Activities: Cycling and Mountain Biking
Newton Stewart offers cyclists of all ages and abilities the opportunity to explore some of the region's richest and most diverse landscape, all within a relatively short distance of the town centre. There are opportunities for both off-road mountain biking and cycle touring. Cycles / mountain bikes can be bought or hired in the town and there are sources of accessories and repairs for cyclists.
CYCLING
National Cycle Route 7 passes through Newton Stewart.
The road network in Galloway - apart from the A75 - is relatively free from traffic and there are miles of quiet roads to be enjoyed on two wheels. The Machars triangle between Newton Stewart, Glenluce and the Isle of Whithorn, about 25 miles (40 km) in each direction, sometimes described as the "cyclists' paradise", is a maze of minor roads on relatively flat terrain, with a wealth of history, culture and wildlife, and fine views over mountain, moor and sea.
Four colour-coded signposted routes take cyclists around this attractive and varied area:
- Yellow Route (25 miles/40km)
Northern Machars, visiting Kirkcowan, Bladnoch & Wigtown
- Orange Route (22 miles/35km)
Central eastern Machars, taking in Kirkinner, Garlieston, Sorbie, Whauphill, Bladnoch, & Wigtown.
- Green Route (20 miles/32km)
Southwest Machars, passing through Mochrum, Port William, Monreith and Whithorn.
- Red Route (17 miles/27km)
Southeast Machars overlooking Wigtown Bay, visiting the Isle of Whithorn, Sorbie and Whithorn.
More detailed suggestions are offered in leaflets such as "Cycling in Newton Stewart" and "Cycling in and around Wigtownshire" available from the Tourist Information Centre.
Useful Links
The National Byway - cycle routes in Galloway
The National Cycle Network - the Sustrans project linking over 10,000 miles of cycle routes UK-wide
HDI Online at Creebridge, Newton Stewart - for Bicycle Sales, Hire, Accessories & Repairs
MOUNTAIN BIKING
In the forests and elsewhere around Newton Stewart, special cycle tracks have been marked out and signposted for cyclists. Cross-country or mountain routes for off-road enthusiasts are available.
7stanes Mountain Bike Trails
What are the 7stanes? The 7stanes are a series of mountain bike centres in Forestry Commission Scotland forests in the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway: Glentress & Innerleithen, Newcastleton, Glentrool, Mabie, Ae, Dalbeattie and Kirroughtree. There are 400km of all-weather trail – more than enough for a week’s holiday in the South of Scotland! Add to that the Wild riding in the surrounding hills and you’re sure to find a trail to suit you.
Whether you’ve ridden everywhere or nowhere, 7stanes has something for you. Expert or complete beginner? – the 7stanes has trails for all abilities, in all styles from sweet flowing singletrack to monster berms and jumps. Ride them all this year and decide which is your favourite.
They're known as the 7stanes because each venue will feature a 'stane' (Scots for stone) somewhere in the forest. It might be at the start of the trails or it might be at the highest point - you'll have to wait and see!
View the route maps for the two local 7stanes routes:
Kirroughtree
4 forest trails just 3 miles from Newton Stewart.If you are looking for biking that caters for families through to experts, then Kirroughtree is a great place to go.
View Details and Download a PDF Route Map
Glentrool
Glentrool is located in the heart of Galloway Forest Park. It's a fascinating area rich in beauty and home to the south of Scotland's highest mountain – the magnificent Merrick.
View Details and Download a PDF Route Map
7stanes Video Clips
View some terrific video clips taken on various venues on the 7stanes, available to download directly from the Forestry Commission Scotland 7stanes web site - click here to view videos.
© 7stanes information and photos are provided courtesy of Forestry Commission Scotland.
Useful Links
7 Stanes - Mountain Biking Trails at Kirroughtree and Glentrool
The Breakpad at Kirroughtree Visitor Centre - for Bike Hire & Shop