14/06/2025
Cycling in New Abbey:
Bike routes around New Abbey and Dumfries and Galloway include forest and road routes.
Forest Mountain Bike rides suitable for e-bikes:
Mabie - 1) Big Views 8 km, 2) Woodhead 10 km ✅
Ae - 1) Ae Valley 9 km, 2) Larch View 13.5 km ✅
Dalbeattie - 1) Iron Hash 11.5 km, 2) Moyle Hill 14 km✅
There are longer and more complex routes at each of these Forests. Parking is available at a relatively small cost.
Road Routes from New Abbey or a short drive to the start.
New Abbey → Dumfries Station → Lochfoot → Beeswing → New Abbey
Total Distance: ~37 km (23 mi)
Surface: Mostly quiet tarmac roads and light gravel
Link: chrome-extensio://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://info.dumgal.gov.uk/CorePathMaps/Lochfoot-New-Abbey.PDF
Dumfries (Dock Park) → Caerlaverock Castle → WWT Wetlands → Crichton → Dumfries Loop
Distance: ~28 km (17.5 mi)
Elevation: Mostly flat with gentle inclines
Time: ~2–2.5 hours leisurely pace (plus time for visits)
Surface: Mostly paved minor roads and shared-use paths
Suitability: Perfect for e-bikes, hybrids, and confident cyclists on road bikes
New Abbey → Carsethorn → Arbigland → Southerness → New Abbey.
1. New Abbey → Carsethorn (~12 km) (steamboat Inn for refreshments)
2. Carsethorn → Arbigland House / John Paul Jones Cottage (~4 km) (Museum and Garden).
3. Arbigland → Southerness (~3 km). Either continue along the back roads heading towards Southerness or if the tide is out and your bikes are suitable cross to the shoreline near Powillimount, then head south toward Southerness Point. (Southerness Lighthouse)
5. Southerness → New Abbey (~16km).