Yorkshire Dales & Galloway Gravel Adventure

Day 1 - Welcome to Yorkshire

Your adventure begins with a morning pick-up at Manchester Airport before heading to Kirkby Lonsdale for a bike fit and final adjustments. Once set up, embark on your first ride, climbing over Barbon and across the open expanse of Garsdale Common, where rolling moorland stretches as far as the eye can see.

Descending into the Wensleydale Valley, the route winds through scenic country lanes, passing charming stone villages and quiet meadows. Ride through Askrigg, famous for its cobbled streets and historic charm, before reaching your hotel for a well-earned rest.

Overnight: Aysgarth Falls Hotel | Aysgarth Falls Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
Ride Details: 56 km / 35 miles | 914 m / 3,000 ft elevation gain

Day 2 - Swaledale Loop

After breakfast, set out on a spectacular loop through Swaledale, one of Yorkshire’s most iconic valleys. Begin by riding past the medieval Castle Bolton, an impressive 14th-century fortress, before climbing over Grinton Moor, where sweeping views reward your efforts.

After lunch, transfer north to Galloway, where the next stage of the adventure awaits.

Overnight: Aysgarth Falls Hotel | Aysgarth Falls Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Ride Details: 43 km / 27 miles | 914 m / 3,000 ft elevation gain

Day 3 - Into Galloway’s Wilds

Depart the Dales and head into Scotland, where you’ll spend the day exploring the vast and peaceful Galloway Forest Park. Today’s ride is a scenic loop featuring steady climbs and flowing descents through remote forests and alongside sparkling streams.

Pause for lunch by a tranquil loch, before continuing through the fresh air, listening to the rhythmic crunch of gravel beneath your tyres. Return to Gatehouse of Fleet with time to relax before heading out for dinner.

Overnight: Castle Douglas | Murray Arms Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 66 km / 41 miles | 899 m / 2,950 ft elevation gain

Day 4 - 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
Walk Details: 68 km / 42 miles | 899 m / 2,950 ft elevation gain

Day 5 - Coastal Gravel Adventure

Today’s ride offers a striking change of scenery as you head toward Scotland’s wild and beautiful southwest coast. 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. The return ride takes you through rolling countryside and peaceful forests before a long, exhilarating descent back to Gatehouse of Fleet.

Overnight: Castle Douglas | Murray Arms Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 50 km / 31 miles | 610 m / 2,000 ft elevation gain

Day 6 - Depart

After a leisurely breakfast, choose to enjoy one final morning ride or opt for a direct transfer to the train station for your onward journey.

Meals Included: Breakfast