The Merrick Circle - part 2

If you've never biked in this area before get ready to be surprised! Galloway Forest covers a huge area with a big variety of scenery. True, the mountains aren't as high as in the Highlands but you might not know it to look at them. A big plus is that Galloway is just so quiet.

This route is quite long, you might prefer to do it over two days. Most of the route is on forest dirt road but there is one section of just over a mile where you will need to walk.

Route Description

The next section is marked with mountain bike signs, you should follow these. Where the mountain bike route signs offer you a choice of a left or a right turning, turn left (see the related route Barr to Loch Doon for more detail). The first section is part of a forest drive and there may be the odd car. There are views of the lochs together with some ups and downs, overall a gentle climb.

You cross a public road soon after Loch Bradan to continue west still following the signs. When you meet the second public road, join it turning left (south). The mountain bike signs continue east after this, along another forest road to the village of Barr.