Road · From the map · United Kingdom
Glenkiln Loop Cycle Route
- 38 km
- 245 m
- Easy
- Paved
Elevation profile
- 245 m
- 38 km
Route overview
Riders suited to a medium distance loop with moderate climbing and mostly paved surfaces.
37.6 km loop cycle route in Dumfries and Galloway, United Kingdom, starting and finishing in Shawhead with 245 m elevation gain.
The Glenkiln Loop Cycle Route starts at Shawhead (22.6 km) and passes through several places including Barnhill (9.9 km), Summerhill (10.1 km), and Dumfries (9.1 km). The route is a loop covering 37.6 km with 245 m of climbing, mostly on minor roads (87%) with 10% on cycle paths and 2% on quiet streets. The longest named roads are the C112n for 11.5 km and the C14n for 4 km. The surface is 99% paved with a minor 1% gravel section. Climbing begins just after km 12.8 with a 3 km climb gaining 67 m at an average gradient of 2.2%, reaching 84 m elevation. The subsequent climbs are at km 23.1 (2.7 km, 70 m gain) and km 27.3 (1.8 km, 53 m gain), peaking at 215 m at km 29.1 beneath West Hill. The profile shows 64% flat, 19% climbing and 17% descending terrain, with a steepest 500 m section at 4.6% gradient near km 28.1. The longest descending stretch lasts 4.4 km from km 29.3 descending 143 m. Facilities include cafés near Dumfries at 9.1 km and Cargenbridge Tea rooms at 16.3 km, shops and a petrol station close to 9.1 km, plus a bike repair stand at 12.3 km. There are no water points or toilets along the route. The longest stretch without any café, shop, or water is about 21 km from km 16.3 to 37.4. Dumfries station at 9.1 km serves as a bailout point if needed.
Highlights
- Beneath West Hill near 13.8 km
- Three moderate climbs between km 12.8 and 29.1
- Longest descent 4.4 km from km 29.3
- C112n road for 11.5 km
Along the route
Places passed
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | Length | Gain | Average | Max | Top |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 12.8 km | 3 km | 67 m | 2.2 % | 3.6 % | 84 m |
| — | 23.1 km | 2.7 km | 70 m | 2.6 % | 4.5 % | 162 m |
| — | 27.3 km | 1.8 km | 53 m | 3 % | 4.8 % | 215 m |
What this ride is like
- Roads
- 87% minor road · 10% cycle path · 2% quiet street
- Cycle paths
- 3.7 km on cycle paths or roads with a cycle lane
- Main roads used
- C112n (12 km), C14n (4 km)
- Surface
- Paved throughout
- Gradient
- 19% climbing · 17% descending · 64% flat
- Longest descent
- 4.4 km from 29.3 km, dropping 143 m
Along the way
Longest stretch without a café, shop or water: 21 km, from 16 km to 37 km.
Food, water and shops
- 8.5 kmrightmedicine Pharmacy · pharmacy · on the route
- 9.1 kmCosta Drive Thru · café · 150 m off route
- 9.1 kmTesco · petrol station · 220 m off route
- 9.3 kmThe Food Warehouse · supermarket · 50 m off route
- 12.3 kmRepair stand · 290 m off route
- 16.3 kmCargenbridge Tea rooms · café · 80 m off route
Need to bail out?
- 9.1 km — Dumfries (station), 1.4 km off route
Worth a stop
- 2.1 km — Hall Hill Mote, Hillfort (archaeological site)
Practical information
- Paved
- Loop
- 2 h 41 min
- Jun to Aug — daily highs of 17–18 °C in those months
Know before you go
- Longest stretch without café, shop or water 21.1 km from km 16.3
- 13 km on main roads without cycle lane
- Steepest 500 m gradient 4.6% at km 28.1