Galloway Gravel & Yorkshire Dales Adventure

Day 1 - Sunday 13^th July - Welcome - Into Galloway’s Wilds

Today, your guides will meet you at Carlisle Train Station at 12.30pm before transferring toward the stunning landscapes of Galloway, where your adventure truly begins. (If the trip is to start after 12.30pm route can easily be adjusted to accommodate, sunset is at 9:45pm)

Spend the afternoon exploring the vast and peaceful Galloway Forest Park, riding on gravel, a scenic ride that weaves through remote woodlands, alongside sparkling streams, and over steady climbs with flowing descents.

Pause for a snack by the Otter pools. As you continue your ride, enjoy the rhythmic crunch of gravel beneath your tyres before returning to Gatehouse of Fleet, where you’ll have time to unwind before heading out for a delicious dinner.

Overnight: Castle Douglas | Murray Arms Hotel
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Monday 14^th July - The Big Gravel Challenge

Take on the challenge of riding a section of The Gralloch, a world-class race in the UCI Gravel World Series. The route begins with a testing climb, though much more manageable at a relaxed pace. From the summit, fast-flowing gravel tracks wind through the forest before descending onto some welcome tarmac.

Enjoy the final quiet road section with stunning views before finishing back at the village. Celebrate the day’s ride with a visit to a local distillery for a well-earned dram of whisky.

Overnight: Castle Douglas | Murray Arms Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Tuesday 15^th July - Coastal Gravel Adventure

Starting from the hotel, ride through the Fleet Forest before reaching the coastline. The route follows a mix of gravel paths and quiet country lanes, offering panoramic views across the Murray Isles toward the Isle of Man and the Lake District mountains in the distance.

Stop for lunch in the charming artist town of Kirkcudbright, known for its historic centre and independent shops. This afternoon transfer to visit Drumlanrig Castle & Gardens.

Overnight: Castle Douglas | Murray Arms Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Wednesday 16^th July - Welcome to Yorkshire

This morning, transfer to the breathtaking Yorkshire Dales, where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at the world-famous Wensleydale Creamery.

Feeling refreshed, begin your cycling adventure from Hawes, pedalling along undulating roads with sweeping hilltop views. Today’s ride showcases phenomenal views of the Yorkshire Three Peaks, perhaps stop in the charming village of Kettlewell for a piece of tea bread in a local cafe. Passing Malham Tarn and circling back to Hawes via the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct—feel free to hop off and explore and finish your ride in Hawes before transferring to your accommodation, or for those eager to ride further, extend the journey with an additional 15 kilometers to the hotel.

Overnight: Aysgarth Falls Hotel | Aysgarth Falls Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Thursday 17^th July - Swaledale Loop

After breakfast, set off on a spectacular loop through Swaledale, one of Yorkshire’s most breathtaking valleys. Conquer the legendary Buttertubs Pass, a standout feature of the 2014 Tour de France and a thrilling climb to add to your achievements. Ride through the rolling countryside, taking in the sweeping views before stopping for lunch at a cyclist’s favourite—The Dales Bike Centre.

Refuelled, enjoy a gentle ride to Castle Bolton, a stunning 14th-century fortress where you can wander through its storied walls and gardens. If you’re keen, stay a little longer to experience archery demonstrations and falconry displays before making your way back to Aysgarth for a well-earned rest.

Overnight: Aysgarth Falls Hotel | Aysgarth Falls Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Friday 18^th July - Depart

After a leisurely breakfast, choose to enjoy one final morning ride or head on the road to be dropped at Oxenholme train station at 11:00am. This train station is conveniently located for trains to either Manchester to Glasgow Airport.

Meals Included: Breakfast