Newton Stewart Circular
This is a challenging but extremely rewarding ride in the heart of Dumfries and Galloway, where the beautiful landscape, attractions and fascinating history more than compensate for the steep climbs.
The ride starts in Newton Stewart and follows National Route 7 east, crossing the A712, to Creetown. The route continues along National Route 7 until you reach Gatehouse Station where you turn off onto a track towards Clatteringshaws and Glen Trool. This track travels north beneath the spectacular Big Water of Fleet Viaduct, as seen in Alfred Hitchcock's The 39 Steps. You will then wind through forests and countryside, past Loch Granoch, until you reach Clatteringshaws Loch. If you feel like a break, you can turn off to the right along the main road to Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre for refreshments and toilets, as well as visit the nearby Bruce's Stone - the first of two that can be seen on this ride.
Follow the quiet road round Clatteringshaws Loch to Craigencallie House and you will come to the start of another traffic free section that passes Loch Dee. The route continues to Loch Trool where you'll find the second Bruce's Stone - where Robert the Bruce is reputed to have paused after his victory at the Battle of Glentrool in 1307! Here you'll rejoin the road downhill into Glentrool Village. Just past the Glen Trool Visitor Centre, you turn left onto a quiet road that runs near the River Cree through the woodlands and countryside back to Newton Stewart for a well earned rest!
Natural attractions:
- Bruntis Lochs
- Wigtown Sands
- Cree Coast
- Big Water of Fleet Viaduct
- Loch Trool
Visitor attractions:
- Kirroughtree Visitor Centre
- Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre
- Craigencallie House
- Bruce's Stone
- Glen Trool Visitor Centre
Route submitted by: Sustrans
Tags
Route map
Comments
Key route details
- Region/Area:
Dumfries and Galloway
- Distance:
Approx. 47 miles
- Time needed:
6-7 hours
- Classification:
Challenging
- Traffic:
Quiet roads and traffic free paths
- Surface:
On-road tarmac and off-road variable surface
- NCN Route:
National Route 7
- Start:
Newton Stewart
- Finish:
Newton Stewart
- Cycle hire:
The Breakpad, Kirroughtree Visitor Centre tel: 01671 401303 or HDI Car Care, Newton Stewart tel: 01671 404002
- Access:
Train stations at Dumfries and Stranraer and then Service 500 bike buses to Newton Stewart.
- Maps and guides
-
Lochs and Glens South NN7B £6.99
Lochs and Glens Official Guidebook RB28 £6.99
- Weather:
-
Fri
max: 14°C min: 3°C
-
Sat
max: 14°C min: 5°C
-
Sun
max: 14°C min: 6°C
-
Mon
max: 14°C min: 7°C
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