OPINION
bikepacking route from Cycling UK Gallovidian Gravel: A new UK By Ross Adams, Programme Manager for Routes and Training at Cycling UK F
or 148 years, Cycling UK has championed cycling as a tool for good. Good for the mind, body, soul, planet and the economy. But at our roots, cycle touring was where we started. Fast forward to 2026, and routes are at the forefront of our work once again, with our
latest off-road multiday bikepacking route having launched on 25 June 2026. Our work on this route began earlier in the year with support
from cycling journalist and bike tester, Guy Kesteven and countryside access specialist, Kieran Foster. Scouting out a new route near the Scottish Borders in March throws up all sorts of challenges, with one of the biggest issues being the weather. In order to launch a new route in the summer, all the legwork must take place in the preceding winter months. Yet despite the storms, wetter weeks and darker days, we’re proud of what we’ve produced.
18 | July 2026
Cycling UK’s Gallovidian Gravel route covers 330km, coming in at 3,900m of rolling elevation. It’s important to say earlier on that this route is not for the faint of heart. Starting in Dumfries, the route works its way east through picturesque towns and villages, exploring the remote landscape of Glen Trool and the depths of the Galloway Forest Park, before weaving west to take in the region’s old industrial heritage, sleepy hamlets and Roman encampments. It’s everything bikepacking should be. An adventure that takes in history, heritage, and our beautifully wild landscapes in an area of the UK that still feels undiscovered. We used gravel bikes and a e-MTB hardtail when designing
the route, but gravel bikes are truly ideal for taking on this adventure yourself. Just be sure to throw on some wider 35mm+ tyres to give yourself some added comfort on the more stoney sections.
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