Biking Bonanza – Cycling Events 2025

There is so much to offer cyclists in the South of Scotland. The Kirkpatrick C2C South of Scotland cycling route is receiving rave reviews from cyclists of all types. The Gralloch, a world class gravel event is going into its third year at Gatehouse of Fleet, while the Muck n’ Mac Fest is the first event of the year in the all new GRAlba Series. And there are plenty of rides for those wanting to push themselves or just have fun. Whether you want to take part, go along for the atmosphere, or just experience a day out in the fresh air with some exciting rides taking place in front of you, the South of Scotland is the place to be. Cycling Starts Here!

If you enjoyed this blog, check out our other cycling blogs at the end of this one!

Kirkpatrick C2C, South of Scotland’s Coast to Coast

The Kirkpatrick C2C road cycle route offers a host of opportunities depending on how you want to enjoy the route. We’ve put together a number of suggested itineraries to help you get the most out of the route and your visit to the South of Scotland. If you want to test your cycling mettle, you might like to try our Challenge itinerary, completing the 250 mile route in just four days! But why rush? There is so much to discover along the way, why not try our Explorer itinerary which takes eight days. Or if you’re a bit short of time, or simply want to dip your toe, then try our Bitesize itineraries which let you tailor the route to suit you!

In addition there are spur routes that can be added on for more of a challenge. The route will start in the southwestern town of Stranraer, and head all the way to Eyemouth on Scotland’s east coast. Are you ready to tackle the 250 mile-long route?

Muck N’ Mac Fest

Where: Traquair House

Kicking off the season is the festival with the best name, the Muck N’ Mac Fest. What, you may wonder, is this? It’s a weekend of Gravel Riding, live music, beer, yoga and family friendly activities. And this year it is also the first event in the all new GRAlba Series. This series features five events across the summer with different formats of gravel to test a rider’s mettle. Muck N’ Mac will once again be based at Traquair House – Scotland’s oldest inhabited house. Enjoy the finest gravel trails the Tweed Valley has to offer!

It’s still an odd name, what does it mean? The Muck stands for the mucky, gritty, gravelly roads while Mac accounts for the Tarmac sections of the routes. It’s about 65% Muck and 35% Mac, so you get a bit of everything on these courses.

Once the riding is done there is live music entertainment in the evening and if your friends or family want something other than cycling there is a variety of activities on offer including yoga classes.

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The Gralloch

Where: Gatehouse of Fleet

The Gralloch launched three years ago and it is a qualifying event for 2025 UCI Gravel World Championships. Riders will tackle a hilly 110km (68 mile) route through the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, racing in age and gender groups. This event has definitely added to the growing cycling buzz around Gatehouse of Fleet and is attracting a huge variety of cyclists, from keen amateurs all the way through to professionals, wanting to experience the beauty and wilderness of the Scottish countryside.

Scottish XC Mountain Biking

Where: Glentress

This isn’t an open race for just anyone, but what a great one to come out and support at Glentress, home of mountain biking in Scotland! The format has altered this year and will take place over two days including short track races and ‘little ripper’ races for the under 12s on the Saturday, and the main Cross Country Olympic race on Sunday. See if you can spot some famous faces as national riders will be competing here too.

Scott Frontier 300

Where: Colvend to Northumberland coast

The Scott Frontier 300 is a coast-to-coast cycle ride that takes you from the Irish Sea to the North Sea and is all about the voyage. For those who feel one day is just not enough, there’s an Adventure option with an overnight at approx 175km, where toilets, warm showers, bike wash, evening meal will be waiting for you. Following breakfast the next day you carry on to the finish. The route takes you through the captivating landscapes of the old Border Marches, immersing you in the essence of the journey itself. The destination is not merely a point on the map, but a beachside haven offering warm hospitality, delicious food, and a fireside welcome.

Scottish Cycling Mennock Pass Race

Where: Wanlockhead

New for 2025 is the Mennock Pass Race – this entirely new event will take riders to Wanlockhead—the highest village in Scotland at 405 metres above sea level—for a two-day climbing challenge that looks set to favour climbers and endurance specialists. The Alba Road Race Series is designed for elite riders in the open category, and constitutes the highest level of road racing in Scotland. The Mennock Pass Stage Race will certainly offer cyclists an excellent challenge – and if you’re an amateur and want to give it a go, there will be a race for you too that weekend. Or you could head out to cheer on the riders and take in the beauty of this stunning setting.

Galloway ReCycle Sportive

Where: Kirkcudbright

This volunteer-run fundraising cycling event aims to raise money for charities and offers cyclists the chance to hone their racing skills. Starting and finishing in Kirkcudbright, three amazing routes (30 miles, 67 miles and 80 miles) cater for different levels of fitness and stamina. All routes take riders through a variety of quiet, beautiful scenery along the coast, beside lochs, through woodland and up and down some fantastic hills. And there are the necessary ammenities on hand on all routes – so why don’t you challenge yourself to take part and raise money for a good cause this summer?

Cross Border Sportive

Where: Lanercross Priory

Fancy trying your first cycle event? Then consider signing up for the Cross Border Sportive set to take place on 7th September. Early bird sign ups qualify for a discount. You’ll start out from Lanercross Priory and have a choice of three routes of differing abilities on quiet roads. First time? Then the Recce is for you – a 30 mile route with a 600m ascent, complete with snack stop! The pressure is off here, ride with friends, enjoy the countryside and have a natter! Or perhaps you’ve done a few and want more of a challenge? Then the 50 mile Raid route should be on your agenda. This ascent of 1100m will take you along sections of Hadrian’s Wall and along the quiet roads of the Borders river country. The hardened cyclists among you will be hankering to try the 80 mile, 2000m Invasion route. Not for the faint of heart, but definitely rewarding at the finish line.

Tour O The Borders

Where: Peebles

It’s back! The Tour O The Borders closed road circuit returns offering two options, the 120 km Full and the 88 km Challenge. The full includes the same stunning route as in 2023 – taking in the Devil’s Beeftub, Moffat Dale, Grey Mare’s Tail. While the Challenge still includes the epic Talla climb and Megget traverse, but either option showcases some of the best road cycling in the UK.

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