The South of Scotland is the home of the bike – literally! We have Dumfriesshire blacksmith Kirkpatrick Macmillan who invented the first pedal bike or velocipede in 1839. Indeed it is in his honour that the Kirkpatrick C2C, the South of Scotland’s coast to coast cycle route is named. And while this super 250-mile route stretching from Stranraer to Eyemouth is for those with experience sharing roads with cars, there are plenty of options for those of all abilities.

Cycling is a fantastic way to get to know the South, not only because we have dedicated routes for all abilities, but because riding enables you to reach some of the most magical and secluded places in Scotland. Experience the singular beauty of our forests, our coastal paths, our hills and glens, and our lochs and rivers – all you have to do is set your wheels in motion.

For mountain biking, the 7stanes forest parks are scattered across the region. While the area around Gatehouse of Fleet in Dumfries and Galloway is fast establishing itself as a gravel biking mecca. There are superb one-day cycles and trails suitable for young and old alike, so mount up and start exploring!