Plan A Visit
Group Visits
Visiting Dumfries and Galloway
The Castle
The Buccleuch Collection
The Douglas Family
Attractions
Castle Tours
The Adventure Playground
The Castle Gardens
Walking and Hiking
Mountain Biking
Cycling
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Fishing
Buccleuch Gundogs
Game Shooting
Simulated Game
Stay
Self Catering Apartments
Self Catering Cottages
Cycle Trail: The Riverside 3km
A short ride on quiet public roads. Take in the fantastic views of the majestic River Nith and the tranquil open pasture with its mature trees surrounding you. After a gentle climb, cycle back towards the Castle via the stunning vista of the Lime Avenue
Cycle Trail: Alton Rigg 13km
The route commences with an easy woodland ride, passing both Druids Loch and the Marr Burn. Following a gentle climb through mixed woodland, open pasture and arable fields, you will arrive in the hamlet of Burnsands. A short and steep climb will reward you with spectacular views of the Nith Valley and the Lowther Hills. Then it’s downhill all the way back to the Castle.
Cycle Trail: The Three Lochs 5km
Following a short climb past the old laundry, take time to enjoy the wonderful views before continuing your leisurely ride into the woodland with its lochs and varied wildlife.
Cycle Trail: The Castle Round CLOSED AT THIS TIME
Circling around the Castle, this route passes spectacular scenery including Druids Loch, areas of mixed and native oak woodland and Drumlanrig’s Heather Houses. As you return to the Castle, cycle part of the route on which Kirkpatrick Macmillan rode the world’s first pedal bicycle to Glasgow.
Please note this route is currently closed for bridge repairs and forestry works
Cycling in Nithsdale
Cyclists looking to trace the route of the inventor of the pedal bicycle can follow the Kirkpatrick Macmillan trail. Constructed to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the pedal bicycle in 1990, the KM Trail passes through Keir Mill, the birthplace of the first bicycle and ends at Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate, where Kirkpatrick used to work as a blacksmith. A replica of Kirkpatrick Macmillan’s bike is on display in the Reception.
Also available to cyclists is part of the National Byway, which runs from Newquay to Lochgilphead. Cutting through the natural environment of Nithsdale, the National Byway provides discreet sign-posted direction along some of the most attractive and peaceful rural lanes reaching into the heart of British Heritage.
Discover the Kirkpatrick Loop
A 10 mile cycle starting and finishing at Drumlanrig
Maps can be downloaded from Kirkpatrick Macmillan trail or collected from Rik’s Bike Shed in the Stableyard.
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