Road · United Kingdom
National Byway Girvan Loop
A hilly 11 km road cycling route from Barr, South Ayrshire through The Lanes, Knockgerran and Penkill, with 138 m of climbing. Most of it (8.2 km) is on main roads without a cycle lane, 10 km where the limit is 80 km/h or more.
At a glance
- Best for
- Short, climbing-heavy rides for confident riders at ease in traffic
- Distance
- 10.5 km
- Elevation gain
- 138 m
- Riding time
- 45 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Bike
- Road bike
- Surface
- Paved
- Traffic
- Mostly main roads
- Food & water
- None mapped
- Best months
- Jun to Aug
- Navigation
- GPX download
- Start → finish
- Barr
Map and elevation profile
Elevation profile
- 138 m
- 11 km
Route description
- Barr
- The Lanes
- Knockgerran
- Penkill
- Old Dailly
The route starts in Barr and begins with a 2.9 km climb gaining 97 m at an average gradient of 3.3%, reaching a high point of 210 m around 3.7 km near Auchensoul Hill. From there, it descends for 4.8 km down to 22 m at 8.8 km near Old Dailly. Most of the route is on paved surfaces, with 78% (8.2 km) on main roads including the B734, and 23% (2.4 km) on minor roads. All main roads ridden lack cycle lanes. The entire 10.5 km is on roads with speed limits of 80 km/h or more. The route passes through The Lanes (2.6 km), Knockgerran (4.9 km), Penkill (7.2 km), and Old Dailly (8.5 km). There is no café, shop or water available along the entire route. Penkill Castle is located 121 m off route at 7.1 km, worth a short detour.
Highlights
- Climb of 2.9 km gaining 97 m from Barr
- Passes near Auchensoul Hill at 1.5 km
- Longest descent of 4.8 km from 3.8 km
- Penkill Castle 121 m off route at 7.1 km
Along the route
Places passed
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | On this ride | Top on this ride |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unnamed climb | 0 km | 2.9 km · 97 m · 3.3 % · max 4.8 % | 203 m |
Traffic, surface and gradient
This is not a cycle-track route: 78% is on main roads without a cycle lane, 10 km of it where the limit is 80 km/h or more. Riders should be comfortable sharing the road with faster traffic.
- Roads
- 78% main road · 23% minor road
- Main roads
- 8.2 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
- Fast roads
- 10 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
- Main roads used
- B734 (8 km)
- Surface
- Paved: 100% of the route is mapped as paved.
- Gradient
- 34% climbing · 48% descending · 18% flat
- Longest descent
- 4.8 km from 3.8 km, dropping 185 m
Food, water and services
No café, shop or water point is mapped along the route - carry everything you need.
Worth a stop
- 7.1 km — Penkill Castle (castle)
Stay after this ride
- Seasons Holidays at Brunston Castle · hotel · 3.4 km from the finish
- Strathalus Guest House · guest house · 3.5 km from the finish
Know before you go
- 10.5 km without café, shop or water
- 8.2 km on main roads without a cycle lane
- 10 km on roads with speed limits of 80 km/h or more
- Short sections up to 9.5% gradient
