Newton Mearns – Strathaven
- 39 km
- 320 m
- Moderate
- Gravel
Elevation profile
- 320 m
- 39 km
Route overview
Riders prepared for a middle distance with significant climbing and mostly unpaved surfaces.
A 39 km loop in Scotland from Newton Mearns with 1004 m climbing, mostly on tracks and gravel roads.
Starting and finishing at Newton Mearns, the 39.1 km loop heads into the surrounding region with a total elevation gain of 1004 m. The climb begins at 8.3 km with a 1.1 km ascent gaining 40 m at 3.5%, reaching 323 m height. A second climb occurs at 19.1 km for 2.4 km gaining 48 m at an average gradient of 2%. The route's highest point is 348 m at 26.5 km and the lowest is 213 m at 18.3 km, with climbing concentrated in the first half. The surface is largely unpaved, with 75% gravel or track and only 23% paved road. The majority of the ride is on tracks (75%) with some minor roads (18%), quiet streets (5%), and a short path (2%). The Ardochrig Road is the longest named road covered for 3 km. There is a long descent of 1.8 km from 13.7 km, dropping 64 m. The route passes near several peaks including Quarry Hill at 10 km, Lamb Hill at 14.9 km, and Rough Hill at 28.3 km. Refuelling is possible only near the shop at 18.9 km with Whitelee Wind Farm Café accessible at 38.8 km near the start/finish. There is a 19.9 km stretch without café, shop or water from 18.9 to 38.8 km. Points of interest include John Howie's Monument at 3 km, and the Whitelee Wind Farm Visitor Centre near the finish.
Highlights
- John Howie's Monument at 3 km
- Climb to 323 m elevation at 8.3 km
- Peaks near the route: Quarry Hill and Lamb Hill
- Whitelee Wind Farm Café at start/finish
Along the route
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | Length | Gain | Average | Max | Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 8.3 km | 1.1 km | 40 m | 3.5 % | 5.4 % | 323 m |
| — | 19.1 km | 2.4 km | 48 m | 2 % | 3.4 % | 264 m |
What this ride is like
- Roads
- 75% track · 18% minor road · 5% quiet street · 2% path
- Main roads used
- Ardochrig Road (3 km)
- Surface
- 23% paved · 75% gravel or unpaved
- Gradient
- 26% climbing · 24% descending · 50% flat
Along the way
Longest stretch without a café, shop or water: 20 km, from 19 km to 39 km.
Food, water and shops
- 18.9 kmThe Heron Farm Shop & Kitchen · convenience store · 40 m off route
- 38.8 kmWhitelee Wind Farm Café · café · 140 m off route
Worth a stop
- 3 km — John Howie's Monument (monument)
- 10.1 km — Quarry Hill (peak)
- 14.9 km — Lamb Hill (peak)
- 28.3 km — Rough Hill (peak)
- 38.8 km — Whitelee Wind Farm Visitor Centre (attraction)
At the start and finish
- Whitelee Wind Farm Café · café · 290 m
Practical information
- Gravel
- Loop
- 2½–3½ hours riding
- April, with recorded temperature of 13 °C.
- Jul to Aug — daily highs of 16 °C in those months
Know before you go
- 19.9 km without café, shop or water from 18.9 km
- 75% on gravel or unpaved surfaces
- 0.4 km over 5% gradient, 0.1 km over 8% gradient