Glentrool Big Country Ride Cycle Route
- 54 km
- 759 m
- Moderate
- Mixed
Elevation profile
- 759 m
- 54 km
Route overview
Riders comfortable with 54 km and 759 m climbing including mixed paved and unpaved surfaces.
54 km loop from Glentrool Village in Dumfries and Galloway with 759 m climbing and mixed surfaces.
The route starts from Glentrool Village and heads to Caldons at 7.9 km. Early climbing includes a 1.6 km rise from 3.2 km gaining 46 m at 2.8% average grade and another climb near Caldons of 2 km at 2.9%. The first half of the ride includes about 28% of the total elevation gain. After Caldons the route continues to Newton Stewart at 25.2 km and Minnigaff at 25.3 km. There is a notable climb at 10.1 km lasting 1.1 km and reaching 171 m altitude with 3.9% average grade. Later, climbs include a 4.9 km ascent starting at 38.1 km gaining 183 m at 3.7%. The highest point is at 43.1 km at 356 m altitude. The surface is evenly split between paved and gravel or unpaved with 48% of the route on tracks, 35% on minor roads, and 17% on quiet streets. The route is a loop and does not have cafés, shops, or water for 53.5 km. Points of interest include Bruce's Stone near 4.5 km, Minnigaff Motte at 25.2 km, and Poultrybuie Hill at 41.3 km, near the highest road section. The ride features 35% of climbing, 30% descending and 35% flat terrain, with 4 km over 5% gradient and half a km over 8%. The steepest 500 m section is 12.6% but is at the start.
Highlights
- Bruce's Stone monument at 4.5 km
- Minnigaff Motte archaeological site at 25.2 km
- Poultrybuie Hill peak near 41.3 km
- Highest road point at 356 m at 43.1 km
Along the route
Places passed
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | Length | Gain | Average | Max | Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 3.2 km | 1.6 km | 46 m | 2.8 % | 5 % | 137 m |
| — | 7.5 km | 2 km | 57 m | 2.9 % | 5 % | 137 m |
| — | 10.1 km | 1.1 km | 45 m | 3.9 % | 6.1 % | 171 m |
| — | 25.3 km | 1.7 km | 59 m | 3.5 % | 4.7 % | 78 m |
| — | 31.1 km | 2.4 km | 84 m | 3.5 % | 5.9 % | 178 m |
| — | 34.5 km | 1.7 km | 50 m | 2.9 % | 6.3 % | 216 m |
| — | 38.1 km | 4.9 km | 183 m | 3.7 % | 8.8 % | 356 m |
| — | 45.7 km | 3 km | 68 m | 2.3 % | 3.8 % | 264 m |
What this ride is like
- Roads
- 48% track · 35% minor road · 17% quiet street
- Surface
- 50% paved · 50% gravel or unpaved
- Gradient
- 35% climbing · 30% descending · 35% flat
- Steep sections
- 4 km over 5% · 0.5 km over 8% · steepest 500 m averages 12.6% at 0 km
- Longest descent
- 2.7 km from 0.1 km, dropping 162 m
Along the way
Longest stretch without a café, shop or water: 54 km, from 0 km to 54 km.
Food, water and shops
- 25.3 kmCreebridge Mill · pharmacy · 750 m off route
Worth a stop
- 4.5 km — Bruce's Stone (monument)
- 25.2 km — Minnigaff Motte (archaeological site)
- 41.3 km — Poultrybuie Hill (peak, 354 m)
Practical information
- Mixed
- Loop
- 3 h 52 min
- Jun to Aug — daily highs of 17 °C in those months
Know before you go
- No café, shop or water for 53.5 km
- 4 km on main roads over 5% gradient
- 0.5 km with maximum gradient 8.8%
- 50% gravel or unpaved surface