Scottish Lowland Saunter

Cycling

Southern Scotland—the Lowlands stretching south of Glasgow and Edinburgh—is a hidden gem for cyclists. Expect quiet roads, rolling green landscapes, stunning coastline and rewarding climbs that are never too daunting in gradient or scale.

This is the region where our Cycling Development Manager first discovered her love of riding, and this tour is shaped by her personal knowledge of the area’s best roads, views and hidden corners. Rather than simply following the established Kirkpatrick Coast to Coast route, we’ve created our own carefully crafted journey across this often-overlooked cycling paradise.

Starting in Portpatrick (with a transfer from Lockerbie), the route includes a memorable out-and-back ride to the spectacular Mull of Galloway, Scotland’s southernmost point, before crossing the country to finish in the charming seaside town of North Berwick. From there, we’ll transfer to Edinburgh for a well-earned final night.

With shorter daily distances, this holiday is designed to be enjoyable rather than exhausting, giving you plenty of time to soak up the scenery, explore local towns and villages, and truly experience the places you ride through.

Looking for similar adventures? Explore our other Grade 2 cycling holidays HERE.

Highlights

• Coast-to-coast sea views – Begin at the dramatic Mull of Galloway, where powerful tides churn around Scotland’s southernmost tip, and finish with spectacular views of the iconic Bass Rock on the East Coast.
• The Southern Uplands – Ride through a landscape of rolling hills, ancient forests and open moorland, where quiet roads and wide-open spaces create a real sense of escape.
• Characterful towns and villages – From the picturesque harbour town of Portpatrick to the colourful artists’ haven of Kirkcudbright, discover some of southern Scotland’s most charming communities.
• Wonderfully quiet roads – A network of peaceful country lanes and scenic B roads makes for relaxed, rewarding cycling with little traffic and plenty of views.
• Fifty shades of green – Lush fields, wooded valleys and rolling countryside give this corner of Scotland a richness and vibrancy that’s both uplifting and unforgettable.

Accommodation

We stay in comfortable hotels and high-quality B&Bs on a twin-share, bed-and-breakfast basis. We aim to keep the group together, though occasionally you may be split between nearby properties.

Single rooms are available for a supplement at the time of booking.

Meals

Breakfast is provided by your hotel. Our support team delivers generous, high-quality packed lunches using the best local produce—think fresh sandwiches, bakery bites, fruit and cakes. If the weather turns, we’ll stop at a café instead.

On the road, regular van stops (or occasional cafés) offer hot and cold drinks, snacks, and sweet and savoury treats to keep you fuelled.

Evening meals are not included but are usually enjoyed together in carefully chosen restaurants—though you’re free to do your own thing.

We carry emergency energy supplies, but we recommend bringing your preferred ride nutrition.

(B, L, D) in the Tour Plan indicates meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Bike Transfers

We make getting your bike north easy. Free delivery is available from Sheffield to the start in Lockerbie and back again after the tour. Simply drop your bike at our Sheffield office before departure, or arrange collection from a convenient motorway service stop en route.

We handle all bikes with care, but recommend you have appropriate insurance, as we cannot accept liability for loss or damage during transport or storage.

Alternative cycling holidays in Scotland

If this tour appeals but isn’t quite right, then why don’t you check out our two other Scottish cycling holidays: Scotland End to End (Le Jock) which travels the length of Scotland south to north (Grade 5). Or our Highland Fling holiday, which takes in the best parts of the Highlands and Islands.