Advice on a fun way from Cairnryan to Edinburgh

[mike150]

Hi guys, a few of us are going to the BSB round at knockhill and we are staying in Edinburgh.

I'd like to know the most enjoyable way to get there on a bike? We always look for the fast smooth flowing roads like the highlands of Scotland. Hate Motorways!

I was intending going the A77 up the coast to Maypole and then off north east up the A70 but is there a better way like up the A702 or is it a bit narrow and twisty?

Thanks

[jamiehamy]

Personally, I would straight line it for that route - along to Newton Stuart, then cross country to Thornhill, Abington, then join the A702 up to the City By-pass. Once you cross the M74 at Abington there are a few parallel routes although the A702 is nice and flows well.

If weather is nice, that's the way to go - lovely roads and will probably be fairly quiet.

The A77 is not much fun unless you just want to cruise along sedately (plenty average speed cameras)

[Prof Prolapse]

As a local, I wouldn't really do either really. I would always recommend the A701 over the A702.

You're actually starting on tourist route so you may get some ideas here;

https://www.visitsouthwestscotland.com/attractions...

Personally I'd go B741 to Straiton, Dalmellington, Monaive, Thornhill, (these are are narrow roads but you will be fine, alternatively you can take the A75 occasionally dipping South to do more of coastal route) then a bit of a slog through Dumfries, then up to Moffat. From Moffat you take the A701 towards Edinburgh.

The A702 is fine but nothing special. The A701 is the rider's road and is worth a small detour. If you have more time still, you can take the A708 from Moffat towards Selkirk. You'll pass St.Mary's loch which is frequented by quite a few from here. From there you can, double back, go on to Selkirk and East Lothian, or start heading North towards Edinburgh via Innerleithen.

[Lugy]

Heading over to the A708 is a good shout but beware, some people on my Facebook have posted up it's been surface dressed. Also Police Scotland have camera vans in operation, for our safety dontcha know.