LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Fancy the SWC300? Here’s what you need to know…
Best day to ride
Weekends aren’t as busy as the NC500 and in the week it can be quiet. Mid-summer is great, thanks to the long evenings and then the dark skies. Also be aware of any Scottish lockdowns — they can differ from UK ones.
Best corner
The whole of the Dalveen Pass is simply stunning — a flowing twisting cornucopia that threads between mountain and glen. The best section is the double-rights heading north between Watermeetings and Durister Mill through the bleak, exposed moorland. The surface is excellent, too.
Be careful
Watch out for road salt quite late into the season. Scottish road salt can be quite sticky (apparently they mix in molasses to help it stick to the tarmac) so make sure you’ve got a coating of ACF-50 or XCP on your bike.
Best place to eat
Henrys Bay House Restaurant in the westcoast town of Stranraer. The menu features locally sourced fish and meat prepared and cooked freshly to order. Great sea views, too.
Remember
Full details of the SWC300 route can be found on the Visit South West Scotland website (www.visitsouthwestscotland.com) and as it’s doable in a day you don’t need much more than a long weekend to tick this one off.