Moffat Attractions - Cycling- Greenhillstairs

Whatever you’re cycling ability or fitness Moffat has a cycling route for you.

Cycle Distance: 8 miles

Cycling in and Around Moffat

Superb Hill Views-Cycle from Moffat on the A701, signposted to Edinburgh.  The road climbs steadily up the sides of the Annan Water Valley.  It carries some heavy traffc, but experienced cyclists should not find this intimidating, for the heavy traffic is mixed with domestic vehicles and slow-moving agricultural equipment.  The views to the Moffat hills are superb.

Memories of Steam Engines-At the first opportunty, cycle left on to the B719.  The road continues to climb for another mile, before descending to the valley of  the Evan Water which carries both the main west coast railway line and the busy A74(M).  There is an expansive view of the valley from a lay-by.  It is difficult to imagine now, as electrically powered locomotives pull fully laden expresses up the gradient to Beattock Summit at speeds approaching 100 m.p.h. that, not so many years ago, the largest of steam locomotives, dropping sand on the rails all the way, laboured to maintain momentum even with the aid of the banking engines kept at Beattock Depot for that purpose alone.

Use the Cycle Lanes-Cross the motorway and then turn left.  Cycle lanes are marked on this road as it gradually descends the valley between the motorway and the railway, neither of which is intrusive.
 Follow the cycle lanes around both roundabouts at Beattock, following signs for Moffat.  After the second roundabout, turn right and follow this minor road past Barnhill Springs, to cross the Annan Water at Oakriggside. Cycle left after the bridge and left again at the T junction to return to the town.