care.

At the junction, turn right and cycle to the roundabout, where you take the first exit left, then left again at the T junction.

Turn right at the junction, then immediately left down North College Street.

Turn right immediately past the Cathedral and then left between the stone pillars opposite the Cathedral entrance. This takes you back into Cooper Park - cycle straight ahead until you come to the Library.

PLEASE NOTE: Bold text means take care.

This route follows part of the National Cycle Network Route One. The signage for both the routes is very similar - so follow the written directions carefully to avoid a very lengthy detour! ]]> 2010-09-01 T;10:00:00+00:00 http://www.routes2ride.org.uk/routes2ride/tarves_to_tanglandford_loop/ A beautiful flat, road ride around the Aberdeenshire countryside.  This is a nice, flat, road route mainly on B roads and is relatively quiet of traffic. There is a small incline out of Methlick where the road is busier until you turn off for Tarves on the B999.

The route starts in Tarves square and heads out past the cementry on the B999. Continue on the B999 until the left turn towards Haddo. When you reach the crossroads, turn right and go towards Ellon.

Continue until just after you cross a bridge then take the B9005 road to Methlick. Contiue on this road past Ythanbank taking a sharp right followed by a left bend and on into Methlick.

In Methlick take B9170 road up hill towards Oldmeldrum/Tarves. After Old Meldrum turn off onto the B999 to Tarves and follow back to the start.

Travel east along the Deeside Way to Milton of Crathes where the Royal Deeside Railway Preservation Society has its visitor centre. The society is rebuilding the railway between Milton of Crathes and Banchory and you can take a trip in an old train – see www.deeside-railway.co.uk for the timetable. Refreshments and snacks are also available at the visitor centre when the railway is operating. Milton of Crathes has a tea room, restaurant, shops and and art gallery.

Cross the car park and continue on the Deeside Way south of the main road. After about 100 metres, the Deeside Way joins a major track (just before a cobbled hump-back bridge). Turn left and follow the track round under the road bridge and up to the road leading to Crathes Castle.

Turn right and follow the road up to visit the castle. Crathes Castle has a tea room and a shop. The castle grounds include extensive gardens with a number of pleasant walks.

Follow the road around the back of the castle for the start of the West Trail and Castle Gardens (Caroline’s Garden). At busy periods please wheel bikes within the castle grounds.

Remain on the main tarmac drive past Caroline’s Garden and follow it to the end which is at the West Lodge by the main road (A93).

Follow the shared-use path towards Banchory. Take care when crossing three minor roads into Silverbank.

After a short distance the Caravan Club Site is visible on the opposite side of the road. Take care when crossing the A93.

Visit the Sustrans Shop

The route turns south on the B845 and up through the scenic delights of Glen Nant, before descending to Kilchrenan and spectacular views of Loch Awe. At this point it follows a rollercoaster minor road through Inverliever Forest, along the west side of the loch, before dropping down to the shoreline and joining the B840 at Ford.

From Ford, a short stretch along the A816 leads to Kilmartin with its enigmatic ancient stones. A long flat section follows, over Moine Mhor onto the splendid towpath of the Crinan Canal which continues past Lochgilphead to Ardrishaig. After a short stretch along the A83, the route climbs steeply to cross to the western shores of Knapdale with fine views across to the islands of Islay and Jura. Enjoy the views past Ormsary and on to Kilberry.

A couple of miles south of Kilberry the route turns east and then northeast to the fishing and yachting centre of Tarbet. From here, the A83 is rejoined for a few miles on the eastern shores of Loch Tarbet, passing the ferry terminal to Islay at Kennacraig. From Kennacraig, a steady climb on the B8001 leads to a great viewpoint of Arran and a descent to Claonaig. The road to Carradale has many tough climbs and sweeping descents but offers magnificent views of Kilbrannan Sound.

From Carradale, the route continues its undulating journey along the eastern side of the Kintyre Peninsula with many fine views across the Sound towards Arran and Ailsa Craig. Cresting the final hill, Campbeltown comes into view, set in a sweeping arc around Campbeltown Loch and with a good variety of refreshment stops to celebrate the end of a great journey.

Visit the Sustrans Shop

From Banff scenic coastal roads and cliff top paths take you through some quaint fishing towns to Cullen where the route crosses over a magnificent disused railway viaduct towards Buckie. Crossing the mouth of the River Spey at Garmouth, the cycle route leads along small country roads to Elgin where Coopers Park and Elgin Cathedral make a good place for a picnic stop. From busy Elgin streets, quiet rural lanes lead to Findhorn Bay.

Skirting round the market town of Forres, Route 1 courses through Morayshire countryside with excellent views of Culbin Forest on to the holiday town of Nairn. Beyond Nairn the route passes the historic battle site of Culloden before entering the city limits of Inverness where well deserved refreshment is waiting.

Visit the Sustrans Shop