Whisky  and  Burns

Explore the essence of our culture, history and our national drink. From the Solway Coast to the Hills of Galloway along the River Nith.

A package in collaboration with Annandale Distillery.

Tour details

  • Scotland starts here, where history and whisky was made and more battles fought than anywhere further North. Where our national poet Robert Burns was inspired and where prehistoric people raised standing stones and hill top forts. Where the Pedal Bicycle that changed the world was invented by our unsung hero Kirkpatrick MacMillan.

    Experience tradition in drink and food, made welcome by those who live here - you will love the landscape, the slow pace and the beauty of sea, river and mountain.

    The trip is in collaboration with Annandale Distillery, for you to explore their award winning whisky and their ongoing interest in preserving culture and history and traditions.

  • Distances are between 20 and 35 miles each day and there are a number of options to go further if you like.

    Whilst the section between Powfoot and Dumfries is flat, from Dumfries to Thornhill is a VERY GENTLE climb.

    Thornhill is surrounded by hills, but we have routes that even a “non-cyclist” finds easy.

  • from £810 per person based on sharing a room

    SINGLE occupancy (as part of a group): £990

    SOLO: from £1020

    If you come by car, please let us know for arrangements to get you back to your car.

    Pickup and transport back to the stations/car is included.

    ———

    Bike rental, if required, is an extra.

  • 5 -day schedule

    Whisky & Burns - Arrival Day

    Day 1: Powfoot - Arrival

    Arrive & check into Powfoot Hotel. Get settled in and we custom fit you with your bike - a short ride to the fascinating Devils Porridge Museum just down the coast to get things dialled in, or you have the short ride and the visit at Annandale in the afternoon already.

    If required, we will pick you up from Lockerbie or Dumfries train station and bring you to Powfoot. This service is included in the price.

    Depending on your arrival time, you could visit the Annandale Distillery in the afternoon already. The last tour is at 3pm.

    DAY 2: Powfoot to Dumfries, 30 miles

    Highlights of this day

    • Annandale Distillery Whisky Tour

    • Ruthwell Cross

    • Caerlaverock Castle and Nature Reserve

    • Glencaple

    • Dumfries: The Globe Inn, Moat Brae, all sorts Robert Burns, Dumfries Museum

    DAY 3: Dumfries - Thornhill, 27 miles

    Highlights of this day

    • 12 Apostles stone circle

    • Keir Mill and graveyard of Kirkpatrick Macmillan

    • Drumlanrig Castle

    DAY 4: Thornhill Loop, 27 miles

    (or customised for you)

    Highlights of this day

    • Morton Castle

    • Durisdeer church

    • Drumlanrig Castle

    • and/or Wanlockhead, highest village in Scotland (requires more fitness, a 45 mile hilly route)

    DAY 5: Departure

    We will bring you back to your car, or to the train/ bus station.

  • SPECIAL OFFER with Annandale Distillery.

    The tour will be arranged for you for a special deal @ £20pp. The offer is already included in your price.

    The tour is a full one hour distillery tour, two tastings of whisky plus a take home 'cyclists dram' miniature bottle of the single malt whisky ( you can choose peated Man O’ Sword or unpeated Man O' Words)

    Cask ownership - rare casks of single malt whisky can be purchased and personalised with your own family, clan, club or corporate logo. Bottles can be mailed home to await your return from your cycling adventure.

    ————

    If you arrive by car, we can arrange safe parking and bring you back to it from Thornhill.

    ———-

    We are working in collaboration with Cairndale Hotel and Spa. For special offers, options and treatments, please check their comprehensive website.

    We can also arrange for an additional Whisky tasting session at the Globe Inn (owned by Annandale Distillery), or a wonderful menu in their award winning restaurant that is paired with whiskies.

HIGHLIGHTS