With just a few weeks left of summer, Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate is urging visitors to take advantage of the remaining nice weather and get on their bikes to do it!
The Queensberry Estate on which, Drumlanrig Castle is situated, spans 90,000 acres and boasts countless walking routes but the Estate can also be explored on two wheels thanks to its array of mountain biking and cycling routes.
The region is a cycling haven for residents and visitors with The Tour of Britain visiting Dumfries and Galloway seven times since 2005. The cycling routes at Drumlanrig are suited to a leisurely cycle or a more technical ride making it the perfect canvas for novice or experienced cyclists.
The mountain bike routes, which are constantly evolving each year at Drumlanrig, offer a great challenge for thrill seekers. The trails are colour coded according to difficulty levels incorporating technical elements, single-track routes and swooping family trails through some of Scotland’s finest scenery.
Rik’s Bike Shed at Drumlanrig hosts a Family Ride Out every Saturday from 10.30am. This isn’t a guided tour but simply a free event bringing cyclists and families together following a route at their own pace. Visitors don’t need their own bike to take part as they are available to hire from Rik’s Bike Shed on the day.
The little ones need not miss out on the cycling fun as Rik’s Bike Shed also caters for them with a Balance Bike Group every Monday afternoon. Balance bikes are brilliant for helping youngsters learn to balance and steer, and again these can be hired from the shed.
Richard Clarke, Countryside Ranger at Drumlanrig Castle and Country Estate, said: “Rik has worked on some of the best-loved bike trails around Scotland and we’re proud to have him involved with cycling at Drumlanrig.
“Rik designed and built many of the trails on the Estate, from the moderate blue routes to the more technical red and black ones, this offers a real challenge and exhilarating ride for our visitors.
“The team working at the Bike Shed are happy to offer advice to new and experienced riders, helping visitors find the best bikes and routes for them. They’ll provide maps and advice to ensure visitors can have the best experience when cycling at Drumlanrig.”
To find out more about cycling at Drumlanrig call Rik’s Bike Shed on 01848 33080 or email [email protected].
Visitor season at Drumlanrig is from 10am – 5pm daily through to 30 September with the gardens and playground open until 31 October. The Estate will remain open throughout the year.
Cycling is free at Drumlanrig but Estate entry fee applies until the end of September.
Visit www.drumlanrigcastle.co.uk for further information and keep track of what’s happening at Drumlanrig via the Facebook page @DrumlanrigCastle.
