Dumfries & Galloway

With miles of rocky shorelines and acres of dense forests, the lowlands of Scotland are a supremely beautiful and peaceful place to be. The region will also host Para-cycling Road events at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Champs.

One Big Adventure Playground

You’ll find world class walking and cycling without any trouble!

Situated by the beautiful Loch Ken, there’s loads to do for adults and kids at the Galloway Activity Centre. Take your pick from kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, climbing, archery, mountain biking, laser combatting and Scotland’s first 40 foot swing. Or even better: do everything.

Scotland’s Exotic Garden

If the non-stop action of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Champs gets too intense, a walk around the Logan Botanic Garden is a great way to unwind and refresh the mind.

Home to truly remarkable plants (including some exotic beauties from South and Central America, Southern Africa and Australasia), this is unquestionably one of Scotland’s most special gardens. If you visit on a sunny August day, the vibe will be truly tropical.

Learn all there is to know about Lowland whisky

There are five major whisky producing regions in Scotland, each with their own unique characteristics: Speyside, Islay, Highlands, Campbeltown and Lowlands.

Annandale Distillery is a fine example of a Lowland distillery, first opened in 1836 and reborn in 2014 following an extensive restoration project. Despite the much needed modernisation, the master distillers at Annandale still make whisky according to traditional methods.

Well worth a visit whether you take the full tour or just sample some of their wares.

Bring Your Bike (or rent one!)

The vivid variety of the landscape here means there’s every kind of cycling for every kind of cyclist, with countless trails that ribbon through the vast countryside. For those that follow them, their reward will be some of Scotland’s most secluded spots.

Also home to 5 of the 7stanes trail centres and Drumlanrig, there’s trails for all abilities. Don’t forget the spectacular Solway Coast either.

Cycling in Dumfries and Galloway

Sailing at the Galloway Activity Centre

River Nith, Dumfries

Moat Brae, Dumfries and Galloway

The Globe Inn, Dumfries

Plan your visit

Get on your bike and get under Scotland’s skin in Dumfries & Galloway.

Plan your perfect trip at VisitScotland.

Fun facts!

The inventor of the modern pedal-driven bicycle, Kirkpatrick Macmillan, was born in the village of Kier on 2 September 1812. Cycling’s coming home!

These roads are no stranger to elite cycling - the Tour of Britain has visited the region 10 times since it was re-established in 2005.

The village of Gretna Green is famous as a romantic destination for runaway couples. In 2013, a pair cycling the 980 miles from Land's End to John o' Groats stopped to tie the knot!