Curiosity Rides

What better way to enjoy the countryside whatever the season than by bike?

We’ve a monthly programme of sociable rides for 2023/2024, exploring the quiet roads and cycle routes around Dumfries. They’re longer than our summer ones – ranging from 15 to 25 miles in total- and a wee bit hillier, but they’ll always be taken at an easy pace, and on quiet roads, with an emphasis on taking time to discover some hidden delights of the area rather than just putting in the miles.

The meeting point next to Nithsdale Rowing Club

Most, but not all, rides start at 11am on the last Sunday of the month, meeting at the rowing club at Nith Avenue – see map. There’s a car park there if you need it, and plenty of space to spread out while we assemble. We meet under the large trees next to the stairs going up to the rowing club bridge. There’s no need to book so just turn up in plenty of time.

Our midweek evening rides also start from the rowing club at Nith Avenue – see map. We aim to leave at 7pm.

Ride schedule:

• Sunday 24th September 11am, New Abbey in the Fall, via Lochfoot and Beeswing (25 miles) Ride description
• *Bonus ride: Wednesday 25th October 10am – 1pm, Wild Goose Festival 2023 Caerlaverock Cycle Ride, meet at Dock Park, BOOKING ESSENTIAL via the Goose Festival website*
• Sunday 29th October, starting 3:30pm. Don’t forget clocks go back this day too. A Halloween Special around the Speddoch Loop (24 miles), this will be a daytime to nighttime ride so bike lights are essential. Ride description
• Sunday 26th November 11am, Airds Point (19 miles). Ride description

• Monday 1st January 11am, Caerlaverock New Year’s Day ride (19 miles) Ride description
• Sunday 28th January 11am, Crocketford (25 miles) including a midwinter celebratory lunch at the pub in Crocketford. Ride description
• Sunday 25th February 11am, Cairn/Cluden Circuit (18 miles) Ride description
• Sunday 24th March, 11am, Drumcoltran Tower (23 miles)

• Sunday 28th April 11am, Windmill Tour (16 miles)
• Sunday 26th May 10am, leaving at 10am sharp, Keir (30 miles) Please note the earlier start time, to reach Keir in time to join in the celebrations for the KM rally event. This is also a longer route than the normal. Packed lunch and cake money recommended!
• Sunday 30th June 11am, Drumpark Discoverer (20 miles), including a visit to Drumpark, part of Scotland’s Gardens Schemes. This is by arrangement only, so we have booked ahead. We will stop here to explore the gardens and have a picnic (please bring your own food and refreshments). Admission by donation, suggested at £5 per person, which goes to Loch Arthur.
• Wednesday 17th July 7pm, Glencaple via the Kelsick (16 miles)
• Wednesday 14th August 7pm, Routin Brig and Irongray round (17 miles)

Exploring the hidden corners of Dumfries and surrounds. Photo credit: Gilbert West.

We no longer always have a cafe stop mid ride, so suggest people bring something to sustain them and we’ll take a break somewhere suitable for people to refuel. This will be outdoors – so dress not just for the cycling but also make sure you will be warm enough when we stop, or perhaps bring a couple of warmer layers to put on.

Rides will continue regardless of the weather, unless in the opinion of the ride leader it would be dangerous (or no fun), so bring a waterproof and whatever you need to stay warm on (and off) the bike. All of the routes will keep to quiet rural roads, residential streets and cycle paths wherever possible and the pace will be ‘at the speed of chat’.

If you have any questions about these rides or don’t know if they will be for you, feel free to email cyclingdumfries@gmail.com for more information. You can also read our ride FAQs and watch the video below to get a flavour for our curiosity rides.