National Byway Dumfries Loop

Route overview

This ride suits cyclists looking for a short 15.6 km route with moderate climbing of 159 m.

A 15.6 km loop cycle route in Dumfries and Galloway starting and finishing at Shawhead with 159 m climbing.

The National Byway Dumfries Loop starts at Shawhead at 55 m elevation. The route features mainly minor roads with 99% on paved surfaces. The first half contains nearly all the climbing, beginning with a 2.6 km climb from 4.5 km gaining 69 m at an average gradient of 2.7%, reaching 161 m elevation. This is followed by a 1.8 km climb from 8.7 km with 53 m gain averaging 3% gradient, peaking at 215 m at 10.5 km, the highest point of the route. The profile then includes a 4.3 km longest descent starting just after 10.6 km, dropping 143 m. After this, the route returns on minor roads back to Shawhead. There are no cafes, shops, water points or bike services along the full 15.6 km loop, so riders must be self-sufficient. The route includes small amounts of short steep gradients with the steepest 500 m section at 4.7% gradient around 9.4 km.

Highlights

• Climb of 2.6 km gaining 69 m from 4.5 km
• Highest point at 215 m elevation at 10.5 km
• Long 4.3 km descent dropping 143 m from 10.6 km

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Point to point

Riding time

1 h 07 min

Best months

Jun to Aug — daily highs of 17–18 °C in those months

Know before you go

• Longest stretch with no café, shop or water for 15.6 km

Routes are for inspiration. Roads, surfaces and conditions change — check locally and ride within your limits.