Scotland’s other Eden
The South West Coastal 300 makes for a superb alternative to the legendary NC500
Do the South West Coastal 300 before everyone discovers how good it is. This challenging loop around Dumfries and Galloway, an often-overlooked region that is yet to draw the crowds, boasts stunning scenery and brilliant roads. This is a circular route, but Moffat is a superb place to start and exploring it counter-clockwise means you’ll generally have the sun behind you. The first leg north from Moffat is a great stretch to get into the groove. From the right turn onto the B7040 at Elvanfoot things start to get interesting and there’s a wonderful flowing single track down to Leadhills. Scotland’s highest village, Wanlockhead, lies not in the Highlands as you might expect, but just a short distance along the B797, otherwise known as the Mennock Pass. There’s plenty of room to park for a photo beneath the sign proclaiming an elevation of 1350ft above sea level. The ensuing descent between dome peaked hills is particularly stunning when the heather’s in bloom.
The A76 towards Kilmarnock is prime speed trap territory, but that danger disappears once you take the left at New Cumnock onto the B741. You’ll reach the coast at Ayr, from where the route heads south via the A719 to the lavish golfing resort at Turnberry. But all eyes will be drawn across the water on a clear day, to take in a magnificent vista that includes the mysterious Isle of Arran and Ailsa Craig, an uninhabited rock that sits on the horizon like it’s drifted out of your dreams. Expect a boat load of traffic around Stranraer whenever the ferry from Belfast docks, but from there it’s just a short hop to the fishing village of Portpatrick and a potential lunch stop. A judgement call is required for the run down to Mull of Galloway lighthouse as the tip of the peninsular is exposed to savage crosswinds; if it was breezy at Portpatrick, then it’s probably a good idea to give it a miss. Either way, I’d skip the loop on the B7065 as the A716 is a fabulous ride.
The southern section skims along the shoreline, but if you’re looking for an extra challenge take the A712 from
Newton Stewart for a sensational flit through the forest to New Galloway, then the A762 along Lock Ken to re-join the SWC300 at Kirkcudbright. It adds 8.5 miles, but is well worth the effort. The final leg from Lockerbie is deserving of a detour, too. When you get to Dumfries divert from the route on the A76 to Carronbridge and onto the A702 to cross the Lowther Hills via the Dalveen Pass and sweep through the spectacular U-shaped valley that winds back to Elvanfoot. It’s a fitting end to this glorious route.
GO ON THEN…
Moffat is a very biker-friendly place to start the loop and early or late in the season means the roads will be even quieter, but bear in mind that might come at the cost of less daylight.
Delve into the fully interactive map at: www.visitsouthwestscotland. com/swc300
‘EXPLORE THIS ROUTE BEFORE EVERYONE ELSE DISCOVERS IT’