Apologies if this is the wrong place for this!
I'm planning a cycle to Ayrshire a week on Saturday. This is my current route.
I'll be setting off early (about 5am) so hopefully the roads will be quiet. Anyone see any major issues with the route? The A70 doesn't look too bad. I've gone for the most shortest route on quiet roads.
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Questions/Support/Help
Edinburgh-Ayrshire Route help
(17 posts)- Started 10 years ago by twq
- Latest reply from twq
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Posted 10 years ago #
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A70 as far as Carnwath I've done and is fairly well used by cyclists from both Edinburgh and out of Lanarkshire. It's a fast road but my experience is that on weekends it's fairly quiet and passes are generally good.
It's actually a very nice road to cycle, good surface, nice bends, good views, comforting sense of blasted heathland and some steady climbs.
Beyond that, I'll have to defer to others.
Posted 10 years ago # -
I would vote for A70 too.
Ideal for good views, steady hills and headwinds.
Apple Pie cafe in Carnwath to refuel where you're likely to meet other cyclists from across the divide.
Posted 10 years ago # -
Thanks folks.
I'm nervous of creating routes on google maps after it suggested I take the A90 into Aberdeen.
I'll be checking the weather. Too much of a headwind and I might chicken out!Posted 10 years ago # -
"
I'll be checking the weather. Too much of a headwind and I might chicken out!
"Just reverse route, usually a nice push from S West.
Posted 10 years ago # -
Don't forget CS gives you (some) options -
http://edinburgh.cyclestreets.net/journey/40705256
The iOS app allows interim points too.
Posted 10 years ago # -
@twq
A70 fine
The long Glasgow to Edinburgh route in September goes via Kilmarnock and takes much of your route but in other direction.
A70 beyond Carnwath much longer but quieter. The a704 road to Lanark from the a71 is quiet off peak.
The two issues you will have are that as the day wears on the roads will become busier.the a71 to Darvel is quiet to drive but cycling might start getting hairier after 9am
Secondly, likely to be going into the wind. Lang Whang quite exposed into head wind.
I like Darvel, long town, make good lace.
You appear to be heading for the Barr castle Masonic club in Galston. Good luck
Posted 10 years ago # -
@gembo thanks for the advice. Not much I can do about the wind, it's a functional cycle not just a leisure one! Going to try and do it in 4 hours but that depends on cake stops.
And I'm not joining a Masonic club. Or am I???Posted 10 years ago # -
I cycled along the Lang Whang yesterday. With a headwind it can be long lonesome road. The Apple Pie Bakery at Carnwath is definitely worth a stop and you'll probably see other cyclists there too. Yesterday I met Hugh, an older gentleman who could barely walk with sticks, but with the help of an electric assisted bike for the uphill bits had come from West Linton. Chapeau!
Posted 10 years ago # -
I missed Apple Pie last time I cycled through Carnwath. I stopped at the local shop and bought a pie and milk shake and stood outside eating, when I spotted the cafe and felt a fool for missing it. Its on the left at the traffic lights. Stop in, I've been told its very good.
When I rode to Annan last Sept I headed up the Langwang into a rainy headwind. It was a Friday and had trucks thundering along it but to be honest its not so bad.
Posted 10 years ago # -
@twq four hours starting at 5am would give you fairly quiet roads hopefully all the way, would be good time into the wind. Would be good time with wind behind.
Your map ended at point B in Galston and next to point B was the Masonic club.
I knew a guy who wrote his dissertation on casual drug use in Galston. Was good dissertation. Fabio Pieroni and Pud are two others I know who claim to originate in Galston or gawston as they called it. There are worse Ayrshire places such as hurlford where I think my relatives emigrated to from Ireland pre 1870 to navigate on the railways.
Posted 10 years ago # -
I've spent a lot of time in Galston as it is where my grandparents lived. Managed to avoid the casual drug use. I'd agree that it's not the worst place in Ayrshire, but that's not really a glowing recommendation! I agree that 4 hours is ambitious, but I'll try and get under 5.
Posted 10 years ago # -
Ed Lowe who was the social worker in Barra is from Galston
Posted 10 years ago # -
Fairly strong south westerly in Glasgow today. Also quite wet. Hope it went well
Posted 10 years ago # -
Did the ride this morning. Wind was very helpful, made it in 3:45 for 103km, so better than I'd expected.
A70 was mostly great, only passed by 3 cars. Stopped at Apple Pie at Carnwath, worth the stop. Road to Lanark was nice, and lots of steep descents out of Lanark. A71 was a bit hostile until I got to Darvel, where the traffic slowed down a bit.
Imagine I'd have a very different time if the wind was its usual.Posted 10 years ago # -
Nice one, the old easterly wind comes in handy. I would largely prefer tht to be the prevailing direction for my commute rather than climbing the hill into the wind.
Glad apple pie was open early doors
Posted 10 years ago # -
It opens at 6 as it is a bakery, if you ever fancy a very early start!
Posted 10 years ago #
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