Scotland's new cycle tour takes in whisky, castles and famous poets

A new 84-mile cycle route in Scotland has launched, taking in quiet country roads through picturesque areas such as Caerlaverock Castle and Nature Reserve, the 12 Apostles, Drumlanrig Castle and Scotland's highest village. It's a three-day tour where cyclists will learn about the country's whiskies, food, history and national poet, Robert Burns.

The Whisky and Burns Cycling Tour is a new way to explore south-west Scotland. It's a three-day guided tour that starts in the coastal town of Powfoot and covers around 30 miles each day on mainly quiet, country roads. Designed for leisurely cycles through landscapes that inspired writers and poets, the tour unfolds in a region that's famous for world-class whiskies, historic castles and nature reserves teeming with wildlife.

Highlights include a tour of Annandale Distillery, a trip to Caerlaverock Castle and nature reserve, and a journey through the market town of Dumfries, where cyclists can follow in the poet Robert Burns' footsteps with a visit to the Globe Inn and Robert Burns Centre. There's also the chance to see Moat Brae, the inspiration for J.M Barrie's Neverland in Peter Pan, as well as the mysterious 12 Apostles stone circle, Morton and Drumlanrig castles and Wanlockhead, Scotland's highest village where you'll also find the country's highest pub.

The pedal-powered tour is suitable for cyclists of all abilities, though the visit to Wanlockhead on the third day requires a good level of fitness to manage the steep roads. If that's not your cup of tea, day three can be customized for you. The tour is organized by Galloways Cycling Company, a family-run bike tour company who was recently named 'Best Outdoor Experience' in the West of Scotland from the country's tourism board.

The team there can provide bikes if you don't want to bring your own from £20 (€22/$26) per day, as well as maps, GPS and safety equipment. Prices start from £430 (€478/$565) per person and includes four- or five-star accommodation, breakfast, luggage transfers and pickups.

For more information, see here.

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