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Remembering Fiona A page has been created in memory of Fiona back to programme |
Spokes Sunday RidesSun 6th April and first Sunday of each month. Meet at Usher Hall 10 am for 10:15 am depart - 40 or so miles - destination decided on weather and fitness of participants. Contact Stuart on stuart@mellowvelo.org.uk back to programme |
PitlochrySat 26th - Sun 27th April 2008 Plan to start and finish at Pitlochry with travel by either car or train. On Saturday, I was thinking of cycling round the south side of Loch Tummel to Tummel Bridge and then across to Trinafour and Glen Errochty to Blair Atholl and back to Pitlochry. On Sunday thinking of cycling south to Logierait on west side of the Tay, cross over the Tay on the old railway bridge and then west on the B road crossing over to the north of the Tay at Grandtully and then along to Weem and Keltneyburn and over the hill to Loch Tummel again and back to Pitlochry. Staying overnight at Pitlochry hostel although I am not planning to book
until I have definite expressions of interest as I will have to pay deposits
or the full amount. Contact Richard on Richard@mellowvelo.org.uk back to programme |
KilmartinFri 9th - Sun 11th May 2008 Kilmartin is on the west coast, 7 miles north of Lochgilphead, and south of Oban The plan would be to drive to Kilmartin staying there Friday, Saturday. Accommodation A new purpose built place called the "The Bothy" which, from previous experience is relatively cheap at £10ppn and well appointed. Cycling from Kilmartin each day visiting local areas of interest. Good quiet roads to the north and south and Crinan canal. For general info check "Undiscovered Scotland" Website. Lots of historic interest and wonderful scenery. The Glen is famous for its rich historical legacy. There are at least 350 ancient monuments within six miles of the village, of which around 150 are prehistoric. They include burial cairns, rock carvings, and standing stones, as well as the remains of the fortress of the Scots at Dunadd and three more recent castles. Food Own arrangement for Friday evening, Breakfasts and Lunch. Saturday evening normal communal meal if there are volunteers. The nearest shops are in Lochgilphead, 7 mls. Transport Drive to Kilmartin on Friday evening. Car sharing and / or van hire to carry bikes. Let me know your needs / offers of spaces for persons and bikes. Info and Directions - http://www.thebothykilmartin.co.uk/ It is easy to find on the main road next to the one Hotel, and across from the church. Also potential for sailing and sea kayaks. Contact Ross on Ross@mellowvelo.org.uk back to programme Kirk YetholmSat 17th - Sun 18th or Mon 19th May 2008
Staying at Kirk Yetholm YH where Peter is Volunteer Warden Day 1. Train to Berwick upon Tweed. Follow NCN1 route to Lindisfarne then via Lowick and Ford to Kirk Yetholm (c.45 miles) Day 2. Round trip – Following much of the St Cuthbert’s way to Morebattle, then skirting Jedburgh and Ancrum, to St Boswells then Tweed cycleway to Kelso and back to Kirk Yetholm ( c.45 miles) Four Abbeys route takes in much of day 2. Day 3. Kelso then Tweed cycleway to Berwick upon Tweed (c. 35miles) train to Edinburgh. Tweed Cycleway - Kelso to Berwick (If you don’t want to take Monday off then miss out day 2) Hostel is £13 per person per night. Contact Tiana on Tiana@mellowvelo.org.uk back to programme New LanarkSat 31st May - Sun 1st June 2008 Edinburgh to New Lanark and back circling the Pentlands Going down via NCN route to Kirknewton and Carstairs Back via NewBigging and West Linton Staying at New Lanark Hostel More detail nearer the time
back to programme Falkirk WheelSunday 15th June 2008 Day ride starting at Linlithgow Station, shouldn't be more than 40 miles total. To Falkirk Wheel via the canal towpath, note this includes a long unlit tunnel (bring lights), though a diversion by road is possible. Cafe at the Wheel, then return by roads via Muiravonside country park (cafe), Torphichen and the Riccarton hills, coming into Edinburgh at Cramond Brig. No booking required but please let Bill know if you're going so we know who to look out for at Linlithgow. Suggest those travelling from further off, head to Sth Queensferry or Dalmeny for trains, or if driving, park somewhere in Winchburgh and ride to Linlithgow - it's only 1/2 h or so. Contact Bill on Bill@mellowvelo.org.uk back to programme |
Edinburgh -St AndrewsSat 21st June 2008 This is a ride, not a race, and you can go at your own pace sure in the knowledge that you are supported by repair vans for that unexpected puncture. At the highest and often the hottest point an ice cream van awaits you. Home cooked lunches and afternoon teas are available along the way and lots of friendly encouragement and support. When you arrive in St Andrew's no need to contemplate the return ride, vans transport the bikes and buses take cyclists back to Edinburgh. It is a relaxing and enjoyable event in support of LEPRA. Contact Lepra on ros_kerry@lepra.org.uk back to programme |
ComrieSat 5th Sun 6th July 2008 A night away at Comrie Croft: Routes, meeting arrangements, etc to follow. If you are interested, please send me (Barbara Darcy) an email. back to programme |
GallowayFri 18th - Sun 20th July 2008 Staying Minigaff Y.H. Friday and Saturday night. Activity Opportunities for all kinds of cycling. Quiet road cycling where even A roads are quiet, (apart from the A75), Mountain / Trail biking - Cycling - http://dgtb.cyclingscotland.com/dgtb/TProute_list.asp?id=4 Walking - Glentrool, Walking - Merrick - http://www.visitdumfriesandgalloway.co.uk/walking/gallowayhills/ Opportunities to visit Wigtown - Scotland’s Book town. Whithorn, early Christian settlement at Whithorn Priory. http://www.whithorn.info/community/index.html Transport Drive down to Minigaff YH on Friday evening. Car sharing and / or van hire to carry bikes. Let me know your needs / offers of spaces for persons and bikes. Accommodation Minnigaff YH Friday and Saturday night - http://www.syha.org.uk/SYHA/Web/Site/Hostels/Minnigaff.asp To book accommodation I will need full payment for the two nights, a total of £25.00. If you are making your own booking mention that I have a booking (for the wardens' accommodation arrangements). I have a group card for non members. I will only book you a place as the money arrives. I realise that persons without transport spaces may be reluctant to send money for accommodation. If they send a cheque I will hold off booking their accommodation until they have the first available transport space. Food Own arrangement for Friday evening, Breakfasts and Lunch. Saturday evening normal communal meal if there are volunteers. Newton Stewart, just across the river has plenty shops. SYHA Booking Cancellations & refunds Refunds incur a cancellation fee of 10% and require 72 hours notice before arrival. Arrival is deemed to be 5pm on any given day. Bookings cancelled within 72 hours of arrival or after the booking arrival date will incur a cancellation fee of 100%. All cancellations or refunds should be directed to the Customer Services Department. Contact Ross on Ross@mellowvelo.org.uk back to programme |
Bridge of Earn - DunningSat 2nd - Sun 3rd August 2008
We will be staying in the Dunning Hotel, probably with an overflow into the B&B next door. The Dunning Hotel is also the village pub, it has a beer garden and a good reputation for food. We have a block booking for bed, breakfast and evening meal and the cost of this will be about £32 per person. You will have to share a room.
Bridge of Earn - B935 - Forgandenny - left to Torhill - Glenfarg Reservoir - Glen Deiglie - left to Newhill - Pathstruie - Binzian Burn - Mains of Pitcairns - Dunning. Route for Sunday Dunning - B8062 - right to Aberuthven - cross A9 - minor road then B8062 to Kinkell Bridge - cross River Earn - Trinity Gask - Dubheads - Right at cross roads - left at Findo Gask - enter Dupplin Castle Estate - join B9112 - right to minor road at Abedalgie - Craigend - Bridge of Earn. Contact Harry on Harry@mellowvelo.org.uk back to programme |
Little SpartaSun 17th August 2008 Cycling out from Edinburgh via Auchendinny, railway path to Penicuik, across moors to West Linton then south to Dolphinton where we can halt at the cafe before going the final 3 to 4 miles to the garden. It opens at 2.30pm and closes around 5.00pm. Entrance £10. See http://www.littlesparta.org/ for further details. Return via outward route. Contact Tiana on Tiana@mellowvelo.org.uk back to programme |
Circuit of Loch AweSat 6th - Sun 7th September 2008 The Loch Awe roads are very scenic, with good views of the loch and surrounding hills. Kilmartin is world famous for prehistoric sites - cup marks, forts, standing stones. The trip starts at Taynuilt or Dalmally (depending on whether transport is by car or train), following the minor road east of Loch Awe. After a night at Kilmartin hostel (nice place and only £10) return via the quiet but hilly west side to either Taynuilt or Oban. Approx. 45 miles on Saturday and 35 miles on Sunday although the total depends on where we start/end. A deposit will be required. For further details contact Keith on Tiana@mellowvelo.org.uk back to programme |
Kilpatrick MacmillanSat 13th - Sun 14th September 2008 The KM Rally will be held again this year from 18-23 Sept at Barnsoul Campsite, about 8 miles west of Dumfries, and signed off the A75. Bike rides of various grades of distance take place on each of 4 days, Friday to Monday. Evening meals (excellent value, home cooked) are available. Campsite is open from Thurs to Tues. For more info and booking form e-mail Peter Hawkins, on Peter@mellowvelo.org.uk and see www.ctcscotland.org.uk. back to programme |
Tweed CyclewaySat 20th - Sun 21st September 2008 Saturday 08.58 train from Waverley to Carstairs (takes 8 bikes, but can't be
booked). Sunday Cycle from Melrose to Berwick-upon-Tweed. About 42 miles, still following
the Tweed valley, still going east. Contact Alec on Alec@mellowvelo.org.uk back to programme |
5 FerriesSat 4th - Sun 5th October 2008 Saturday: ferry Ardrossan to Brodick. I suggest the 12.30, leave from Glasgow Central 11.15. Bikes can be carried on the trains. Arrive Brodick 13.25. (If you want longer on Arran, the previous ferry is 0945, leave Glasgow Central 0833 - too early for me! ) Get Island Hopscotch Arran/Kintyre ticket, cost around £7, bikes then go free, covers 2 ferries Choice of routes across Arran, shortest is 14m, converge at Lochranza where stay overnight, cost £12.50. Sunday: catch 0930 ferry Lochranza - Claonaig, arrive 10.00am, still using Hopscotch ticket. Cycle Claonaig to Tarbert, about 10m. Catch ferry Tarbert - Portavadie 11.15 arrive 11.40. This ferry runs hourly, so if you miss the 11.15, get the next at 12.15. Get Island Hopscotch ticket Bute/Cowal/Kintyre, cost around £6.50, bikes go free, covers all the next 3 ferries. Cycle Portavadie to Colintraive via Tighnabruaich, about 17m. Catch ferry Colintraive to Rhubodach (frequent - journey time 5mins) Cycle Rhubodach to Rothesay, 8m. Catch ferry Rothesay to Wemyss Bay 16.45, arrive 17.20, train at 17.50 gets to Glasgow Central 18.40. A later ferry leaves Rothesay 18.15, gets to Gw Central 19.44, so this is a faster journey but arrival in Edinburgh about 21.00, dark by then. I will investigate cafes for the Sunday ride. There should be something at Tighnabruaich but otherwise not much, I expect, until Rothesay. Bring some food, just in case. Total cost is £12.50 for hostel (add £1 if you're not a member) plus about £13.50 for ferries, plus train fares from/to Edinburgh. Another possibility is to take car to Ardrossan and leave it there, then cycle Wemyss Bay back to Ardrossan, 18m, parts of the road are fairly busy. I'm looking forward to it, hope we get a good turn-out! If you need further info please let me know. To book, participants should send me a deposit of £12.50, cheque payable SYHA. Please email me (Peter) for address on Peter@mellowvelo.org.uk back to programme |
Loch KatrineSat 25th October 2008 Autumnal cycle ride around Loch Katrine on the day before the clocks change. The colours are magnificent and it never rains when I organise this trip! Meet in Aberfoyle at 10.00am ( in the car park on the left as you drive into town.) There is a big wool / tourist shop at the back of the carpark for an excellent pre-cycle latte. Contact Clare on Clare@mellowvelo.org.uk back to programme |
Day ride, Peebles - St Mary's LochSunday 9th November 2008 Meet at Peebles carpark beside river, 9 a.m. All welcome. Email me in advance
so I know who's coming and can assist with transport. Contact Paul McGuire on Paul@mellowvelo.org.uk Back to Programme |
Transport will be by car sharing, to be organised once the numbers are known. The possibility also exists to get the train to Stirling, cycle to Dunning, then cycle to Perth for a train home on Sunday evening. Numbers are limited to about 10 people - so if you are interested email me ASAP! A deposit of £10 is required.