Day 3 - Girvan to The Isle of Whithorn via The Mull of Galloway 109 miles
It was a tough phycological “get over it” challenge day - anyone who has riden 100+ miles knows it can be tough.
I knew the hill coming out of Girvan heading towards Barrhill was a tough one 500 ft of climbing in the first 4 miles before levelling off at Pinwhirrey and on to Barhill, in all fairness that is the hard work done. We turned off the A714 after 12 miles at Barrhill and headed towards the Station. This could easily be a starting point for the SW300 if you wanted to get the train from Glasgow or Ayr down to Barrhill.
Passing Barrhill station you’re suddenly in Windfarm country high on the tops having a 5 mile gentle climb of 300 feet from the station you’re rewarded then with a with a lovely 9 mile ride down towards New Luce. Take a right in New Luce and ride the 5 miles to Castle Kennedy.
We stopped at Castle Kennedy Gardens and Tea rooms - the cycle down the tree lined avenue that leads to the lake and the Castle beyond is truly spectacular and after a hard 30 miles we were ready for a cuppa and some cake.
Less than half a mile on the A75 before a left at Inch Church and cemetery and then onwards with Loch Magillie on your left to Kildrochet and join the A716 with a right and then a left after 100 yards onto the B7077 and then left again onto the A77 heading towards Portpatrick.
We took a series of un marked back roads that you’ll be able to pick up from the Strava that were stunning taking us round near Knockinaan Lodge, Cairngarroch, Clachanmore before dropping us down to Ardwell for the first time and thus onto the Mull of Galloway.
We joined the B7065 which took us down through Port Logan and on to the Mull. Beware there’s still a tough 10 miles of slog to the Mull of Galloway from Ardwell but you are rewarded with the most stunning views. We went to The Mull Visitors centre for Lunch. We had completed just over half of the days ride with 58 miles in the bag.
Refreshed and ready to go we headed back towards Ardwell this time via Drumore and the onto Sandhead where we stopped for an ice cream at the local shop. This piece of coast line is jaw droppingly stunning and I for one fell in love with the Machars all over again.
Onwards towards Glenluce and another quick blast on the A75 before turning off towards Auchenmalg via the picturesque village of Stairhaven. The legs were starting to feel it now but we hammered on to Port William 92 miles down and the end was in sight. 15 miles on towards The Isle of Whithorn but to be honest this was the most spectacular day of the ride, the scenery is stunning. We arrived at The Steam Packet Inn at 7pm