Kirkpatrick C2C – Explorer Stage 4

The fourth stage of the Kirkpatrick C2C takes you from the town of Dumfries to Newcastleton in the Scottish Borders.

The longest stretch of the route initially follows mostly flat roads before a series of intense climbs around Lockerbie and Langholm. Watch out as there is a possibility of logging lorries on the final stretches of this stage.

Riders have a day of steep ascents and long descents ahead of them when taking off from Dumfries. Departing from the ‘Queen of the South’, home to J M Barrie and Robert Burns, make your way eastwards to Lockerbie. Not far from here you can find the ruins of Lochmaben Castle, as the landscape starts to change and you start to climb up into the hills to reach Langholm, the ‘Muckle Toon’. The town is rich in stories and traditions: The local Common Riding is an unforgettable spectacle in the summer, and the town and nearby Gilnockie Tower boast relations to the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong. You can also follow the trail to the McDiarmid Memorial, dedicated to the legendary poet who was born here, on your way out of the town. Nestled in the valley of Liddesdale, you will soon reach Newcastleton. Known for its bike-friendly status, you can be sure of a warm welcome and stay.