26 | Cycling World
Biking’s Best Kept Secret? – Year Round Adventure in the Galloway Hills
NC 500 too busy and not offering enough
exploration options? Seeking infinite road/
gravel/adventure opportunities? Want to
smash the 7 Stanes? Or just looking for a new
favourite location to go and play? Possibly
the best kept year round ‘playground of the
biking gods’ secret could be right here in
the UK, with the Glenkens of Dumfries and
Galloway in south west Scotland at its pulsing
heart.
Just a stones throw north of the Lake District
the region has a fraction of the touris ts
and a wonderful feeling of freedom and
remoteness. The roads have hardly any
traffic and fringing the Galloway Forest Park
there are infinite possibilities for gravel bike
adventures along mapped forestry tracks and
beyond.
And for the perfect venue to base yourself
why not try the spectacular accommodation
at Glenhoul Brae.
The region is also home to 4 of the 7Stanes
mountain bike centres (and all are within a 2
hour drive) providing all the cross country
and freeride thrills you could ask for. There
are also plenty of alternatives including
the natural trails at Drumlanrig or downhill
bashing at Ae Forest. Or why not invent your
own routes and just head for the spectacular
Galloway Forest Park track, path and hill
network.
The countryside abounds with wildlife and
visitor attractions to keep any non-cyclists
interested - from zip-wires to chocolate
factories, art galleries to book towns there
really is something for everyone.
The area is supported by numerous specialist
bike shops, some of which provide rental
facilities (ever wanted to try a gravel bike or
electric mtb?) and all offer friendly support,
advice and guidance.
Glenhoul Brae holiday house
the ideal cycling destination
Glenhoul Brae is a very special eco house providing stunning warm and friendly accommodation for up to
10 people within 11 acres of natural hillside and offering spectacular panoramic views across the
“Dark Skies” Galloway Forest Park.
The area offers hundreds of miles of truly amazing bike
routes, ranging from quiet rural roads and gravel track adventures
- many starting from the front door - to custom built mtb trails for riders of all abilities.
Upon booking we provide online route suggestions and advice to help you plan your trip.
Bike wash and a covered, secure bike store (bring a lock) with work area including bike stand
complete the picture. Also perfect for hiking, photography, wildlife watching, site seeing or just chilling out!
10% off first booking in 2018 for Cycling World readers when they book through our website
Glenhoul Brae Eco Holiday House, Dumfries and Galloway
Come and say hi at m - +44 (0) 7917 102 693 • e – [email protected] • w – gallowayholidayhouse.com