2009 The Southern Upland Way by Bike

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Day 1
Port Patrick to Newton Stewart
We started the tour in fine weather from Port Patrick. Fine views of the sea before crossing the hills and heading towards Stranraer. Lunch at Castle Kennedy.
Day 1 (continued)
Shortly after Castle Kennedy the cycle route leaves the SUW and heads accross country to Newton Stewart. Stayed the night at the Creebridge Hotel.
Day 2
Newton Stewart to St. John's Town of Dalry
Just outside Newton Stewart are the 7Stanes mountain bike trails in Kirroughtree forest.
Its a very pleasant cycle from there along the Old Edinburgh Road and the Queeens Way to St.John's Town of Dalry.
St.Jonh's is a quaint little village.
Overnight in the Lochinvar Hotel
Day 3
St. John's Town of Dalry to Thornhill
We head north from S.John's Dalry initially following the SUW. Head for Thornhill.
Overnight in a very pleasant and tastefully funished B&B run by a Danish couple - Gillbank House.
Day 4
Thornhill to Moffat
A very damp day, heavy rain and hard going. We are saoked to the skin by the time we reach Moffat. Overnight in the Best Western. Greaat Italian meal at Claudio's
Day 5
Moffat to Peebles
Pleasant run along the A708, which has little traffic to St.Mary's Loch.
Day 5 (continued)
From St.mary's Loch the route rose steeply into the hills and accross country to Peebles. Overnight just outside a the Cardrona which is a big new golf hotel. Luxury and a nice meal in the bar.
Day 6
Peebles to Lauder
The route re-joins the SUW at Traiquair. Trauquair House is well worth a visit. Melrose is a good spot to stop for lunch. This is a very pleasant part of the route and fairly easy going with great views.
Overnight in the Black Bull Nice evening meal in the pub downstairs.
Day 7
Lauder to Dunbar
A long hard day that seems endless but had many fine viewpoints.

338 km / 210 miles