Mixed · From the map · United Kingdom
Dumfries to Moniaive
- 66 km
- 601 m
- Moderate
- Paved
Elevation profile
- 601 m
- 66 km
Route overview
Suitable for riders prepared for moderate climbing over a medium distance of 66 km with some rural roads.
Stage 2 of 5 of the National Byway (SW Scotland): 66.1 km from Dumfries to Moniaive with 601 m of climbing, on the signed route.
The route starts in the Dumfries town centre near Troqueer and Maxwelltown, then heads through various suburbs such as Janefield and Laurieknowe before reaching Nunholm and Lincluden within the first 3 km. It continues mainly on minor roads, covering 57.3 km or 88% of the ride, with some sections on main roads for 3.3 km without cycle lanes, plus short stretches on quiet streets, cycle paths, tracks, and paths. Climbing is moderate, with five main climbs spaced along the route. Early climbing begins just before Dunscore around 14 km, with an ascent of 62 m over 2.3 km at an average gradient of 2.7%. More substantial climbs come later: up to 112 m gain over 2.6 km starting near Thornhill, and the highest point at 231 m is reached around 63 km after ascending 114 m at 5.6%, with the steepest section maxing at 10%. The longest flat stretches account for 63% of the route, while climbing and descending make up 21% and 16% respectively. The path includes a gravel/unpaved share of 2%. There is a long 34 km stretch without café, shop, or water between about km 31 and 65. Cafés and shops are available at the start in Dumfries and at the finish in Moniaive, which also offers accommodation and pubs. Bicycle shops and repair stands are found near the start and around km 31 and 37.
Highlights
- Climb near Thornhill, 112 m gain over 2.6 km
- Final climb to Moniaive, 114 m gain at 5.6% avg
- Passes near Kirkbride Hill (192 m) and Court Hill (189 m)
- Longest café/shop gap is 33.9 km between km 31 and 65
Along the route
Places passed
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | Length | Gain | Average | Max | Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 14.3 km | 2.3 km | 62 m | 2.7 % | 5 % | 122 m |
| — | 37.8 km | 2.6 km | 112 m | 4.3 % | 7.6 % | 179 m |
| — | 45.9 km | 1.7 km | 58 m | 3.4 % | 5.8 % | 208 m |
| — | 58 km | 2.3 km | 60 m | 2.6 % | 4.1 % | 129 m |
| — | 61.4 km | 2 km | 114 m | 5.6 % | 10 % | 231 m |
What this ride is like
- Roads
- 88% minor road · 5% main road · 3% quiet street · 2% cycle path
- Main roads
- 3.3 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
- Fast roads
- 11.5 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
- Cycle paths
- 1 km on cycle paths or roads with a cycle lane
- Main roads used
- C125n (11 km), C112n (10 km), C127n (4 km)
- Surface
- Paved throughout
- Gradient
- 21% climbing · 16% descending · 63% flat
- Steep sections
- 2.3 km over 5% · 0.6 km over 8% · steepest 500 m averages 9.5% at 63.2 km
- Longest descent
- 2.8 km from 49.5 km, dropping 83 m
Along the way
Longest stretch without a café, shop or water: 34 km, from 31 km to 65 km.
Food, water and shops
- 0 kmG&G Cycles · bike shop · 240 m off route
- 0.1 kmPumpernickel · café · 160 m off route
- 0.2 kmWhitesands Toilets · toilets · on the route
- 0.5 kmScotfresh · convenience store · 150 m off route
- 1.1 kmTesco · petrol station · 240 m off route
- 2.5 kmrightmedicine Pharmacy · pharmacy · on the route
- 17.4 kmFlying Pig · bar · on the route
- 31.1 kmThree Villages Cafe · café · on the route
- 31.1 kmConvenience store · 110 m off route
- 31.1 kmToilets · on the route
- 31.1 kmRepair stand · on the route
- 37.1 kmRik's Bike Shed · bike shop · 550 m off route
- 65 kmGlenwhisk · café · on the route
- 65.1 kmWatsons Grocers · supermarket · on the route
Need to bail out?
- 0.6 km — Dumfries (station), 800 m off route
Worth a stop
- 0 km — Rotunda (monument)
- 8.8 km — Hall Hill Mote, Hillfort (archaeological site)
- 21.4 km — Benan Hill (peak)
- 33.3 km — Nith Bridge Cross (monument)
- 37 km — Drumlanrig, Roman fort and annexe (archaeological site)
- 46.4 km — Ballaggan Motte (archaeological site)
At the start
- The Frothy Bike Co. · café · 130 m
- Coach and Horses · pub · 50 m
- Pumpernickel · café · 200 m
- Cafe Piccolo · ice cream · 190 m
- The Bank Tapas Bar · restaurant · 60 m
At the finish
- Glenwhisk · café · 90 m
- Watsons Grocers · supermarket · 20 m
- George Hotel · pub · 110 m
- Craigdarroch Hotel · restaurant · 10 m
Practical information
- Paved
- Point to point
- 4 h 43 min
- Jun to Sep — daily highs of 16–18 °C in those months
Know before you go
- 33.9 km without café, shop, or water between km 31.1 and 65
- 3.3 km on main roads without cycle lanes
- 11.5 km on roads with posted limits 80 km/h or more
- 2% of route is gravel or unpaved