Minnigaff to Girvan
- 80 km
- 705 m
- Hard
- Paved
Elevation profile
- 705 m
- 80 km
Route overview
Suites riders ready for an 80 km route with 705 m of climbing including some sustained moderate climbs.
Stage 4 of 5 of the National Byway (SW Scotland): 80.1 km from Minnigaff to Girvan with 705 m of climbing, on the signed route.
The route starts at Minnigaff and heads southeast passing through Glentrool Village at 15.7 km. The first climb of 3.1 km averaging 2.5% gradient begins there, reaching 182 m. Continuing after km 25.5, a longer climb of 5.3 km at 3.1% gradient gains 162 m reaching the highest point at 391 m near km 30.8, close to Craiglaigh Hill and Pinbreck Hill. From about km 39, the route goes through several small places: Upper Barr, Nether Barr, Barr, Pinmore, Poundland, and Lendalfoot. The road surface is paved 99% of the time, mostly on minor roads (69%), with 21.2 km on main roads including the B734 and A714. There is one short stretch of gravel or unpaved track making 1% of the route. Climbs after km 56 are shorter: three climbs between 1.7 and 2.6 km with gradients around 2–3%. The route finishes in Girvan at 78.5 km, near several cafés, shops, and bike repair facilities. The longest stretch without café, shop, or water runs from 14.7 km to 75.9 km, roughly 61 km. Facilities at start are unlisted but Girvan offers multiple food and drink options and a railway station for bailout.
Highlights
- Climb to 391 m near Craiglaigh Hill
- Passes Glentrool Village at 15.7 km
- Longest descent 4.5 km dropping 128 m from km 73
- Finishes at Girvan with various amenities
Along the route
Places passed
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | Length | Gain | Average | Max | Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 15.7 km | 3.1 km | 78 m | 2.5 % | 4 % | 182 m |
| — | 25.5 km | 5.3 km | 162 m | 3.1 % | 6.4 % | 391 m |
| — | 56 km | 2.6 km | 74 m | 2.8 % | 4 % | 126 m |
| — | 61.2 km | 2.1 km | 44 m | 2.1 % | 3.6 % | 50 m |
| — | 65.7 km | 1.7 km | 44 m | 2.6 % | 3.5 % | 138 m |
What this ride is like
- Roads
- 69% minor road · 27% main road · 2% quiet street · 1% track
- Main roads
- 21.4 km on main roads without a cycle lane — likely busier
- Fast roads
- 15.9 km on roads with a limit of 80 km/h or more
- Main roads used
- B734 (12 km), A714 (8 km), Nic O the Balloch (6 km)
- Surface
- Paved throughout
- Gradient
- 24% climbing · 19% descending · 57% flat
- Steep sections
- 0.6 km over 5% · steepest 500 m averages 6% at 30.3 km
- Longest descent
- 4.5 km from 73 km, dropping 128 m
Along the way
Longest stretch without a café, shop or water: 61 km, from 15 km to 76 km.
Food, water and shops
- 0 kmCreebridge Mill · pharmacy · 730 m off route
- 14.7 kmGlentrool Visitor Centre · café · 90 m off route
- 14.7 kmToilets · 90 m off route
- 78.5 kmMaly's Cafe · café · 50 m off route
- 78.5 kmNisa Local · convenience store · 190 m off route
- 78.5 kmToilets · 90 m off route
- 78.5 kmRepair stand · 320 m off route
- 78.5 kmBoots · pharmacy · 130 m off route
Need to bail out?
- 78.3 km — Girvan (station), 460 m off route
Worth a stop
- 0.1 km — Minnigaff Motte (archaeological site)
- 60.4 km — Carleton Castle (castle)
- 75.4 km — Shalloch Hill (peak, 69 m)
At the finish
- Maly's Cafe · café · 50 m
- Flynn's Boatyard · pub · 20 m
- Mr Chips · fast food · 50 m
- Bob's Ice Cream Kiosk · ice cream · 90 m
- Boots · pharmacy · 130 m
Stay after this ride
- Woodland Bay Hotel · hotel · 3.1 km from the finish
Practical information
- Paved
- Point to point
- 5 h 43 min
- Jun to Aug — daily highs of 17–18 °C in those months
Know before you go
- Longest stretch without café or shop for 61.2 km from 14.7 to 75.9 km
- 21.4 km on main roads without cycle lanes
- 15.9 km on roads with speed limits 80 km/h or more
- 0.8 km on gravel or unpaved track